15 days in Bordeaux & Marseille Itinerary

With a long history of producing regional wines since the Romans brought grapevines here during the first century, so many people consider Bordeaux to be the wine capital of the world.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Place de la Bourse and St. Andre Cathedral. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bordeaux: Musee National de la Marine (in Rochefort), Hermione - La Fayette (in Anglet) and Basilique Saint-Eutrope de Saintes (in Saintes). There's much more to do: admire the striking features of La Cite du Vin, indulge your senses at French Wine Adventures, admire the masterpieces at CAPC Musee d'Art Contemporain, and take in the views from Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas.

To find more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Bordeaux trip planner.

Washington DC, USA to Bordeaux is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Washington DC to Bordeaux. Traveling from Washington DC in September, expect Bordeaux to be slightly colder, temps between 75°F and 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Marseille.

The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.

Get a sense of the local culture at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Palais des Papes. Change things up with these side-trips from Marseille: Musee du Vin Brotte Degustation et Vente (in Chateauneuf-du-Pape), Avignon (Pont d'Avignon, Musee Calvet, &more) and Cannes (Rue d'Antibes, Villa Domergue, &more). There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at Carrieres des Lumieres, get engrossed in the history at Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, contemplate the long history of Amphitheatre (les Arenes), and visit Cours Mirabeau.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Marseille trip planner.

You can fly from Bordeaux to Marseille in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In October, daily temperatures in Marseille can reach 72°F, while at night they dip to 54°F. On the 14th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.