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Fodor's Essential Bordeaux: A Weekend Among the Grand Châteaux

Fodor's Travel is one of the oldest and most trusted travel guidebook publishers in the world.

The route

11 stops·6 wineries · 2 restaurants · 1 hotel · 1 activity · 1 shop

1. 01

   Hotel

   Arrival in Bordeaux & Check-In

   Land at this 18th-century landmark overlooking Place de la Comédie, perfectly positioned for exploring Bordeaux and its legendary vineyards.

2. 02

   WineryNouvelle-Aquitaine

   Château Margaux

   One of Bordeaux's legendary first-growths, where neoclassical grandeur frames world-class Cabernet-based wines.

3. 03

   Winery

   Château Pichon Baron

   The dramatic turreted château produces powerful, age-worthy Pauillac reds that'll impress any Cabernet lover.

4. 04

   WineryNouvelle-Aquitaine

   Château Mouton Rothschild

   Marvel at legendary Pauillac wines and an extraordinary art label collection at this First Growth icon's museum.

5. 05

   Restaurant

   Lunch at La Table du Lavoir

   Refined regional cuisine in a charming Saint-Émilion setting, perfect for refueling between château visits.

6. 06

   WineryNouvelle-Aquitaine

   Château Ausone

   Château Ausone crafts impossibly complex wines from Saint-Émilion's finest terroir in vanishingly small quantities.

7. 07

   WineryNouvelle-Aquitaine

   Château Cheval Blanc

   Saint-Émilion's legendary Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate crafts Cabernet Franc-dominant wines inside a striking Christian de Portzamparc-designed building.

8. 08

   Activity

   Walking Tour of Saint-Émilion Village

   Wander UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion's cobblestone streets past a monolithic rock church, wine merchants, and legendary macaroon shops.

9. 09

   Restaurant

   Dinner at Le Saint-James

   Nicolas Magie's Michelin-starred hilltop restaurant commands views of Bordeaux while his inventive French cuisine dances with an extraordinary local wine collection.

10. 10

    WineryNouvelle-Aquitaine

    Château Pétrus

    The tiny Pomerol legend sits atop blue clay that coaxes impossibly concentrated, age-worthy Merlot from its vines.

11. 11

    Shop

    La Winery

    Near Arsac in Médoc, this flagship shop pairs an exceptional Bordeaux selection with immersive tastings in one cultural space.