DAY TRIPS FROM CAP FERRET
Discover Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, France
With its pine forests, pristine beaches, and famous oyster shacks, Cap Ferret is one of France’s most captivating coastal escapes. Yet its charm extends well beyond the peninsula. While nearby destinations such as Arcachon and the world-famous Dune du Pilat are only moments away, visitors can also reach two of southwest France’s most celebrated locations within just a couple of hours: the elegant city of Bordeaux and the storybook village of Saint-Émilion.
Both make for unforgettable day trips from Cap Ferret, offering a mix of history, culture, and gastronomy that perfectly complements the calm rhythm of the coast. Whether you’re drawn to grand architecture and world-class museums or medieval streets and hillside vineyards, each destination showcases a completely unique side of the region.
This guide outlines the best things to do in Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, with suggested itineraries you can tailor to your own interests. You can drive directly from Cap Ferret, combine ferry and train connections through Arcachon, or join a guided tour for a seamless experience. Whichever you choose, these easy day trips make it simple to see the best of the Gironde while keeping Cap Ferret as your relaxing home base.
Things to Do in Bordeaux, France: Wine, Culture, and Architectural Splendour
Morning: Discover Bordeaux’s Historic Core
Begin your day at Place de la Bourse, the jewel of Bordeaux’s riverfront, where classical façades shimmer in the Miroir d’Eau. From here, walk along the Garonne promenade, part of the city’s UNESCO-listed Port de la Lune. The path winds past gardens, public art, and cafés that overlook the river.
Next, head inland through the neighbourhood of Saint-Pierre (a charming area full of great brasseries, boutique shopping, and even a cinema located in a historical church) to Cathédrale Saint-André, one of the city’s most striking landmarks, and climb the Pey Berland Tower for sweeping views. If you have time, browse the boutiques along Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, or stop for a morning coffee at a local brasserie. Be sure to try one of Bordeaux's most renowned delicacies: the canelé.
Lunch: A Taste of Bordeaux Tradition
For lunch, try La Tupina, a restaurant that has defined traditional Bordelais cooking for decades. Expect rustic dishes such as duck confit, roasted chicken, and potatoes cooked in duck fat, best enjoyed with a glass of Bordeaux red. Another option is Marché des Capucins, the city’s lively food market, where stalls overflow with oysters, cheese, and fresh produce from the region. We highly recommend visiting on a Sunday, when the area next to the cathedral of Saint Michael turns into a huge flea and antique market; it's beautiful and absolutely worth visiting!
Afternoon: Wine, Art, and Riverside Inspiration
Spend your afternoon at La Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to the culture of wine. Its exhibits trace winemaking through history and across continents, while the rooftop bar offers panoramic views and tastings overlooking the Garonne. Just opposite, you’ll find Les Halles de Bacalan, a lively food market perfect for sampling a wide variety of Basque tapas and refreshing drinks.
For something completely different, visit Les Bassins des Lumières, an immersive art centre housed in a former submarine base. Enormous digital projections transform the vast industrial space into a breathtaking, multisensory art experience.
Evening: Bordeaux by the Water
As the day draws to a close, stroll along the Quais des Marques, a stylish riverside area filled with restaurants and wine bars. Enjoy dinner on a terrace as the city lights reflect off the river, capturing the elegance that makes Bordeaux one of France’s most beautiful urban landscapes.
Things to Do in Saint-Émilion, France: Vineyards, History, and Timeless Beauty
Morning: Explore the Heart of the Medieval Village
A UNESCO world heritage site since 1999, the village of Saint-Émilion feels as though time has stood still. Begin at the Monolithic Church, carved directly into the limestone beneath the village square. Wander through winding cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops, cafés, and art galleries. For panoramic views, climb the King’s Tower (Tour du Roy), which overlooks the terraced vineyards that stretch to the horizon.
Lunch: Local Flavours and Fine Wine
Stop for lunch at L’Envers du Décor, a beloved local bistro known for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional wine list. Dine on regional specialities such as grilled duck breast or confit lamb shoulder, paired with a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Many restaurants here have shaded courtyards that offer a peaceful break in the middle of your day.
Afternoon: Vineyard Tours and Wine Tastings
Dedicate your afternoon to discovering some of the surrounding vineyards. Visit Château La Dominique, where striking contemporary architecture meets traditional winemaking, or Château Coutet, a family-run estate offering intimate tours. Both provide the opportunity to learn about the region’s unique terroir and sample some of its most distinguished wines.
You can also stop by the local tourist office to ask about daily excursions—arriving around 9:30 a.m. is best, as most tours begin at 10:00 a.m. A hidden treasure not to miss is the underground tour, which beautifully reveals the village’s layered history.
Before heading back, pause at the Cloître des Cordeliers for a glass of Crémant de Bordeaux, the local sparkling wine, enjoyed in a peaceful garden surrounded by medieval ruins.
Evening: Sunset Over the Vineyards
As you prepare to return to Cap Ferret, take in the golden light as it settles over the rolling hills of Saint-Émilion. The soft glow across the vineyards is one of the most memorable sights in southwest France and the perfect finale to a day steeped in history and flavour. For dinner, stop at La Terrasse Rouge, a hidden gem neighbouring the world-famous Cheval Blanc. Perched atop the wine cellars of Château La Dominique, it offers refined regional cuisine and panoramic vineyard views, creating an unforgettable setting to toast the end of your Saint-Émilion adventure.
Bonus Day Trip: The Basque Coast
For an adventurous full-day outing, set off early and head south to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque Basque seaside village that makes a delightful stop on the way to San Sebastián. Continue across the border for dinner overlooking La Concha Bay, where exceptional pintxos and warm Basque hospitality await. It is a long day, but one you will never regret.
Where to Stay for Day Trips from Cap Ferret
After a full day exploring Bordeaux or Saint-Émilion, there’s no better place to return to than Villas de Rêve à la Mer. Ideally located near Plage de l’Horizon and within walking distance of Cap Ferret’s shops, markets, and restaurants, it offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience.
Villas de Rêve à la Mer is ideally situated for travellers who want to enjoy peaceful coastal living while remaining close enough for easy access to destinations like Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. Whether you choose to drive, join a private tour, or travel by ferry and train, returning to the calm of Cap Ferret at the end of the day makes every excursion even more enjoyable.
Book your stay at Villas de Rêve à la Mer to experience the best of both worlds: the quiet beauty of the Atlantic coast and the rich cultural and culinary treasures of southwest France.
The Perfect Balance of Coast and Culture
From tasting wine among the vineyards of Saint-Émilion to dining beside the river in Bordeaux, these day trips from Cap Ferret reveal the incredible diversity of southwest France. Each journey offers a different glimpse into the region’s artistry, architecture, and way of life.
With Villas de Rêve à la Mer as your base, you can explore freely by day and unwind by the ocean each evening, creating a holiday that blends discovery and relaxation in perfect harmony.