Cité du Vin, Bordeaux
Museum in Bordeaux
La Cité du Vin is one of the top attractions in Bordeaux, drawing visitors from around the world with its cutting-edge design and immersive storytelling. Opened in 2016, this landmark building is instantly recognisable for its swirling, sculptural form inspired by the movement of wine in a glass. Inside, an innovative blend of multimedia, sensory installations, and interactive exhibits brings the global culture of wine to life, making it a destination that appeals to both experts and curious beginners.
Beyond its architecture, La Cité du Vin plays a central role in the city's cultural landscape and is often visited on walking tours of Bordeaux despite being slightly outside the historic centre. Its exhibitions explore wine's evolution across continents and centuries, from ancient amphorae to modern vineyards, while highlighting Bordeaux's own celebrated winemaking heritage.
History and Significance of La Cité du Vin
The idea for La Cité du Vin emerged from a desire to create an international cultural centre dedicated to wine's past, present, and future. Designed by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières of XTU, the building embodies fluidity, motion, and transformation-qualities deeply connected to wine itself. Since opening in 2016, the museum has been operated by the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilizations, ensuring a global perspective rather than one focused solely on Bordeaux.
The museum's mission is to celebrate wine as a universal cultural legacy. Exhibits were designed with the expertise of historians, sommeliers, anthropologists, and artists, creating an experience that moves seamlessly between education and emotion. Today, La Cité du Vin stands as one of the most important modern cultural institutions in France, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Things to See and Do in La Cité du Vin
La Cité du Vin offers more than 20 themed spaces, each designed to immerse you in a different aspect of wine culture. Interactive displays allow you to explore grape varieties, terroirs, historic winemaking methods, and global traditions. Sensory areas encourage you to smell and identify aromas, while 3D maps and films take you on a journey through vineyards around the world.
One of the highlights is the Belvedere on the top floor, where a wine tasting is included with your ticket. Here, you can sample a wine from a rotating global selection while taking in panoramic views over Bordeaux and the Garonne River. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, talks, and workshops throughout the year, making each visit unique.
How to Get There
La Cité du Vin is located in the modern Bassins à Flot district, north of the historic centre. It is easily reached by tram on Line B, which stops directly outside the museum. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Several public car parks are available in the surrounding area for those travelling by car. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting La Cité du Vin
- Best time to visit La Cité du Vin: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around €22-€25, including a tasting at the Belvedere.
- Opening hours: Typically 10 a.m.-6 p.m., extended hours in summer.
- Official website: Check for exhibitions and updated hours.
- How long to spend: 2-3 hours, longer if joining a workshop.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts and adapted facilities.
- Facilities: Gift shop, wine bar, restaurants, restrooms.
- Photography tip: The Belvedere offers great shots over the Garonne, especially at sunset.
- Guided-tours: Available in multiple languages; audio guides included with entry.
- Nearby food options: Several riverside restaurants and cafés within walking distance.
Where to Stay close to La Cité du Vin
For modern comfort near the museum, consider Radisson Blu Hotel Bordeaux, located in the Bassins à Flot district. Another excellent choice is Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville, which offers easy access to both the Chartrons and the riverside walk. Travellers seeking boutique charm may enjoy Hotel Vatel Bordeaux, close to galleries, cafés, and tram connections.
Is La Cité du Vin Worth Visiting?
Yes-La Cité du Vin is one of the must-see places in Bordeaux for anyone interested in culture, architecture, or wine. Its immersive exhibits, global perspective, and rooftop tasting create a memorable experience that goes far beyond a traditional museum visit.
What Other Travellers Say...
La Cité du Vin at 134 Quai de Bacalan is a high-tech, interactive wine museum housed in a curved aluminum-and-glass building that offers multi-level exhibits covering wine production, service and global wine culture; visitors praise immersive features like aroma generators, touch-and-see displays, an easy-to-use audio guide, lockers for bags and a bodega, and recommend allowing a few hours to explore. The top floor features a panoramic tasting room where tickets include samples and city views, and there's an on-site restaurant with meat, seafood and vegetarian options and notable desserts.
FAQs for Visiting La Cité du Vin
Nearby Attractions to La Cité du Vin
- Bassins de Lumières: A vast digital art centre housed in a former submarine base.
- Les Halles de Bacalan: A lively indoor market with gourmet food stalls.
- Chartrons District: Known for antique shops, wine bars, and historic merchant houses.
- CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art: A major art museum in a former warehouse.
- Garonne Riverside Walk: Scenic paths ideal for strolling or cycling.
The Cité du Vin appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Nearby Attractions
- Les Halles de Bacalan (0.1) km
Market - Musée du Vin et du Négoce (1.7) km
Museum - Esplanade des Quinconces (2.6) km
Fountain and Square - Place de la Bourse (2.8) km
Square - Pont de Pierre (2.8) km
Bridge - Maison Gobineau (2.8) km
Historic Building - Le Grand-Théâtre (2.9) km
Theatre - Place du Parlement (2.9) km
Square - Église Saint-Pierre (2.9) km
Church - Porte Cailhau (3.0) km
City Gate
