Garden and pool at Les Pénates

Garden & slow life

Top 10 highlights over three days

A gentle rhythm mixing heritage, strolls, gastronomy and quiet returns to our lush garden.

Duration

3 days / 10 highlights

Pace

Alternating visits and garden pauses

Mobility

Tram, bike, walking, river cruise

Day 1 — Historic heart and art de vivre

UNESCO morning: start with Porte Cailhau, Place de la Bourse, the Grand-Théatre and the arcades of Allées de Tourny. Wander on foot between golden facades and lively squares. Pause for a terrace coffee in Saint-Pierre before browsing galleries and vintage shops in Chartrons.

Enjoy a light lunch at the market or a neighbourhood brasserie. Hop on a bike for an afternoon ride along the quays, stop for a tasting at the CIVB Wine Bar and watch the sunset from Gina's rooftop.

Head back to Les Pénates for a garden interlude before a bistronomic dinner in town.

Strolling through Bordeaux's historic centre

Day 2 — Creative energy on the right bank

Morning

Reach Bassins des Lumières early to beat the crowds and dive into monumental immersive exhibitions.

Lunch & afternoon

Cross the Garonne towards Darwin: XXL street art, responsible cafés and forward-thinking groceries. Enjoy a locavore lunch or picnic by the water.

Evening

Finish at La Cité du Vin late afternoon, taste wines from the belvedere, grab bites at Halles de Bacalan then board a sunset cruise.

Creative districts in Bordeaux

Later on, try Symbiose for inventive cocktails or book a gastronomic dinner at Cent33 before retreating to the serenity of the garden.

Day 3 — Vineyards or ocean breeze

Choose your direction: Saint-Emilion for underground cellars and golden stone lanes, the Médoc for Cabernet châteaux, or Pessac-Léognan for a condensed tour close to the city. Limit visits to two estates to keep a relaxed tempo.

Prefer the sea? Head to Arcachon or climb the Dune du Pilat for a breath of Atlantic air before returning to the calm of Les Pénates.

Close the day with a final drink by the waterfront, an evening stroll on Place de la Comédie and a leisurely walk back through the quiet streets to the garden.