Pessac Leognan 4.5 hours Wine Tour in a Citroën 2CV from Bordeaux

A Unique Way to Explore Bordeaux’s Wine Country: The Pessac-Léognan 4.5-Hour Citroën 2CV Tour

If you’re thinking about a wine tour in Bordeaux but want something a little different than your standard bus or bike ride, this Pessac-Léognan 4.5-hour tour in a classic Citroën 2CV might just be the adventure you’re craving. It’s billed as an original, fun, and intimate way to taste some of the region’s best wines while enjoying the sights of the vineyards from the comfort (and style) of a vintage car.

What really caught our eye about this experience are two things: first, the chance to visit two classified wineries with tastings included, which guarantees a taste of the region’s high-quality wines, and second, the opportunity to take the wheel if you’re up for a little mini-road trip on the country roads — an extra thrill for those who enjoy a dash of driving themselves.

A potential consideration to keep in mind is the price point, which is around $272.76 per person. While that might seem steep, it includes personalized visits, tastings, and a unique experience that’s hard to match in terms of atmosphere and fun factor. This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of wine, scenic views, and a quirky, memorable mode of transportation. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an engaging way to see Bordeaux’s vineyards with a small, intimate group.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Travel in style and fun in a vintage Citroën 2CV, adding a playful twist to your wine adventure.
• Two wine tastings: Visit two classified châteaux with the chance to taste between 2–3 wines at each, sampling some of the area’s top wines.
• Scenic views & insider stories: Enjoy the beautiful vineyard landscapes and learn fun, lesser-known anecdotes from your chauffeur guide.
• Flexible experience: Options to take the wheel or relax as a passenger, catering to your comfort and sense of adventure.
• Small group or private: Only your group participates, making it more personal and tailored.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup offered from Bordeaux, making it easy to start and end the tour without extra hassle.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Bordeaux

The tour begins in the heart of Bordeaux, where your chauffeur welcomes you with a friendly smile. From the start, you’re transported not just through the vineyards but also back in time with the charm of the vintage car. This isn’t just a ride; it’s part of the experience. The car’s compact size and open top give you a perfect view of the landscape, and you’ll feel like an explorer on a scenic country drive.

First Stop: The Château Olivier Experience

Your first visit will be at Château Olivier, a classified estate of the Pessac-Léognan region. Here, you’ll tour the château and enjoy a tasting session that includes 2 to 3 wines. The setting is elegant and traditional, and the tasting is designed to give you a good sense of what makes this estate noteworthy.

The review mentions that the admission ticket is included, so once there, you can focus on soaking in the atmosphere and appreciating the wines without worrying about extra costs. Expect the guide to share interesting insights, making the visit more than just a tasting — it’s about understanding the nuances of the wines and the estate itself.

Scenic Drive & Château Smith Haut-Lafitte

Next, your chauffeur will point out Château Smith Haut-Lafitte, one of the most famous properties in the region. While you might not stop here for a full tour, passing by this estate offers a chance to admire its grandeur from the outside. The view of the vineyard is notable, and the entire route along the “route des châteaux” provides a stunning backdrop of Bordeaux’s vineyards.

Second Winery Visit: Château Carbonnieux

The highlight for many wine lovers is the visit to Château Carbonnieux, a Grand cru classé. This estate is renowned and offers a similar tasting experience, giving you the chance to sample 2–3 wines from their collection. The admission to this château is also included, and the guide will likely share more stories about its history and what makes these wines special.

The End of the Tour

After the second tasting, your driver will take you back to Bordeaux, ending what many describe as an “entertaining afternoon with great wine”. The whole experience, from scenic drives to vineyard visits, is designed to be engaging but relaxed, leaving plenty of space for you to soak in the beauty and flavors of the region.

What It Means for You

This tour offers a balanced combination of scenic beauty and tasting quality, with the added fun of exploring in a classic car. The small group setup ensures a more personalized experience, and the option for you to take the wheel adds a dash of adventure for those who enjoy driving.

While the price might seem high, it reflects the exclusivity and the overall experience — visits to prestigious estates, tastings, and the memorable journey through Bordeaux’s vineyards. If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for a different way to experience Bordeaux, this tour is worth considering.

The reviews, though limited, are very positive, with one mentioning they enjoyed an “entertaining afternoon with great wine.” That honest praise suggests this is a fun, memorable activity rather than a formal, overly serious tasting session. It’s an experience that combines wine, scenery, and a good dose of charm.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is suited for travelers who enjoy wine and scenic drives and want to add a quirky twist to their Bordeaux trip. It’s perfect for those looking for a personalized, intimate day out — especially if you’re interested in visiting classified estates and tasting high-quality wines. The fun, nostalgic car ride makes it more engaging than a typical wine tour, which can appeal to travelers seeking something memorable and different.

It’s also a good fit for small groups of friends or couples who want to share a unique experience. However, if you’re traveling with young children or prefer a more structured or longer tour, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This Pessac-Léognan wine tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV brings together wine tasting, scenic beauty, and a touch of retro fun. It’s well-suited for those who want a more personal and memorable way to explore Bordeaux’s vineyards, with the added bonus of a playful and charming mode of transportation.

While the price isn’t the cheapest on the block, the experience’s exclusivity, the visits to prestigious wineries, and the opportunity to enjoy Bordeaux in style make it worthwhile for wine lovers willing to spend a little extra. If you’re after a relaxed, fun, and immersive way to taste some of the best wines around Bordeaux, this tour might just be your ideal pick.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s designed for small groups, so solo travelers can join and enjoy the intimate experience. The tour is private, so you’ll have the vehicle and guide to yourself.

Can I drive the car myself?
Absolutely. If you have a valid driver’s license, you’re welcome to take the wheel on some of the country roads, adding a personal touch to the adventure.

How long are the visits to each winery?
Each visit includes a tour of the estate and a tasting session lasting about an hour. You’ll sample 2 to 3 wines at each location.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the transportation in the vintage Citroën, visits to two classified wineries, tastings at each estate, and the guide’s anecdotes. Pick-up is offered from Bordeaux.

Is it a full-day tour?
No, it’s approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes long, making it a perfect half-day activity that leaves you plenty of time to explore other parts of Bordeaux afterward.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in this tour. You might want to plan to have lunch in Bordeaux before or after your tour.

Can children participate?
While the experience is more adult-oriented given the wine tastings and driving, children can join as passengers if they enjoy the scenery and the fun of the vintage car. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

If you’re looking to spice up your Bordeaux visit with a combination of scenic vineyard views, good wine, and a vintage car adventure, this tour offers a fun and elegant way to do just that. It’s a small step away from the ordinary — perfect for those wanting a memorable story to tell long after they leave France.