Wondering what to do in Bordeaux? At its heart, the city and region of Bordeaux are about wine: how to make it, how to sell it and most importantly how to enjoy drinking it. But offering amazing restaurants, great wine bars and fun wine activities, wine isn’t all the city has to offer. There is an abundance of great places to visit and things to do. Read on our guide to the 10 top things to do in Bordeaux.
1. Dune du Pilat
Perched on the edge of the Arcachon Basin, just 65 kilometres outside of the Bordeaux city center, the Dune du Pilat, at over 100 meters tall, is the largest sand dune in all of Europe. Worth the drive, and the climb, from this amazing vantage point you can discover the Arcacho Basin, the Atlantic Ocean, nearby forests and if the day is clear, a beautiful view of the Bordeaux surrounds.
2. Musée du Vin et du Négoce
Photo Credit: Musée du vin et du négoce de Bordeaux, Ji-Elle, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
The area of Chartrons was once the historic heart of the wine trade in Bordeaux, so it is only fitting that today, it is where you find the Musee de Vin et Negoce (Wine and Trade Museum). Open daily; this museum is high on the list of things to do in Bordeaux and can be found in the ancient cellars of the official Wine Merchant of King Louis XV. For just ten euros you can discover the history of the Bordeaux wine region and enjoy a tasting
Address: Musee de Vin et Negoce, Cellier de des Chartrons, 41 Rue Borie, Bordeaux 33300, +33 (0)5 56 90 19 13
3. Cap Ferret
The French Oyster capital, Cap Ferret is the promontory that forms one half of the Arcachon Basin and overlooks the Dune du Pilat. Despite its beautiful beaches, the Cap Ferret coastline plays home to the oyster beds that have made it famous. Take a boat tour to spot the beds or indulge in fresh oysters in the farming districts of L’Herbe, le Canon or Piraillan.
4. Jardin Public
Photo: Public garden of the city of Bordeaux, France, Pline, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license
If you’re thinking of things to do in Bordeaux, think of the stunning Jardin Public which offers the perfect escape from the hustle of the city. Created in 1746, this 10 hectare (25-acre park) offers an arboretum, a library and a Museum of Natural History. In addition, the park offers distractions for children including a puppet theatre, playgrounds and a carousel.
Address: Jardin Public, Place Champs de Mars, Bordeaux 33000
5. Parc Bordelaise
Photo credit: bordeaux.fr
Designed in the 19th century as a public promenade, the Parc Bordelaise stretches across 28 hectares (69 acres) and is home to over 3000 trees. The park features a farm with local animals, a small train, electric cars, rides, swings and a puppet theatre. Quieter than the Jardin Public, the Parc Bordelaise is a unique chance to mix with locals and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Address: Parc Bordelaise, Rue du Bocage, Bordeaux 33000
6. Base Sous Marine
Photo credit: rue89bordeaux
Certainly one of the top things to do in Bordeaux, built by the occupying Germans during World War II to house submarines along the Atlantic coast, today the Base Sous Marine is a unique cultural center. With only a small portion open to the public, this distinctive center plays host to exhibitions, concerts, theatre and more.
Address: Base Sous Marine, Boulevard Alfred Daney, Bordeaux 33300.
7. Miroir d’Eau
Perched along the riverbank next to the beautiful Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d’Eau is the largest reflecting pool in the world. Reflecting both the sun and the city’s morning fog, the Miroir d’Eau is a unique venue for a morning or afternoon walk.
Address: Miroir d’Eau, Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux 33000
8. Bernard Magrez Institut Culturel
Photo credit: The Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute
Established as a bridge between tradition and innovation, the Bernard Magrez Institute Culturel is a unique experience. A privately-owned center, Bernard Margrez aims to provide the public with access to contemporary art in the Chateau Labottiere, inside the Bordeaux city limits.
Address: Bernard Magrez Institut Culturel, 16 Rue de Tivoli, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 81 72 77
9. Les Sources de Caudalie
Photo credit: Les Sources de Caudalie
A five-star luxury hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie is also the home of the celebrated spa that gave birth to the world-renowned grape-based skincare line. Perched on the Smith Haut Lafitte estate in the greater Pessac area, the spa at Les Sources de Caudalie is easily accessible from the Bordeaux city center. Take a break from all the good food and wine to discover another one of Bordeaux’ great jewels and pamper your body.
Address: Les Sources de Caudalie, Smith Haut Lafitte, Martillac 33650
10. Saint-Emilion
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just 35 kilometres outside of Bordeaux, the village of Saint Emilion is the celebrated center of Left Bank wine production. This ancient village dates to prehistoric times, with the unique Romanesque architecture and ruins scattered across the narrow and steep streets. Enjoy a unique electric bike tour through the picturesque village and discover some of the most famous wines and vineyards in the world.
BONUS: La Vie en Rose – A quaint little tea shop on the Place de Chartrons, next to the stunning Church of Notre Dame, La Vie en Rose is a step away from reality. Offering stunning tea blends and delicious pastries, the quiet shop and sweet garden offer the perfect afternoon haven. Step away from the bustle of the city and take a few minutes to relax – La Vie en Rose, 8 Rue Sicard, Bordeaux 33000, +33 (0)5 56 48 03 44.
Quite simply, Bordeaux is one of the most iconic wine regions in the world! The Bordeaux way of life is a daily celebration of heritage and culture thanks to the region’s philosophy of “l’art de vivre”, which places great food, beautiful places and bonhomie at the heart of everyday living. Travel a short journey from Bordeaux city and you’ll discover some of the world’s most revered and best recognised winemaking regions, dotted with beautiful châteaux, tiny historic towns, and mile upon mile of undulating grapevines. Whether you go mad for Margaux or prefer a Pauillac, this is an incredible place to make a wine tasting holiday.
Get lost in the history of winemaking at the best châteaux in Bordeaux, or check our our guides to the top wine tasting tours in Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, and the Médoc.
