Slow tourism in Bordeaux: getting off the beaten track
Â
Life is busy and days go by fast. Sometimes the old ‘eat, sleep, repeat’ routine gets tedious, and that’s when it’s time for a holiday. And there’s no better place to unwind and unpack for a few days than in Bordeaux, one of the world’s most sought out tourism destinations. But if you’ve ever traveled to any of the world’s tourism hot spots, you would have noticed how easily overwhelmed places can become. Long lines of bus tours, busy monument visits, long queues for food and noisy crowds. But there’s another way, a better way to visit a place and get off the beaten track. Bordeaux might be famous for its wine, but it’s the rise of slow tourism that’s starting to get attention.
Â
Bordeaux weekend getaway
A lot of travelers come to Bordeaux for a rapid weekend stay, trying to visit as many places as possible. To really appreciate Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city, slow tourism encourages extending your stay more than a couple of days, so you can take your time, save your energy, and even save money. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, avoiding the hustle of mass tourism and choose slow tourism activities that give you a genuine taste of life in Bordeaux.
What is slow tourism?
Otherwise known as slow travel, slow tourism is an effort to make traveling more sustainable, environmentally-friendly and more local. Since the pandemic occurred and climate change awareness has become increasingly imperative, Â more and more local tour companies in Bordeaux have been seeking ways of making their programs more ecological and a more enduring experiences for travelers. No more rushing, no more overcrowded sightseeing: Bordeaux is the perfect city to take your time, breathe and disconnect from your busy life, and a hectic traveling schedule!
Â
Slow tourism activities in Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wine Trails offers a variety of wine tours and other local activities that encourage a culturally immersive experience with locals and their traditions. Working exclusively with local producers and winemakers, Bordeaux Wine Trails supports and protects Bordeaux’s local heritage by seeking out lesser known wineries, and allowing the time to explore it.
E-bike wine tour in Saint-Emilion
Why not take a leisurely E-bike wine tour through the French countryside, meandering slowly from chateau to chateau. Traveling in a hybrid transport van from the center of Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion, hop on an E-bike to discover the landscapes and enjoy a relaxing visit at a local vineyard, taking your time to speak with the winemaker and learn about long-held traditions.
Hiking in Arcachon Bay
If you prefer to explore on foot, the wistful coastline of the southwest of France awaits! Arcachon Bay is only a short distance from Bordeaux, and is ideal for a seaside getaway. Take a full day trek, eat fresh local oysters, and drink white wine as native birds circle over the horizon. Respect the biodiversity of nature’s beauty, take in the fresh air and relax with local delicacies; holidaying at its finest!
Black Truffle Hunt
Fancy getting your hands dirty? If you’ve got the patience and want to dive into the hard labor of truffle hunting, you’ll relish this! Get out into the nature and seek out black truffles alongside truffle hunters and their truffle pigs. Then learn about the art of cooking with truffles with a local chef. An expert sommelier will match wines and a convivial moment will be shared with all. Are you ready to become a truffle expert?
Chateau cooking class
It’s no secret that France has amazing cuisine. Learn from an expert, a local chef, cooking a gourmet lunch paired with wine for each course. Only the best in season and local produce will be selected for this genuinely decadent cooking class in a Bordeaux vineyard chateau.
Take it slow in Bordeaux
Plunge into the local culture of France’s southwest and allow yourself the time and space to soak in everything it has to offer. Sure, a quick weekend away sounds nice, but it’s even better when you slow down and live in the moment, delving into unique activities and mingling with the local culture that mass tourism services can’t provide. Bordeaux Wine Trails supports slow tourism and creating an authentically local experience. Revitalize yourself by getting off the beaten track, help preserve the historical and natural heritage that is, Bordeaux.
