The Ultimate Six-Night Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion Itinerary

Six Nights of Food, Wine, and Culture in Bordeaux

If you’ve been dreaming about sipping wine where it’s made, this Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion itinerary will be your happy place. Six nights give you enough time to dive into the region’s rich history, taste its world-famous wines, and indulge in slow, soul-satisfying meals. This trip is designed to help you slow down, savor each bite, and come home with stories (and maybe a few bottles) worth sharing.

And the best part? We’ve already done the planning for you — just check out our Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion vacation package to make this trip completely effortless.

Why Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion Are Perfect for Food and Wine Lovers

Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world, a city that pairs its wine culture with an exciting food scene. Think cheese counters at lively markets, fresh oysters by the river, and dinner tables where every glass has a story. A quick trip to Saint-Émilion adds a whole new layer of magic, with its medieval streets and UNESCO-listed vineyards.

This six-night route keeps things balanced: two days exploring Bordeaux’s markets and sights, a day among the Médoc vineyards, time in Saint-Émilion for tastings and history, plus a free day for detours like Arcachon Bay or Cognac.

If you're interested in extra foodie inspiration, check out our guide on the best things to eat in Bordeaux. 

Six Night Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion Itinerary

This Six day Bordeaux itinerary is slow-paced and indulgent, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere, not just check off landmarks.

Arrival and First Taste of Bordeaux

Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your hotel, and take a gentle evening stroll through the city. Grab a casual dinner at a cozy wine bar where you can taste your first glass of Bordeaux red and a small plate or two.

Bordeaux Sights and Food Markets

Spend the morning at Marché des Capucins, tasting cheese, pastries, and oysters straight from the shell. In the afternoon, visit Cité du Vin, the interactive wine museum that brings the world of wine to life. Dinner is best at a Michelin-recommended brasserie — think seasonal dishes paired with expertly chosen local wines.

Médoc Wine Route Day

Head out for a full-day Bordeaux food and wine tour along the Médoc route. Visit two or three châteaux, enjoy guided tastings, and learn how to pair wines with local specialties. End the day with a sunset view over the vines before heading back to the city.

Saint-Émilion and the Vineyards

Travel by car or train into Saint-Émilion, where you can explore its underground monolithic church and wander through cobbled lanes. Book a private tasting or a wine blending workshop at one of the area’s top estates. Stay overnight at a château hotel for vineyard views at sunrise.

For more ideas, explore our Local’s Guide to Saint Émilion if you want to extend your visit.

Free Day for Culture or Day Trips

Choose your own adventure: a lazy day at Bordeaux’s museums, a seafood feast in Arcachon Bay, or a distillery tour in Cognac. Return to Bordeaux for a light dinner and one last evening stroll.

Farewell Dinner and Departure

Your last night calls for a splurge-worthy dinner — a tasting menu at a top restaurant paired with a curated wine flight. Before heading to the airport or train station, pick up a few bottles to take home and relive the trip later.

Where to Stay for the Perfect Experience

Finding the right place to stay can completely shape how your trip feels. Here are a few favorites that pair comfort with character, so you wake up ready for another day of wine and discovery:

• InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel (5 stars): Right on the Place de la Comédie, this five-star classic puts you steps from the opera house and the city’s best restaurants. The rooftop bar is a must at sunset.

• Yndo Hotel (5 stars): A 19th-century mansion turned boutique hideaway with just 12 rooms. The garden courtyard feels like a secret escape, and the staff go out of their way to make it personal.

• Les Sources de Caudalie (5 stars): A countryside favorite surrounded by vines. Book a vinotherapy spa treatment, linger over a Michelin-starred dinner, and soak in the peaceful vineyard views.

• Château Hôtel Grand Barrail (5 stars): In Saint-Émilion, a château stay that actually feels like a treat. Expect turrets, sweeping vineyard views, and an elegant restaurant serving seasonal local dishes.

• Hôtel de Sèze (4 stars): Sophisticated but still relaxed. There’s a small spa for unwinding after a day in the vineyards and a wine bar that feels like your own living room.

• Clos 1906 (Saint-Émilion): Perfect if you like something cozy and personal. Breakfast is homemade, and you’re within a short walk of Saint-Émilion’s charming center.

Best Time to Visit for Food, Wine, and Culture

Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion are worth visiting year-round, but each season has its own vibe. Spring is fresh and colorful, with vineyard blossoms and mild weather perfect for market strolls. Summer brings lively festivals and long sunny evenings when locals linger at café terraces. Autumn is harvest time; the most exciting season for wine lovers with grape-picking in full swing and plenty of tasting events. Winter is quieter, so it gives you more space in the cellars and better hotel rates, plus cozy dinners by the fire feel extra special.

If you’re planning your Bordeaux Saint-Émilion wine trip, think about what kind of atmosphere you want: buzzing or peaceful? before you set your dates. For a deeper look at weather, events, and food seasons, check out our guide on the best time to visit Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.

Let Bordeaux Be Your Table for the Week

Your time in Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion should feel unhurried — like it was made for lingering. Think barrel tastings where you end up swapping stories with the winemaker, afternoons stretched out under café umbrellas, long drives past rows of vines that seem endless, and that quiet moment after dinner when the village feels like it’s all yours.

This Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion itinerary leaves space for those moments. You’ll taste from historic châteaux, eat food that actually tells you something about the region, meet people who love sharing what they do, and still have time to follow a side street just because it looks inviting. Six nights lets the place get under your skin — in the best way — and sends you home with more than a suitcase full of wine.

Plan Your Trip With Ease

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. Our Gastronomy and Culture in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion package turns this guide into a complete journey, complete with handpicked boutique hotels, private château tours, wine tastings, and smooth transfers that keep you stress-free.

We’ve curated every detail so you can spend your time sipping and exploring, not scrolling through booking sites or figuring out directions. You just show up, settle in, savor every drink, and start living your six-night Bordeaux food and wine tour from the very first glass.

Ready to go? Check out our Gastronomy and Culture in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion package and make this itinerary your next great trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many days should I plan for?

  Give yourself about six nights if you can. That’s enough time to explore Bordeaux, spend a full day (or two) in Saint-Émilion, fit in a Médoc wine route tour, and still have space for a lazy morning or a day trip.

• Do I really need a car?

  Not necessarily. Trains, private drivers, and transfers make it easy to get between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. A car is nice if you want freedom to hop between smaller wineries on your own schedule, but it’s not required.

• Is Bordeaux pricey when it comes to food and wine?

  You can do Bordeaux on almost any budget. Markets and wine bars keep things affordable, while Michelin-star dining and private tastings are there if you want to splurge.

• Can I visit Saint-Émilion in winter?

  Yes — and it’s actually a lovely time to go. The village is quieter, hotels often have better rates, and tastings feel more personal since there are fewer crowds.

• Which wines are worth bringing home?

  Pick up a few bottles that remind you of the trip. Bold reds from Médoc, silky Merlots from Saint-Émilion, and even a crisp white from Graves make great souvenirs.