Best things to do in Bordeaux
First-rate museums, excellent shopping, fine restaurants and lively nightlife make Bordeaux an absorbing place to spend a long weekend - and of course, there’s the wine.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Pont de Pierre: Built on Napoleon’s orders during the Spanish campaigns, with 17 arches in honour of his victories, the views of the river and quays from here are stunning, especially at dusk.
La Cité du Vin: Not only a museum dedicated to wine, but also a place offering incredible views from its belvedere. Sip a glass of wine while enjoying the breathtaking vista.
The best districts
Chartrons: Formerly the wine district, this is becoming increasingly cool, sprouting artists’ studios, vintage shops and restaurants, as well as a Sunday farmer’s market on the quay.
Place de la Bourse: Stunning both day and night, the city's main square is given a magic touch courtesy of The Miroir d’Eau, a large reflecting pool.
Museums
La Cité du Vin: In this, the city’s finest museum, a visit includes a digital guide through exhibits that take you from wine cultivation and production to the history of the wine trade and current trends - best of all, there’s a glass of wine at the end.
Musée Mer Marine: Set by the water in the area that was the city’s thriving port in the 19th century, displays here combine historic maritime artefacts that run through the history of navigation, boat building and exploration.
Parks and gardens
Jardin Public: A beautiful formal park, the Jardin Public contains the city’s botanical gardens as well as a small natural history museum.
Parc Bordelais: Located in the Caudéran district, this park offers up vast green spaces, a playground and even a small animal farm.
Historical monuments
Monument aux Girondins: A glorious fin-de-siècle ensemble of statues and fountains built in honour of the local deputies to the 1789 Revolutionary Assembly.
Cathédrale St-André: Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, with twin steeples over the north transept and an adjacent bell tower, the interior of the cathedral is vast and impressive.
Grand Théâtre: Built by the architect Victor Louis in 1780, the lofty exterior is adorned with pillars, Muses and Graces, while inside is awash with flamboyant trompe l’oeil paintings; attend an opera or ballet, or join a guided tour.
Day trips in the area
Dune du Pyla: Europe’s largest dune is a mighty mountain of golden sand and the views from the top span the entire Côte d’Argent.
Angoulême: Maybe the best-kept secret in France – beautiful, historic, lively, full of things to do, and hardly a tourist in sight.
Wine Country: Bordeaux’s wine regions lie in a great semicircle around the city, starting with the Médoc in the north, then skirting east through St-Émilion, before finishing south of the city among the vineyards of the Sauternes - just make sure you have a designated driver!
Activities for families in Bordeaux
Ok, so wine might not be on the agenda (much) for families, but there’s stacks to keep the younger ones entertained.
Theme parks and adventure: Although Bordeaux doesn’t have its own theme park, the nearby Parc de la Coccinelle in Gujan-Mestras is an all-inclusive amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
Interactive museums: Best for kids is the Musée Mer Marine which, while examining the effect climate change has on the oceans and the impact of plastic waste and overfishing, has plenty of interactive bits and bobs for the children.
Beaches: Yes, there are beaches in the city: Bordeaux Lac to the north of the city and Begles in the southern suburbs.
Free things to do in Bordeaux
It might not be the cheapest city in France, but there are plenty of ways in which you can make the budget stretch on your Bordeaux holidays.
Museums and galleries: If you happen to be here on the first Sunday of the month, take advantage of the museums, all of which open their doors for free. Many of the art galleries are free all the time anyway.
Visit the markets: Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s main covered market hall, is an epicurean journey through France, with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, breads and pastries - many items you can sample for free.
Street art: Bordeaux’s street art scene is second to none, so wander the streets in search of giant murals; head to the Bassin a Flot district or the hipster Darwin quarter which has a large concentration of works.
Festivals: Bordeaux’s Fête le Vin is the big one, where you can sample wine until your heart’s content - but there are free events happening on all the major squares throughout summer.
Nature and outdoor activities
Bordeaux’s location within striking distance of forests and the ocean means that there’s no shortage of wild and adventurous things to do.
Hiking: Part of the largest pine forest in Western Europe, Les Landes is not only a beautiful place, but strong on outdoor pursuits, particularly hiking, with superb trails running through the forest and along the coast.
Surfing: The surfing at Les Landes is world-class, with the town of Hossegor in the south being home to one of the best beach break waves on the planet. What are you waiting for?
Cycling: Bordeaux is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated cycling paths. Liberty Cycles at 104 cours d’Yser rents out bikes, as does Station Vélo Services at 36 Place de Stalingrad. Or venture out to the surrounding countryside: the Roger Lapébie cycle path is a popular route that takes you through many a scenic vineyard.
