La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux

Background

La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux is an exhibition building devoted to the culture and civilisations of wine worldwide. The museum stresses that its exhibitions are not only about the Bordeaux wine region, but also present cultivation, winemaking, trade, food and links with art in different regions. The permanent exhibition uses interactive images and multilingual guides, and the top-floor viewing area overlooks the Garonne and the city. Wine tasting is an optional experience, not the only way to understand the exhibitions; the museum also offers non-alcoholic grape juice. It and the historic Port of the Moon district of Bordeaux are two different places, and the regenerated riverside lets you link them into a single day.

Local customs

• Visit according to your booked time slot and the museum's route
• during tastings, follow local legal drinking age rules and drink within your limits. Children and non-drinkers can choose non-alcoholic drinks
• in the galleries, do not touch displays other than the devices.

Religion & beliefs

• La Cité du Vin is a cultural exhibition venue, not a religious site
• the exhibitions may discuss the role of wine in different civilisations and religions, which should be understood through the relevant exhibits, without extending one drinking custom to all people.

Travel tips

• La Cité du Vin's address is 134 Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux, and the La Cité du Vin stop on tram line B is very close to the entrance. The museum gives an average visiting time of 2–3 hours for the permanent exhibition
• with the top-floor viewing area, temporary exhibitions or a meal, allow half a day. The exhibition is rich in content
• if you only have an hour, choose a theme first rather than rushing through all the interactive stations. Ticket types, temporary exhibitions, closing days and wine choices change, so check the museum's ticketing information for the day before buying
• children and non-drinkers can choose non-alcoholic drinks. The museum explains that small luggage can be stored, but large suitcases are not accepted, so do not bring a suitcase straight into the museum when travelling between cities. The building is on the riverbank, and the outdoor walking areas get strong sun in summer. The map coordinates correspond to the museum building, which is still some distance by city transport from the historic Port of the Moon centre.