Bordeaux Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Bordeaux has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Viewpoint

The Hauterive Saint James hotel in the peaceful village of Bouliac, just outside Bordeaux, has wonderful views over the Garonne and the vineyards towards the city. The hotel was designed by cult modernist architect Jean Nouvel and has a fine gourmet restaurant serving excellent French cuisine.

Arts and culture

The riverfront was the source of Bordeaux’s wealth and is lined with mansions from the city’s heyday in the 18th century. La Place de la Bourse is the perfect choice for an evening stroll.

Something for nothing

The beautiful Jardins Public is an idyllic green space in the heart of the city, with ornamental lakes, landscaped gardens and secluded picnic spots.

Shopping

For boutiques brim-full with style, head to the streets around Place des Grands Hommes, particularly Cours de l’Intendance, Allées de Tourny and Cours Clemencau. Pick up gifts at Sequoia on Cours de Verdun and chic fabrics at Toiles de Mayenne on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The former wine merchants’ district of Chartrons has plenty of antique shops to explore along Rue Notre Dame. Gourmands should visit the Sunday morning market on the waterfront next to the battleship Colbert. There’s also a fleamarket around St Michael’s basilica on Saturday mornings.

Daytripper

Arcachon is a genteel belle époque seaside resort within easy reach of Bordeaux, perfect for a day on the wide sandy beach or strolling along the esplanade. It’s also and top spot to sample seafood and local oysters; try Café de la Plage on boulevard Veyrier Montagnères (+33 5 56 22 52 94).

Best beach

Just to the south of Arcachon are towering sand dunes where the beautiful beaches have a wild and windswept feel. You’ll need a car to reach the beach at Lacanau-Ocean northwest of Bordeaux which is popular with surfers.

Activities

You can learn more about the region’s wines (and get to sample several) at the Bordeaux Wine School (www.ecole.vins-bordeaux.fr). Wine tours of the vineyards can be organised via the Bordeaux Tourism Office (www.bordeaux-tourisme.com) or if you have your own transport you can contact the châteaux directly. The Atlantic coast is very popular for watersports in the summer, with some highly-rated surfing beaches. The cycling arena at the Stadium Velodrome de Bordeaux Lac holds major tournaments, but the public is also welcome to have a go.