In less than seven years, the Cité du Vin has become the world’s largest museum dedicated to wine culture. Far from just Bordeaux itself, you can explore a wide range of wine-related themes, including the history of the vineyard’s expansion, the different wine-growing landscapes around the world and some of the secrets behind this noble drink. Let me show you around this essential landmark of the city of Bordeaux.
What is the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux and what makes it so unique?
More than just a museum, it’s a cultural centre devoted entirely to wine. In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Cité du Vin boasts rooms for wine-tasting workshops, a media library, two restaurants, an incredible cellar with a wealth of iconic international wines, a shop stocked with wine-related items and souvenirs and, not forgetting, the panoramic belvedere on the 8th floor!
So, what exactly is there to see and do at Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin?
The Cité du Vin’s permanent exhibitions
I recommend starting with the permanent tour. You’re in luck, because it has just been renovated, only seven years after it opened its doors to the public. I find it even more intuitive and interactive than before. You’ll be given a small tablet that doubles as an audio guide (translated into 8 languages). In this way, you can tailor your visit to the areas that interest you most. There’s really something for everyone, whether you’re keen on history, geography, culture or gastronomy. The tour ends in style with a complimentary glass on the top floor of the Cité du Vin (included in the admission).
Via Sensoria, the new sensory tasting journey
Until 5 November 2023, the Cité du Vin’s new temporary exhibition will take you on an incredible sensory journey. With a wine expert (sommelier) as your guide, you’ll be taken on an immersive tour through the four seasons. Each area features artistic and digital works to enhance your enjoyment as you sample the wines or soft drinks offered. The whole family is welcome to visit, from age 6 upwards.
Tasting workshops
Besides the exhibitions, you can also book one of Cité du Vin’s excellent wine-tasting experiences. These may focus on specific wine-producing countries or regions as well as on particular winemaking techniques or environmental certifications (organic or biodynamic wine-growing). Depending on the theme, they will be hosted by experts to help you expand your knowledge and make exciting discoveries.
Bordeaux 360°
While the Cité du Vin is not specifically about Bordeaux, it is nonetheless located in the world’s wine capital! That’s why it was impossible to overlook this magnificent region. The Cité du Vin invites you to take part in an immersive wine-tasting experience, surrounded by 360° screens, to plunge into the finest Gironde landscapes. A combination of wines and scenery to take you on a journey throughout the area.
What does the Cité du Vin’s architectural design represent?
Many see it as a decanter, but I prefer the architects’ poetic explanation: “This building has no recognisable shape because it is intended to reflect the soul of wine, standing between the river and the city”. It evokes perpetual movement, like wine swirling in a glass, a vine growing, or the flows and eddies of the Garonne River. As for the gilded panels, they conjure up Bordeaux’s pale limestone, the shimmer of a sweet wine or the sparkle of the river flowing below the building. A new photographic exhibition on the ground floor provides an opportunity to explore this building’s architecture in greater detail, focusing on the idea of movement.
Can you eat at the Cité du Vin?
Yes, of course. There are several dining options in and around the Cité du Vin. On the ground floor, you’ll find a café-brasserie (café-brewery) opening towards the gardens, while the seventh floor has a gourmet restaurant boasting panoramic city views. Opposite the Cité du Vin, you’ll find Les Halles Bacalan, a concept that combines a grocery market and a food court. It features a selection of stalls selling regional products including oysters, foie gras and cured ham, as well as a number of places to eat. Finally, I can recommend a somewhat secluded spot nearby: the Bar de la Marine with its popular shaded terrace in the summer. Don’t forget to book, as it quickly fills up.
How to get to the Cité du Vin?
The Cité du Vin lies in Bordeaux’s northern Bassins à Flots neighbourhood. It’s on tramway line B, at the “Cité du Vin” stop. You can’t miss it. It can also be reached by bike from the historic city centre, with bike rentals and parking stations nearby. There is also a paid car parking on the other side of the street. A much more original way of getting there is by “batcub”, a public river shuttle service. You can board at Stalingrad, at the foot of the stone bridge (right bank) or from the pontoon at Place des Quinconces. The shuttle will drop you off right in front of the museum. This fun way of getting to the Cité du Vin is my personal favourite, with impressive views along the way.
I hope all this has inspired you to visit this amazing museum that has taken its place as one of Bordeaux’s premier landmarks. It’s well worth a visit, both for experienced connoisseurs as well as for those who are new to the world of wine. Don’t be overwhelmed by the building’s impressive size and unusual shape, although you should still plan on spending a while there, because I’m sure you’ll love it.
And if you’d like to see the wineries afterwards, click here to find how to visit Bordeaux’s vineyards in a day.
