Festival weekend planner
Marathon du Médoc — a 3-day weekend in Bordeaux
4–4 September 2027. Pauillac, France. 25 min from the airport.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Pauillac
Land at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Marathon du Médoc
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Pace yourself across the tastings and break for a long lunch mid-afternoon.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Bordeaux
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch before heading home.
Where to stay
- Hotels in Pauillac
Live availability around the festival dates. Festival hotels book out 6+ months ahead, so check early.
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One winery worth a detour
Chateau Pontet-Canet
WTG pickA biodynamic Fifth Growth producing wines at Super-Second quality — horses still plough the vineyards, making it one of Bordeaux's most compelling estate visits.
- Address
- 33250 Pauillac, France
- Appointment
- required
- Tasting price
- EUR 50 · Guided tour and 3-wine tasting
- Website
- Visit
Where to eat
Le Petit Commerce
€€Beloved local seafood bistro near Place du Parlement, always bustling
Must try: Entrecôte bordelaise
More dining picks in Bordeaux →Practical
- Nearest airport
- Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Register as part of a French wine club or hospitality group to gain access to private tastings at first-growth châteaux the day before the marathon. The real collectors' opportunity is the pre-race château receptions where you'll find vertical tastings of back vintages not served on the route itself.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Bordeaux itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Bordeaux trip →