Bordeaux is a city that truly rewards those willing to explore beyond its lively streets and impressive architecture. Its wine regions, charming villages, and culinary delights make it a paradise for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Among the many options, tours that combine wine tasting, cultural sightseeing, and local cuisine stand out. For example, the From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch offers a full immersion into one of France’s most famous wine towns with visits to three wineries and a picnic at a château. Meanwhile, the Private Tour of Bordeaux in a Sidecar gives you a fun, offbeat way to see the city sights with a personalized touch. Whether you’re into wine, history, food, or adventure, Bordeaux’s tours deliver memorable experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing.
Quick Overview
This list covers a wide range of Bordeaux tours, from half-day & full-day wine excursions to private city walks, food tastings, and even jet ski adventures. You’ll find options suited to different interests and budgets, including small-group experiences, private guided walks, and adrenaline-filled activities like jet skiing and sidecar rides. Want insider knowledge? The Saint-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive look at Bordeaux’s most famous wine-producing regions. For a fun, casual taste of Bordeaux’s food scene, the No Diet Club – Unique Food Tour offers a delicious walk through local eateries. Read on for all the details.
1. From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch
This 7-hour tour takes you from Bordeaux to the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion, famous for its world-class wines and medieval charm. The tour includes visits to three wineries, where you’ll taste Saint-Emilion’s signature wines, and a picnic lunch at a château. The drive winds through scenic vineyards, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn about Bordeaux’s wine-making traditions. Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with Emmanuelle, Xavier, and Jeremy receiving particular accolades.
What makes this trip stand out is its personalized experience—small groups foster relaxed conversations and genuine tastings. The highlight is exploring Saint-Emilion’s cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and historic sites. Rated nearly perfect (4.9/5 from 752 reviews), it’s ideal for wine lovers who want a full day immersed in Bordeaux’s foremost wine region. Expect a well-rounded mix of sightseeing, tasting, and good company.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive, friendly tour with three winery visits and a picnic lunch, perfect for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
2. From Bordeaux: Half-Day Saint-Émilion Tour and Wine Tasting
For a shorter, more intimate experience, this 260-minute guided tour offers a taste of Saint-Émilion’s charming streets and vineyards. It features a guided walk through the medieval village plus a visit to a historic château with a tasting of three high-quality wines paired with cheese and charcuterie. The small-group setting ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and soak in the scenery.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the combination of education and tasting. It’s ideal for travelers pressed for time but still eager to experience the essence of Bordeaux’s top wine town. The tour’s focus on local wines and scenery offers a well-balanced introduction for first-timers or casual visitors.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a concise, personalized experience of Saint-Émilion’s wine and streets without a full-day commitment.
3. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch
This 9-hour tour is a wine lover’s dream, combining two of Bordeaux’s most celebrated regions: Saint-Émilion and Médoc. Starting with the UNESCO-listed medieval town, you’ll explore and enjoy guided tours of two family-run wineries, tasting wines from the Médoc’s famous classified estates like Château Margaux and a Saint-Emilion estate. The tour includes a picnic lunch with wine and visits to two wineries for tastings.
Rated a perfect 5.0 based on 213 reviews, it’s praised for its comprehensive itinerary and expert guides who turn wine education into a fun and engaging experience. The trip is suited for those wanting in-depth knowledge, with plenty of tastings to satisfy the most discerning palate.
Bottom line: An excellent all-in-one option for those who want to see Bordeaux’s top wine regions in one day, with excellent guides and a generous tasting schedule.
4. Saint-Émilion Small Group Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch
This full-day tour with a cap of just eight people offers an intimate exploration of Saint-Émilion. You’ll visit two different wineries for exclusive tours and tastings, wander through the UNESCO-listed village, and finish with a French picnic lunch with wine. The small group size fosters a friendly, personalized atmosphere, and the round-trip transportation from Bordeaux simplifies your planning.
Guests love the tour for its personalized attention and the opportunity to learn about wine production from passionate guides. The included picnic, paired with local wines, makes for a relaxed and memorable day. Perfect for travelers seeking a more private experience, rated a perfect 5.0 by 208 reviews.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want an exclusive, relaxed day, with all logistics handled and a focus on quality over quantity.
5. Saint Emilion Morning Wine Tour – Winery & Tastings from Bordeaux
Starting early, this 5-hour tour offers a winery tour and tasting of a Grand Cru or Grand Cru Classé estate, plus a guided walk through Saint-Emilion’s streets. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, with guests raving about guides like Mel and Remi, who make the region’s wines come alive. The tour emphasizes winemaking techniques and terroir, making it ideal for those interested in wine specifics.
Rated 5.0 from 186 reviews, travelers find it a perfect balance of education and leisure. The combination of vineyard visits and exploring the medieval town makes it suitable for wine enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Bottom line: A great half-day option for those wanting a detailed introduction to Bordeaux’s wine culture combined with a stroll through a beautiful village.
6. NO DIET CLUB – Unique Food Tour in Bordeaux !
This 3.5-hour culinary adventure introduces you to Bordeaux’s local food scene. Starting in the city center, your guide will take you to beloved eateries, sampling everything from cheese, burgers, mussels to canelés. The tour emphasizes authentic Bordeaux cuisine and includes enough bites to serve as a hearty lunch.
Rated 5.0 based on 181 reviews, travelers highlight the friendly guides and the comprehensive tasting experience. The walking tour allows you to soak up the city’s atmosphere while discovering its culinary secrets. Perfect for foodies or those wanting a casual, tasty overview of Bordeaux’s gourmet side.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want to combine sightseeing with delicious bites and local flavor, all in a relaxed setting.
7. Bordeaux City – Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Sophia
This private 2-3 hour tour offers a tailored way to explore Bordeaux with a local guide. You’ll visit cathedrals, squares, and hidden corners, with the flexibility to customize the route and focus on your interests. Sophia’s warmth and knowledge make for a relaxed, engaging experience, perfect for travelers who like personalized attention.
Rated 5.0 from 164 reviews, this tour is ideal for those who want to see the highlights at their own pace or dive deeper into local stories and secrets. The flexibility to adjust start points and times makes it very convenient.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a personal, in-depth introduction to Bordeaux, especially if you prefer moving at your own pace.
8. Bordeaux: Guided Walking Tour
For an affordable overview, this 105-minute walking tour covers Bordeaux’s main sights, including Place des Quinconces, the Old Town, and the Water Mirror. Conducted in bilingual format (French/English mornings, only French afternoons on Saturdays), it’s a quick way to familiarize yourself with the city’s key monuments and architecture.
Rated 4.3 from over 1,000 reviews, it’s an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers wanting a fast introduction. The guide’s insights make the walk more meaningful, though the short duration means it’s more of an overview than an in-depth experience.
Bottom line: Great for a brief introduction, especially if you’re tight on time or budget.
9. Bordeaux: Mystery and Myths Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour tour explores Bordeaux’s dark tales and local legends in its medieval neighborhoods. Walk through historic districts while hearing stories about mysteries, myths, and impressive landmarks. The guide weaves facts with local folklore, making history more engaging.
Rated 4.8 from 187 reviews, this tour appeals to those interested in Bordeaux’s lesser-known stories. It’s a lively way to see the city while getting a sense of its mysterious side.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs or travelers wanting a fun twist on Bordeaux’s traditional sights.
10. Bordeaux’ Best Boulangeries & History Tour
This 3-hour walking tour combines culinary delights with local history. As you visit top bakeries, you’ll taste world-class breads and pastries like cannelés and freshly baked treats. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating stories about Bordeaux’s baking traditions and its historic neighborhoods.
Rated 5.0 from 103 reviews, it’s perfect for food lovers who want to taste their way through Bordeaux while learning about its baking heritage. The mixture of history and deliciousness makes this tour memorable.
Bottom line: Recommended for travelers who want to indulge in Bordeaux’s culinary culture and get a flavorful overview of the city.
11. Bordeaux Guided Walking Tour with a Private Guide
Offering a personalized experience, this 2-3 hour private tour takes you through Bordeaux’s main landmarks, including cathedrals, markets, and historic streets. Your guide tailors the route to your interests, providing deep insights and answering questions along the way.
Rated 5.0 from 89 reviews, this tour suits travelers who prefer customized itineraries and a more intimate exploration of Bordeaux. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time and avoid the crowds.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a bespoke experience with a local, especially if you have specific sights or themes in mind.
12. Private Tour of Bordeaux in a Sidecar
For something truly different, this 1.5-hour private sidecar tour shows Bordeaux from a rare perspective. You’ll visit major landmarks like Esplanade des Quinconces and Grosse Cloche, all while riding comfortably in a sidecar with a private guide. Hotel pickup is included, making logistics easy.
Rated 5.0 from 69 reviews, travelers love the personalized feel and the chance to see hidden gems with an experienced guide. It’s perfect for those seeking a fun, memorable way to explore.
Bottom line: Best for travelers after a unique, scenic adventure and wanting to avoid large group tours.
13. Bordeaux: Guided Jet Ski Tour
This 30-minute jet ski ride offers a kick of adrenaline while exploring the Garonne River. You’ll enjoy views of Bordeaux’s castles and waterfronts and marvel at the Miroir d’eau reflecting pool. This experience is perfect for adventure seekers or those wanting a thrilling perspective of the city from the water.
Rated 5/5 from 52 reviews, it’s a short but exhilarating activity, ideal if you want to add some excitement to your visit. Safety is emphasized, and guides are highly professional.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a quick, high-energy activity that offers a different view of Bordeaux’s river scenery.
14. Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings
This 4-hour tour explores Bordeaux’s famous Médoc wine region, visiting two classified châteaux for guided tastings. You’ll pass by Château Palmer and Château Margaux, soaking in the spectacular vineyard scenery along the drives in an air-conditioned minivan. The focus is on quality and education—perfect for those who want to understand Bordeaux’s appellation system and top estates.
Rated 4.5 from 204 reviews, travelers find it informative and relaxing, especially appreciating the expert guides who explain winemaking processes clearly. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts attracted to Bordeaux’s prestige wines.
Bottom line: Best for travelers interested in prestigious wineries and scenic drives, with a compact, informative experience.
How to Choose Your Bordeaux Tour
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. Want a full immersion? The From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch offers a complete day of wine, sightseeing, and a picnic. For a more personal touch, Saint-Emilion Small Group Tour keeps groups small and relaxed.
If you’re interested in city exploration, the Private Bordeaux City Guided Walk provides a tailored experience, while the Guided Walking Tour offers a quick, budget-friendly overview. Adventure seekers should consider the Jet Ski Tour or the Sidecar Tour, both offering scenic thrills and a chance to see Bordeaux from a different angle.
Timing matters too—most tours operate seasonally, so plan ahead and book early, especially in peak months. Weather can influence outdoor activities like jet skiing or sidecar rides, so check local conditions close to your trip.
Final Thoughts
Bordeaux offers an impressive spectrum of tours, from wine excursions and culinary walks to private city explorations and adventure activities. If you’re a wine lover wanting an in-depth experience, the St-Emilion Day Tour and the Médoc Half-Day deliver quality and variety. For those craving a more relaxed, personalized approach, the Private Bordeaux Guided Walk and Small Group Tour are excellent choices.
Adventure travelers can spice things up with the Jet Ski ride or the Sidecar tour. No matter your style, Bordeaux’s variety of tours guarantees you’ll find memorable ways to explore this captivating city and its surroundings. Remember to book early, especially if you want popular experiences during prime season, and enjoy your trip to this remarkable French destination.