Bordeaux

Bordeaux holds a special place in our hearts as Francophile oenophiles. So much so that we at Singular Sojourns make an annual trip to Bordeaux. We love that the city is overlooked by the Rick Steves guidebook-toting masses and liken it to a pint-sized Paris, without the crowds and yet all of the culture. Beyond the city, we often hear that our fellow Bordeaux wine lovers are unable to decide between visits to the Left or Right Bank. No worries, we’ve got you covered. This is our curated guide for indecisive travelers short on time but wanting to see it all!

In December of 2023 and March of 2024, I traveled to visit FirstName Bordeaux. Prior to both stays, the staff were proactive in reaching out, offering upgrades for Prive rates and ensuring my stay was as seamless as possible. The boutique style rooms are extremely comfortable with modern amenities and luxury finishes. I recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and personal stay in Bordeaux.

Everyone knows that Paris is the city of love! It draws thousands of visitors every year to indulge on its romantic charm, exquisite cuisine, and rich history. But did you know that there is more to France than just Paris? While Paris is fantastic and I recommend it to anyone for dreamy getaway, there are more locations in France that love birds my want to flock to.

For those seeking to decompress in luxury during a getaway in the countryside, the Loire Valley is the ideal place to be. This is home to chateaus a plenty, rolling vineyard hills, and plenty of small towns boasting authentic French culture. There is no better place to unwind after the stress of a wedding and focus solely on quality time with your person. Couples that want more of a city feel but maybe not quite as hustle and bustle as Paris, look no further than Bordeaux. Bordeaux is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in France, making navigating extremely easy.

It also offers several options for entertainment including museums, art galleries, wineries, nightlife and plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from. Bordeaux can also proudly claim the largest water mirror in the world! A must see when visiting! If city lights or dark, starry skies aren't enough, there is always the escape to sun and sea in the French Riviera - Nice to be exact! Miles of private and public beaches just off the boardwalk create the ultimate picturesque beach town. After a day on the beach, indulge in a variety of different cuisines such as fresh seafood or authentic Italian dishes (due to Nice's close proximity to Italy)! There is never a shortage of activities in Nice - Boating excursions, shopping in the marketplace, nightlife, and day trips to the medieval cities of Eze, Antibes, Cannes and St. Paul de Vence as well as the rich country of Monaco!

The internet is saturated with Paris food guides, but what about those seeking refuge in a smaller, more affordable French city?

I first stepped foot in Bordeaux in my early 20s. I studied abroad in Nice, France for a semester, and some friends and I decided to visit the Saint Emilion vineyard in Bordeaux for a few days. This was my first French city outside of the tropical, laid-back lifestyle of the French Riviera or the hustle and bustle of Paris. Since then, I've been on the hunt for other regions in France with experiences to offer.

Bordeaux is on the south-western side of France by the Garonne River. It has roughly 10% of the population that Paris does, with just as much character. While Bordeaux is well-known for growing wine, I also found that it is home to some savory eats.

Bordeaux, France's wine capital, offers a delightful mix of history, viticulture and culinary delights. Unlike the bustle of cities in northern France, Bordeaux exudes a quiet charm that encourages travelers to slow down and truly immerse themselves in the experience. This 5-night itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler seeking local experiences and unforgettable wine tastings.

Once upon a time, Bordeaux was a sleepy, little town, slightly run down, without much to offer save some Medieval remnants, and a good location to launch a wine tasting experience in the region. Not so today. Now easily accessible in 2.5 hours by TGV (high speed train) from Paris, it has become a delightful city in its own right, which displays a beautiful mix of French, African and Spanish influence in the food, dress and neighborhoods. It boasts a newly accessible waterfront area and a modernized transportation system, the once-blackish building exteriors have been washed to reveal their natural stone color, restaurants and bars abound, shopping is abundant and, best of all, the character is still intact. On a trip to Bordeaux, you will find charm in the vegetation growing in the sidewalk cracks (there are even tours now precisely for this), a juxtaposition between the working fish market and the glitz of St. Catherine pedestrian street, students bustling around the square near the cathedral and many enchanting activities and cafés.