Bordeaux is a popular and unmissable destination, which we particularly enjoy discovering in summer! Located in the heart of a prestigious vineyard, bordered by a majestic river and just a stone's throw from the ocean, Bordeaux is easily accessible by train in only 2h from Paris. The city's harmonious architectural heritage, fascinating museums, varied exhibitions and exceptional gastronomic scene are sure to please. To make sure you don't miss a thing, here are our top summer activities!
Exploring the historic heart in the morning
As much as we love strolling around, we also love not missing out on any of the city's treasures. And the best way to discover Bordeaux's historic heart is to follow a guide on a fascinating tour. For €13 per person, soak up the city's rich architectural heritage while listening to fascinating anecdotes. One of the must-see stops is the famous Colonne des Girondins on the emblematic Place des Quinconces. At the foot of the column, take time to observe the 34 sculptures and water jets that enliven the monument aux Girondins! The eight seahorses are strikingly powerful. Opposite the square are the commanding figures of the illustrious Montesquieu and Montaigne, a symbol of a city steeped in culture, open and welcoming.
Morning tour of the historic heart of Bordeaux
Cool off in 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.Via sensoria is an immersive experience in wine discovery that the whole family can enjoy, and where time flies!
THE XXL VERSION OF ART AT BASSINS DE LUMIÈRES
Every year, this former submarine base offers a beautiful voyage in the atypical setting of its architecture. From Dali and Gaudi to Vermeer and Van Gogh, each exhibition at the Bassins des Lumières celebrates the incomparable and singular works of the greatest figures in the history of art. This summer, the immersive exhibition pays tribute to the Dutch masters through a multitude of paintings.
DIVING INTO HISTORY AT THE MUSÉE D'AQUITAINE IN BORDEAUX
The Musée d'Aquitaine in Bordeaux offers a fascinating journey through the history and culture of the region. You'll discover rich collections from prehistory to the present day, including Gallo-Roman artefacts, medieval works of art, and an area dedicated to the slave trade. The museum also offers captivating temporary exhibitions and interactive activities for all ages. A must-see visit to understand Aquitaine's vibrant and diverse past, in the heart of Bordeaux.
Find all museums and exhibition venues in Bordeaux here
Tip: With the Bordeaux CityPass, access to these museums (and many others) is free!
Summer terraces and guinguettes
When summer arrives, terraces, rooftops and guinguettes are in full swing, and Bordeaux is no exception. Every year, new ephemeral guinguettes appear on the waterfront, each with their own concept and summer program, such as the Iboat beach or the Gargalou guinguette. To enjoy a drink while admiring Bordeaux's historic monuments, here are a few places to set up. Go to Place du Palais. From the terrace of Chez Fred, enjoy a glass of wine with a postcard view of the Porte Cailhau. On Place Saint-Pierre, particularly from the terrace of Les Vaillants, a place where fresh produce, organic produce and a view of Saint-Pierre church come together. L'Appollo, on Place Fernand Lafargue, is a meeting place for many Bordelais, offering a glimpse of the majestic Grosse Cloche.
For those who prefer to get up high and enjoy a pretty sunset over the city, there's no shortage of rooftops, like the latest one on the top floor of UCPA Sport Station. An atypical place to relax and enjoy a festive atmosphere after hitting a few balls of padel, squash or golf.
Tasting oysters at the market
Bordeaux's markets are the beating heart of conviviality and local gastronomy. At first light, the stalls fill up with fresh, colorful produce, attracting gourmets and the curious. The ultimate pleasure here is to order a fresh batch of oysters and enjoy them on the spot.
The Marché des Capucins remains one of Bordeaux's favorite Sunday spots. It's a lively place, where you can enjoy a fresh juice with chatty locals and merchants who've been on deck for a few hours. "Bons vivants" and epicureans alike will find plenty to do here: order your entrecôte at Poulette's or sample a dozen oysters at Jean-Mi's! Of course, Les Capucins is also a place of exotic flavors, from rougail saucisses at Escale 974 to Tiro pita at Elliniko... Pierre's cellar will deliver its divine (organic!) keel to accompany your Sunday meal. A must, we tell you!
- The Capucins MarketTuesday to Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
On the Garonne side, enjoy the Quais market in the Chartrons district. Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with catering until 3:30 p.m.), some sixty merchants offer a full range of South-Western products, including the famous oysters from the Arcachon Bay, to be enjoyed with a view of the river!
A nearby medieval treasure
Set off for Saint-Emilion… but think about your options! It’s worth bearing in mind that you can go to this beautiful medieval village - filled with wine cellars - by train. It only takes thirty minutes from Bordeaux Saint-Jean!
It’s a healthy and wise way to head out to this incredible spot, sitting above the Dordogne valley. A guided tour of this medieval treasure is a must, as it reveals plenty of secrets and surprises.
While, for most, Saint-Emilion is synonymous with rich, silky red wines, it’s also a place steeped in history where you can shelter from the sun in the streets of this remarkable medieval village.
More details on Saint-Emilion
Arcachon Bay by train
Head out to Arcachon Bay the environmentally-friendly way, taking a train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station!
As part of a zero-carbon, zero-stress and zero-fatigue day, enjoy swimming in the bay, eating seafood and ice pops: and all just one hour away from the Gironde capital. Trains leave from Bordeaux Saint-Jean every hour from 8.35am onwards.
Throughout the summer you can go and walk around fashionable Arcachon, tuck into some oysters at Le Café de la Plage or try the pastries at the Guignard bakery.
With your feet in the water…
People from the Gironde region are so very attached to this peninsula, and with good reason. Cap-Ferret is made up of 10 villages, each with its own character.
The exceptional geographical location means that you have a 360° panoramic view with the tip (“la pointe”) of Cap-Ferret and its lighthouse to the north, the Dune of Pilat to the east, and the infinite ocean out west.
Options for dining almost with your feet in the water are plentiful, such as Le Petit Chenal, La Cabane du Mimbeau and much more! You’re sure to be re-invigorated by the sea breeze and the beautiful landscapes!
More details on Lege-Cap-Ferret
Sleep at Château Chasse-Spleen
Around thirty kilometres from Bordeaux, Château Chasse-Spleen is an estate that is (almost) entirely dedicated to contemporary art, demonstrating the most beautiful ways that art and wine intermingle.
Céline Villars-Foubet and Jean-Pierre Foubet have provided this famous Moulis-en-Médoc château with a contemporary art space, as well as three guest rooms facing south, with wide openings onto the terrace, where a concrete monolithic basin rises to meet you as part of a metallic canopy full of geometric forms.
Around the room, a rail ingeniously allows works from the Chasse-Spleen collection to be switched for others according to one’s desire on any given day. Chasse Spleen’s winery also produces a delicious white wine, which you can taste under the arbour!
