Bordeaux without a car: 3 days of wine, cycling, and lifestyle
Accessible, vibrant, and committed, Bordeaux is the perfect destination for a three-day, car-free urban getaway. Combining heritage, street art, gastronomy, and vineyards, our Partnerships Manager, Rosalie, put on her reporter hat to explore the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This region is ideal for car-free travelers, with its key initiatives for green mobility (notably its rail network).
This three-day micro-adventure focuses on culture, wine, and nature. We present her detailed logbook. And for a thematic guide to Bordeaux, check out our dedicated article. Follow the guide!
Day 1 - Heading to Bordeaux: Wine, Culture, and Urban Art
The Cité du Vin: A Sensory Journey
We recommend leaving in the morning to make the most of your day in Bordeaux. Just a few tram stops from the station, you can start at one of the region's most emblematic sites: the Cité du Vin. The concept? An immersive journey through the civilizations of wine, with spectacular scenography and a panoramic tasting overlooking the Garonne.
"We dive right into the world of wine thanks to the Permanent Exhibition, which offers a variety of workshops," says Rosalie. "Special mention to the tasting at the Belvédère, with its view over Bordeaux! The sensory experience Via Sensoria (Editor's note: currently closed - scheduled to reopen on 04/01/2026) truly invites us to reconnect with our senses to taste different wines through the four seasons. A timeless moment with a passionate sommelier!"
The Permanent Exhibition - ©Rosalie Borde
After the visit, Rosalie had lunch at the panoramic restaurant Le 7, nestled on the building's top floor. Breathtaking views of the city, local cuisine, and refinement guaranteed. Their goal: to favor dishes with a low carbon footprint while maintaining a gourmet and generous cuisine. Rosalie confirms: the promise is kept!
Street Art by Bike
In the afternoon, head to the city center for an unusual bike ride organized by the Tourist Office: “Bordeaux Street Art & Historique”. Stencils, collages, mosaics, monumental frescoes... the city transforms into an open-air exhibition.
"We even had the chance to meet the artist Alber, who told us how his works came to life... on train tarpaulins! It all started with a worker who accidentally discovered a painting on a train cover, before talking about it to his manager, who found the artist and has since been supplying him with tarps to turn them into real canvases. Fascinating!" - Rosalie
Overnight Stay at First Name Bordeaux
At the end of the day, Rosalie settled into the FirstName hotel in the Mériadeck district. This eco-designed and Green Key-labeled establishment combines colorful design, a botanical atmosphere, and a commitment to sustainability. Ideal for recharging after a busy day.
Tropical ambiance at the First Name hotel - ©Rosalie Borde
A Note on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine TER Network
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, as the transport organizing authority, manages the TER (Regional Express Transport) network, offering a complete service to explore the surroundings of Bordeaux. Thanks to this network, you can easily reach vineyards, beaches, or historic cities without relying on a car!
Day 2 - On the Bordeaux Graves & Sauternes Wine Route by Bike
The next day, head to Cérons, just half an hour from Bordeaux by TER. The program: a day of car-free oeno-cultural exploration on the Route des Vins de Bordeaux en Graves et Sauternes (Wine road) !
The Bulle Verte: E-Biking in the Heart of the Vineyard
In the village square, a 2-minute walk from the station, discover the Bulle Verte (Green Bubble) station, the first starting point for electric bike circuits in the vineyard. With the app in hand, Rosalie got on her bike to try out meeting passionate winemakers for you.
Our reporter's review?
"The Bulle Verte is a great way to discover the vineyards differently, in a gentle and responsible way. By bike, you really take the time to notice the landscapes, the details... and even the changing smells of the vines throughout the route! The one we took on the Bordeaux Graves & Sauternes Wine Route was brilliant: we went from château to château, meeting passionate people. A ride rich in learning, encounters, and discoveries!"
Rosalie's Favorite Stops
La Maison des Vins de Graves: The Ideal Starting Point
To continue your journey, head to the Maison des Vins de Graves in Podensac. A true headquarters for curious enthusiasts, here you discover the diversity of the appellations, the estates open for visits, and a beautiful selection of wines for tasting.
First stop for Rosalie: the Maison des Vins de Graves - © Rosalie Borde
It's the perfect place to get an introduction to Graves and Sauternes before taking the train back to Bordeaux.
"A great gateway to discovering the vineyard. You learn about the appellations, spot a few estates to visit, taste, exchange... all in a superb cellar and an ultra-welcoming atmosphere. Perfect before heading out onto the wine route!" - Rosalie
Château de Cérons: Elegance and Conviviality
Second stop: the Château de Cérons, a 17th-century jewel located in the heart of the village of the same name. Classified as a Historical Building of France, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Graves: authenticity, refinement, and a family welcome.
The majestic Château de Cérons - © Rosalie Borde
Rosalie discovered the three colors of wine produced here (red, dry white, and sweet white) and, above all, the convivial atmosphere of the place, where tasting rhymes with sharing. Between the French garden, the vintage cellar, and tables under the plane trees, it is the perfect address for a gentle break.
Rosalie's feedback:
"At Château de Cérons, we had a timeless moment with Caroline and Xavier, the owners, who passionately share their story and projects. They gave us a suspended and poetic moment in their old barrel cellar that we highly recommend! They made us want to come back for a 'four-color picnic' in their park."
Château de Malle: A Gem of Architecture and History
A little further south, the Château de Malle (whose estate and gardens are classified as Historical Monuments) reveals a completely different side of Sauternes. Here, history and art mingle with the vine: the estate is famous for its Italian gardens, mythological statues, and its elegant 17th-century residence.
The sublime Château de Malle, after a delicious lunch - ©Rosalie Borde
Rosalie appreciated the visit with Clémence, the new owner of the estate, who passionately recounts the details of this place steeped in history!
"We were lucky enough to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a chef in one of the oldest dining rooms in France," says Rosalie. "Clémence and Luc, the new owners, are already taking on the challenge of making the place lively while preserving its vintage soul."
Château de Malle right off the train - ©Château de Malle - Lycia Malter
The estate also offers thematic tours that combine culture, nature, and tasting, all in a setting of rare serenity. Special mention to the train that passes right behind the château (and drops you off at the station, only 1 km from the château!): naturally, at HOURRAIL!, we love it. 😉
Château Doisy-Daëne: Excellence Signed Dubourdieu
More intimate but just as emblematic, Château Doisy-Daëne embodies precision and innovation. This Grand Cru Classé in 1855, AOC Sauternes, managed by the Dubourdieu family, is an unmissable reference in the Bordeaux vineyard.
The vineyards of Château Doisy-Daëne - ©Rosalie Borde
Rosalie discovered the delicate art of balanced sweet wines, born from the famous noble rot (botrytis). The estate perpetuates ancestral know-how while experimenting with more sustainable practices: reasoned viticulture, living soils, and reduced inputs. A modern Sauternes, both complex and luminous.
"Jean-Jacques, at the head of the family estate, passionately told us about the creation of sweet wines. We were lucky enough to go on a short bike ride with him through the village and closer to the Ciron, the river that shapes the Wines of the valley." - Rosalie
Aperitif Break at Maison Lillet
Before taking the train back to Bordeaux, stop at Maison Lillet, in Podensac, the home of the famous Lillet aperitif. Created in 1872, this beverage made from wine and citrus infusions has become a symbol of the French art of living.
Outdoor tasting at Maison Lillet - ©Rosalie Borde
At Maison Lillet, you can discover the manufacturing process, from the selection of wines to the final blending. The visit ends with a tasting in the courtyard, accompanied by homemade cocktail recipes to try. A cool, sunny, and... typically Bordeaux moment.
"A must-see! We love their magnificent buildings and their instantly recognizable marketing. The perfect opportunity to taste something different, fresh, and local, before heading back." - Rosalie
Return to Bordeaux in the evening, your senses still full of flavors and images.
Day 3 - Urban Strolls and Local Flavors
For your last morning, we advise you to stay in the city. This is what our reporter Rosalie chose to do: a walk along the quays, a stop at the Capucins Market to sample some oysters and canelés, followed by lunch at a committed restaurant.
The Capucins Market: Bordeaux's Living Heart
Nicknamed the "belly of Bordeaux," the Capucins Market is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere. You can taste Arcachon Basin oysters, crunchy canelés, or Southwest tapas in a friendly and warm atmosphere.
Les Récoltants: The Committed Restaurant
Among the city's committed addresses, we highly recommend Les Récoltants, which is both a restaurant and a locavore grocery store promoting local producers.
Rosalie sat down there to try their responsible and creative cuisine, based on fresh, seasonal products. It was a real favorite for her:
"The fresh produce tastes incredible; they even managed to make me like salsify 😉 I also really liked the atmosphere, with the restaurant slightly hidden behind their grocery store. I'll go back there every time I visit Bordeaux!"
In the afternoon, head to the Darwin district on the right bank: a former barracks transformed into an alternative third place, perfect for a coffee or a final stroll before the train journey home. You will find an organic restaurant, a skate park, a shared garden, and community spaces there. Also on the right bank, Le Bien Public, a brand-new hybrid venue in the Belvédère district, combines a bar, a concert hall, and even an exhibition space!
Adventure Summary
Three days, zero car, a thousand discoveries. Between heritage, wine, gastronomy, and sustainable initiatives, Bordeaux confirms its status as a flagship destination for alternative travel. In short, the Girondine metropolis proves that you can enjoy a complete getaway by train, tram, and bike, without sacrificing any part of the experience.
To Go Further
If this micro-adventure in Bordeaux has made you want to explore other treasures of the region, feel free to take a look at our Nouvelle-Aquitaine guide.
This article was written in partnership with the Bordeaux Tourist Office, Gironde Tourism, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Tourism Committee, the Cité du Vin, and the Bordeaux Graves & Sauternes Wine Route.
And to personalize your stay, also discover our complete guide to Bordeaux without a car!
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
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