FAQ
Everything you might want to know about your next visit to the Cité du Vin!
Permanent exhibition and Belvedere
How long does it take to visit the permanent exhibition?
The Permanent Exhibition is very rich in content - prepare your visit and don’t get caught out!
Plenty of time to spare? The average visit to of the Permanent Exhibition takes between 2 and 3 hours, to discover the 18 areas at your own pace.
An absolute fan? Spend a whole day here! The Permanent Exhibition has up to 6 hours of content, so there is never a dull moment!
Don’t forget! Whatever the length of your visit, set some time aside to go the Belvedere (8th floor) and taste a glass of wine while admiring a panoramic view of Bordeaux, included in your ticket.
Which order should you visit the permanent exhition in?
Any! Visitors are free to visit the 18 different spaces in the order they wish and at their own pace, according to their interests, their level of knowledge, and the time they have available. If one area is too full, feel free to go and explore another part of the exhibition then come back later!
However, if you would prefer to be guided through the permanent exhibition, our teams have designed two different themed visits to suit you:
- 'Comfort tour’: discover collective experiences with seating available in each area.
- 'Juniors’ visit: for children aged 7 to 12 who want to learn whilst having fun.
Is the audio guide included in the admission price?
Yes, the admission price for the permanent exhibition includes the Cite du Vin’s digital audio guide, which is available in 8 languages (French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese). We also offer a version especially for children (with a fun, child-friendly tour) and can be adapted to different disabilities.
Can we access the Belvedere without visiting the rest of the Cité du Vin?
You can only access the Belvedere with an admission ticket for the permanent exhibition (unless you are a Cité du Vin annual pass holder, in which case you can visit the Belvedere as often as you like!).
At an incredible height of 35 metres, and on the 8th floor of the Cité du Vin, the Belvedere gives visitors a unique panoramic view over Bordeaux and is an important part of the permanent exhibition. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine of your choice from a selection of wine regions from across the world, or a soft drink.
You can enjoy 1 or 2 glasses of wine depending on the ticket you choose.
Do I have to buy a ticket in advance to visit the permanent exhibition?
You do not have to buy a ticket in advance to visit the permanent exhibition. However, booking a ticket online will give you direct access to the permanent exhibition entrance on the second floor without having to queue at the ticket office.
If you do not yet know what day you will be visiting, you can choose the permanent exhibition + belvedere open ticket. This undated ticket is valid for a year from the purchase date: very practical if you want to gift a ticket to the Cité du Vin, allowing the recipient to choose when they come to visit!
Is it possible to leave the permanent exhibition and then re-enter to continue the visit?
Yes, it is possible to leave the permanent exhibition (to eat or if you have booked a tasting workshop, for example) and return later the same day. You will be given a wristband to do so.
Please note: on very busy days, you may not be allowed to leave and reenter the permanent exhibition (unless you have booked a workshop or Via Sensoria), in order to manage visitor numbers effectively.
Tasting workshops
Do I need to book in advance to go to a tasting workshop?
To guarantee you get a place in our tasting workshops, we highly recommend that you book in advance for the day you plan to visit the Cité du Vin. However, if a workshop still has places available, you can buy a ticket on the day.
Don’t forget! To make sure our visitors get the best experience possible, all workshops begin on time and latecomers will not be admitted.
I would like to do a tasting. Should I choose a workshop or Via Sensoria?
We offer several types of tastings depending on the day:
- Daytime tasting workshops are held in circular rooms that encourage discussion. The wines tasted come from different wine-producing regions from around the world that are partners of the Cité du Vin. You can choose between:
> Introduction to Tasting Workshop: learn the basics of wine tasting through three wines from around the world, with commentary from a sommelier.
> Bordeaux 360° workshop: explore the diversity of Bordeaux wines through four tastings alongside a sommelier, surrounded by 360° images of the region's landscapes.
- The Via Sensoria sensory tasting experience offers a different approach to tasting, through a one-hour journey that allows you to reconnect with the rhythm of the seasons while stimulating your senses through four tastings (non-alcoholic drinks are also available). Accompanied by a passionate sommelier guide, in a small group of up to 15 people, this journey is designed to be a relaxing experience!
- After-work evening tasting sessions: Every Thursday at 6.30pm and 8.30pm (or 7pm in summer), the Cité du Vin offers two workshop sessions to continue your discovery of the world of wine through new themes.
If none of these offers are available on the day of your visit, you can also choose the ‘Permanent exhibition + 2 glasses at the Belvédère’ ticket to enjoy two tastings from the selection of wines offered on the 8th floor, while enjoying a 360° view of Bordeaux!
Tickets and prices
Are tickets individually named?
No, tickets to visit the Cité du Vin are not named.
Someone has given me a La Cité du Vin gift card, how do I use it?
Lucky you! Depending on how much is on the card, you can use it once or several times at the Cité du Vin ticket office or shop, to buy things like:
- Permanent exhibition + belvedere tickets
- Tasting workshops
- Architectural guided tours
- Events
- Season tickets
- Items from the Cité du Vin shop
NB: The card is valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
It cannot be used online (for purchasing e-tickets). It cannot be used in the Le 7 panoramic restaurant, or in the Latitude20 wine cellar, brasserie wine bar or snack café.
What payment methods do you accept at the Cité du Vin ticket office?
The Cité du Vin’s ticket office accepts the following payment methods:
- Bank card
- AMEX (American Express)
- Cash
- ANCV vouchers
How can I buy a reduced rate ticket?
We offer several reduced rates tickets:
- SEASON TICKET HOLDERS RATE - for holders of a Solo or Duo Annual Pass
- ADULT REDUCED RATE –, disabled people, students, French or European job seekers, Bordeaux Métropole Youth Card holders (or for an adult companion if the holder is under the age of sixteen), TBM annual pass holders, Bordeaux Senior citizen's pass holders , Mollat card holders.
- CHILD REDUCED RATE – disabled children, TBM annual pass holders and Bordeaux Métropole Youth Card holders under the age of 18
- CHILD RATE – young people aged 6 to 17
They are available on site or via e-ticketing. Proof is required on site.
Is there a group rate and how can I book group tickets?
Yes, a group rate is available for groups of 20 or more people.
To book your tickets, contact us on +33 (0)05 56 16 20 20 or by email at contact@fondationccv.org
What are the benefits of the Annual Pass?
This Annual Pass grants you admission as often as you wish to the Permanent exhibition and Belvedere (5 tastings per year, one per day maximum) for a duration of 12 months from the date the document is edit.
Benefits of the Annual Pass:
- 30% off the events, workshops and guided tours tickets (available on site or online) ;
- Priority access to the ticket-office for your purchases and for the purchases of people accompanying you and preferential rates for those accompanying you: 20% off the Permanent exhibition + Belvedere ticket (maximum of 4 people accompanying you per visit) ;
- Discounts in the shops and restaurants of the Cité du Vin: 10% off all purchases at the Cité du Vin gift shop (except books); 5% off the Latitude20's entire offer: Wine cellar (excluding the website), Brasserie, Snack ; 10% off Latitude20 events (excluding prestige dinners) (offer cannot be combined with other promotions in progress); 1 glass of wine offered to the Annual Pass owner during his first booking at Le 7 Restaurant ;
Are there free tickets for certain visitors?
Free admission to the permanent exhibition is offered, at the Cité du Vin ticket office on presentation of the corresponding documents :
- Holders of a valid ICOM card
- Journalists on presentation of their press card
- Tour guides on presentation of their guide card
- People receiving RSA (social security), on presentation of their CAF payment certificate
- A person accompanying a disabled person if their disability card specifies "Need of accompaniment" or disability of more than 50%.
- Children under 6 years of age
Free admission to the sensory tasting journey, Via Sensoria, is offered, at the Cité du Vin ticket office on presentation of the corresponding documents :
- A person accompanying a disabled person if their disability card specifies "Need of accompaniment" or disability of more than 50%.
- Children under 6 years of age
Can I change the date or time of my ticket?
To request a change of time or date on your ticket, please contact the Cité du Vin by telephone on 05 56 16 20 20.
What do I need to do to visit the Cité du Vin with a city pass?
Here is some important information if you have a Bordeaux CityPass and would like to visit the Cité du Vin:
- You do not need to book online in advance of your visit; you can go directly to the ticket office at the reception desk when you arrive.
- The CityPass only includes admission to the permanent exhibition + belvedere (with 1 glass of wine).
- If you purchased your CityPass online, don't forget to pick up your physical card at the Tourist Office before visiting the Cité du Vin.
Is admission to the Cité du Vin free on the first Sunday of the month?
No, the Cité du Vin is not free on the first Sunday of the month, because the Cité du Vin is not a municipal museum. It is managed by the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilisations, a private foundation recognised as being of public interest.
Is it necessary to print the admission ticket?
No, you do not need to print your e-ticket; it can be scanned directly from your mobile device. Upon arrival, simply go to the location indicated on your ticket (2nd floor for the Permanent Exhibition, 1st floor for Via Sensoria or a tasting workshop).
What is the benefit of a combined ticket?
The combined ticket entitles you to a 30% discount on your second experience, in addition to the permanent exhibition! This is a significant saving that allows you to make the most of your visit to the Cité du Vin by combining the permanent exhibition with a tasting workshop or Via Sensoria, the sensory tasting experience.
You can choose between:
- Permanent Exhibition + Introduction to Tasting Workshop
- Permanent Exhibition + Bordeaux 360° Workshop
- Permanent Exhibition + Via Sensoria
Discover all the combined tickets
Please note: during the low season, there may be no Workshop or Via Sensoria offered on the day of your visit during the week, so no combined ticket will be available.
I have a ticket purchased through my company's work council. What should I do?
You do not need to book online in advance of your visit; you can go directly to the Permanent Exhibition on the 2nd floor of the Cité du Vin. Please check the validity period indicated on your ticket.
Access and opening hours
What are the opening hours of La Cité du Vin ?
The Cité du Vin is open every day from 10 a.m. (except on December 25th and during the last week of January for maintenance work).
What days is the Cité du Vin closed? Is the Cité du Vin open on public holidays?
The Cité du Vin is open every day of the year, including public holidays, with the exception of December 25th and the last week in January, when the museum is closed for maintenance.
Is there a car park reserved for visitors to La Cité du Vin?
No, there is no car park reserved for visitors at La Cité du Vin. However, there are some spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility and numerous public car parks near to La Cité du Vin:
There are spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility at the entrance to La Cité du Vin. The PMR car park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., for access outside of these hours please contact the security desk on 05 56 04 96 54.
Paid Interparking car park opposite La Cité du Vin, entrance on Rue de Gironde. Open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: five-hour stay costs €6. Remember to book a space!
Paid car park at Hangar 19 (Quai de Bacalan)
How to get to the Cité du Vin?
There are several ways to get to the Cité du Vin: tram, bus, bike, train, car, or on foot. We recommend using sustainable modes of transport!
When is the best time to visit the Cité du Vin?
Generally, Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends are the busiest days. For a more enjoyable visit, we recommend arriving as soon as we open at 10 a.m. and visiting on weekdays if possible!
I would like to come in a motorhome. Where can I park?
Here are the closest parking spots to the Cité du Vin for motorhomes:
Daytime only: METPARK Allée de Chartres (Place des Quinconces). Motorhomes cannot stay overnight.
Daytime + night-time: Camping du Lac Bordeaux
Can I come by bike?
Of course! It's very easy to get to the Cité du Vin by bike. We have been certified ‘Accueil Vélo’ since 2024 and are therefore committed to providing a warm welcome and services to cycle tourists: nearby bike parking, repair kits, electric equipment charging facilities, etc.
As the bike racks are outside, we recommend that you bring a strong lock.
On-site services
Is there food available inside the Cité du Vin?
Yes, food is available in three different areas, depending on your budget and how much time you have.
On the ground floor, with a lovely terrace overlooking the gardens where you can sit when the weather is good, you will find:
The Latitude20 snack café, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for quick meals, snacks or just a coffee
The Latitude20 Brasserie wine bar, is a convivial and cosy venue perfect for enjoying food from all over the world in the heart of Bordeaux, paired with a selection of gourmet wines. Open from 12 noon to 3 p.m. for the Brasserie, and until 7 p.m. for the Wine Bar.
The seventh floor is home to the Le 7 restaurant, with its unique panoramic views of Bordeaux and the Port of the Moon. It offers a menu that changes with the seasons, using local produce to create cuisine with flavours from all over the world. And the wine list includes more than 500 bottles! Every day for lunch from 12pm to 3pm, and from Wednesday (or Thursday in low season) to Saturday for dinner from 7pm to 9.30pm.
Are there wheelchairs available?
Yes, there are wheelchairs available to borrow from reception and cane seats are also available at the entrance to the permanent exhibition and the Via Sensoria, sensory tasting journey.
La Cité du Vin is accessible to disabled visitors and takes their needs into account.
On March 22nd 2017, La Cité du Vin was awarded the French State Tourism and Disability accreditation for the four different disability categories: hearing, mental, physical and visual.
Can I bring a picnic or lunch with me?
You can have a picnic outside, in the gardens of the Cité du Vin, a perfect place to wander and relax, and open to all, free of charge (during the Cité du Vin’s opening hours)
Is there a souvenir shop?
Yes! Located on the ground floor and accessible without an admission ticket, our Boutique offers a selection of over 1,000 wine-related itemsfor all ages, ideal for wine lovers or as a unique souvenir of your visit to the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux.
Does the Cité du Vin have a cloakroom or luggage storage service?
Yes, we offer free lockers for small bags under 90 x 40 x 52 cm in size. However, suitcases are not permitted, nor are scooters or skateboards. Bicycles can be attached to one of the spaces reserved for this purpose on the La Cité du Vin forecourt. (make sure you have a strong padlock!).
Children and families
Can I bring children to La Cité du Vin?
Yes! Contrary to what you might expect, the Cité du Vin is also a great place to visit with children, whether the permanent exhibition. They will learn plenty of new things, often linked to their school curriculum!
A 'juniors' themed tour, designed to offer a fun way for children aged 7 to 12 to visit the permanent exhibition is available, you can ask our reception staff to program your child’s Travel Companion in ‘junior’ mode.
Via Sensoria, our sensory tasting journey, can also be enjoyed as a family (from 6 years old), but we would remind parents that they remain responsible for their children's good behaviour, so as not to disrupt the other participants' experience.
Is there a special rate for families?
Yes, our ticket office offers a family pack:
2 adults + 2 children (aged 6-17) €54.00
Additional child €6.00
Under 6s FREE
Please note: The family pack and child tickets can be purchased online. Remember to bring proof of your children’s age with you when you arrive at the entrance to the permanent exhibition.
We also offer other reduced rates:
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS RATE - for holders of a Solo or Duo Annual Pass > link to subscription page
ADULT REDUCED RATE – Solo and duo season ticket holder, disabled people, students, French or European job seekers, Bordeaux Métropole Youth Card holders (or for an adult companion if the holder is under the age of sixteen), subscription TBM annual pass holders, Bordeaux Senior citizen's pass Bordeaux holders , Mollat card holders.
CHILD REDUCED RATE – disabled children, subscription TBM annual pass holders and Bordeaux Métropole Youth Card holders under the age of 18
CHILD RATE – young people aged 6 to 17
They are available on site or via e-ticketing. Proof of purchase is required on site.
Can I visit with a stroller ? Is there storage for strollers ?
There is no storage for strollers (or for scooters, skateboards or other devices on wheels, none of which are permitted inside the Cité du Vin). However, the permanent exhibition is spacious and can easily be visited with a (single) stroller.
Is there a baby changing or breastfeeding area?
A baby-changing area is available on the ground floor of the Cité du Vin. You can also breast-feed your child there. Other areas of the Cité du Vin, such as the Reading Room, provide a quiet and comfortable place to breastfeed.
Other questions
Can I bring my pet to the Cité du Vin?
Unfortunately pets are not permitted at the Cité du Vin, with the exception of guide dogs or service animals (with certification).
Can I visit the Cité du Vin if I have limited mobility or trouble walking?
If you find it difficult to stand, we recommend following the 'Comfort’ route through the permanent exhibition. It focuses on areas where you can sit down to enjoy the show!
In addition, you may borrow a wheelchair from La Cité du Vin’s ticket officeand use it to visit the permanent exhibition.
Can I buy the wines tasted at the Belvedere or in the wine tasting workshops?
The wines tasted are carefully selected by our 50 partners to showcase their country or wine region. Our tastings see more than 3000 different wines presented throughout the year.
As you can imagine, it would be impossible to stock this quantity of wines. The Latitude 20 wine cellar offers a selection of 800 bottles, and you will definitely be able to find a wine from the same region of the world that will remind you of your tasting experience.
Is there a loyalty card for the Cité du Vin?
Do you regularly participate in our after-work tasting events? Discover our Afterwork loyalty card! After attending five after-work workshops, we will offer you the sixth one free of charge! Your loyalty card is valid for workshops at full price, as well as those at reduced prices and for membership holders. Don't forget to ask our sommeliers for it when you attend your first after-work event.
There is also an exclusive annual pass available in Solo (1 person, adult or child) or Duo (2 adults) versions. Subscribing to this pass gives you unlimited access to the permanent exhibition and the Belvédère (5 tastings per year, maximum one per day) for a period of 12 months from the date of issue. It also entitles you to a 30% discount on all paid cultural activities (Via Sensoria, tasting workshops, etc.) and many other benefits.
Can we organise an event or hire out the Cité du Vin for a private function?
Absolutely! Many areas of the Cité du Vin can be hired for corporate events: exhibition halls, reception areas, meeting rooms, auditorium and Belvédère, which can be adapted to suit your events (meetings, conferences, conventions, gala evenings, cocktail parties, team building and incentives, etc.).
I would like to receive the cultural programme of the Cité du Vin. How can I obtain it?
You can find all our cultural events on the Agenda page! And to make sure you don't miss anything, subscribe to our monthly cultural newsletter.
Are the gardens of the Cité du Vin accessible?
The gardens of the Cité du Vin, a place conducive to relaxation and strolling, are open to all free of charge during the Cité du Vin's opening hours.
Is the Cité du Vin accessible to foreign language speakers?
Visitors from all walks of life are welcome at the Cité du Vin!
Thanks to the audio guide, the permanent exhibition is accessible in eight languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese.
The Introduction to Wine Tasting workshop is conducted in English and accessible in Spanish, German and Italian with an audio guide; and the Bordeaux 360° workshop is regularly offered in English and French.
As for the Via Sensoria sensory tasting experience, it offers sessions in English, Spanish and French.
I am looking for a hotel near the Cité du Vin. Where can I stay?
Please find below a list of hotels near the Cité du Vin:
Renaissance Hotel Bordeaux 4*
16 rue de Gironde, 33300 Bordeaux
05 19 80 02 00
MOXY Hotel Bordeaux 3*S
25 Quai du Maroc, 33000 Bordeaux
05 33 52 13 26
Radisson BluHotel Bordeaux 4*
63 rue Lucien Faure-Dock, G6, 33300 Bordeaux
05 56 01 25 00
Seeko’o Hotel 4*
54 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
05 56 39 07 07
Mercure Château Chartrons 4*
81 Cr Saint-Louis, 33300 Bordeaux
05 56 43 15 00
B&BHOTEL3*
147 Rue Lucien Faure, 33300 Bordeaux
08 92 23 37 58
Appart-Hôtel Mer & Golf City Bordeaux - Bassins à Flot
21 rue de Gironde, 33300 Bordeaux
05 57 85 87 00
Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes 5*
81 Cr du Médoc, 33300 Bordeaux
05 35 54 10 84
What can we do around the Cité du Vin?
Continue your visit to the Cité du Vin by exploring the Bassins à Flots neighbourhood! Just a few steps away, you can discover Cap Sciences, the Mer Marine museum and the Bassins des Lumières, while admiring the Pont Chaban Delmas bridge as you pass by.
Are you visiting with your family and looking for a cultural outing? Discover the Terrà Aventura trail ‘Bacalan, au pays des possibles’ (Bacalan, land of possibilities), which offers a 3 km circuit (about a 2-hour walk) dedicated to the visual arts, combining urban art, industrial and maritime heritage, and contemporary creation in a fun and entertaining exploration...
Can we buy wine at the Cité du Vin?
The Latitude20 international wine cellar offers more than 14,000 bottles and 800 different wines from over 70 countries from around the world, including some unexpected choices such as wines from Syria, Ethiopia, Namibia, Peru, Bali and Tahiti.