Food destinations within easy reach of Bordeaux, worth the early start.
Food destinations within easy reach of Bordeaux, worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Famous for Saint-Emilion grand cru tastings and historic restaurants
Saint-Emilion in the Bordeaux right bank is the medieval wine-village UNESCO site with the eight grand crus, Logis de la Cadene's 1848 Michelin-star kitchen.
Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean every hour, 35 min
Famous for Atlantic oysters, Dune du Pilat, Belle Epoque architecture
Arcachon on the Bassin d'Arcachon is the seaside resort with the Belle Epoque Ville d'Hiver and the Cap Ferret oyster cabanes, the Dune du Pilat 20 minutes.
Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean every hour, 50 min
Famous for Oyster cabanes, Pinasse Cafe, Chez Hortense
Cap Ferret on the Bassin d'Arcachon is the peninsula of pine forests and oyster villages, with the cabanes of L'Herbe and Le Canon, Chez Hortense's famously.
Drive 65 km, or ferry from Arcachon (30 min)
Famous for Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien classified-growth chateaux
The Medoc wine route north of Bordeaux runs the Route des Chateaux through Margaux, Saint-Julien and Pauillac, with the 1855 classified growths.
Drive Route des Chateaux north from Bordeaux, or guided full-day tour
Famous for Sweet wine country, Chateau d'Yquem
Sauternes south of Bordeaux is the sweet-wine country around Chateau d'Yquem, with the Cotes de Garonne morning mists that produce the noble-rot grapes.
Drive 45 km south, or guided tour
Famous for Dordogne wine region, market town, Monbazillac
Bergerac in the Dordogne valley east of Bordeaux is the market town overlooking the river, with Monbazillac sweet wines, the Saturday morning farmers' market.
Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, 1h35
Famous for Eaux-de-vie distilleries, Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin
Cognac in the Charente region north of Bordeaux is the brandy town with the eaux-de-vie maisons of Hennessy, Martell and Remy Martin, with chai tours.
Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Angouleme then Cognac
Famous for Bayonne ham, chocolate, Basque pintxos
Bayonne in the French Basque Country is the southwestern hub for Bayonne ham, chocolate (since 1670) and Basque tapas, with the Halles de Bayonne for morning.
Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, 1h50
