Bordeaux Afternoon Food Tour : Sweets, Wine and Cheese

If you’re thinking about adding a culinary touch to your Bordeaux visit, this Bordeaux Afternoon Food Tour promises to be a charming and tasty way to spend a couple of hours. Designed for lovers of sweets, wine, and cheese, it’s a well-reviewed experience that combines bites and sights with local stories and expert guidance. While it’s not a full-blown gourmet feast, it offers a delightful sampler of Bordeaux’s best and most iconic treats, making it perfect for those who want a relaxed, friendly introduction to the city’s flavors.

What really catches our eye about this tour is how highly rated it is — a solid 4.8 out of 5 from nine reviews. People seem to love the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Aurélien, who keeps things lively and packed with insider tips. Plus, the inclusion of a hands-on wine and cheese pairing workshop is a nice touch, especially if you’re curious about perfecting the art of pairing at home. On the flip side, the tour is only two hours long, which might leave some craving a little more time to explore or taste. Still, if your schedule is tight but you want a meaningful taste of Bordeaux, this is a pretty good pick.

This tour is best suited for dessert lovers, cheese aficionados, wine fans, or anyone eager to learn in a relaxed setting. It’s family-friendly and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. If you’re after a deeply historical or extensive food experience, you might want to look elsewhere, but for an enjoyable afternoon of tasting and sightseeing, this hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic local pastries: You’ll get to taste iconic Bordeaux and regional sweets, including canelés and other delicious pastries.
• Interactive workshop: The wine & cheese pairing session is hands-on and accessible, offering practical tips along with tastings.
• Historic sights & stories: The guide shares engaging insights on Bordeaux’s landmarks, from Place de la Bourse to the Bordeaux Cathedral.
• Flexible & small group: With a limit of 10 people, the tour feels intimate and personalized.
• Value for money: Considering the tastings, stories, and workshop, many reviews say it’s a worthwhile experience.
• Good for a quick cultural fix: Perfect if you’re in Bordeaux for a short stay but want to savor some local flavors and sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Place de la Bourse

The tour kicks off at the iconic Place de la Bourse, right in the heart of Bordeaux. Standing by the fountain, it’s a picturesque spot that sets the scene for a leisurely exploration. From here, your guide Aurélien greets you with warmth, ready to share his love for Bordeaux’s food, history, and architecture. The central location makes it easy to find and a great starting point for discovering what’s around.

Coffee Tasting: A Sweet Secret Stop

Your first treat is a 20-minute coffee tasting at a “secret stop.” The details aren’t fully revealed, but it’s a nice way to wake up your palate and get into the local vibe. Coffee is a small but meaningful way to start your afternoon, especially if you’re a caffeine enthusiast. This stop also helps set the tone for a relaxed, friendly experience.

Monument aux Girondins & Place Gambetta

Next, the tour heads toward Monument aux Girondins, where you’ll get a brief guided tour—about 20 minutes. Here, Aurélien shares stories behind Bordeaux’s historic symbols, giving context to the city’s proud past. You’ll also visit Place Gambetta, a lively square with a bit more history and local flavor, for another short guided walk of about 15 minutes.

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Tasting Stops & Local Delights

Throughout the tour, there are several “secret stops”—each about 15 minutes—dedicated to sampling local foods. While the specifics aren’t listed, these stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase regional specialties. Expect a mix of pastries, perhaps some regional cheeses, and other bites that highlight Bordeaux’s culinary traditions.

Bordeaux Cathedral & The Big Bell

You’ll visit the Bordeaux Cathedral, a beautiful historic site where Aurélien shares some of its stories during a 15-minute guided tour. This adds a layer of cultural richness to your tasting experience and offers great photo opportunities. The tour also includes a visit to The Big Bell of Bordeaux, another short guided stop that emphasizes the city’s architectural and historical character.

The Hands-On Wine & Cheese Workshop

One of the highlights is the interactive wine & cheese pairing session. This isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding why certain cheeses and wines complement each other. The guide’s approachable style makes this workshop accessible and educational, perfect for anyone curious about pairing but unsure where to start. The session is designed to be engaging and fun, with the chance to ask questions and deepen your appreciation for Bordeaux’s local products.

Final Stop: Porte Cailhau

Your journey concludes at Porte Cailhau, an impressive medieval gate offering more picturesque views of the city and a fitting end to your tasting adventure. It’s a relaxed and scenic spot to reflect on your afternoon, and many find it a perfect photo op before heading back into the city.

What’s Included and How It Adds Up

For a two-hour experience, the tour offers a surprising amount of content. The combination of guided walks, food tastings, historical insights, and the workshop provides value that many reviewers appreciate. Considering the small group size (limited to 10), it’s a chance to connect with like-minded travelers and get personalized attention.

The booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds to the appeal if your plans might shift. Payment is also “reserve now, pay later,” making it easier to lock in your spot without immediate commitment.

Pricing & Value

While the ticket price isn’t specified here, based on reviews and the inclusion of multiple tastings, workshops, and guided tours, it’s likely a fair value. You’re getting a mix of cultural context, culinary treats, and interactive learning in just two hours, which is a lot to pack in. Reviewers consistently mention how much they enjoyed the pricepoint relative to what they received.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Limited to 10 participants, the tour feels cozy and less rushed. This small-group format encourages more interaction, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. It’s a more engaging experience compared to larger, more commercial tours.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy learning about local culture through food, this tour is a great choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a knowledgeable guide, rather than a formal or overly curated experience. The focus on pastries, wine, and cheese makes it ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth or a curiosity about Bordeaux’s culinary heritage.

Families and casual travelers will find it accessible, especially since it’s designed to be engaging and fun without being overly technical. However, if you’re a hardcore gourmand or looking for an exhaustive food tour, you might prefer a larger, more comprehensive experience. For most visitors wanting a bite-sized, authentic taste of Bordeaux, this tour hits the right balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to add to your day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the fountain in the middle of Place de la Bourse, a central and scenic spot.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the friendly pace and interactive tastings make it suitable for most ages, especially those interested in food.

What languages are spoken?
The tour is offered in French and English, ensuring a good experience for most travelers.

Is there any physical activity involved?
The tour involves walking between stops, guided around the city’s historic sights, but it’s generally easygoing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much does it cost?
Pricing isn’t specified here, but considering the inclusions, it’s a good value for a two-hour guided experience with tastings and a workshop.

Final Words

The Bordeaux Afternoon Food Tour: Sweets, Wine, and Cheese offers a charming, accessible way to sample Bordeaux’s flavors and learn about its sights. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a friendly, engaging introduction without committing to a lengthy or pricey culinary adventure. The combination of sweet treats, local wines, cheese pairings, and historical tidbits makes it a well-rounded experience that many reviewers have enjoyed.

Whether you’re a dessert lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone curious about Bordeaux’s culture, this tour could be a lovely highlight of your trip. Just come hungry, ready to learn, and prepared to enjoy a genuinely warm and flavorful insight into this beautiful French city.

You can check availability for your dates here: