July 3, 2025
When planning a trip to Bordeaux, one question always comes up: What’s the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank?
If you’ve found yourself Googling “Bordeaux Left Bank vs Right Bank”, you’re not alone. It’s not just geography—it’s wine style, personality, and the kind of experience you’ll have. Whether you’re a casual wine sipper or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the two sides of Bordeaux helps shape the perfect trip.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Left Bank: Home of the Big Reds
Where it is: West of the Gironde and Garonne rivers
Famous areas: Médoc (including Margaux and Pauillac), Graves
Wine style: Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way here. Expect bold, structured wines with great aging potential.
Why go:
- Legendary Grand Cru Classé châteaux like Phelan Ségur, Gruaud Larose, and Lascombes
- Scenic drives through vineyard-covered countryside
- Elegant lunches at classic restaurants like Le Lion d’Or in Margaux
Where to stay:
Bordeaux city makes an ideal home base for Left Bank exploration. It’s walkable, vibrant, and filled with wine bars, boutiques, and brasseries.
- Classic stay: Best Western Premier Hôtel Bayonne Etche-Ona – Boutique charm and an unbeatable central location, just steps from the Bordeaux Tourism Office (where most wine tours begin).
- Luxury stay: InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel – A 5-star icon with a rooftop bar, Guerlain spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant, set across from the city’s Grand Théâtre.
Right Bank: Charming Villages and Velvet Reds
Where it is: East of the Dordogne River
Famous areas: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol
Wine style: Merlot-driven blends that are soft, rich, and ready to enjoy sooner than their Left Bank cousins.
Why go:
- Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage village with cobblestone streets and underground wine cellars
- Warm, family-owned wineries and more relaxed tasting experiences
- Incredible vineyard lunches, like the one at Château Petit Faurie de Soutard
Where to stay:
Staying in the heart of Saint-Émilion gives you easy access to its wine culture, charming streets, and unforgettable views.
- Classic stay: Logis de la Cadène – A cozy boutique hotel tucked right into the village, with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent service.
- Luxury stay: Hôtel de la Pavie – A refined 5-star property with panoramic views and a Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Yannick Alléno. A perfect splurge for wine lovers.
Choosing Bordeaux Left Bank vs Right Bank? (Why Not Both?)
f time allows, I highly recommend splitting your stay between both sides. A few nights in Bordeaux city gives you a taste of urban life and Left Bank legends. Then, head to Saint-Émilion for a slower pace, softer wines, and storybook scenery.
It’s the best of both worlds—literally.
No matter which side of the river you’re on, the wine is just the beginning. The food, the people, and the rhythm of life here are what truly make Bordeaux wine country unforgettable. Having been to the region repeatedly, I’d love to help you design the perfect trip—whether it’s your first time or a return visit. You can set up a call with me to learn more, here’s the link to my calendar. 📅
