Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city

Discover Bordeaux in a Glimpse of Sweetness: A Food Tour of the Old City

Bordeaux isn’t just about wine—though, of course, we all love those famous vineyards. This Sweet Food Tour of Bordeaux’s Old City offers a refreshingly different way to explore, blending history, charming streets, and an indulgent tasting of the region’s best desserts. For $64 per person, you’ll spend two and a half hours with a passionate guide, sampling 7 regional delicacies and uncovering stories about Bordeaux’s storied past. The tour begins in Place Gambetta and ends at Place de la Bourse, all within walking distance and packed with flavor.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to live a sweet dream—literally—by tasting regional desserts you might not find on your own. We love how the guide’s storytelling turns each stop into a mini adventure, making the historical sights come alive with anecdotes and local insights. Plus, the small group setting ensures a cozy atmosphere, perfect for sharing laughs and discovering hidden gems.

On the downside, this tour requires a good amount of walking—around 3 km with breaks—and comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re not a dessert lover or have food allergies, it’s worth letting the guide know in advance so they can adapt. This tour suits those with a sweet tooth, curiosity about Bordeaux’s history, and a desire to experience the city beyond the usual wine tastings.

This experience is ideal for travelers eager to indulge their senses, enjoy authentic local sweets, and explore Bordeaux’s charming streets in a relaxed, friendly setting.

This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 15 City Tours In Bordeaux.

Key Points

Authentic regional desserts: Tasting local sweets that originate from the southwest France.
Historical sights: The tour includes visits to UNESCO-listed monuments, enriching your understanding of Bordeaux.
Small group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants, fostering personalized attention and lively conversations.
Knowledgeable guides: Guides share entertaining stories and city secrets, making the experience both fun and informative.
Flexible options: Possibility to privatize the tour from just 2 people for a more personalized experience.
Practical details: Includes water, recommends comfortable shoes, and caters to food allergies if notified beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Bordeaux Sweet Food Tour

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A Walking Tour with a Tasty Twist

This 2.5-hour guided walk of Bordeaux’s old city offers more than just pretty façades and historic landmarks. It’s a chance to savor the flavors of the region in a relaxed setting. Starting at Place Gambetta, the route takes you through some of Bordeaux’s most beautiful streets and famous sights, all while stopping at carefully selected spots for 7 tastings of regional sweets.

The pace is leisurely enough for breaks, but be prepared for about 3 km of walking. This means comfortable shoes are essential, especially since Bordeaux’s cobblestone streets can be a bit uneven. The guide will tell stories about Bordeaux’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, giving the history of the city a tasty twist.

The Tastings: Sweetness from the Southwest

Each of the seven tastings is designed to showcase the best of Bordeaux’s sweet regional specialties. While specific desserts aren’t listed, reviews highlight the quality and authenticity—testimony to the fact that these treats are tested and approved by local residents.

One reviewer, Hayley from the UK, praised the guide Sarah’s “amazing” knowledge and the “incredible” food, saying she “loved every minute.” Another, Nisreen from the US, called the experience “Ahhmazing” and appreciated the guide’s humor and expertise. These glowing reviews suggest that the tastings aren’t just sugar-laden snacks but thoughtfully selected delicacies that reflect Bordeaux’s culinary identity.

Stories and Insider Tips

Beyond desserts, the tour is rich with stories about Bordeaux’s history and hidden addresses. The guide’s anecdotes help turn a simple tasting into a lively and memorable experience. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to connect deeply with the city rather than just ticking off sights.

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Practical Info You Should Know

The tour includes a bottle of water per person, but no other drinks are provided. If you prefer something sparkling or a regional wine to accompany your sweet bites, you’ll need to bring or purchase it separately. In case of food allergies or intolerances, the tour provider recommends informing them early so they can adapt the tastings.

While the itinerary offers a great overview of Bordeaux’s main sights and culinary culture, be aware that in case of bad weather, the tour might be canceled or postponed. You’ll be notified the day before, giving you flexibility.

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Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re a food enthusiast, curious traveler, or someone with a sweet tooth, this tour will delight you. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the engaging guides make learning about Bordeaux’s history fun. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy authentic local flavors and want a relaxed, social experience.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Place Gambetta

This lively square is the perfect starting point, buzzing with local life. It’s a great spot to gather, soak in the atmosphere, and get your first taste of Bordeaux’s charm. Your guide will introduce the plan and give a quick overview of what’s to come—both delicious and historical.

Discovering Bordeaux’s Historic Sights

As you walk through the UNESCO-listed monuments, your guide shares stories that make these landmarks come alive. Whether it’s a grand building or a quiet alley, each spot is paired with a tasting or a story that deepens your appreciation of Bordeaux’s past and present.

Sampling Regional Delicacies

The key highlight—seven sweet tastings—are carefully curated. These could be traditional desserts, regional specialties, or modern interpretations. The guide will explain their origins, ingredients, and what makes them special to the southwest of France. It’s a chance to savor local flavors that you may never encounter elsewhere, all tested and loved by Bordeaux residents.

End at Place de la Bourse

Your sweet journey concludes in this iconic square, famous for its stunning mirror-like water features and views of the Garonne River. From here, you’re free to explore further or continue your Bordeaux adventure.

The Value of the Tour

At $64, the price reflects a well-rounded experience—combining sightseeing, storytelling, and seven tastings of regional desserts. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize flavor and history in a compact, manageable timeframe. Compared to other activities like wine tours or museum visits, this offers a more interactive and tasty way to connect with Bordeaux.

What You Get for the Price

Expert local guide with engaging stories
7 regional dessert tastings approved by locals
A small, intimate group setting
Practical details like water and breaks
Flexibility with private options and cancellations

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is a fantastic blend of history and gastronomy, it demands some walking. If mobility or comfort footwear is a concern, plan accordingly. Also, remember that other drinks aren’t included, so bring your favorite beverage if desired.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Sweet Food Tour is best suited for curious travelers, dessert lovers, and those eager to explore Bordeaux beyond wine bottles. It’s perfect if you want an authentic, relaxed experience that combines history, local flavor, and lively storytelling. Families with kids who love sweets, couples looking for a romantic tasting walk, or solo travelers wanting to make new friends will find this experience rewarding.

If you’re after a fun, tasty introduction to Bordeaux’s old city with a local touch, this tour offers great value and genuine moments. Just bring your appetite, comfortable shoes, and an open mind—and you’ll leave with a full belly and a richer appreciation of Bordeaux’s sweet side.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, covering about 3 km of walking, with breaks included.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Place Gambetta. The exact meeting point varies by day, so you’ll receive detailed directions the day before.

Is water provided?
Yes, each participant gets a 50cl bottle of water. Other drinks are not included.

What if I have food allergies?
It’s recommended to inform the tour provider when booking so they can adapt the tastings accordingly.

Can I privatize the tour?
Yes, from 2 participants, you can privatize the experience for your group, with a small additional fee.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are highly recommended, especially since walking is involved. An umbrella might be handy in case of rain.

Can I join if I don’t speak French?
Absolutely. The tour is offered in English and French, so you’ll be able to enjoy it regardless of your language skills.

What’s included in the price?
The guided tour, 7 tastings of regional sweets, and water are included. Transport to and from the meeting point, extra drinks, or additional food are not.

This tour balances history, culture, and indulgence, making it a perfect choice for those wanting to experience Bordeaux’s old city through a sweeter lens. It’s an engaging, flavorful journey that offers genuine local insights, delicious bites, and a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Bordeaux explorer, this tour promises a memorable, tasty taste of the city’s personality.