15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Bordeaux

Activities
Nature

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Emilie

Published on 09/09/2025

Bordeaux, nicknamed the “Sleeping Beauty”, is a magnificent city that serves as an ideal base from which to explore the treasures of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Located at the heart of a region rich in history, culture and exceptional landscapes, Bordeaux offers privileged access to unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, history buff, nature lover or looking to relax by the ocean, the Bordeaux area is full of fascinating destinations to discover.

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These 15 excursions around Bordeaux offer authentic experiences, from tasting great wines in the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion to contemplative walks on the Dune du Pilat, discovering unspoilt medieval towns and wild coastlines. Each destination can be reached in less than two hours’ drive from Bordeaux, perfect for a day’s escapade full of discovery.

Also in the Bordeaux guide:

1. Saint-Émilion, a wine-growing gem and medieval town

Just 47 kilometres from Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a must-see for any visitor to the region. This UNESCO medieval town, perched on its limestone hill, offers an exceptional journey back in time to the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious vineyards. The cobbled streets wind between golden stone houses, revealing breathtaking views of the vineyards as far as the eye can see.

The Saint-Emilion experience is not limited to tasting exceptional wines. A visit to the monolithic church, the only one of its kind in Europe, is one of the highlights of your visit. Carved entirely out of the rock in the 12th century, it is a testament to medieval architectural genius. The catacombs and the Chapel of the Trinity complete this immersion in the religious history of the region.

Download the audio tour to discover Saint-Émilion on foot and on your own

Although Saint-Émilion does not yet have a dedicated Navaway tour, you can round off your discovery of the region by exploring Bordeaux on the audioguided itinerary, which will reveal all the secrets of the Gironde capital before or after your wine escapade.

2. Bassin d’Arcachon and the majestic Dune du Pilat

The Bay of Arcachon, 65 kilometres from Bordeaux, offers a complete change of scenery between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland lagoon. This excursion around Bordeaux combines seaside relaxation, marine gastronomy and natural wonders such as the famous Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe at 110 metres.

The climb up this sand giant rewards the effort with a 360-degree panorama of the ocean, the Landes forest and the basin. This geological phenomenon in perpetual motion is as fascinating as it is impressive. At the foot of the dune, the fine sandy beach is perfect for swimming and water sports, while Arcachon’s colourful oyster huts invite you to sample freshly-caught oysters.

The town of Arcachon itself is worth exploring in depth, with its four themed districts: the Winter Town of Belle Époque villas, the Summer Town and its lively seafront, the residential Spring Town and the shopping Autumn Town. This unique organisation bears witness to the resort’s exceptional seaside history.

3. Lacanau, between wild ocean and peaceful lake

Just 47 kilometres from Bordeaux, Lacanau offers a dual experience between its ocean, renowned for its world-class surf spots, and its calm inland lake. This day-trip destination around Bordeaux offers a wide variety of atmospheres and activities to suit all types of visitor in a single day.

The ocean at Lacanau attracts surfers from all over the world thanks to its constant, powerful waves. Non-surfers can try their hand at the sport at one of the many surf schools on the beach, or simply enjoy the vast expanse of fine sand for a tanning session or an invigorating stroll against the Atlantic rollers.

Lac de Lacanau offers a gentler alternative with a variety of water sports: paddle, kayak, sail, water-ski or simply swim in water that’s warmer than the ocean. The cycle paths around the lake are an ecological way to discover this unspoilt natural environment, home to many species of migratory birds.

4. Pauillac, capital of the Médoc wine region

Pauillac, 52 kilometres north of Bordeaux, reigns supreme over the Médoc wine region with its 18 crus classés, including the legendary Lafite, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. This trip around Bordeaux is an essential pilgrimage for all lovers of great wines, offering the chance to discover legendary châteaux in an exceptional natural setting.

The Route des Châteaux runs through a landscape of geometric vineyards punctuated by majestic residences, architectural testimonies to centuries of winegrowing prosperity. Each estate tells its own unique story, combining family traditions, technical innovation and a perpetual quest for excellence. Tastings provide an insight into the complexity of the Médoc terroirs and the subtlety of the blends.

The port of Pauillac, on the banks of the Gironde, offers a different perspective with its river promenade and gourmet restaurants. The estuary, the largest in Western Europe, reveals its changing colours according to the tides and seasons, creating a romantic atmosphere that is particularly appreciated at the end of the day.

5. Blaye and its fortified lock on the estuary

The citadel of Blaye, 50 kilometres from Bordeaux, stands with its imposing ramparts facing the Gironde estuary. This Vauban fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc, forms the famous “estuary lock”, a defensive system designed to protect Bordeaux from sea invasions.

Exploring this 17th-century citadel reveals the military ingenuity of the period and offers spectacular views over the estuary. The perfectly preserved ramparts offer a glimpse into French military history while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and marshes.

The town of Blaye, nestling within the fortified walls, has preserved its authenticity with its stone houses and picturesque streets. The many restaurants offer local cuisine featuring products from the estuary, in particular white prawns and eels, traditional specialities of the region.

6. Cap Ferret, a wild and authentic peninsula

Cap Ferret, 53 kilometres from Bordeaux, stretches out over a 25-kilometre peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon Basin. This wild stretch of sand preserves a unique way of life, combining oyster-farming traditions, wooden architecture and unspoilt nature far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Cap Ferret lighthouse, 53 metres high, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Arcachon basin after climbing 258 steps. This privileged vantage point allows you to grasp the immensity of this natural lagoon and understand the fragile balance of this unique ecosystem between land and sea.

The oyster-farming villages of Cap Ferret have retained their authenticity, with colourful huts on stilts and oyster beds stretching as far as the eye can see. Tasting oysters direct from the producers, accompanied by a glass of dry white wine, is an unforgettable gastronomic experience in an unspoilt natural setting.

7. Bergerac, between Dordogne and vineyards

Bergerac, 100 kilometres east of Bordeaux, reveals its charms on the banks of the Dordogne. This Périgord town, made famous by Cyrano, offers an excursion around Bordeaux rich in cultural and gastronomic discoveries, combining architectural heritage, renowned vineyards and the Périgord art of living.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Bergerac on foot and on your own

Explore Bergerac with the Navaway audio tour, which guides you through 18 points of interest in just 1 hour. Discover the secrets of this charming town on the banks of the River Espérance, from its half-timbered houses and picturesque squares to its emblematic historic monuments.

Bergerac’s historic centre is a delight to explore, with its perfectly restored half-timbered houses and shady squares. The Musée du Vin et de la Batellerie (wine and inland waterway museum) recounts the region’s river history, while the Musée du Tabac (tobacco museum), unique in France, bears witness to a centuries-old local tradition. The surrounding vineyards produce renowned wines, including the famous Monbazillac, an exceptional sweet wine.

8. La Rochelle, a port of character on the Atlantic coast

La Rochelle, 120 kilometres north of Bordeaux, fascinates visitors with its historic port guarded by its emblematic towers. This excursion around Bordeaux transports visitors into the maritime atmosphere of a city that has managed to preserve its exceptional heritage while developing a modern edge.

Download the audio tour to discover La Rochelle on foot and on your own

Discover La Rochelle with the Navaway itinerary, which offers 27 audio guides to help you explore this “White City” over 6.1 km in 2? hours. Let us guide you through the cobbled streets, the Old Port and the fortifications of this emblematic maritime city.

The towers of La Rochelle – Tour de la Chaîne, Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Lanterne – tell the story of the tumultuous maritime history of this former Protestant stronghold. The Vieux Port, with its colourful facades and lively cafés, is the beating heart of the city. The La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the finest in Europe, is the perfect complement to this discovery of the marine world.

9. Cognac, world capital of eau-de-vie

Cognac, located 80 kilometres north of Bordeaux, is renowned the world over for its exceptional eau-de-vie. This excursion around Bordeaux immerses visitors in the refined world of distillation, with century-old houses, fragrant cellars and exceptional tastings in a remarkable architectural setting.

The great Cognac houses – Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, Camus – open their doors to reveal the secrets behind the production of this noble eau-de-vie. A visit to the cellars, steeped in the “angels’ share” that evaporates naturally, is a unique sensory experience. The double distillation process in Charentais stills and the ageing process in oak barrels reveal the complexity of this ancestral know-how.

Cognac town centre boasts a rich architectural heritage, with its Renaissance mansions and timber-framed houses. The Château de Cognac, the birthplace of King François I, now houses the Otard winery and bears witness to the town’s royal history.

10. Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, 50 kilometres south of Bordeaux, boasts the largest cultivated forest in Western Europe. This excursion around Bordeaux offers total immersion in a unique ecosystem, with age-old maritime pines, secret lagoons and preserved Landes traditions.

The Écomusée de Marquèze faithfully recreates life in the Landes region in the 19th century. Accessible only by historic train, this village-museum presents traditional housing on stilts, and the pastoral and craft activities of yesteryear. Shepherds on stilts, Landes sheep and ancestral gemmaking techniques reveal a way of life adapted to the natural environment.

The Leyre, a wild river running through the park, offers magnificent canoeing routes through lush vegetation. Egrets, herons and beavers populate these meandering waterways, creating a permanent natural spectacle for lovers of ornithology and biodiversity.

11. Royan, pearl of the Côte de Beauté

Royan, 85 kilometres north-west of Bordeaux, boasts 1950s seaside architecture and fine sandy beaches. Completely rebuilt after the Second World War, this seaside resort in the Charente offers an excursion around Bordeaux that’s full of architectural modernity and Atlantic charm.

The Notre-Dame church in Royan, a masterpiece of modern architecture in raw concrete, bears witness to the architectural boldness of the reconstruction years. Its ship’s hull vault and play of light create a unique spiritual atmosphere. The seafront, with its curved buildings and spindly balconies, is a perfect illustration of the seaside aesthetic of the period.

Royan’s five beaches offer a variety of atmospheres, from the family-friendly Grande Conche to the wild coves of Suzac. The Cordouan lighthouse, accessible by boat from Royan, is an exceptional maritime excursion to this UNESCO-listed “Versailles of the seas”, the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation.

12. Périgueux, capital of the Périgord Blanc region

Périgueux, 130 kilometres east of Bordeaux, boasts 2,000 years of history in an exceptional architectural setting. This excursion around Bordeaux combines Gallo-Roman, Romanesque and Renaissance heritage in a city that has managed to preserve its authenticity while developing a renowned gastronomy.

Saint-Front cathedral, with its five Byzantine domes, majestically dominates the old town. This masterpiece of Perigordian Romanesque art, classified by UNESCO as part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, is impressive for its size and its architecture, which is unique in France. The historic centre reveals architectural treasures at every turn: Renaissance mansions, half-timbered houses and Gallo-Roman remains.

The Périgueux market, one of the most famous in France, celebrates local Périgord produce: black truffles, foie gras, porcini mushrooms, walnuts and charcuterie specialities. This gourmet excursion is an opportunity to discover the authentic flavours of Périgord in a remarkable architectural setting.

13. Agen, home of the Ente prune

Agen, 127 kilometres south-east of Bordeaux, lies on the banks of the Garonne in a green setting typical of the South-West. This excursion around Bordeaux reveals an authentic city, famous for its Ente prunes, but also rich in little-known architectural heritage and generous gastronomy.

Download the audio tour to discover Agen on foot and on your own

Explore Agen with the Navaway itinerary, which guides you through 20 audio guides over 3.1 km in 1h15. Discover “the bridge over the Garonne” and its hidden secrets, from Saint-Caprais cathedral to the banks of the Garonne, via its picturesque squares and historic monuments.

Agen’s historic centre is surprisingly rich in architecture, with a blend of Gascon and Languedoc influences. The Saint-Caprais cathedral, half-timbered houses and town houses bear witness to a prosperous past. The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses a remarkable collection of paintings, while the banks of the Garonne offer peaceful river walks.

14. Sarlat-la-Canéda, jewel of the Périgord Noir

Sarlat-la-Canéda, 150 kilometres east of Bordeaux, is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in France. This excursion around Bordeaux takes visitors on an exceptional journey through time to the heart of the Périgord Noir, a mythical region of châteaux, truffles and exceptional gastronomy.

Sarlat’s historic centre, entirely pedestrianised, boasts a unique concentration of perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Every street and square tells the story of this ancient episcopal city, which has survived the centuries without major alteration. The mansions with their lauze roofs and gilded stone facades create a striking architectural harmony.

The Sarlat market, particularly lively in season, celebrates the noble products of Périgord: black truffles, foie gras, duck breast, ceps and walnuts. This gastronomic immersion allows you to discover the authentic flavours of Périgord in an exceptional medieval setting, complemented by a visit to the surrounding châteaux of Beynac, Castelnaud or Les Milandes.

15. Libourne, a wine-growing town on the Dordogne

Libourne, just 30 kilometres from Bordeaux, rounds off this selection of excursions around Bordeaux perfectly. This 13th-century medieval bastide town, gateway to the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, combines historic heritage and wine-making excellence in a harmonious architectural setting on the banks of the Dordogne.

The Place Abel Surchamp, the beating heart of the bastide town, is impressive for its size and homogeneous architecture. Surrounded by arcades and dominated by the Grand Port tower, a vestige of the old fortifications, it hosts a traditional market twice a week. The Renaissance town hall and Saint-Jean-Baptiste church complete this remarkable architectural heritage.

Libourne is the ideal starting point for exploring the legendary appellations of the Libourne region: Saint-Émilion, of course, but also Pomerol with its legendary Pétrus and Le Pin, Fronsac and its hilltop châteaux, and the Côtes de Castillon. This tour will enable you to discover some of the more confidential vineyards, which are just as good quality as their famous neighbours.

In conclusion, these 15 excursions around Bordeaux reveal the exceptional wealth of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and neighbouring regions. From the majestic vineyards of Saint-Émilion to the wild beaches of Lacanau, from the fortifications of Blaye to the medieval streets of Sarlat, each destination offers a unique and authentic experience. These day trips from Bordeaux allow you to discover the cultural, gastronomic and natural diversity of a region blessed by the gods, where the art of living is combined with an exceptional heritage. To make the most of your discoveries, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided during your visit to Bordeaux by our audio guide itineraries, which will enrich your understanding of this fascinating region.

Frequently asked questions about excursions around Bordeaux

When is the best time to take these excursions around Bordeaux?

The ideal period is from May to October, with a preference for the months of May-June and September-October, which offer a pleasant climate and fewer crowds. Summer is the time to take full advantage of the beaches and water sports, while autumn reveals the magnificent colours of the vineyards during the grape harvest.

How much time should you allow for each excursion?

A full day (8-10 hours) allows you to discover each destination in comfort, including transport, the main visits and a local meal. For the closest destinations, such as Saint-Émilion or Libourne, half a day may suffice, while Sarlat or Périgueux deserve a full day.

Do I need to book in advance for visits to wine châteaux?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the great châteaux of Saint-Émilion, Pauillac and Cognac. Slots are limited, and some prestigious estates are fully booked several weeks in advance, particularly in high season and during the grape harvest.

Can you visit several destinations in a single day?

It is possible to combine certain nearby destinations, such as Saint-Émilion and Libourne, or Arcachon and Cap Ferret. However, we recommend that you choose just one destination per day, so that you can make the most of each experience without rushing.

How do I get to Bordeaux for these excursions?

The car remains the most practical means of transport for most destinations. Some destinations are accessible by train (Saint-Émilion, Arcachon, La Rochelle) or coach. Many local tour operators also offer organised excursions from Bordeaux.