10+ Amazing Day Trips from Bordeaux

Last Updated on 21st January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Bordeaux is located in southwest France and is famed for its rich red wines, gorgeous architecture which rivals that of Paris, and for its laid back pace of life. Thanks to its status as one of the most important cities in the Aquitaine region, it also makes for a great base from which to explore the wider area. Here are the best day trips from Bordeaux.

Why should you visit Bordeaux?

If you love wine, food and good weather, then Bordeaux is the place for you. The beautiful city is filled with history and culture and is a foodie’s paradise.

With this being said, as wonderful as Bordeaux is, there’s so much to be explored beyond its borders, so dedicating at least a day or two to seeing the surrounding countryside (and especially the vineyards) is a must!

Before you go, you’ll want to know about these amazing day trips from Bordeaux that are easy to make, and will only heighten your experience of this enchanting region of France. If it’s your first time in the city, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Bordeaux and the best hidden gems of Bordeaux.

Getting around Aquitaine

Truth be told, the southwest corner of France doesn’t necessarily have the best transportation links and so renting your own car is the best way to get to some of the more off the beaten path places listed here. Check car rental prices here.

Best day trips from Bordeaux

Saint Émilion

This charming little medieval village is located in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine area, covered in vines that hold years of history and bordered by rivers and luscious green slopes, this is one of the best day trips you can make from Bordeaux!

The honey hue of limestone houses and vast stretches of tumbling vineyards make Saint Émilion one of the most picturesque villages of the region, so much so that the whole area was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999.

While wine enthusiasts won’t need an introduction to this spot, some of the vineyards in Saint Émilion date back to the prehistoric period, where to this day the town continues its tradition and still produces delicious world renowned wine.

The village also uses traditional fermenting methods to create the sparkling wine, Cremant de Bordeaux, you can try some of this unique wine when visiting the 13th century cloister, Cordeliers Cloister- truly a magical experience!

While this village is of course a wine lovers paradise, there are also lots of other things to love about Saint Émilion. Home to the largest underground church in Europe, the Monolithic church of Saint Émilion is an 11th century structure that has been intricately carved entirely out of a limestone cliff!

Supposedly the birthplace of the macaron, this quaint little village boasts a huge culinary scene. From classic south-west cuisine to fine dining experiences in the vineyards, this is an absolute must for foodies.

There’s a lot to love about Saint Émilion, so here are a few suggestions for your trip:

• Take a guided tour of the oldest underground church! Discover the rich history while walking through the catacombs and learn about the monk (Saint Émilion) who founded the town
• Wine tasting, sample some of the finest wine while soaking up the sun!
• Visit the King’s Tower, amazing views of the town can be seen from this striking monument
• Dine at L’envers du Decor, live luxuriously and eat at this historic wine bar
• Explore the Collegiate and its cloister, a place of life for the community where you can also see the impressive artwork Apocalypse of Saint-Emilion according to Saint John.

There are a couple of ways you can reach Saint Emilion via public transport. The first is to take a train from the Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station. The other option (which is considerably cheaper) is to take the bus. If you want all of the details of a day trip taken care of for you and you don’t want to rent a car, then you could also book a guided tour like this one.

Arcachon and Dune du Pilat

Another listed World Heritage Site, this Atlantic coastal gem boasts of an exceptional array of natural landscapes and breath taking panoramic views.

This beautiful seaside town of Arcachon can be visited all year round and is in fact evenly divided into four areas named after the different seasons. Nearby, the towns of Cap Ferret and Andernos les Bains are just as charming and each have their own personalities.

The Bay of Arachon is well known for its oyster farming. You can taste some of the freshest oysters in France at the popular covered food market, Les Halles d’Arcachon. The market comes alive at the weekend, abundant with local delights, its a must see when visiting the area!

One reason alone to visit is to see the Dune du Pilat, an incredible natural phenomenon, it’s the tallest sand dune in Europe. The soft golden sands stretch nearly 3km long, and although it is a steep climb, you won’t be disappointed by the stunning views at the top.

The easiest way to get to the bay of Arcachon is by renting a car. This way you can check out multiple points of interest in the area. Alternatively, you can visit just the town of Arcachon by getting a train from Bordeaux. If you want the day mapped out for you, then you can book a guided tour like this one.

Sainte Foy la Grande

The medieval town of Sainte Foy la Grande sits on the south bank of the Dordogne river, rich with historical monuments and charm, it makes for the perfect place to explore for a day!

Every Saturday morning the Sainte-Foy-la-Grande market (one of the best of the region) takes place, filled with freshly picked fruits, cheeses, cold cuts, clothes and souvenirs. The market truly is is the best place to indulge in all the authentic regional delights!

Admire the amazing architecture! The town still has lots of its original half-timbered medieval houses, wandering through the cobbled streets can leave you feeling as though you’re back in time.

Visit the The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy where you can see the relic that holds the important remains of Saint Foy. Or visit the local history museum Pays Foyen, and learn more about the towns cultural heritage.

The river Dordogne runs through the town, and just across lies an old port, these elements make Sainte Foy la Grande perfect for water excursions or for simply dipping in your toes on a hot summers day.

It’s pretty easy to reach Sainte Foy la Grande with public transportation as you just need to catch a train from Bordeaux’s Saint Jean station and the journey takes around an hour and a half.

Saint Macaire

The beautiful historical town Saint Macaire is the perfect time warp destination, with its narrow cobbled streets and old buildings making it a must-see for those fascinated by history and architecture.

The town has its very own train station, so is easily accessible to visitors. Wandering around you can find yourself in the popular main square Place du Mercadio (Market Square), but one of the best places to soak up the town’s history is Iglesia de San Salvador (Church of St. Saviour) where the walls are adorned with beautiful murals. There’s also the remains of a Romanesque cloister to see.

To celebrate the town’s medieval history and heritage, every August, Journée Medievale (Medieval Day)is a wonderful festival open to the public, with street shows, exhibitors and a medieval banquet to enchant those attending.

Saint Macaire, like most of the region, also has fabulous places to eat! And what better place to enjoy traditional French cuisine and the finest wine, than in a place steeped in heritage?

There are two simple ways to reach St Macaire. You can take a direct train in just under forty five minutes or alternatively drive there in under an hour.

Sarlat-la-Caneda

One of the most picturesque spots of the region, Sarlat-la-Caneda is yet another one of the mesmerising towns situated in the Dordogne Valley along the river.

Offering a unique glimpse into history, this town is filled with well-preserved medieval architecture and even has a vibrant market every Saturday morning, abundant with local delicacies, this is a must-see when visiting!

The beautiful national monument of the town is Sarlat Cathedral, a Romanesque building that dates back to the 14th century and it has an array of beautiful stone carvings on its exterior.

Sarlat comes to life at night! If you get a chance to experience the warming glow of an evening in this quaint little town, you can sit at one of the many terrace bistros sipping on fine wine and tucking into delicious regional cuisine.

Also worth mentioning, just a short drive from the town you can this historical treasure the Château de Marqueyssac and its gardens. Visiting this magical 17th century gem is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, exploring the maze-like Italian inspired gardens, with stunning views of the Dordogne Valley.

Unfortunately, Sarlat is a bit further away from Bordeaux at a few hours drive and so I would recommend visiting this destination as an overnight stay so that you don’t spend too much of your day on public transportation!

Libourne

Much less known than that of the other towns in the region, Libourne is a delightful harbour town where history, wine and great cuisine connect.

If you love markets, then this town is for you! Home to one of the oldest continual town markets located on Place Abel Surchamp, it has been going since the 14th century. This beautiful open-air market is where chefs come to stock up on amazing local produce, in fact, the market is so popular that it opens three times a week on, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Admire Libourne from the water! There are plenty of river cruises available, where you can breathe in the fresh air of the region and relax into the historical surroundings.

Sip wine like royalty at the mesmerising Château de La Dauphine, a regal wine producing chateau that will leave you feeling fancy for the rest of the afternoon! There are two easy ways to get to Libourne; you can take a direct TER train which takes around half an hour, or drive which also takes around half an hour.

La Réole

Nestled between hills of wooded slopes lies a city full of art and history, that will charm you with its winding cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, La Réole.

Flourishing during medieval times as a royal town, La Réole was the second largest city in the region after Bordeaux. The history of the town revolves around its Benedictine priory church, the monastery was founded in the 7th or 8th century and is of great cultural importance to the town’s heritage, nowadays it is La Maririe!

There are plenty of churches, museums and historical monuments to explore while strolling through the cobbled streets of La Réole. You can also walk across Pont du Rouergue, a suspension bridge that offers wonderful views.

As if walking back through time, this charming medieval town is rich with culture and worth the visit! There are direct trains to the town from Bordeaux or alternatively you can drive. Both options take just under an hour.

Gujan-Mestras

Easily accessible from Bordeaux, Gujan-Mestras is surrounded by emerald green forests, pretty beaches and it is the oyster capital, with seven small ports!

Taking a stroll along the coastal paths and breathing in the fresh sea air is one of the best things to do in Gujan-Mestras. You can visit the waterside museum Maison de l’Huitre that showcases the history and culture of marine mollusks, or simply sit at Port Larros and admire the sunset.

Perfect for families, Gujan-Mestras is abundant with visitor attractions to keep you busy all day. The Parc de la Coccinelle is a farmyard where visitors can pet and feed the local farm animals, or for those looking for a faster pace, Aqualand Bassin d’Arcachon is a water park.

Angoulême

The small city of Angoulême is known as the “balcony of the southwest” as it overlooks a meander of the Charente River, its also surprisingly the home to the International Comics Festival!

The comic festival animates the city of Angoulême every year at the end of January, welcoming nearly 6000 comic professionals from all over the world. Wandering through the city you can play a game of treasure hunt, spotting all the wonderful comic murals painted on various buildings.

You can also visit the Musée de la Bande Dessinée, where you can see a rotating exhibition of French and American comics, and dive further into the history of the 9th art and its importance to the culture of Angoulême.

Aside from the art of comics, there are numerous historical buildings that are worth visiting when in Angoulême! The city hall, which was formerly a castle stands tall in the heart of the town, and Angoulême Cathedral, with more than 70 sculptures intricately carved on its facade, it’s a must-see piece of Romanesque architecture!

There are direct TGV trains to Angoulême though these should be booked ahead of time in order to get a good ticket price. The journey takes about 34 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, but it takes around an hour and a half.

Margaux

Think of fine vintage wines, luxury and chateaus…Margaux is exactly that! This small village is situated north of Bordeaux and Chateau Margaux is considered one of the highest regarded wine regions in the world.

This grand and imposing building has vast vineyards where visitors can enjoy exploring the history of wine production while sipping on the best French wine.

Although it could be said about many of the towns within the region, Marguaux truly is a paradise for wine enthusiasts! There are a few ways to get to Margaux, including by direct train which takes around an hour. Alternatively, you could book a guided tour like this one (which includes a wine tasting).

Biscarrosse Beach

If you fancy a day trip away from built up landscapes and crowds of people, then look no further than the beautiful untamed coastline of golden sand and wild waves, Biscarrosse Beach.

This beautiful west facing beach is the perfect spot for surfers! With the wind curling the water into waves of all sizes, its great for all levels of surfing.

You can also enjoy a stroll through the wooded landscape that’s not far from the beach, this makes for the perfect day of immersing yourself in the outdoors and enjoying the warm climate.

Of course, the beach day wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing aperitif! Soak up the sunshine with an Aperol spritz in hand, or wait until later and watch the sky turned candy coloured as the sun sets over the horizon. Unfortunately there is no easy transport links to reach Biscarrosse Beach and so you’ll have to drive, which will take around an hour.

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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!