A beautiful town made famous for its fantastic winemaking
The small village of Margaux, just north of Bordeaux, is most famously associated with the wine châteaux which produce the excellent Margaux appellation Médoc wines.
From here you can easily visit the splendid Château Margaux and taste its fine wines, as well as Château Palmer. The village has an informative Maison du Vin and a wonderful chocolatier.
As an interesting fact well over half of the surface area in the commune of Margaux is covered in vineyards.
If you happen to be in the area in November then bear in mind that one of the most fun events in the town is the Margaux Saveurs, where the townsfolk will be all too delighted to share their knowledge of wine with you and encourage you to taste a range of exciting bottles.
Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Bordeaux is no exception.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
The history of Margaux runs hand in hand with the long and rich history of wine making in the area, mainly that of the renowned Chateau Margaux. Being small and covering a little less than 2.9 square miles in area the population of Margaux is however an astounding 1,300 people. The area was developed by winemakers and as such is now very much a winemakers town.
During the 18th century the lard, which mainly comprised of wet marshland, was converted into wineland. In 1855 the classification of the Medoc included more Margaux producers than any other appellation.
You're in prime country here to taste some of the most amazing and popular of Bordeaux wines, a visit to vineyards of Château Margaux is a must.
Alongside this magnificent estate a visit to the equally attractive and popular vineyard of Châeau Palmer should be added to that list.
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
Located in the centre of Bordeaux, this museum features paintings and sculptures by some of the best European artists, from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Sitting on the stunning Place de la Bourse, the museum of customs is located in the former customs house and presents the history of the customs administration.
Housed in the 18th century Hôtel de Lalande, the museum of decorative arts has a collection of sculptures, ceramics, glass and silverware in its panelled rooms.
The Cité du Vin whose doors opened on 1st June 2016, is an iconic architectural feature situated on the river. it offers a sensory and artistic journey allowing visitors to become familiar with the civilizations of the world of wine.
Imposing on the Place Canteloupe in Bordeaux, this Gothic church took over 200 years to construct from the 14th to the 16th century.
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
Beach Grand Crohot Lege is accessible by walkways throughout the year, and is supervised by lifeguards from mid June to mid September.
Situated in the luxurious surroundings of Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, this restaurant offers diners an elegant yet intimate restaurant styled in a palette of mauve and orange with a handcrafted marquetry floor.
Chef Nicolas Masse offers in this restaurant a combination of traditional French cuisine, made with fresh seasonal ingredients from the southwest sourced from local producers, with unusual influences from all around the world. His creations can be paired with a large selection of wines, by the counsel of head sommelier Aurélien Farouil.
This classic French restaurant serves traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is located among the vineyards of the Médoc region, in a pleasant park with pine trees.
Enjoying an enviable location by the quay on the river Garonne, this small restaurant displays a light and warm dining area complete with a sunny terrace. Its menu comprises simple dishes made with fresh ingredients.
This restaurant offers a choice of traditional French dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. Its modern decor provides a warm atmosphere.
This restaurant, situated in the outskirts of of Bordeaux, serves generous classic French dishes with some modern touches. Open until late, it offers a relaxed atmosphere.
This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.
One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.
Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.
A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.
Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.
On this relaxing holiday what better thing to do before (or after!) a wine tasting than to take in a round of gold in the sunshine, why not try Garden Golf of Margaux which is situated within the grounds of the Relais de Margaux Golf and Spa hotel.
Not trip to this lovely small town would be complete without a visit to the Mademoiselle de Margaux, a speciality chocolatière.
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
As it passes through the oldest parts of Bordeaux, making the most of the landscape, the train takes you past the most famous places and monuments of the city.
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
Take in Bordeaux’s historic landmarks and modern highlights on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour with panoramic views and audio commentary for all ages.
Designed as a public green space in the 19th-century, this 28-hectare historical park is home to around 3000 trees, 1000 of which are more than a century old.
Labelled as a 'Jardin Remarquable' (remarkable garden) by the Ministry of Culture, this park originated in the 19th-century. Situated in rural Blanquefort, a 20 minute drive from the centre of Bordeaux.
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
This exclusive country estate offers 8 bedrooms, all ensuite. 4 of which still retain their original marble fire places. All rooms have breathtaking views of either the ocean or the pine forest.
Right in the centre of Bordeaux, you'll find Mama Shelter on Place Saint Christoly, not far from the Mollat bookshop and the town hall. Barely 10 minutes from the Saint Jean railway station and 30 minutes from the airport, in the blink of an eye you can find yourself in this other world bordered by the Garonne river.
You can either stay in one of the comfortable tree-houses in the forest canapé 9 metres off the ground. Or one of the cosy bubbles which in a unique modern form of logging in your own little private clearing in the woods.
This rural chateau set in the heart of the Bordeaux vines. With a passionate, attentive team running this working French country estate. Most bookings are for the chateau as a whole, group holidays, birthdays, parties and weddings. Or you can book just a room and join in the party.
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Burdigala Hotel was completely refurbished in summer 2011, and its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere provides a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the heart of the vineyards of Bordeaux, half an hour from Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, or also one hour and half from the Arcachon Bay, Clos Marcamps welcomes you in a chartreuse of the 19th century, entirely renovated with the charm and the comfort of today.
This 15th and 19th century chateau is perched on a rocky outcrop and overlooks the surrounding countryside and has been entirely renovated.
In a quiet environment , this house/villa of 106,98 m2, built in 1980, with a land size of 2000 m2 comprises 6 rooms including 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 toilet.
One of the most extraordinary Chateaux in the Gironde located in the countryside within half an hour of the beautiful city of Bordeaux with its international airport and TGV links. Twenty minutes to Saint Emilion and close to a charming town with a range of shops and restaurants.
This house/villa of 1800 m2, built in 1900, on 4 levels, with a land size of 15 ha contains 24 rooms including 15 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms and 4 toilets.
A very few kilometres away from Bordeaux, of the Saint John’s Station and Bordeaux Mérignac’s international airport, this property is on 4ha.
This house/villa of 190 m2, on 2 levels, with a land size of 2216 m2 comprises 9 rooms including 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room and 2 toilets.
