The best summer activities in Bordeaux
The perfect balance of culture, nature, and conviviality makes Bordeaux a unique and vibrant summer destination. Nestled in the heart of a prestigious vineyard, bordered by a majestic river and close to the ocean, it is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding area. The city’s architectural heritage, fascinating museums, diverse exhibitions, and exceptional gastronomy are equally captivating. To ensure you don’t miss a thing, here’s our selection of must-do activities this summer!
A morning exploring the historic heart
Nothing beats a guided tour to explore the city's historic heart and its hidden treasures. Passionate, our guides will reveal the fascinating anecdotes and stories behind the iconic monuments: the majestic Place des Quinconces and its monument aux Girondins, the place de la Bourse and its water mirror, the cathédrale Saint-André and the Pey-Berland tower, the Grosse Cloche or the porte Cailhau.
Each stop takes on a new dimension thanks to their lively narratives, which will take you on a journey through the centuries and help you discover Bordeaux differently.
The historic heart of Bordeaux morning tour
Refreshing at the museum
The Cité du Vin sensory tour
You've probably already been to the Cité du Vin ; but did you know that the permanent exhibition has evolved? What's more, this unique cultural venue has also launched a sensory tour. An immersive wine discovery experience the whole family can enjoy, where you won't see time passing !
Art version XXL at Bassins de lumières
Every year, this former submarine base offers a beautiful journey in the atypical setting of its basins. From Dali and Gaudi to Vermeer and Van Gogh, exhibitions the Bassins des Lumières celebrate the incomparable and singular works of the greatest figures in art history. This summer, the immersive exhibition plunges you into the fascinating world of the Egypt of the Pharaohs and, to the delight of little visitors, the Little Prince invites himself there from July 4 to August 27.
DIVING INTO HISTORY AT THE Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux
The Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux offers a captivating journey through 400,000 years of regional history, from Prehistory to the present day. Its rich collections include Gallo-Roman artifacts, medieval works, and a space dedicated to the slave trade. This summer, the exhibition"Le Monde d'Après, 1944-1954" explores the key period between the Second World War and the "Thirty Glorious Years", offering a unique insight into this pivotal decade. An essential visit to understand the lively and diverse history of Aquitaine in the heart of Bordeaux.
Your smart summer with Bordeaux CityPass
It will be your faithful companion this summer: the Bordeaux CityPass offers you access to museums and monuments, facilitates your travel by public transport and simply allows you to make the most of your stay.
Summer terraces and guinguettes
When summer arrives, the terraces, rooftops, and guinguettes come alive, and Bordeaux is no exception. Every year, new temporary guinguettes pop up along the waterfront, each offering its own unique concept and summer program. If you want to enjoy a drink while admiring Bordeaux’s historic monuments, here are a few great spots to check out.
- Head to Place du Palais. From the terrace of Chez Fred, you can enjoy a glass of wine with a postcard-perfect view of the Porte Cailhau.
- At Place Saint-Pierre, especially from the terrace of Vaillant, it’s wonderful to savor fresh produce while taking in the view of Saint-Pierre church.
- A popular meeting place for many Bordelais, the Apollo on Place Fernand Lafargue offers a charming glimpse of the majestic Grosse Cloche.
- For those who prefer panoramic views, Bordeaux boasts plenty of rooftops perfect for lovely summer evenings with a stunning vista.
Tasting oysters at the market
- The lively and friendly marché des Capucins is Bordeaux's favorite Sunday rendezvous. Here, you can share a morning coffee, an entrecôte at Poulette's or a dozen oysters at Jean-Mi's.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 6am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday 5:30am-2:30pm.
- On the quays, the marché des Chartrons awaits you every Sunday from 7am to 1pm (catering until 3:30pm). Enjoy the flavours of the South-West, savour oysters from the Arcachon Bay with a glass of white wine, all facing the Garonne!
Fresh stopover in the vineyards
To visit the Bordeaux vineyards in summer is to savor much more than the warmth of rolling landscapes and the beauty of vines as far as the eye can see. When the sun is shining, there's nothing quite like the coolness of the cellars where the grands crus rest. In Saint-Émilion, strolling through the shaded cobbled streets of the medieval village offers a welcome respite, while the blonde stone retains the morning's softness. To explore the full diversity of Bordeaux vineyards, the "Châteaux et terroirs" excursion offers, depending on the day, to discover different appellations, with guided tours and tastings at the region's emblematic, family-owned châteaux.
The call of the waves
The Atlantic coast, accessible by train, bus or bike, seduces with its diversity of beaches to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer surfing, tranquility, entertainment or wilderness, Gironde offers a beach to suit every taste.
Arcachon charms with its five peaceful beaches. Biscarrosse attracts surfers and lovers of calm lakes. Contis is perfect for families, while Soulac, rich in history, boasts the Pavillon Bleu.
Beware, the beauty of the ocean hides dangers: find out about baïnes (bowl-shaped depressions in the sand near the beach, which fill with water at high tide and empty, creating strong currents that can sweep bathers out to sea) and give preference to supervised beaches for safe swimming.
