Bordeaux is one of those cities that can be explored just as well over a weekend as during a single day. Between its UNESCO-listed heritage, gastronomy, lively neighborhoods, and unusual experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Whether you’re passing through the region, on vacation, or simply looking for new inspiration, here are 10 ideas to fully enjoy the Girondine capital.
If you had to pick just one neighborhood to discover the soul of Bordeaux, the Chartrons would undoubtedly be among the must-sees.
Once a district of wine merchants, it is now one of the city’s most beloved. With independent boutiques, antique dealers, art galleries, restaurants, and outdoor cafes, it offers a particularly pleasant atmosphere and perfectly represents the Bordeaux art of living.
For many locals, it’s simply one of the coolest neighborhoods in Bordeaux.
It’s impossible to walk through the Chartrons without mentioning La Pelle Café.
This Bordeaux roaster selects specialty coffees directly from producers or carefully chosen importers. Each coffee is then roasted according to its origin to fully reveal its aromas.
Floral, fruity, chocolatey, or spicy coffee, the menu changes regularly and invites you on a true taste journey. A wonderful place to take your time and savor a coffee before continuing your exploration of Bordeaux.
It’s hard to answer the question “what to do in Bordeaux?” without mentioning the Cité du Vin.
Much more than a museum dedicated to wine, this emblematic venue invites you on a true journey through the history of vines and vineyards worldwide. Visitors discover how wine has shaped landscapes, cultures, and traditions for millennia through interactive, immersive, and sensory experiences.
The visit concludes at the Belvédère, located on the 8th floor, which offers an exceptional view of Bordeaux and its surroundings, all accompanied by a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage.
After exploring the world of wine, a wine and cheese tasting in Bordeaux allows you to put theory into practice.
At Les Petits Crus, each tasting is structured as a true sensory journey. Here, a wine doesn’t just accompany a cheese: each pairing has been conceived to reveal new flavors and show how two products can transform when tasted together.
Throughout the tastings, participants discover the secrets of each combination thanks to explanatory sheets presenting the products, their subtleties, and the reasons that make each pairing unique.
Raw milk cheeses are aged by François Bourgon, Best Craftsman of France, while the wines are selected from independent winemakers, mostly committed to organic or sustainable agriculture.
An original way to experience Bordeaux through two products particularly appreciated by Bordelais: wine and cheese. The most gourmet visitors can even extend the experience with wine and chocolate pairings made from artisanal chocolates.
For those looking for unusual things to do in Bordeaux, Food Gaming is one of the city’s most original experiences.
The principle of this gourmet escape game in Bordeaux is simple: solve puzzles using your senses.
The Wine Gaming immerses participants in a wine-themed adventure, while Cheese Gaming highlights cheese. Tastings, challenges, and team spirit combine to offer an experience halfway between an escape game and a tasting.
An ideal activity to share with friends, family, or during a corporate event.
It’s impossible to visit Bordeaux without seeing the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) and the Place de la Bourse.
This emblematic site has become one of the city’s symbols. The reflection of the 18th-century facades in the water offers a spectacle particularly appreciated by both visitors and Bordelais.
Day or night, the site is worth a detour.
The quays are among the locals’ favorite places for a walk.
On foot or by bike, they offer magnificent views of the Garonne and the city’s main monuments. At sunset, the atmosphere becomes particularly pleasant, with outdoor cafes, entertainment, and strollers enjoying the mild Bordeaux evening.
Bordeaux’s historic center is easily explored on foot.
The cobblestone streets, hidden small squares, and blonde stone buildings tell part of the city’s history.
For those wondering what to do in Bordeaux in 1 day, a stroll through old Bordeaux is an excellent starting point before continuing to the quays, the Chartrons, and the city’s various gourmet experiences.
When the sun sets, Bordeaux’s atmosphere changes.
The quays come alive, wine bars fill up, and restaurants welcome patrons enjoying the mild evening.
For couples looking for what to do in Bordeaux for a romantic evening, wine and cheese tastings are among the experiences that invite you to take your time and share a moment together in a warm atmosphere.
Bordeaux is also an ideal destination for a family outing.
Between the quays, the Water Mirror, the Cité du Vin, green spaces, and numerous cultural activities, both young and old will easily find something to do.
For those wondering if Bordeaux is a good destination for a day trip, the answer is clearly yes. The city offers enough places to discover for a day rich in discoveries, without needing to travel long distances.
Bordeaux has this ability to blend heritage, culture, and culinary pleasures.
Between its great wines, excellent addresses, tasting experiences, and lively neighborhoods, the city is perfectly suited for a few-day getaway or a simple day of discovery.
For those still wondering what to do in Bordeaux today or what to do in Bordeaux this weekend, the answer is ultimately quite simple: take the time to stroll, taste, and fully enjoy the Bordeaux art of living.
The Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d’Eau, the Chartrons district, and the Cité du Vin are among the city’s must-sees.
A stroll through the historic center, a visit to the Cité du Vin, or a gourmet experience centered around wine and cheese at Les Petits Crus are excellent options.
One day allows you to discover old Bordeaux, the quays, the Chartrons, and enjoy an original gastronomic activity.
Looking for an original activity on Sunday in Bordeaux? Les Petits Crus offers their Food Gaming, gourmet escape games centered around wine and cheese, to share with friends or family starting from 4 people.
The city offers many family-friendly activities: walks, cultural discoveries, and gourmet experiences accessible to all.
Visiting the Cité du Vin, exploring the Chartrons, and enjoying an original tasting at Les Petits Crus are among the experiences not to be missed.
