Top Walking Tours in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a haven for wine enthusiasts and an exceptionally picturesque city. My first visit was in 2010, and I’ve been a devoted admirer ever since. Its 18th-century center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is teeming with elegant wine bars, excellent restaurants, and some fine high-end shopping. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful city (my favorite street in the country is located here).

This city is rich in history and, as in many other places, one of the best ways to experience it is by taking a walking tour. Bordeaux also offers numerous wine and food tours that can enhance your visit.

However, since not all are alike, I wanted to share some of my top picks. Here is my list of the finest walking tours in Bordeaux:

Although these might be the top free and paid tours available in town, Bordeaux has plenty more to explore. Here are five additional informative and educational tour providers:

1. Bordeaux Tourist Office

The official tourism office offers several tours, with the guided walking tour being especially favored by newcomers. This two-hour introductory tour, conducted by a knowledgeable local guide, helps you explore beyond the typical tourist spots, reveals picturesque sights, and provides insights into the city’s history.

You can also join their half-day winery tour, where you’ll visit either one or two wineries (depending on the schedule) to gain insights into the significance of wine in the region and its culture. Additionally, you’ll learn about the winemaking process and enjoy some samples. It’s an enjoyable and cost-effective way to get acquainted with Bordeaux’s vineyards.

Tours begin at 15 EUR.

Book here!
 

2. Experience France Like a Local

If you enjoy sweets, France Like a Local offers a delectable pastry and bakery tour ideal for those wanting to indulge. This 2.5-hour tour features visits to more than six different shops, allowing you to sample fresh breads, pastries, and chocolates, with popular choices such as pain au chocolat, Dunes Blanches, and canelés.

Along with sampling numerous sweet delicacies, you’ll have the opportunity to discover many key attractions while exploring the historic city center. Since the tours are restricted to a maximum of 10 participants, you’ll have ample time to interact with the guide, inquire, and engage in conversations with the bakers and business owners at the establishments you visit.

Excursions commence at 76 EUR.

Book here!
 

3. My Urban Experience

If you speak French and have already taken in the main attractions (and indulged in food and wine), venture off the common tourist paths and dive into Bordeaux’s art scene. My Urban Experience provides an engaging 90-minute street art tour in French, covering the city from the port to the northern area, brimming with interesting stories and impressive art. It’s a delightful cultural journey and a great complement to what you might experience on a more conventional tour.

If art doesn’t interest you, there’s a mystery walking tour (also available in French) that explores the myths, legends, and eerie ghost stories of the medieval city. It’s a fascinating blend of history and mystery, taking just 90 minutes.

Tours begin at 15 EUR.

Book here!
 

4. La Croizille & Tour Baladoz Castles

For a quick getaway, consider this winery tour and picnic, an ideal short retreat. Priced at just 48 EUR, it’s also budget-friendly. Situated in the charming region of Saint-Émilion, less than an hour from Bordeaux, you can enjoy scenic vistas while having a picnic with wine and a delightful meal before your tour. Following the picnic, you’ll visit two wineries (one traditional and one modern) to learn about their history and production techniques, including grape cultivation, harvesting, and bottling processes. Naturally, there will be additional wine tastings as well!

Please note that transportation to the tour’s starting point is not included, so you will need to make your own arrangements from Bordeaux.

Tours begin at 48 EUR.

Book here!
 

5. Wanderer Footsteps

If you tend to stay up late, Wanderer Footsteps provides a few engaging evening tours that highlight the city’s rich history. One notable option is a ghost tour, which delves into the eerie aspects of the city’s past. During the tour, you’ll hear stories about ill-fated lovers, ghosts, and various other fascinating tales as you stroll through the historic downtown area. This tour is an exciting blend of history and folklore, making it an excellent complement to the standard walking tours mentioned earlier.

They also provide a standard highlights tour, but during the evenings. What I appreciate about this is that it leaves your daytime free, allowing you to visit a winery while the sun is shining and then enjoy the key attractions of Bordeaux later in the day.

Tours begin at 25 EUR.

Book here!
***

Bordeaux is an essential destination for anyone traveling to France. Even if you don’t have the same passion for wine as I do, there’s plenty of history to explore, delicious food to savor, and exciting day trips to take. I always enjoy my time here. Plus, joining one of the tours mentioned above will definitely enhance your visit!

These are my top tour recommendations, but the website GetYourGuide offers many other options if you’re interested in exploring further.