Bordeaux isn’t just about exquisite wines and historic architecture; it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy memorable lunch experiences. From elegant winery picnics to scenic boat cruises with gourmet meals, this city offers a variety of ways to savor French cuisine in stunning settings. Among our favorites are tours that combine wine tasting with hearty picnics, like the Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour that features a gourmet picnic in the vines, and the Bordeaux: Lunch Cruise which offers a relaxed river cruise paired with a three-course meal. These experiences stand out for their blend of top-notch food, excellent wines, and a chance to soak in Bordeaux’s splendid scenery.
Bordeaux truly shines for its wine-focused lunch experiences, but the city also offers options like oyster tastings by the bay or full-day tours with gourmet picnics amid the vineyards. Whether you’re after a guided winery tour that includes a picnic or a scenic boat ride with delicious local fare, each experience provides a taste of France’s culinary excellence. Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 15 best lunch experiences in Bordeaux, each with its own unique appeal and practical details.
What Types of Tours Made the List
Our selection includes full-day wine tours with gourmet picnics, small-group guided tastings paired with local foods, scenic bike and electric bike rides through vineyards, and river cruises with onboard dining. We’ve included experiences that combine wine tastings with delicious lunches at historic châteaux, as well as oyster lunches in Arcachon Bay. Whether you prefer exploring by bike, by minivan, or on a boat, each tour offers a different way to enjoy Bordeaux’s culinary delights. For a full rundown, check out the From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch, which exemplifies many of the features travelers love.
Now, let’s dive into each of these top lunch experiences and see what makes them special.
1. From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch
Starting with a visit to the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion, this tour combines wine tastings at three different châteaux with a charming picnic lunch at a château. The 7-hour experience is perfect for those who want to enjoy Bordeaux’s wine culture while enjoying a relaxed lunch amid the vineyards. The guide takes you through stunning vineyard drives, with plenty of opportunities to learn about Bordeaux wines. Guests praise the delicious picnic and the friendly, knowledgeable guide. For around $120, this tour offers excellent value, especially if you love combining sightseeing, wine, and food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive day of wine, culture, and a scenic picnic in a historic setting.
2. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch
At number 2, this 8- to 9-hour tour invites you to cycle through Saint-Emilion’s picturesque vineyards on a comfortable electric bike. It’s a leisurely way to explore, with stops at two wineries for tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch in the vines. Small groups are limited to 10, making for an intimate experience, and the scenic rides are complemented by guided visits to family-run estates and UNESCO-listed town walks. Tour guide Yev’s energy and positivity help make this tour a standout, even when the weather challenges your plans. Guests note that riding through the vineyards in spring or fall provides some of Bordeaux’s best views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and top-quality wine in a relaxed setting.
3. Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch
This 8.5-hour tour combines a guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion with a leisurely e-bike ride through the vineyards. It features visits to Grand Cru Classé wineries for tastings, a lunch at a family estate, and a tour of the medieval town. The small group size (max 10) ensures personalized attention. Participants rave about the knowledgeable guides and the gorgeous scenery. During the day, you sample premium wines and enjoy a picnic-style lunch among the vines, making it a memorable way to experience Bordeaux’s prime wine country.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want an immersive cultural and wine experience with active exploration.
4. Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch
A full-day adventure, this tour visits a Graves estate, Saint-Emilion, and Pessac-Léognan, with guided visits and tastings at three selected wineries. The highlight is the gourmet picnic lunch served in the vineyards, paired with wines from each estate. Traveling in a comfortable minivan, you’ll also explore the charming Saint-Emilion village on foot. Guests appreciate the well-paced itinerary and the quality of the wines and food. This is excellent value for a comprehensive Bordeaux wine day.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a relaxed, all-in-one wine and food day with picturesque scenery.
5. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch
For around $226, this tour combines two Bordeaux wine regions—Médoc and Saint-Emilion—in one day. You’ll visit three estates, enjoy guided tours and tastings, and have a picnic lunch at a château. The day includes a scenic drive along the Châteaux Road and a visit to Saint-Emilion’s UNESCO-listed town. Reviews praise the variety of wines and the expert guides. It’s a great choice for travelers eager to see both the right and left bank wines without multiple trips.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a broader Bordeaux wine experience in a single day.
6. Saint-Emilion Small Group Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch
This 7-hour tour offers an intimate small-group experience, exploring two wineries with guided tastings and enjoying a picnic lunch in Saint-Emilion’s charming streets. The tour combines cultural sights with wine education, making it perfect for those interested in both history and viticulture. Reviewers highlight the personalized attention and delicious cheese and charcuterie included with the wine tastings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, personable experience with plenty of wine and food.
7. Bordeaux: St. Emilion Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Lunch
This 7-hour guided day trip visits two wineries with wine tastings, followed by a picnic lunch in Saint-Emilion. The tour is perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free experience with guided visits in a comfortable vehicle. Reviews mention the beautiful scenery and the delicious, authentic picnic lunch. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a more structured day.
Bottom Line: Great for beginners or those short on time but wanting a complete Saint-Emilion experience.
8. Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch
This 8.5-hour tour offers a guided electric bike ride through Saint-Emilion’s vineyards, with stops at two châteaux for tastings and a lunch among the vines. Riders enjoy passing famous châteaux like Cheval Blanc and Petrus and learning about winemaking arts at a classified estate. Guests often mention the well-maintained bikes and the beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a combination of active exploration and wine tasting in a scenic setting.
9. Saint-Emilion day tour: village visit, Châteaux and lunch
This small-group tour lasts about 7 hours, focusing on three winery visits with guided tastings and a picnic lunch at a château. The tour features a guided walk in the medieval village and tastings of high-quality wines. Reviewers find it ideal for those who want a personalized, comprehensive day combining culture, wine, and food.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth experience with local wines and sights.
10. From Bordeaux: Arcachon Bay Full Day Tour and Oyster Lunch
For something different, this 6.5-hour outing takes you to Arcachon Bay, famous for its oysters and scenic dunes. Climb the Europe’s highest dune, enjoy panoramic views, and finish with a fresh oyster lunch paired with local wine. It’s ideal for seafood lovers and those wanting a break from wine tours.
Bottom Line: A delicious seafood-focused day with stunning views and local delicacies.
11. Bordeaux Full day Medoc and St Emilion Wine Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour covers both Medoc and Saint-Emilion, offering guided visits and tastings at three estates. The highlight is the picnic lunch in Saint Emilion’s vineyards. The tour balances education, scenery, and wine, with reviews highlighting its value and engaging guides.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine enthusiasts wanting to explore two iconic regions in one day.
12. Bordeaux: Lunch Cruise
Combine sightseeing with a 2-hour river cruise along the Garonne. Enjoy a gourmet three-course lunch onboard as you pass by UNESCO monuments and the city’s historic bridges. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy Bordeaux from the water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a scenic, leisurely lunch with city views.
13. From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Lunch and Wine
This 6-hour tour offers guided visits to two wineries, along with a picnic lunch in Saint-Emilion. The focus is on local wines and authentic village charm, perfect for those seeking a straightforward, well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Great for wine lovers wanting a short, immersive day.
14. Bordeaux: St-Emilion and Medoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch
A comprehensive 9-hour day, this tour visits Saint-Emilion and Médoc with guided wine tastings at three estates and a picnic lunch among the vineyards. It’s suited for travelers eager to see Bordeaux’s diverse wine regions in one go.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want variety and in-depth wine tastings combined with good food.
15. Bordeaux: Full Day Wine Tastings & Gourmet Lunch
This 8- to 9-hour experience explores three family-run estates in Entre-Deux-Mers, with tastings of 10–12 wines and a traditional French lunch. The focus on lesser-known wineries offers a more intimate look at Bordeaux’s wine diversity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for enthusiasts eager to discover hidden gems in Bordeaux’s wine scene.
How to Choose Your Perfect Bordeaux Lunch Experience
Choosing among these fantastic options depends largely on your interests, budget, and activity level. If you love active exploration, the Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Tour offers a memorable mix of scenery and adventure. For those seeking a relaxed day combining wine and scenic views, the Full Day Wine Tour with its gourmet picnic is hard to beat. If seafood is your passion, the Arcachon Oyster Lunch provides a delicious coastal break with stunning bay views.
Consider your budget—most day trips hover around $200, but the full-day tours with multiple wineries or private experiences tend to be pricier. For less active options, river cruises or guided bus tours with included meals work well. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons (spring and fall) when Bordeaux’s wine tours are in high demand.
In summary, Bordeaux offers a diverse range of lunch experiences—from immersive wine tours with gourmet picnics to scenic cruises with delicious local seafood. Whether you’re a passionate wine lover, a foodie, or an active traveler, there’s an experience that perfectly fits your style. Combining wine, food, and Bordeaux’s historic charm, these tours promise to make your visit unforgettable. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your time in this wonderful part of France.
