A Self-Guided Walking Journey in the Medoc and around Saint-Émilion to discover the essence of Bordeaux Wine Country!
Embark on a remarkable self-guided walk through the heart of Bordeaux’s legendary wine regions — from the prestigious Médoc estuary, with Pauillac and Margaux to the medieval charm of UNESCO Saint-Émilion. Our walking journeys blend world-renowned vineyards, elegant châteaux, and breathtaking countryside with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re a passionate oenophile or a casual traveller, this easygoing walking holiday captures the best of Bordeaux — fine wines, scenic trails, and authentic French culture.
You’ll have the choice between a longer or shorter version of our Bordeaux Walking Tours; both mean you’ll end up with some time in the capital, Bordeaux City a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its graceful architecture, riverside promenades, and culinary scene. Meander in this port city along the Place de la Bourse, where the Miroir d’Eau reflects the grand 18th-century façades. Stroll along the Garonne River, explore the lively Chartrons district — the historic heart of Bordeaux’s wine merchants (Bordeaux has been the centre of wine trade here since the 8th century!), and the fully restored Port de Lunes — and don’t miss La Cité du Vin, an immersive wine museum where you can trace the story of global viticulture and enjoy panoramic views from its Belvedere wine bar.
On our longer walking itinerary, a highlight of the week will certainly be the Guided Walking Food Tour – exploring the historic centre with several stops for the regional specialties, filled with historic anecdotes, and guaranteed fun.
The longer self-guided walking adventure begins in Pauillac, the beating heart of the Médoc peninsula, set on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary. This picturesque riverside town is surrounded by some of the most celebrated wine estates in the world, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild — all First Growths of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
As well as admiring the beautiful architecture of these spots, you will be able to experience tasting at Grand Cru Classé estates thanks to the booked reservations we have made for you; since these need to be planned in advance, and we want to be sure you don’t miss out, these are included in your walking tour package.
Heading south along the Route des Châteaux, you’ll reach Margaux, another jewel of the Médoc. This area is home to the illustrious Château Margaux, whose graceful neoclassical façade and legendary wines epitomize refinement. Take time to walk the Margaux appellation vineyards, where gravelly soils and ocean breezes nurture some of the world’s most balanced
Cabernet Sauvignon blends. You’ll stay in the village of Margaux-Cantenac itself where you can enjoy dinner at a local bistro with delicious regional dishes which you can pair with a glass of Margaux AOC wine.
Cross the Dordogne River and head east to the magical hilltop town of Saint-Émilion, another UNESCO-listed treasure and home to some of Bordeaux’s most beloved Merlot-based wines. This medieval village, with its cobbled lanes, Romanesque churches, and limestone cellars, offers a perfect finale to your self-guided Bordeaux walking adventure.
While here on your Bordeaux Walking Tour, visit the Monolithic Church, carved directly into the rock, and enjoy sweeping views from the King’s Tower. Climb up and down the steep cobblestoned tertres alleyways, taste the delicious chewy macaroons, and of course, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many wine bars. We provide a Self-Guided Walking tour of the historic town to help in your explorations.
The two days of walking take you by famous vineyards in the Pomerol and St Emilion areas, as well as panoramas from hilltops, beautiful medieval churches, and fields of flowers. Wander through the vineyards of the renowned Château Ausone en route to the hilltop town of Saint Emilion.
One of the walks starts on the banks of the Dordogne River in the pretty town of Castillon-la-Bataille. This was a key holding during the Hundred Years War in the Middle Ages, with one of the few bridges to cross the river for opposing troops of the French and English Royalty – the shady quiet squares and small boutiques make it hard to imagine today the tumultuous past of this riverside town!
As with all our Self-Guided Walking holidays, you will love the ease of your vacation, mixed with the freedom of traveling at your own pace. Take advantage of our years of detailed research and carefully planned routes, the dense packet of regional information to supplement your days, and hand-picked hotels and restaurants. You walk at your own pace, and stop for explorations as much or as little as you wish along the way – and of course we are an easy phone call away if you have any questions or anything comes up!
Your Self-Guided Bordeaux walk can be taken anytime between April and October when the vineyards are lush and estates are open for visits.
A self-guided walk through Bordeaux’s wine country is more than a tasting tour — it’s a sensory journey through history, culture, and the art of winemaking. From the Grand Cru Classé châteaux of Pauillac to the vine-covered slopes of Saint-Émilion, this route captures the soul of southwest France. Raise a glass to the timeless elegance of Bordeaux — where every path leads to a vineyard, and every sip tells a story.
