Bordeaux, famous for its fine wines and elegant architecture, is surrounded by a wealth of natural and cultural treasures to discover. Whether you are a lover of wine, nature or history, the surroundings of Bordeaux offer a multitude of unique experiences to enjoy. In this article, we offer you an itinerary to explore the most beautiful castles of the Médoc and Saint-Émilion, as well as must-see destinations such as the Arcachon Bay, the Dune du Pilat and Cap Ferret.

Castles of the Médoc

Start your journey with a visit to the prestigious Médoc wine chateaux, located a short distance from Bordeaux. Among the must-sees are Château Margaux, famous for its exceptional red wines, and Château Lafite Rothschild, whose vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Take advantage of guided tours and tastings to discover the secrets of winemaking and taste some of the best wines in the region.

Château Margaux, one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Médoc

It has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. Founded in the 12th century, the estate was originally a medieval fortress before being transformed into a vineyard in the 16th century. Since then, Château Margaux has become synonymous with excellence and tradition in the world of wine.

The history of Château Margaux is closely linked to that of the Mentzelopoulos family, who acquired the property in 1977. Under the family’s leadership, the estate has experienced a period of renewal and innovation, with significant investment in vineyards and winemaking facilities. Today, Château Margaux is run by Corinne Mentzelopoulos, who successfully continues the family tradition by producing exceptional wines.

The Château Margaux vineyard covers nearly 200 hectares, of which about 80 hectares are planted with vines. The vineyards benefit from a unique terroir, composed of deep gravel soils and an ideal microclimate for the cultivation of Bordeaux grape varieties. The vines are mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which give rise to elegant and refined wines.

Château Margaux is renowned for its exceptional red wines, which are distinguished by their finesse, balance and ability to age gracefully. The estate’s wines are made according to traditional methods, with meticulous vinification and ageing in French oak barrels. Each vintage is the result of meticulous work and an unwavering passion for quality.

In addition to its renowned wines, Château Margaux is also famous for its elegant architecture and picturesque estate. The castle itself is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture, with its stone facades and slate roofs. The estate’s gardens provide an idyllic setting for wine tastings and special events, with shaded walkways, flower beds and water basins.

By visiting Château Margaux, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the estate, taste its iconic wines and soak up the unique atmosphere that reigns in this emblematic place of the Bordeaux vineyards. A visit to Chateau Margaux is an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and history buffs, and an opportunity to discover the winemaking excellence of the Médoc region.

Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the most prestigious wineries in the world

It has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. Founded in the 17th century, the estate is located in the Médoc region, on the left bank of the Gironde, near the commune of Pauillac. Since its creation, Château Lafite Rothschild has been associated with excellence and innovation in the world of wine.

Under the leadership of the Rothschild family, who have owned Château Lafite Rothschild since 1868, the estate enjoyed a period of prosperity and international renown, producing some of the world’s most prized wines.

The vineyard of Château Lafite Rothschild covers approximately 112 hectares, of which approximately 70 hectares are planted with vines. The vineyards benefit from an exceptional terroir, with deep gravel soils and an oceanic climate ideal for the cultivation of Bordeaux grape varieties. The vines are mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

The wines of Château Lafite Rothschild are renowned for their elegance, finesse and ability to age gracefully. They are made according to traditional methods, with meticulous vinification and ageing in French oak barrels. Each vintage is the result of exceptional craftsmanship and a dedicated passion for quality.

In addition to its renowned wines, Château Lafite Rothschild is also famous for its magnificent castle, which is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture. The castle itself is a listed historic site, with its elegant facades, picturesque gardens and impressive vaulted cellars.

By visiting Château Lafite Rothschild, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the estate, taste its iconic wines and soak up the unique atmosphere that reigns in this emblematic place of the Bordeaux vineyards. A visit to Château Lafite Rothschild is an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and history buffs, and an opportunity to discover the winemaking excellence of the Médoc region.

Saint-Émilion

Continue your journey east to Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through quaint alleys lined with stone houses, see monolithic rock-hewn churches, and visit the famous vineyards that produce some of the region’s most renowned wines. Be sure to enjoy a glass of local wine at one of the many wine bars in the village.

Saint-Émilion, a picturesque town located in the Bordeaux wine region, is famous for its quality wines and historical heritage. Founded in the eighth century, the city has a long history and is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world.

Here is a list of the 15 most important châteaux in the Saint-Émilion vineyards:

• Château Cheval Blanc: Famous for its exceptional wine and remarkable architecture, Château Cheval Blanc is one of the most prestigious estates in Saint-Émilion.
• Château Ausone: Considered one of the jewels of Saint-Émilion, Château Ausone has been producing high quality wines for centuries.
• Château Angélus: With its emblematic bell tower in the shape of a trumpet, Château Angélus is an emblematic estate in Saint-Émilion.
• Château Pavie: Nestled on the hills of Saint-Émilion, Château Pavie is renowned for its rich and powerful wines.
• Château Canon: Offering a breathtaking view of the city of Saint-Émilion, Château Canon produces elegant and refined wines.
• Château Figeac: With its fascinating history and unique terroir, Château Figeac is one of the most emblematic estates in Saint-Émilion.
• Château TroplongMondot: Nestled in the heart of the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Château TroplongMondot is renowned for its complex and expressive wines.
• Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse: Located on the steep slopes of Saint-Émilion, Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse produces wines of great finesse and elegance.
• Château Belair-Monange: Formerly known as Château Belair, this prestigious estate produces wines of high quality and elegance.
• Château Pavie-Macquin: Located near Château Pavie, Château Pavie-Macquin is renowned for its powerful and expressive wines.
• Château Pavie-Macquin: Located near Château Pavie, Château Pavie-Macquin is renowned for its powerful and expressive wines.
• Château La Dominique: With its modern and bold architecture, Château La Dominique is an innovative and dynamic estate in Saint-Émilion.
• Château Tertre Roteboeuf: Renowned for its exuberant and opulent wines, Château Tertre Roteboeuf is an emblematic estate in Saint-Émilion.
• Château Canon-la-Gaffelière: Offering a panoramic view of the city of Saint-Émilion, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière produces elegant and refined wines.
• Château Grand Mayne: Located near the village of Saint-Émilion, Château Grand Mayne produces complex and balanced wines, perfectly reflecting the unique terroir of the region.

Arcachon Bay

For a refreshing break, head to the Bassin d’Arcachon, a true paradise for nature lovers. Explore the picturesque oyster farming villages, admire the colorful cabins on stilts, and discover the fauna and flora of the Banc d’Arguin nature reserve. Be sure to taste fresh oysters straight from local producers.

Dune du Pilat

Only an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, the Dune du Pilat offers a breathtaking spectacle with its immense sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Climb to the top of the dune to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding pine forests. The Dune du Pilat, located on the French Atlantic coast, is the highest sand dune in Europe, offering spectacular views of the Banc d’Arguin and the Atlantic Ocean. This natural wonder attracts visitors from all over the world for its stunning scenery and unique activities.

The view from the top of the Dune du Pilat is breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the Banc d’Arguin, a nature reserve home to exceptional biodiversity. The crystal clear waters and sandbanks offer a breathtaking spectacle, making this place a must-see place for lovers of nature and seascapes.

An exceptional phenomenon that occurs near the Dune du Pilat is that of the passes, natural channels that allow the entry of seawater into the Arcachon basin. These passes play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem, promoting water circulation and creating ideal conditions for oyster farming.

Oyster farming is a traditional activity in the Arcachon basin, and the passes near the Dune du Pilat are a privileged place for this activity. The oysters are raised in oyster beds, where they are hung from wooden tables immersed in water. For several years, oysters feed on the nutrients present in the water, which gives them their unique taste and delicate texture.

Once ripe, the oysters are harvested by hand and sorted before being marketed. The oyster production process is meticulous and demanding, requiring considerable expertise and know-how from oyster farmers.

In addition to its spectacular scenery and ecological significance, the Dune du Pilat is also an ideal place for outdoor activities, such as paragliding, sandboarding and seaside walks. Whether it’s watching the sunset from the top of the dune or exploring the surrounding area by bike, the Dune du Pilat offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Cap Ferret

End your journey with a trip to Cap Ferret, a preserved peninsula located southwest of Bordeaux. Enjoy the sandy beaches, wild coves and picturesque fishing villages. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants, and be sure to visit the Cap Ferret Lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic coastline.

Itinerary and practical advice

To make the most of your time and enjoy your visit to the fullest, we recommend renting a car with Euroairportshuttle. Our professional drivers will take you safely to the various sites of interest, while providing you with optimal comfort for your trip. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to book your ride and plan your tailor-made itinerary. Discover the hidden treasures of Bordeaux and its surroundings with Euroairportshuttle, and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of South-West France.