Bordeaux vs. Burgundy: Which French Wine Region Should You Visit?
France's two most famous wine regions are fundamentally different animals. Bordeaux is big — big estates, big wines, big architecture. Burgundy is small — small plots, small producers, small villages. The wines are different. The landscapes are different. The experiences are different.
I've visited both extensively. Here's how to choose.
The Wines
Primarily blends. The Left Bank (Medoc, Graves, Margaux, Pauillac) is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant — structured, tannic, built for aging. The Right Bank (Saint-Emilion, Pomerol) is Merlot-dominant — rounder, fruitier, more approachable young. Whites are excellent (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, especially dry whites from Pessac-Leognan and sweet from Sauternes).
Bordeaux:
Burgundy: Single-varietal wines. Reds are Pinot Noir — lighter, more nuanced, terroir-driven. Whites are Chardonnay — from crisp Chablis to rich Meursault. The concept of terroir (how specific soil and microclimate shape the wine) reaches its most extreme expression in Burgundy, where adjacent vineyards produce dramatically different wines.
For beginners: Bordeaux's blends are more accessible. Burgundy's single-varietal approach demands more attention but rewards it.
The Experience
Bordeaux: Grand chateaux with gates, driveways, and appointment-only visits. The architecture is impressive — Catena Zapata-style statement buildings. Tastings at premium estates run €30-80. But the city of Bordeaux itself is a major attraction — restaurants, museums, the Cite du Vin, the waterfront, all mapped out in our complete Bordeaux guide. You split time between city culture and vineyard visits.
Burgundy: Village domaines where the winemaker answers the door. The scale is intimate — a family might farm 5 hectares across 15 different appellations. Tastings are often free (you're expected to buy a bottle or two). The villages — Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny-Montrachet — are small and quiet. The focus is entirely on wine and terroir.
Bordeaux: Oysters from Arcachon (€15 for a dozen with wine at Marche des Capucins). Caneles (caramelized rum-and-vanilla cakes). Entrecote bordelaise (steak with herb butter, unlimited frites). Duck in all forms — magret, confit, foie gras.
Burgundy: Escargot in garlic butter (€10-14). Boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine, the defining dish). Epoisses cheese (washed-rind, pungent, extraordinary with red Burgundy). Gougeres (cheese puffs). Dijon mustard from the source.
Verdict: Both are exceptional food regions. Bordeaux edges ahead on seafood (proximity to the Atlantic). Burgundy edges ahead on rustic, wine-paired comfort food.
Budget
Bordeaux: Hotel in the city: €80-180. Meals: €15-40. Grand chateau tasting: €30-80. Bar a Vin tasting: €3-8. Saint-Emilion day trip: €20-60. Daily budget: €100-200.
Burgundy: Hotel in Beaune: €90-200. Meals: €15-35. Domaine tasting: free-€15. Route des Grands Crus bike rental: €15-25/day. Daily budget: €80-150.
Verdict: Burgundy is slightly cheaper for wine tasting (free domaine visits vs. Bordeaux's paid chateau tours). Bordeaux's city amenities add cost but also add value.
Verdict by Traveler Type
Casual wine drinkers: Bordeaux. The city offers enough non-wine activities that you won't feel overwhelmed. The Cite du Vin is an excellent introduction. Blended wines are easier to appreciate without training.
Serious wine enthusiasts: Burgundy. The terroir concept, the intimacy with winemakers, and the single-varietal focus create a deeper educational experience. But you need some wine knowledge to fully appreciate it.
Couples on a romantic trip: Burgundy. Small villages, quiet dinners, vineyard walks. Bordeaux's city energy is exciting but Burgundy's intimacy is more romantic.
Families: Bordeaux. The city has activities beyond wine. The waterfront, Darwin Ecosystem, the Cite du Vin's interactive exhibits, and the beach at Arcachon (45 min by train) give non-wine options.
Budget travelers: Burgundy. Free tastings, bike-accessible vineyards, smaller and cheaper accommodation. Bordeaux's hotel and restaurant prices reflect its city status.
Can You Do Both?
Not easily in one trip unless you have 10+ days. They're 6 hours apart by car, 4+ hours by train (via Paris). But both are accessible from Paris: Bordeaux 2 hours south by TGV, Dijon (Burgundy's gateway) 1 hour 40 minutes southeast.
A two-week France trip could include: Paris (3-4 days) + Burgundy (3-4 days) + Bordeaux (3-4 days). That's the wine lover's grand tour.
For a completely different French wine experience, Colmar in Alsace offers a third option — Germanic half-timbered villages, Riesling, and the fairy-tale wine route between Eguisheim and Riquewihr. A two-week France trip from Paris could include all three regions.
Or pick one now and save the other for next time. Both will still be making wine when you come back. And if you want to add a coastal city with equally exciting food and wine culture, Lisbon is a short flight from either region.
