Things to do in Bordeaux ? Top 10 must-see activities

Guide to the 10 best activities and outings in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a metropolis that is experienced as much as it is visited. For a student, it is an exceptional playground where each district has its own identity, from the chic of the Golden Triangle to the village spirit of the Chartrons.

💡 Tip: If you are a student wishing to fully enjoy the city of Bordeaux by moving there for your higher education, Ecla welcomes you to its student residence in Bordeaux. It is ideally located near cultural outings and sports leisure activities, while being perfectly served by public transport.

Here are the top 10 activities:

1. Marvel at the Miroir d’Eau and Place de la Bourse

This is the most famous image of the city. Located opposite the Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d’Eau alternates between mirror and fog effects. It is the ideal place for incredible photos, especially when the evening lights reflect the 18th-century facades.

→ Info: Free access; Place de la Bourse.

2. Explore the Darwin ecosystem on the Right Bank

For urban art fans, Darwin is a must-visit. This former military barracks transformed into an alternative living space features a skatepark, organic restaurant, and street art murals. It is the heart of the “cool” culture in the Gironde.

→ Info: Free entry; 87 Quai des Queyries.

3. Immerse yourself in art at the Bassins des Lumières

Located in a former submarine base, the Bassins des Lumières are the largest digital art exhibitions in the world. You will walk along gangways while masterpieces are projected onto the concrete.

→ Info: Approx. €15 (student discount available); Booking at bassins-lumieres.com.

4. Climb to the top of the Flèche Saint-Michel

The Saint-Michel district is the most cosmopolitan. Its spire, peaking at 114 meters, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Gironde. After the climb, enjoy the local market for a mint tea.

→ Info: Approx. €5; Open April to October.

5. Visit the Cité du Vin

You cannot stay in Bordeaux without taking an interest in the local nectar. This emblematic site is an interactive journey through world cultures. The reward? A tasting at the belvedere with a 360-degree view.

→ Info: From €22; Booking at laciteduvin.com.

6. Stroll through the historic Chartrons District

Formerly the stronghold of wine merchants, this historic sector is now the haunt of antique dealers and designers. It is the perfect place for a bike ride. The atmosphere is peaceful, with its shaded squares.

→ Info: Free access; Rue Notre-Dame.

7. Take a cruise on the Garonne

To understand the “Port of the Moon,” you must observe it from the water. Shuttles or cruise boats allow you to admire the facades listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

→ Info: From €15; Departures from Quai de Richelieu.

8. Discover contemporary art at the CAPC

Housed in a former warehouse, the CAPC is a bold contemporary art museum. The contrast between the massive stone and the avant-garde installations is striking.

→ Info: €8 (Free with Carte Jeune); 7 Rue Ferrère.

9. A Getaway to a Vineyard Chateau

Take the train to a chateau in Pessac-Léognan or Saint-Émilion. Many estates offer educational visits that are the pride of the Gironde.

→ Info: From €10; Booking recommended on the estates’ websites.

10. Relax at the Jardin Public

A green lung in the heart of the city, the Jardin Public is a student favorite for a picnic. It is an enchanted break far from the urban bustle.

→ Info: Free; Cours de Verdun.

💡 Good deal: For those under 26, many museums are free or at reduced prices. Always keep your student card with you!

What to do in Bordeaux with Family ?

Even as a student, you might host your family. The city is “family-friendly” with its pedestrian zones and parks.

Fun and family Outings

The metropolis offers a mix of historical and fun discoveries for all ages.

• Cap Sciences: A scientific culture center on the quays with interactive exhibitions.
• The Bordeaux Museum: A modern immersion into natural history.
• The BatCub: Use the river shuttles for the price of a bus ticket (€1.80).

Where to eat cheap in Bordeaux with your loved ones

Bordeaux is full of affordable gems where you can eat very well for €10 to €15:

• Santosha: A must-visit Asian canteen in Place Fernand Lafargue. Hearty dishes (Pad Thai, etc.) between €11 and €14.
• Paus’k: For a healthy and quick lunch, their main + dessert deals are around €12.
• Marché des Capucins: Ideal for eating oysters or tapas on the go for less than €15.
• Pita Pita: Tasty and very cheap Mediterranean specialties right in the center.

💡 Advice: Try La Boca FoodCourt near the station: everyone chooses their dish from dozens of stalls, ideal for satisfying the whole family.

Which events are not to be missed in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux vibrates to the rhythm of major events throughout the year:

• Bordeaux Fête le Vin / le Fleuve: In June (alternating annually). A huge festival on the quays with tastings, concerts, and fireworks.
• Bordeaux Open Air: All summer. Free electronic music festivals in Bordeaux’s parks.
• Animasia: In October. The major event for Asian culture at the Parc des Expositions.
• The Christmas Village: From late November to late December. Located on the Allées de Tourny, it is the perfect place for mulled wine and crafts.
• Carnaval des Deux Rives: In March. A large, festive costumed parade that crosses the city.

💡 Advice: To make sure you don’t miss anything on the cultural calendar and to plan your next visit, we invite you to consult the official website of the Bordeaux Tourist Office.