Bordeaux Wine City

Building architecture and symbolism

The bold architecture of the Cité du Vin, designed by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières of the firm XTU, is distinguished by a striking silhouette standing 55 meters tall. It symbolizes the dynamic movement of wine in a glass, the flow of the Garonne River, and the coiling of a grapevine. Its facade, adorned with 3,000 aluminum and glass panels, captures and reflects the changing light and landscape in equal measure.

Designed to serve as a hub for interaction with the city and the world, the building features an auditorium, an observation deck, a library, a restaurant, a brasserie, a wine cellar, and a gift shop, in addition to its expansive exhibition spaces. It stands as a symbol of modernity, innovation, and the cultural diversity of wine.

Plan your visit to the Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux: Practical information

Address: 13 Quai Armand Lafite, 33000 Bordeaux, France

Phone number: +33 5 56 56 10 10

Website: https://ticket.laciteduvin.com/en-GB/home

Hours of operation:

• Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Last access to exhibits: 5:15 p.m.
• Exceptional closure on December 25

Price list:

• Full Price: €25
• Annual Subscriber Price: €39
• Youth rate (18-25 years): €15
• Children (5-17 years): €12
• Free for children under 5

Ticket options and prices

La Cité du Vin offers a variety of tickets to suit your tastes and budget. When you purchase a ticket Permanent exhibition and Belvedere includes admission to the main exhibition as well as a wine tasting at the top, which offers a breathtaking view of Bordeaux, for €22 per adult and €9 per child aged 6 to 17, while admission is free for children under 6.

A family pack, designed for 2 adults and 2 children, is available for €54. Tickets can be purchased for a specific date and time, or as an open-date ticket, which remains valid for one year after the date of purchase.

For an enriched experience, the Cité du Vin offers special tickets such as the Via Sensoria ticketfor a unique sensory experience, and the Bordeaux 360° ticket, an immersive experience in the world of Bordeaux wines, available for €32 for adults and €19 for children. Some combined tickets providing access to various activities within the Cité, or pass tickets Tours to explore other cultural sites in Bordeaux are also available.

How to Get There and Access

Located at 134 quai de Bacalan, in the north of Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin is easily accessible:

• By tramway line B, La Cité du Vin stop.
• By bus lines 7, 32 or 45, La Cité du Vin stop.
• By Batcub : the river transport service, with a stop at Cité du Vin.
• Visit car Indigo pay parking is available at the rue Lucien Faure entrance.
• Visit bike : There is a Vcub station across from the entrance.
• À foot The journey takes about 30 minutes from downtown, along the quayside.

Access for people with limited mobility, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired is ensured through the provision of elevators, ramps, wheelchairs, audio guides, and hearing loops.

The best times to visit and avoid the crowds

Open every day except December 25 and some days in January, Cité du Vin opening times vary according to the season, generally from 10am to 6 or 7pm.. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a full tour of the permanent exhibition; the duration can be adjusted depending on your interests.

For a more peaceful experience, plan your visit early in the morning right when the park opens, or late in the afternoon, after 4:00 p.m. The Affluences website and app let you check current and projected visitor numbers in real time, so you can choose the best time for your visit.

Not-to-be-missed experiences at the Cité du Vin

Events:

• What's at stake? In the stadium as in the vineyard: Temporary exhibition from March 16 to September 29, 2024 exploring the links between wine and sport.
  
   
• Via Sensoria: A permanent sensory tasting trail that invites you to discover the aromas and flavors of wine through your senses.
  
   
• Bordeaux 360°: An introductory wine-tasting workshop that lets you discover Bordeaux wines through six different appellations.
  
   
• Introduction to tasting workshop: An introductory wine-tasting workshop that teaches you the basics of wine tasting.

Permanent exhibition and the Belvedere

Located at the heart of the Cité du Vin, the Permanent Exhibition offers an interactive and immersive journey into the world of wine. Discover wine in all its facets: history, geography, science, art, and the senses.

Explore international vineyards, immerse yourself in wine cultures, learn about winemaking methods, explore current trends, and discover the art of living centered around wine and the emotions it evokese. A multimedia guide, customized based on your profile and the duration of your visit, will accompany you. The exhibition, featuring nearly 9 hours of content, invites you to explore it at your own pace, guided by your interests and curiosity.

To wrap up your visit, the Belvédère awaits you. This observation deck at the top of the Cité du Vin offers a tasting of a selection of wines from around the world and an exceptional panoramic view of Bordeaux and the Garonne River.

Le Belvédère, a magical space, promises relaxation and pleasure, completing your cultural and sensory enrichment.

Sensory tour and tasting workshops

For an even deeper immersion experience, the Cité du Vin offers the Via Sensoria sensory tour or tasting workshops. Via Sensoria is an innovative tasting experience that appeals to all your senses in an astonishing setting.

Discover wine through touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste, with themes such as wine and chocolate or wine and cheese. This workshop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €32 for an adult and €19 for a child.

The wine-tasting workshops will take you on a journey through wines from various regions and styles, guided by an expert. Choose from a variety of themes, including an introduction to wine tasting, Bordeaux wines, wines from around the world, or food and wine pairings. These workshops, which last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, range in price from €15 to €32 depending on the theme you choose.

Special events and nights

La Cité du Vin also offers special events and evenings for a unique wine experience. Enjoy shows, screenings, conferences, concerts, debates and events on a wide range of fascinating subjects.

The evening hours, open on Thursdays and Fridays until 10 p.m., offer exclusive access to the Permanent Exhibition and the Belvedere, where you can admire the sunset over Bordeaux while enjoying a glass of wine.

These events are available by reservation, with prices varying depending on the event.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux is a unique destination that offers a complete immersion in the world of wine. No matter how much you know about wine, this venue promises enriching discoveries, thanks to its diverse and captivating cultural offerings.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Permanent Exhibition and the Belvedere, embark on a captivating sensory journey, take part in a wine-tasting workshop, attend a special event or an evening program, all while enjoying a splendid view of Bordeaux. The Cité du Vin promises an unforgettable adventure—one you’ll want to experience at least once. So don’t wait any longer—book your ticket now and get ready for a truly magical experience!

FAQ

What is the Cité du Vin?

La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural venue celebrating wine as part of the world's living cultural heritage. It offers an extraordinary adventure through time, cultures and continents.

Who designed the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux?

The firm XTU architects, led by Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières, designed the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Their design draws inspiration from symbolic representations of wine, vineyards, and the connection to the river.

Who owns the Cité du Vin?

The city of Bordeaux owns the Cité du Vin. Management of the Cité du Vin has been entrusted to the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilizations for a period of 12 years, through 2028.

Where is the Bordeaux Wine Festival held?

The Bordeaux Wine Festival is an annual celebration that takes place in the heart of the city, along the banks of the Garonne. The next edition is scheduled for June 19-22, 2025.