Bordeaux is the ideal destination for a weekend escape. With its captivating architecture, vibrant culture, and superb wine, this beautiful city is a must-visit for both tourists and locals. Just jump on the train from Paris Montparnasse, and you can be there in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The best hotel in Bordeaux is Yndo Hotel – a boutique hotel with only twelve rooms located in the heart of Bordeaux, near Monument aux Girondins, Grand Theatre, and Jardin Botanique du Jardin Public. The best room in the Yndo Hotel is the Secret Room, the only room on the lower level and the only one with a private patio.

While I was in Bordeaux I took the opportunity to rent a car and drive out to Pech Merle. Pech Merle is home to a prehistoric cave and museum. The cave is full of paintings, some of which are over 29,000 years old. If you have time, it’s well worth the drive out and the day to tour it.

I also took the opportunity to take a day tour of St. Emilion. This day tour was the highlight of my trip to Bordeaux. It picks you up and drops you off at the National Opera. We stopped at two wineries, tasted wine and learned how wine is labeled and bottled. Our guide also explained the wine appellations and cru classifications. Then we went to St. Emilion village and got a tour from our guide. After the tour we stopped at one more winery, toured another wine cellar, and tasted more wine with some light snacks. The tour ended with the guide dropping us back by the National Opera. The perfect way to end the day is with wine and cheese on the private patio at Yndo Hotel.

Even if you stay within Bordeaux’s city center, there is plenty to see and do. Start a walking tour at Place de la Comedie, next to the Grand Theatre. The Grand Theatre was inaugurated in 1780 and has 12 Corinthian-style columns on the portico. Depending on when you’re visiting Bordeaux you may be able to tour the Grand Theatre, just making sure you make reservations in advance. Before leaving Place de la Comedia, visit L’Intendant, a wine shop that features only wine from Bordeaux. It has a spiral staircase lined with bottles and organized by appellation.

Next, along Place des Quincones, you’ll find the Monument aux Girondins with nine muses and three goddesses standing watch over the opera house. If you look at the grouping of sculptures at the base, you’ll find horses and a chariot, seahorses, the city sitting on the bow of a ship, and a Gallic rooster.

You can then walk towards the river along the Place des Quinconces. Cross the street toward the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse. The Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool. If you can, come by at night when the pool is at its prettiest.

Next head over to Saint-Michel and the Basilica of Saint-Michel, but between the 14th and 16th centuries. Climb up the bell tower for one of the best views over the city. On your way to the Basilica stop by the Pont de Pierre, running across River Garonne, and count the arches.

Finish the day over at the public garden and have a picnic after exploring the arboretum, lake, and natural history museum.

In conclusion, Bordeaux is a spectacular place to spend a weekend. With its captivating architecture, vibrant culture, and superb wine, it's no wonder this beautiful city is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. From St. Emilion day tours to exploring places like Place des Quinconces and the Miroir d'Eau, there's something for everyone in Bordeaux. To truly experience all this city has to offer, especially if you only have a weekend, staying at Yndo Hotel – and getting the chance to relax on the private patio of the Secret Room – is certainly the best way to do it. As the French poet Honoré de Balzac said, “Bordeaux is a city of pleasure and the greatest wine factory in the world.” Let yourself be captivated by the magic of this fantastic city for the perfect weekend getaway.