Bordeaux Wine Country and Arcachon Bay
Using Bordeaux as a base, this trip links the old town, the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and the Dune du Pilat.
You stay in Bordeaux's old town throughout, with no hotel changes. The first day is a walk around the old town and the Miroir d'Eau, followed by trips to the Left Bank's Médoc and the Right Bank's Saint-Émilion, and finally to Arcachon Bay to climb the dune and eat oysters. No car is needed, though the Médoc requires a tour or a chartered car. The Sauternes region is left out. A good fit for a short first-time getaway to Bordeaux.
Most château visits require a reservation, especially during harvest season and on weekends, so book early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Strolling the Old Town of the Port of the Moon
Bordeaux（Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux、Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau、Porte Cailhau、Bordeaux Cathedral & Pey-Berland Tower、Bordeaux Old Town (Saint-Pierre)）
After arriving, take the tram into the city. The old town is entirely walkable, about 5 km on foot.
Stay: Saint-Pierre Old Town
Day 2 · Médoc Châteaux and the Cité du Vin
Bordeaux（Médoc Wine Route、La Cité du Vin、Chartrons）
In the morning, join a tour or charter a car north along the D2 to Margaux and Pauillac, about 1 hour's drive, then return to the city in the afternoon.
Book châteaux in advance, and leave the Cité du Vin for last in the afternoon.
Stay: Saint-Pierre Old Town
Day 3 · A Day in Saint-Émilion
Take the TER from Saint-Jean station, about 40 minutes to 1 hour, then walk about 2 km from the station into the village.
There are few return trains, so check the last departure first.
Stay: Saint-Pierre Old Town
Day 4 · Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat
Bordeaux（Dune du Pilat、Arcachon Bay）
Take the TER to Arcachon (about 50 minutes), then bus 3 to the dune, about 1 hour 15 minutes in total.
The dune has no shade, so avoid midday in summer.