Today, I’m going to take you on a fascinating journey through the world of wine. Our destination? Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin, a unique venue that celebrates wine as a living, universal cultural heritage.
Would you like to visit? Here’s all the information you need to know.
Welcome to La Cité du Vin: a wine museum to discover in Bordeaux!
The Cité du Vin is much more than just a museum.
Located in the magnificent city of Bordeaux, it offers an immersive experience in the history, culture and science of wine.
As soon as you catch sight of the bold, modern architecture of the Cité du Vin, you know you’re in for a real treat.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by a host of interesting exhibits.
These will guide you through the ages, continents and cultures, revealing the many facets of wine. And of course, a visit to the Cité du Vin wouldn’t be complete without a tasting of wines from all over the world!
Highlights of a visit to the Cité du Vin
- The building’s innovative and impressive architecture
- Interactive and educational exhibitions on the history of wine
- Wine tasting of wines from around the world at the Belvédère, offering a panoramic view of Bordeaux
- Le 7″ restaurant with its refined cuisine and selection of over 500 wines
- The bookshop-boutique where you can buy wines and souvenirs
Disadvantages of visiting the Cité du Vin
- The modernity of the premises contrasts badly with the nobility and tradition of the wines.
- When there are a lot of people, the layout of the premises is not adapted to ensure a pleasant visit for all.
What can you see at the Cité du Vin?
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious, here’s what you can see and do at this unique venue.
Discover the permanent exhibitions
The permanent tour takes visitors on a journey through time and space to discover wine in its many dimensions: historical, geographical, cultural, symbolic and even spiritual.
Comprising twenty themed modules, it lets you explore the history of wine, how it’s made, its impact on society, and much more.
Each module teaches you different things.
Explore temporary exhibitions
In addition to the permanent tour, the Cité du Vin offers temporary exhibitions exploring various aspects of wine and wine culture.
These exhibitions, often conceived in collaboration with other cultural institutions, enable visitors to delve deeper into specific themes or discover the wines of a particular region or country.
Take part in a wine tasting workshop
For those wishing to refine their palate and enrich their knowledge, the Cité du Vin offers a variety of tasting workshops.
Led by experts, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn how to taste wine, understand its nuances and match wine and food.
Enjoy the panoramic view from the Belvedere
At the top of La Cité du Vin, 35 meters above sea level, the Belvedere offers a breathtaking view of Bordeaux and the Garonne.
This is also where you can enjoy a glass of wine, included in the price of your ticket. With a selection of wines from all over the world, this is your chance to discover new grape varieties and terroirs.
Enjoy a meal at Le 7 restaurant
If you’re feeling peckish, take a break at Le 7 restaurant, located on the 7th floor of La Cité du Vin. With its refined cuisine inspired by the flavors of the world and a wine list featuring over 500 wines, it’s a culinary experience not to be missed.
How much does it cost to visit Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin?
Several types of tickets are available for a visit to the Cité du Vin;
The ticket for a visit to the permanent exhibition and a “Belvedere” tasting is:
- Dated ticket: €22 for an adult / €9 for a child aged 6 to 17 / €54 family pack (2 adults + 2 children)
- Undated ticket: €27 for an adult / €14 for a child aged 6 to 17
Ticket for a visit to the sensory tasting trail:
- 22€ for an adult
- 17.60€ for reduced rates (student, unemployed, disabled person)
- 9€ for children aged 6 to 17.
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to the Cité du Vin last?
A visit to the Cité du Vin lasts between 2 and 4 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore all the different areas.
But if you’re an enthusiast, the visit can be longer. On its official website, the Cité du Vin announces 9 hours of content in the museum.
Where is the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux?
La Cité du Vin is at 134 Quai de Bacalan in Bordeaux.
How do I get to the Cité du Vin?
If you’re coming by car, note that La Cité du Vin is close to the Bordeaux ring road (exit 4, Bordeaux-Lac). Underground parking is available for visitors.
If you’re coming by train, take the streetcar from Gare Saint-Jean or bus line 32 from Gare de Cernon.
For those who prefer public transport, tramway line B, stop “la Cité du Vin”, drops you off right at the entrance.
You can also take a bus line 7, 32 or 45. The stop is also called “la Cité du Vin”.
What are the opening hours of the Cité du Vin?
Opening times for the museum section of the Cité du Vin are:
- Mid-April to September: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- The rest of the year: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The wine cellar and bar are open from 10:30 a.m.
Le 7″ restaurant is open daily from 10:00 to 14:30, and from Thursday to Saturday evenings from 19:00.
Opinions on La Cité du Vin: is it a good visit?
When you arrive at the Cité du Vin, the first thing that strikes you is the building’s architecture. Some find it magnificent, others hate it. I’m somewhere in between. I don’t find it “beautiful,” but its originality is astonishing.
My visit began with the permanent exhibition. It’s made up of 6 universes and 18 modules. Although I drink wine regularly, I’m not a wine connoisseur. The most historical part was my favorite. This is the “gallery of civilizations”.
To learn more, the “Six wine families” section is educational. On the other hand, I didn’t like the section on wine trends.
I concluded my visit with a wine tasting at the belvedere. In the middle of May, the sun was out, and between the weather, the view and the glass, the moment was delicious.
What else can you do near the Cité du Vin?
In addition to your visit to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux offers a host of exciting activities.
Here are some of my recommendations:
- Discover the Bassin à Flot: this renaissance district is home to trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques.
- Take a stroll along the Quais de Bordeaux: a beautiful walk that takes you through the city’s historic heritage.
- Visit the CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux: for art lovers, this is a must.
- Take a cruise on the Garonne: a unique way to discover the city from the water.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
