3 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Experience Bordeaux like never before with complete freedom to wander at your own rhythm, uncovering centuries of wine heritage and architectural marvels through captivating storytelling that brings each cobblestone to life. Our expertly crafted audio experience delivers exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even locals rarely know, narrated by professional storytellers whose engaging voices transform every street corner into a theatrical stage. Unlike rigid group tours that rush you past fascinating details, savoring wine cellars, and discovering secret passages while absorbing rich cultural context that transforms sightseeing into genuine understanding. Choose your own adventure by selecting attractions that spark your curiosity, whether you're drawn to medieval towers, grand theaters, or cutting-edge wine museums, all enhanced by crystal-clear narration that makes complex history accessible and entertaining for every traveler.
What's Included
- Private access links validity up to 6 days
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 12 attractions
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 12 attractions with audio guide individually
- Entry fees (wherever required)
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Bordeaux
France
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean
Marvel at France's architectural renaissance as you explore this stunning 19th-century railway gateway that revolutionized Bordeaux's connection to the world. Your audio guide reveals how this Beaux-Arts masterpiece became the catalyst for the city's wine export empire, transforming humble vineyards into global luxury brands. Discover secret tunnels beneath the platforms where resistance fighters once hid during WWII, and learn about the station's role in facilitating the Great Wine Exodus of 1855. Walk through the grand halls where Napoleon III once waited for his private train, while absorbing fascinating details about the engineering marvels that made this transportation hub possible.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux
Standing before Bordeaux's most iconic medieval gateway, you'll uncover the dramatic tale of how this 15th-century bell tower served as both timekeeper and executioner's stage. Your audio companion reveals the tower's secret role as a medieval prison where wine merchants who diluted their precious cargo faced public humiliation. Listen to stories of how the great bell warned citizens of approaching armies and celebrated victorious harvests that shaped Bordeaux's destiny. Explore the intricate stonework that survived centuries of revolution and war, while discovering why this tower became the symbol of municipal independence that inspired cities across Europe.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pont de Pierre
Cross Napoleon's engineering triumph while uncovering the fascinating story of how this stone bridge defied the Garonne River's treacherous currents for over two centuries. Your audio guide reveals the bridge's 17 arches represent letters in Napoleon Bonaparte's name, a hidden tribute discovered by modern historians. Learn about the innovative construction techniques that required diving bells and compressed air chambers, revolutionary technology that amazed 19th-century Europe. Discover how wine barges once navigated these waters, carrying liquid gold that funded the city's magnificent architecture, and why this bridge became the lifeline connecting Bordeaux's left and right bank wine regions.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Porte Cailhau
Enter through this spectacular 15th-century triumphal arch that once welcomed victorious kings and celebrated military conquests that secured Bordeaux's wine trade routes. Your audio experience unveils the tower's dual purpose as both ceremonial gateway and defensive fortress, complete with murder holes and hidden chambers that protected the city's precious wine stores. Discover the intricate Gothic stonework depicting royal victories, including battle scenes that most visitors never notice. Learn about the secret passages that allowed defenders to move unseen between tower levels, and hear tales of how this gate controlled the flow of wine merchants who made Bordeaux wealthy beyond imagination.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. Andre Cathedral
Witness Gothic architectural mastery in this UNESCO World Heritage cathedral where Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future King of France, forever linking Bordeaux to European royalty. Your audio guide reveals hidden symbolism carved into stone pillars, including wine-making tools blessed by medieval bishops who understood viticulture's sacred importance. Explore the separate bell tower's unique design, built to prevent collapse from bell vibrations that could damage the cathedral's soaring walls. Discover how this sacred space survived religious wars and revolutionary fury, protecting priceless artifacts that tell the story of Bordeaux's spiritual and commercial evolution through turbulent centuries.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Place de la Bourse
Stand in awe before this 18th-century architectural masterpiece that transformed Bordeaux from medieval fortress town into elegant European capital, showcasing wealth generated by wine and colonial trade. Your audio companion reveals how architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel created perfect symmetry using advanced mathematical principles that influenced urban planning across France. Learn about the square's role as a stage for royal celebrations, where wine merchants displayed their finest vintages to impress visiting dignitaries. Discover hidden details in the ornate facades that tell stories of maritime commerce, including subtle carvings representing the exotic goods that made Bordeaux merchants incredibly wealthy.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Water Mirror
Experience the world's largest reflecting pool while learning how this modern marvel transformed Bordeaux's relationship with the Garonne River and revolutionized urban waterfront design. Your audio guide reveals the engineering brilliance behind the 3,450 square meters of granite that create perfect reflections of the Place de la Bourse's classical facades. Discover how this contemporary addition sparked international acclaim, inspiring similar projects in cities worldwide while honoring Bordeaux's maritime heritage. Learn about the alternating mist and mirror cycles that represent the city's eternal dance between wine-making seasons, creating magical moments that photographers and visitors treasure as uniquely Bordeaux experiences.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Grand Theatre
Enter one of Europe's most acoustically perfect opera houses, where your audio guide reveals architectural secrets that create flawless sound distribution throughout the opulent 18th-century interior. Discover how architect Victor Louis designed the temple-like facade to rival Paris's greatest theaters, establishing Bordeaux as a cultural capital worthy of its wine wealth. Learn about hidden passages used by performers and the underground tunnels connecting to nearby wine cellars for intermission tastings. Uncover stories of famous performances that shaped European opera, including premieres that debuted here before conquering stages across the continent, making this theater a launching pad for artistic legends.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Jardin Public
Wander through Bordeaux's green oasis while your audio guide reveals how this 18th-century botanical garden became a living laboratory for wine grape cultivation experiments that revolutionized viticulture. Discover hidden grottos and romantic pathways designed to showcase exotic plants brought back by wine merchants from their global trading expeditions. Learn about the garden's role during wartime when these peaceful paths provided secret meeting places for resistance fighters coordinating operations. Explore the natural history museum's fascinating collections while understanding how botanical knowledge directly influenced wine-making techniques that made Bordeaux vintages legendary worldwide.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Musee du Vin et du Negoce
Delve deep into authentic wine cellars where your audio guide unlocks centuries of commerce secrets that built Bordeaux's reputation as the world's wine capital. Discover how medieval merchants stored precious vintages in these underground chambers, using techniques that influenced modern wine aging. Learn about the intricate trading networks that connected Bordeaux vineyards to royal courts across Europe, creating demand that drove incredible innovation in wine production. Explore interactive exhibits revealing how geography, climate, and human ingenuity combined to create terroir that produces wines considered liquid art, while understanding the economic forces that shaped this remarkable city.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas
Marvel at Europe's tallest vertical-lift bridge while your audio guide explains how this engineering marvel symbolizes Bordeaux's transformation from historic wine port to modern metropolis. Discover the bridge's innovative design that allows massive cruise ships to pass beneath while maintaining seamless traffic flow above. Learn about the complex mechanics that raise the bridge deck 53 meters skyward, a technological achievement that required international engineering collaboration. Understand how this bridge connects Bordeaux's historic center to cutting-edge developments, representing the city's commitment to honoring wine heritage while embracing contemporary innovation that attracts visitors from around the globe.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
La Cite du Vin
Immerse yourself in the world's most advanced wine museum, where your audio guide reveals how this architectural wonder's swirling design represents wine's eternal movement from grape to glass. Discover interactive exhibits that transport you through wine regions worldwide while understanding why Bordeaux remains the global reference point for quality viticulture. Learn about the building's sustainable design features that reflect wine-making's connection to environmental stewardship. Explore how cutting-edge technology creates multisensory experiences that help visitors understand wine's cultural significance across civilizations, making this museum a pilgrimage destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to understand humanity's most sophisticated agricultural achievement.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18568P84
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour?
A:Apr 2025
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Private access links validity up to 6 days.
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 12 attractions.
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 12 attractions with audio guide individually.
The following is NOT included:
- Entry fees (wherever required).
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off).
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Private access links validity up to 6 days
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 12 attractions
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 12 attractions with audio guide individually
- Entry fees (wherever required)
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Select your preferred audio guide language during booking. Language selection cannot be changed after confirmation. If your language isn't available, contact us 48+ hours in advance and we'll prepare it specially for you.
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
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