Medoc or Saint Emilion Wine Tasting and Chateau from Bordeaux
4,8 (1505)4h30Bordeaux, France
From€85
HistoricalHiking
Bordeaux: Eleanor of Aquitaine & Medieval Bordeaux Tour
Bordeaux, France
2hDurationEnglish, French, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupWheelchair accessibleAccessibilityModerateLevel
About this experience
Explore medieval Bordeaux over the course of this tour, which reveals the significant people, places, and events that contributed to the city's prominence in medieval Europe. Participants will visit sites like the mummy crypt of Saint-Michel and the former cemetery at Place Meynard, while observing preserved timber-framed houses and narrow streets that reflect daily life in medieval times. The tour emphasizes the importance of guilds and river trade in Bordeaux’s prosperity during the Middle Ages and illustrates the city's role as a crossroads for faith, power, and commerce, from churches to fortified gates. It provides insights into historic figures, including the Dukes of Aquitaine and Eleanor, who influenced Europe's history. The experience contrasts Gothic architecture with the vibrant atmosphere of the old quarters, offering a tangible connection to Bordeaux’s medieval heritage. This tour is suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural evolution of Bordeaux. Note that it may not cater to individuals seeking a focus on the city’s classical or wine-related aspects.
Itinerary
1
Bordeaux
Begin at the Basilica of Saint-Michel, a Gothic masterpiece with its soaring spire, chapels funded by medieval guilds, and the mysterious crypt of mummies. Explore Place Meynard, once a bustling cemetery at the heart of local life, then wander through narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses, including the city’s oldest home on Rue Neuve. Pass through the majestic Porte Cailhau, both gate and triumphal arch, once leading to the Palace of the Dukes of Aquitaine. Visit Saint-Pierre Church, where religion and river trade met, and admire the Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux’s medieval belfry symbolizing civic power. Along Rue du Mirail, feel the authentic atmosphere of medieval urban life. The tour concludes at the Cathedral of Saint-André and Pey-Berland Tower, where the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine unfolds—a queen whose marriage reshaped the destiny of France and England. This immersive journey reveals Bordeaux as a city of faith, commerce, power, and legends.
What's included / not included
Live-tour guide
Gratuities
Additional information
Accessibility and comfort
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
