What to do in Bordeaux and its surroundings for a weekend
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Published on 11/18/25
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Want to discover Gironde differently? This region is famed for its rolling vineyards, the dramatic Dune du Pilat, and the charming riverside towns along the Garonne. Good news, Gironde is accessible from France by 100% train, with high‑speed TGV and regional TER services that connect the capital to the department. From Bordeaux you can hop to the medieval wine town of Saint‑Emilion, glide to the Atlantic coast at Arcachon, or explore the cliff‑side village of Cap Ferret, all by rail.
From Paris, take the TGV to Bordeaux in about two hours, or from Lyon a direct TGV runs to Bordeaux in roughly three and a half hours. Regional TER trains link smaller towns such as Saint‑Emilion and Arcachon to Bordeaux, letting you hop on local services for a relaxed journey. If you prefer an overnight option, the night train N°8 from Paris to Bordeaux offers a comfortable ride. Once in Bordeaux, the city’s train station is a hub for regional lines that take you to the coast and wine villages.
In the "city of stone and wine", you can stroll from district to district and discover the art of living à la bordelaise: strolls along the Garonne, museum exploration, gourmet breaks to enjoy a freshly baked canelé... Bordeaux is also a veritable "city of wine"! cultured broth with its inspiring third places and numerous festivals. And to top it all off, some 250 tourism operators are working to promote more responsible tourism: thanks to the new "Bordeaux eco-certified partner These are now grouped together and easily identifiable for residents and travelers who are sensitive to ecology, inclusion and accessibility.
Aside from the capital of Gironde, the Gironde region also boasts a number of iconic sites, including the Cap Ferret lighthouse which offers a spectacular panorama of the Bay of Arcachon, the Blaye citadel a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fort Médoc or the castles de Gazeneuve, de Rouquetaillage, de Varyes and de Brèdes.
For cycling enthusiasts It's also the ideal place to get on a bike and explore the cycling routes through the vineyards, or to push open the doors of wine châteaux to taste exceptional vintages.
Whether you're a fan of long walks, cultural breaks or culinary delights, the Gironde offers you a rich and engaging experience, where you take the time to savor every moment... and every sip of wine!
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