Fun Things to Do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a really fun city, with plenty of fun things to do, including a great spot for selfies, markets, public gardens, and easy access to the biggest sand dune in Europe!

Snap a Selfie in the Miroir d’Eau

Miroir d’Eau

Place de la Bourse

You can get two photos for the price of one in the ‘mirror of water’ in the Place de la Bourse. On a wind-free day with a blue sky there’s no more Instagrammable place in the city than the world’s largest reflecting pool.

Soak up the Sun on a Nearby Beach

Central Beach

Arcachon

Bordeaux is on the river but has no beaches. For a great day out take a train for the hour-long journey to the beach resort of Arcachon, whose Central Beach is right in the middle of town… and there are over four miles (7 kms) of beaches altogether.

Get on Your Bike to Discover Bordeaux

V3 Bike-Share

Bordeaux is a very bike-friendly city with a large network of cycle paths. Get around town more easily, and get out of town too, or cycle along the river for just €1.70 a day, or €7.70 for a week. Or you can use a bike for free for thirty minutes… then swap it for another one!

See the Statue of Liberty’s Little Sister

Place Picard

Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Barthodi created New York’s famous Statue of Liberty, which was given by France to the USA. Later he was commissioned by the city of Bordeaux to build them a fountain in the Place Picard. He decided the best way to top it off was with a smaller version of his famous statue.

Cuddle up with the Cats in a Café

Le Comptoir des Chats

8 Rue Pierre de Coubertin

Love cats? Head for the Cat Counter, an organic café whose owner loves cats and whose cats love people.

Get Back to Nature in the Public Garden

Jardin Public

Cours de Verdun

In the Chartrons district just north of the city centre is the Jardin Public. The lawns make a great place for a picnic – with some Bordeaux wine, of course – and there’s also a natural history museum that kids love. As you can see from the video, it’s absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

Have a Strolling Brunch at the Marché des Quais

Marché des Quais

Quai des Chartrons

On Sunday mornings locals head for the market along the quays in the Chartrons district, not only to stock up on their food supplies but to enjoy snacks like fish kebabs from the many fine food stalls. Then they head for their real lunch.

Climb the Biggest Sand Dune in Europe

Dune du Pyla

Pyla-sur-Mer

If visiting Arcachon on a day trip, don’t miss the chance to take a bus south to Pyla-sur-Mer, where you can climb Europe’s biggest sand dune. If struggling up the sand is too much, you can use the staircase built into the 360-foot (110 metres) dune.

Marvel at the Grand Théâtre at Night

Le Grand Théâtre

Place de la Comédie

Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre is home to the Bordeaux National Opera but you don’t have to go to a performance to marvel at its architectural splendour. Designed by architect Victor Louis in 1780, it’s best seen when illuminated at night… and it costs nothing to pop inside at any time of day and see some of its interior.