Bordeaux in February: the perfect time for a getaway

We all know that January is always a heavy month, after Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, this period is a bit tiring and overwhelming. Once you’re over it, there’s no better plan than a trip to Bordeaux in February, to recharge your batteries and fall in love with all its beautiful scenery and rich history.

This charming and cultural city has so much to offer, including during the first few months of the year. You can start by booking a free tour of Bordeaux that will take you to the main attractions and must-see places. It is a perfect option, especially if you are coming for a few days.

Why should you visit Bordeaux in February?

Although all its tourist attractions are available all year round, there are a few reasons why visiting Bordeaux in February will enhance your experience.

• Pleasant climate: although February is still winter, the weather in Bordeaux remains milder compared to other regions in Europe. This relatively warm temperature for the season allows you to enjoy walks in the open air and explore the city in comfort.
• Carnival atmosphere: although the carnival here is not as famous as others in Europe, it still offers a vibrant and authentic cultural experience.
• Truffle season: February is the peak season for truffles, a highly prized delicacy in French gastronomy. Local restaurants often incorporate truffles and other seasonal produce into their menus, providing an exceptional opportunity for foodies.
• Valentine’s Day in an already romantic city: Bordeaux, with its classical architecture and charming riverside promenades, is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Many establishments offer special dinners and themed events, making it an ideal destination for couples.
• Visit vineyards with less crowds: Although the grape harvest occurs later in the year, visiting vineyards in February allows for a more intimate experience. Wineries are less crowded, which means you can enjoy more personal wine tastings and tours.
• Cultural events and museums: Museums and galleries continue to offer interesting exhibitions. This is a good month to enjoy the city’s culture without the crowds of tourists seen at other times of the year.
• Winter sales: Winter sales generally continue until early February, which means visitors can take advantage of discounts in shops and boutiques. This is ideal for those interested in fashion and shopping.

The perfect getaway city

Whether you come as a romantic couple or to recharge your batteries with friends, this city will always be the answer. Bordeaux in February is still a bit cooler, but not as cold as in January or December. Whether you’re looking for unusual things to do in Bordeaux or you’re playing it safe, this month is ideal.

The Cité du Vin

The Cité du Vin is a complex entirely dedicated to wine and its history and trajectory in this city, which, according to experts, dates back to Roman times.

The experience is totally sensorial, with activities for all ages. From the moment you arrive you will be enchanted, starting with the originality of its façade, which resembles the movement that wine makes when it enters the glass during decanting.

It is built on a surface area of almost 14,000 m2, 55 metres high and 10 floors. In fact, it is included among the 10 most important museums in the world.

Europe’s largest body of water

Bordeaux’s old town is a real beauty everywhere you look. Here you will find a wealth of architecture and culture, with buildings that are hundreds of years old but perfectly preserved.

Right here, you will find the famous water mirror, one of the most visited places in the whole city, both by travellers and locals. It was built in 2006, as part of a series of renovations and modernisations aimed at opening up Bordeaux to tourism, and of course they were right.

It extends over an esplanade of 3,450 m2 in total, making it the largest in the world. It is located between the Garonne river and the Place de la Bourse.

The mirror was equipped with a large number of water jets strategically distributed on the ground. From time to time, they release water, which barely fills a few millimetres, but creates a beautiful mirror of water.

Visit the Pont de Stone bridge

This is one of the top ten things to do in Bordeaux. Bordeaux is divided by the Garonne River, so it has many beautiful bridges. The Pont de Pierre, or Pont de Pierre in French, is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux. Its construction dates back to the beginning of the 19th century.

This bridge was a direct mandate of the Emperor Napoleon I. During his trip to Spain during the war, he noticed how his army was delayed by having to cross the Garonne River with the help of a ferry due to the lack of a structure.

Although it was ready in 1822, it was opened to the public a year later. In 1954 it was extended, reaching a total length of 486 metres.

Today, only pedestrians are allowed to cross it, as this decision was taken in 2018 in order to protect the integrity of the structure.

The Girondins Monument

This is one of the most important monuments in Bordeaux. It is an imposing fountain built in 1901. It is a kind of tribute to the inhabitants of the province of Gironde who lost their lives during the French Revolution.

The Monument to the Girondins is located in the Place des Quinconces. It covers a total surface area of 12 hectares, making it the largest in Europe.

Visit the botanical garden

If you like outdoor activities, this is the plan for you. The Botanical Garden of Bordeaux is located on more than half a hectare of land, opposite the Place de la Bourse. It is a space full of natural beauty and tranquility. In fact, it is one of the favourite places for locals to relax in the evenings.

Wine tasting

Of course this plan has to be included in the list. We are in one of the most important wine-producing regions in the world, so wine tasting is a wonderful option to do during your trip to Bordeaux in February.

Around the city you can find hundreds of wineries with many years of experience that you can visit. Of course, you’ll enjoy a glass… or several.

Visit the medieval village of Saint – Émilion

Saint Émilion is one of the wine routes you can take from Bordeaux. It is a small but charming medieval town that seems to have been trapped in time, with narrow labyrinth-style streets, some of them cobbled.

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural beauty and historical importance. And if you are a true wine lover, this is the place for you. Around 900 wine growers are concentrated here, which gives you an idea of its leading role in the industry.

The distance from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion is about 45 km. You will be there in a very short time, although we must warn you that once you arrive, you will find it hard to leave, as you will feel in love from the very first moment.