Visiting Bordeaux wineries without a car is possible. However, because the estates are located outside the city and in different directions, it’s not the easiest wine tour to do independently. It requires a bit of planning – especially when it comes to scheduling appointments and arranging transport.
If you prefer not to drive in Bordeaux, your options include Uber, train, tram or bus, or joining an organized wine tour.
Most estates welcome visitors by appointment only, and tastings usually start right on time. Because visits are guided and scheduled back-to-back, arriving late can mean missing the experience entirely. Transport needs to be planned with this in mind.
Organized small-group and private tours that take care of all transport and scheduling for you.
If you choose to explore independently, book your visits in advance, select wineries close to each other, and leave generous time between appointments. Below you’ll find straightforward, car-free itineraries that work well with trains, trams, and short walks.
Closest to Bordeaux: Pessac-Léognan
The closest is the visit to the Pessac chateaux. If you have limited time, or would like to visit a winery accessible by public transit from Bordeaux city center, you can visit these wineries in Pessac and Mérignac located not too far from the city.
Château Pape Clément (recommended)
Château les Carmes Haut Brion (recommended)
How to Get There?
🚇 Option 1: Tram + Short Walk (Best for Les Carmes Haut-Brion)
- From central Bordeaux, take Tram A .
- Get off at “Saint Agustin”.
- Walk about 12 minutes to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion.
Travel time: ~20–25 minutes from the city centre.
Why choose this: Fast, easy, and fully walkable from the tram.
🚍 Option 2: Bus
- Take Bus 24 from central Bordeaux
Travel time: ~35–40 minutes.
Why choose this: Good for both châteaux.
🚕 Option 3: Uber / Taxi
From central Bordeaux, you can also use Uber or a taxi:
- To Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion: around 10–15 minutes.
- To Château Pape Clément: around 15–20 minutes.
Why choose this: Ideal if you have limited time, luggage, or bad weather.
🚕 Option 4: Private tour (Most Comfortable)
There are not many group tours organized to this area. Private tour will be more suitable.
Practical tips:
– Always book your tastings in advance.
– At Pape Clément, visits tend to be long - 1.5 hours.
– Les Carmes Haut-Brion has one of the most striking modern cellars in Bordeaux – the architecture tour is worth it.
Pessac-Léognan Car-Free Itinerary
If you have a full-day available, I propose the following itinerary:
Morning:
Start with either Château Pape Clément, Château Luchey-Halde or Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion — all are the easiest wineries to reach from central Bordeaux by public transport. Allow 1.5 hours for a visit and tasting. First visit is typically set at 10 am or 10:30 am.
Lunch:
Local bakery in Pessac. For example, They serve sandwiches, salads and desserts. Alternatively, Château Pape Clément has some snacks you can consume in the tasting room.
Afternoon:
From Pessac, take an Uber to the Pessac-Léognan estates such as Château Couhins, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château Bouscaut, or Château Carbonnieux.
While public transport (bus) does technically reach some of these wineries, it’s long, confusing, and not ideal, especially if you don’t speak French.
Get Uber or taxi to go back to Bordeaux. You may need to wait a bit for your pick up.
By Train: Saint-Émilion
If you want to visit Bordeaux wine country without renting a car, Saint-Émilion is the most rewarding option in my opinion. Direct trains from Bordeaux take you straight into the vineyards, and from there it’s a short walk (or quick taxi) up to the medieval village.
Once you arrive, several wineries are reachable on foot from the train station and from the village. You can spend the whole day tasting, wandering, and enjoying views without ever getting behind the wheel.
How to Get to Saint-Émilion by Train
🚆 Step 1: Train from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion
- From Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, take a regional TER train toward Bergerac/Sarlat.
- Get off at “Saint-Émilion” station.
- The journey takes around 33-40 minutes, depending on the train.
Tip: Check current schedules and buy tickets on the SNCF Connect website or app or at the station. Trains usually run several times a day (every 1-2 hours), but fewer on Sundays and holidays. Some trains have an option to hold bicycle in the 2nd class carriage. Book this option in advance.
🚶♀️ Step 2: Walk from the Station to the Village
- From the station, follow the signs to “Saint-Émilion” village.
- The walk takes about 20–25 minutes and is slightly uphill.
- You’ll pass vineyards on the way, so it’s a pretty and very “wine country” walk.
Good to know: Wear comfortable shoes – the last part into the village is cobblestoned and some streets are steep.
🚕 Optional: Taxi from the Station
If you prefer not to walk, you can take a taxi from the station to the village or directly to your château:
- Ride time: around 5–10 minutes.
- Best to book in advance, especially outside peak season.
Once in the village:
– Several wineries are within walking distance (e.g. Clos Fourtet, Château La Gaffelière, Château Soutard).
– Tastings are by reservation, so it’s best to book ahead.
– Allow time to explore the medieval streets, viewpoints, and wine shops.
Saint-Émilion Car-Free Itinerary (Full Day)
Here’s a simple itinerary for a smooth, car-free Saint-Émilion experience.
Morning: Train + Walk to the Village
Start your day by taking a TER train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Saint-Émilion (about 35–40 minutes).
From the station, enjoy a 20–25 minute walk through the vineyards into the village.
Morning Winery Visit (Walkable)
Choose one winery within easy walking distance from the village:
Clos Fourtet
Château Villemaurine
Château Guadet
All offer guided tastings, stunning vineyard settings, and a fantastic introduction to Right Bank wines.
Allow 1–1.5 hours for the visit.
Lunch in the Village
Stay in the village for lunch — there are many cafés, wine bars, and casual restaurants. Perfect options include: simple bistros, wine bars with small plates, outdoor terraces in warm weather and 2 Michelin-star restaurants. There is a light picnic option at Cloitre des Cordeliers.
It’s best to reserve ahead during busy months (May to September).
Afternoon: Another Walkable Tasting
After lunch, visit a second winery. Great walkable choices include:
Château Cadet Bon
Château du Clos de l’Oratoire
Château Ambe Tour Pourret (a bit farther but still manageable)
Explore the Village
Allow some time to simply wander through the village — enjoy the panoramic views from the King’s Tower and stop by the Cloître des Cordeliers. You can also join a guided underground monument tour, such as the Monolithic Church or the catacombs.
There are plenty of wine shops where you can taste and pick up bottles or gifts.
Saint-Émilion is compact and easy to explore on foot, so take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.
Evening: Train Back to Bordeaux
Walk back to the station (20–25 minutes).
Trains run regularly back to Bordeaux, especially in late afternoon and early evening.
Uber is a possible solution to go back to Bordeaux, but I find it quite difficult to get a car here.
The wineries of Saint-Émilion are spread around the region. If you don’t want to be limited by geography and prefer visiting specific wineries some of which are a 15–20 minute drive from the Saint-Émilion train station, then the best option is to rent a car or book a private tour.
Distances in wine country can look short on a map but are not easily walkable, and taxis are super limited.
With a private tour, you’re completely free to choose the wineries you want to visit, go for more in-depth tastings, all without any transportation stress.
Group tours from Bordeaux are also a great way to explore the region, however, you will not be able to select your wineries and the tasting types.
Visiting Médoc Wineries by Train
The Médoc is home to some of the most iconic châteaux in Bordeaux — Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe — but it’s also the least convenient wine region to explore by public transport. Distances between villages and wineries are long, sidewalks are limited, and there is almost no local taxi availability.
How to Visit Margaux (Médoc) by Train
🚆 Step 1: Train from Bordeaux to Margaux
- From Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, take a TER train to “Margaux”.
- The journey takes around 25–30 minutes.
- Trains typically run every 1–2 hours.
- The station is right in the village — very convenient for visiting wineries on foot.
Tip: Schedules vary, especially on weekends. Check the SNCF Connect app for current times.
🚶♀️ Step 2: Walk to Nearby Wineries
Several châteaux are within a 10–20 minute walk from Margaux station:
- Château Margaux — iconic, visits limited but beautiful to see from outside
- Château Marquis de Terme
- Château Lascombes
- Château Ferrière
Perfect if you plan only 1–2 visits and want everything within walking distance.
🚶♂️ What to Expect in Margaux
- 10–20 minutes of walking between châteaux
- Rural roads and limited sidewalks
- Very few taxis in the area
Book wineries close to each other — ideally around the village center — to avoid long walks.
🚕 Uber / Taxi in the Médoc
Transportation can be limited, especially later in the day or on weekends:
- Uber works sometimes, but not consistently.
- Local taxis must be pre-booked well in advance.
- Short rides cost around €15–€20.
Once in Margaux:
– Book winery visits ahead — reservations are usually required.
– Walking is the easiest way to explore around the station.
– Plan wineries that are close to each other to avoid long distances.
Suggested Car-Free Margaux Itinerary
Morning
Train from Bordeaux → Margaux
Walk to one of the following:
Château Lascombes (prestigious 2nd grand cru classé)
Lunch
Le Savoie (right in Margaux village)
Brasserie du Lac (nearby but may require a taxi)
- Au Marquis de Terme
Afternoon
Visit a second château within walking distance.
Optional: Walk to Château Margaux for exterior photos (visits are very limited but the architecture is breathtaking).
Evening
Train back to Bordeaux.
Important: Médoc is Not Ideal Without a Car
Compared to Saint-Émilion and Pessac-Léognan, wineries are farther apart, public transport is limited, walking distances are longer.
If you want to explore Pauillac, Saint-Julien, or Saint-Estèphe, you will not be able to rely on trains and walking. A private tour is the most practical way to see them, especially if you want three or more tastings in one day.
Final Thought
You can visit the Médoc without a car — but only in Margaux and only with a carefully planned walking itinerary.
For deeper Médoc exploration, a private guide or rental car will make your experience much smoother, especially if you want to visit Grand Crus Classé châteaux farther north.
