Written on 08 June 2023.

5 Qualities Your Bordeaux Tour Guide Should Have

A quality tour guide should show significant knowledge, while providing a simple and engaging experience for you and your party. A good tour guide should have the ability to guide with enthusiasm and help you to have some of the most authentic, and rewarding experiences of a lifetime.

I consider myself lucky that I am a designer of happy emotions, unforgettable experiences in Bordeaux wineries and Cognac distilleries and memorable moments. For me, every guest is like my new friend.

To my mind, here are qualities a great tour guide should possess:

1- Knowledge of the area backed by an elephant's memory

Your tour guide should be prepared to take you on a journey to some of the most unique places among the Bordeaux wineries, the Cognac distilleries or the charming villages in our countryside.

We should be able to explain facts, history, landmarks, local customs and more.

We should also be able to answer additional tour related questions that may come up during your trip. We have to be seen as a reliable source!

My role is to make your trip insightful and memorable depending on your interest and make sure it matches with your expectations.

When you book your guide for your Bordeaux wine tour, make sure you don't talk with a student arrived a couple of weeks ago and that you deal with someone showing a deep knowledge of the area.

May I inform you that some of my lovely clients last year were mistakenly told by a so-called guide that the name 'Bordeaux' comes from 'bord de l'eau' (edge of the water). While it sounds nice, that’s pure nonsense!

Not only the wines but also the time needed to move from one spot to the next one and not offering an undoable plan that will leave you disappointed... Sorry to let you know, but you cannot fit 5 wineries into a single day!

2- Being a powerful communicator

I welcome travelers from all over the world in the Bordeaux region for several years now. And I am sure communication is one of the strongest qualities a tour guide needs to have. We must be able to articulate and know how to project our voices and speak clearly, to prevent any misunderstandings.

Can I let you know this improbable situation maybe 15 years ago....
A nice lady in the coach thought I have said that during the ceremony preceding the hunting season, we were blessing the ducks instead of blessing the dogs (hunting dogs). She just couldn't understand why crazy and cruel French people could bless the ducks before shooting them...

3- Strong Empathy and Understanding

We are in charge of assisting travelers from all over the world in the Bordeaux region. Tourists may come from various walks of life, cultures and nationalities... speak different languages...

I am convinced the best tour guides are naturally empathetic to cultural differences and prioritize making each tour unique to their guests. Each of my Bordeaux wine tours or Cognac tasting tours is tailor-designed for a specific expectation : discovery, connaisseurs tour, better understanding, meeting producer, kid friendly tours...

When booking your guide for your Bordeaux wine tour, make sure you are dealing with someone who cares deeply about your expectations and interests without selling you a ready-made-to-sell standard tour.

My tours are designed for you and your travel buddies (whether that’s your family, your partner, or your friends). Because you deserve a tour designed just for you! Keep in mind this not always more expensive or unaffordable.

4- An entertaining Personality and a good sense of humour

Guides should build rapport and be entertaining . I think I am what you call a people person. Each day and every tour is unique, so we must consistently find opportunities to be interesting, funny and friendly.

Because after all, I was told you are on holidays, aren't you?

5- A Keen Ability to Improvise and Adapt

Situations may change at the spur of the moment: forecast, strikes (I guide in France), pandemic (as in 2020)...

At times, tour guides will need to go with the flow. A flexible approach to a situation can make a good tour even better! I am flexible when it comes to unexpected issues and schedule changes.

We have to be familiar with improvising and adapt to these changing situations to let you enjoy a memorable experience.

My promises for an enjoyable Bordeaux Tour

My Bordeaux wine tours and Cognac tasting tours are always tailor made to allow you to learn new things and gather new insights while you are traveling.

I try to let you meet people, producers, chatting with non English speaking locals... Because these unique and authentic interactions will make your trips memorable.

Each tour is distinct and unique from previous ones. I really pay attention to what my guests gain from their tours. Travelers in general, and probably you too, love learning about various fun facts and little known secrets about the area!

I will always do my best to add a personal touch and influence to your unforgettable Bordeaux or Cognac experience.

Don't forget that I know the area very well and, as I said, I am flexible..... I can pick you up at your B&B or guesthouse, even lost in the middle of nowhere!

No need to drive to downtown Bordeaux to meet me. I will pick you up in front of the door. Even if you have found the rental in the most remote part of the region, I bet I can design an unforgettable tour from there!