Top things to do in Bordeaux in 2026

La Cité du Vin : 10 years for Bordeaux's totem pole

La Cité du vin is one of Bordeaux's must-visit venues, welcoming no less than 400,000 visitors over 2025 and counting 3.5 million visitors received since its opening. Gourmet, festive, effervescent, to blow out its ten candles, the venue is thinking big and rolling out a carpet of exhilarating events throughout the year: novel experiences, exhibitions to feast your eyes on, and a special edition of the immersive Via Sensoria tasting trail. The highlight of this anniversary vintage: a weekend of celebration from June 5 to 7, to be enjoyed without moderation. So even if you've already had the chance to go, this year's festivities will be resolutely unmissable. 

Think of the Bordeaux CityPass to enjoy free admission to the Cité du Vin's Permanent Exhibition. For Via Sensoria, the sensory tasting trail, it's strongly recommended to book online in advance: several sessions are offered throughout the day, but the number of places is limited.
 

Meeting Matisse and Frida Kahlo at the Bassins des Lumières 

Flamboyant, immersive and masterful. Impossible to resist the call of Matisse's colors. Through this new exhibition, the Bassins des Lumières invite visitors to plunge into the incandescent universe of the master of fauvism, at the heart of an XXL show where painting comes to life and is reflected in the water. Fish, dancers, foliage and vibrant landscapes parade across the monumental walls, composing a veritable chromatic symphony. From Blue Nudes to Luxe, calme et volupté, color becomes pure emotion, carried by a spellbinding soundtrack.
As a counterpoint, the exhibition is enriched by a short program dedicated to another icon of color: Frida Kahlo. Les Bassins des Lumières unveils an intense body of work, born of pain, identity and visceral flamboyance. Two powerful universes, two ways of inhabiting color, for a poetic and moving immersion in the heart of modern artistic creation. Starting February 7, 2026, at the Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux. 

And don't miss the new park completed behind the Base sous-marine. Pleasant, equipped and exotic, it is the green lung of the district. 
 

The Tour de France in Bordeaux

On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Gironde capital will saddle up to welcome the finish of the 7ᵉ stage of the Tour de France. Three years after the unforgettable Quinconces sprint, the peloton will make its grand return, rolling out of Hagetmau after 175km of effort, crossing Landes forests and Garonne riverbanks before a spectacular passage over theSimone-Veil bridge. With cameras focused on the quayside, a jubilant crowd and a final sprint right through the heart of the city, Bordeaux will once again be treated to a picture-postcard backdrop for a cycling festival worthy of its legend.  
 

Let yourself be surprised by Bordeaux's culinary creativity

An epicurean region par excellence, there are countless tasty, gourmet little adresses populating downtown Bordeaux and the surrounding area. In fact, it's been dubbed the "city of a thousand and one restaurants" Traditional or Michelin-starred restaurants, bistronomic addresses, cellars à manger, colorful street food and committed chefs... You'd need a directory to list them all... Failing that, here are three addresses that are making news at the start of 2026: 

• " Le Classique  ",  chef Etchebest's latest offering is a return to the classics of French gastronomy. The cuisine is far from ordinary, as it reintroduces the art of table service, with veal steak and crêpe suzette flambéed before our very eyes, or the cheese and dessert carts that make the pupils wiggle.
• "Brasserie Vinatier " marks the return of the great French brasserie revisited by La Nouvelle Garde: a chic yet popular decor, spectacularly flambéed cuisine and perfectly executed classics, served in a lively atmosphere where tradition meets the present.

• " Saint James" After two years of silence and a major architectural makeover, the Saint-James in Bouliac finally reopens its doors on May 14, 2026: two restaurants, redesigned rooms and suites, panoramic bar and a new vision of gastronomic luxury facing the Garonne River.
   

  

Cap sur Saint-Michel et sa flèche restaurée. 

After more than three years under scaffolding, the Saint-Michel spire will soon once again be on view to the city. In January, the spire will begin its final phase of "undressing": the dismantling of the freestanding structure is underway and will continue until spring 2026. The safety perimeter around the bell tower has been enlarged to allow for the intervention of heavy machinery, prior to the complete return of the square to its inhabitants. A highly symbolic step that marks the end of the bulk of the work and the long-awaited return of the slender silhouette of this major heritage landmark to the Bordeaux skyline.
 

Exploring and discovering new neighborhoods 

The year has been rich in movement. While the transformation of a neighborhood is a slow process, once completed, it doesn't take much to create emulation. Here are the city's new hotspots in 2026:

• Belvédère and le Bien Public : perched on the edge of the Garonne, the square, not content with offering a breathtaking view of the old town and its sunset, is brimming with new shops and meeting places. The neighborhood's flagship venue, the long-awaited Bien Public, combining bar, gallery, concerts and a club after midnight, delivers on its promise with a night-out experience to match.
• Bacalan and the Cité Bleue: Just behind the Bassins à flots, take a stroll through the backstreets of this neighborhood to discover its green spaces, terraces and new alternative venues, such as the former industrial site of the Beghin-Say refineries. Now known as the Cité bleue, the site brings together 80 structures and is alive with festive events all year round: monthly apéros, workshops, exhibitions or neighborhood parties.
• Belcier and the Atelier des Citernes: Just behind the Saint-Jean train station, the neighborhood now comes alive with the completely renovated Place des Citernes. These can be seen from the tables of the restaurants that surround it, such as Terroir or l'Atelier des Citernes, which offers no less than eight gourmet counters, concerts and match broadcasts under an Eiffel roof structure in a former SNCF workshop.
• Brazza and UCPA: Cross the Chaban Delmas bridge and follow the street-art. You'll discover a whole new atmosphere with hotspots like UCPA. Squash, fitness, rock-climbing, escape games - all in an impressive glass complex with a breathtaking view from the top floor. The panoramic view over Bordeaux is complemented by a bar, snack bar, golf practice range and mini-golf course.
   

Festivals not to be missed

Among the experiences not to be missed in 2026 in Bordeaux: the festivals. Because hardly a month goes by without the city hosting a festival, here are a few not to be missed this year:

• For the electro music buff: Visit the spectacular Madame Loyal in June and October, the underground Isulia in November, the solar Brunch electronik in May, and of course the park for the family-friendly and free Bordeaux Open Air from June to September.
• To get out and dance in a engaged way: head to Climax in September
• Les littéraires, don't miss Les Escales du Livre in March.
• Amateurs d'humour, retrouvez une programmation pleéthoriques d'artistes du stand-up au seul en scène pour l'édition anniversaire des 10 ans des Fous Rires de Bordeaux en mars
• Branchés art et culture: find the Trente-Trente festival in January and the FAB in October 
   

Wine highlights  

It's unthinkable to visit Bordeaux and the surrounding area without taking advantage of its oenotourism offer ! Whether you're an amateur or an enthusiast, the region offers a wide range of experiences to enjoy with lovers, friends and even families with young children. But that's not all. The city is also the scene of events that celebrate the nectar of the vines. This year's highlights include:

• The Salon des Vins et Vignerons Indépendants in March
• The launch Via sensoria in April
• The Week-end des Grands Crus in June
• The famous marathon du Médoc in September
• The fête du vin nouveau et de la brocante in October
• the Barriquadesin November

Cabanes en fêtein December

• Bordeaux Tasting in December
   

Go to the Marche des Fiertés  

Engaged, festive and unifying, for its fifth edition, the Mois des Fiertés will unfurl its colors and struggles in June through an abundant program mixing culture, debates and celebrations. The highlight of the event is the Marche des Fiertés, which will bring the city's streets to life with demands for equality and visibility for LGBTQIA+ people. It's a joyous and political event, where Bordeaux affirms its commitment to inclusion and diversity. Beyond this month, the queer and LGBT bars in Bordeaux distill a colorful and resolutely festive program throughout the year.
 

Embark your tribe to explore Bordeaux as a family 

A city on a human scale, Bordeaux is a resolutely kid-friendly destination. Beyond the pleasant living environment and the many child-friendly activities, families appreciate the pedestrian-friendly city center, the green spacesand relaxing spots like the quays, the Bordeaux park, the public garden... The museum, Musée de l'Illusion and Cap Sciences are among the exhibition venues that will delight curious children of all ages, while all the city's museums attract with a fine diversity of tours tailored to young audiences.

Want to explore the port of the moon on your own? Try a treasure huntwith Robin's trails, which you can request free of charge from the tourist office reception desk. "Feathers, beaks and claws", a guided tour that's both fun and instructive, invites you to keep an eye out! Equipped with binoculars, you'll be able to observe the smallest details of the animals sculpted in stone, as well as our winged friends nesting in historic buildings. As you'll have gathered, Bordeaux is a great playground for families, with a good balance of culture, nature and leisure activities for all ages, not to mention a lovely range of restaurants and " family friendly " accommodations.
 

Connect: le Festival de skate à Bordeaux 

In Bordeaux, Connect has established itself as a unique international festival dedicated to skate culture and its link with urbanism, transforming the city into an experimental ground where gliding, creativity and urban thinking meet under the open sky. For 4 days in October, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, concerts and skateable sculptures take over the streets and squares, inviting enthusiasts and the curious to rethink the city of tomorrow through the prism of skate - a free, inclusive and artistic urban language.  
  

RDV avec les stars - Vibrer à leurs concerts

In Bordeaux this year, you can enjoy a rich and eclectic musical program. FromTheodora to Ibrahim Maalouf,by way of Julien Doré, Charlotte Cardin,not forgetting Louane, Matt Pokora, Lenny Kravitz, Christophe Maé, Deep Purple or even Feu Chatterton, it's safe to say that at the Arkéa Aréna, we're in for a treat! In a more intimate atmosphere, Odezenne, Imany, Sébastien Tellier, The Stranglers, Cœur de Pirate, Ultra Vomit will perform at the Rocher de Palmer. And to discover other artists more confidential, but equally talented, do not hesitate to consult the agendas of the Rock School Barbey, the i-boat and the krakatoa which reopens in February. Find all concerts and shows in our agenda. 
 

Shopping and feasting on good market produce

Discovering the gastronomy of the South-West is all about taking time. Time to stroll through the small boutiques of the city center and the city's markets. The historic Marché des Capucins, nicknamed " the belly of Bordeaux ", embarks its visitors in a typical atmosphere all its own. On the quayside, the marché des Chartrons offers a variety of stalls for a tête-à-tête with the Garonne. Over the past few years, a number of halles have sprung up, such as the one in Bacalan, featuring some twenty stalls where you can buy your fresh produce and enjoy home-cooked dishes in a convivial atmosphere. On the same principle, discover Les Halles de Talence or the " foodcourt " version at Boca Nova. Bref, there's no shortage of places and occasions to sample the specialities of the South West, such as the famous canelés, oysters from the Bassin d'Arcachon, asparagus from the Blayais or lamb from Pauillac.
 

Tasting a good brunch in Bordeaux

Just saying the word makes our shoulders relax and our mouths water. In Bordeaux, brunch is an art form.
Of course, it's enjoyed at weekends, but for some, it's also a weekday affair. Whether you're sharing it with friends, lovers, in a kids-friendly address, buffet-style or menu-style, here's a selection of addresses where brunch in Bordeaux that will leave no one disappointed.
 

The MADD reopens its doors

Finally! Closed since January 2023 for a major renovation, Bordeaux's Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design (MADD) will partially reopen in 2026, with the opening of the rue Boulan wing, the former prison and new exhibition spaces. Here, the public will be able to rediscover the permanent collections andthree inaugural exhibitions, including one devoted to designer Pauline Deltour. This reopening marks the first stage of an ambitious project, before the renovated mansion is fully opened, scheduled for 2027. 
 

Courage the UBB, Top 14's leading team

Whether you're a rugby fan or not, taking part in a Union Bordeaux Bègles match is an experience to be had at least once in your life. With family or friends, dressed in the colors of claret and white, head for the Stade Chaban-Delmas to cheer on one of the leading teams in the Top 14. In February, UBB will face Castres then the Toulouse stadium in March, before taking on La Rochelle and Montpellier in April, thrills and festive atmosphere guaranteed ! Tickets go on sale a few weeks before each match, so if you don't want to miss any of the latest news from the club, the official app is the place to go. Find all the great sporting moments to experience this year in our agenda.
 

 Mark your calendars for 2027: Sails and wines  

And already, the horizon is taking shape: in 2027, Bordeaux Fête le Vin will set sail alongside the Tall Ships Races, the legendary tall ships race.

From July 7 to 11, 2027, Bordeaux will cast off as it hosts the first leg of the legendary Tall Ships Races. For the occasion, the city will marry the elegance of tall ships with Bordeaux's art of living by merging the event with Bordeaux Fête le Vin, giving birth to Voiles et Vin. Some forty majestic ships from all over the world will drop anchor in the Port de la Lune, transforming the quays of the Garonne into a vast, festive and free playground, between maritime heritage, vineyards and the spirit of the open sea. A summer rendezvous to savor with all sails to the wind.