Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IN BORDEAUX

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do activities highlight Bordeaux’s key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations on the destination.

Table of contents

A signature experience, ideal for groups and epicurean travellers

1. MASTERING BORDEAUX WINES

Blending, tasting, meeting winemakers… Bordeaux offers an accessible yet premium approach to wine, perfectly suited to enhancing a gastronomic or cultural programme.

Go on a vineyard world tour at the Cité du Vin, an exciting, sensory and sustainable museum (French environmental standard) that has become a beacon for the city.
Join passionate winemakers in the Pomerol, Saint-Émilion,
Médoc and Graves et Sauternes vineyards. A great opportunity
to sample premium wine and learn how it’s made.
Take part in sensory classes and put your skills to the test with
an evening at one of the city’s many wine bars.
Experience another side to wine tourism (treetop tasting,
take part in harvests, make and bottle your own wine, sleep in a
wine barrel, go on a cruise or run a wine-themed marathon etc.).

A must-see heritage experience with strong storytelling potential

2. EXPLORING EUROPE’S LARGEST UNESCO-LISTED URBAN AREA

An open-air museum city, yet never static: classical architecture, gentle modernity, guided or self-led walks… a perfect foundation for history and culture enthusiasts.

Explore cobbled streets and shaded squares in the biggest UNESCO -listed area in Europe. The city has the most protected buildings in France (after Paris), so prepare for a sight for sore eyes with fabulous classical and neoclassical architecture that has stood here for over 200 years.
Ride or walk on the docks past opulent manors glowing in the sunshine, before joining the locals at the Miroir d’Eau and cooling off your feet in the water mirror.
Visit the main landmarks in modern Bordeaux including the Bassins des Lumières in a former submarine base, the 19th century warehouse turned CAPC contemporary art museum or hit one of the street art trails available from Tourist Information.

A different perspective, between an urban cruise and a nature escape

3. EXPERIENCING BORDEAUX AND ITS SURROUNDINGS FROM THE RIVER AND THE ESTUARY

On the Garonne or towards the estuary, the water becomes a guiding thread for travel: day-long formats or short journeys, particularly appreciated by slow and contemplative travellers.

Get a fresh perspective on a river cruise: feast your eyes on everything Bordeaux has to offer, from the Cité du Vin’s metallic curves to Pont de Pierre‘s 17 burnished arches that have stood proud for over 200 years.
Wind your way between the river and ocean for a few days
on the Gironde, gliding by carrelets, lighthouses, coastal
vineyards, islands and little villages.
Drop anchor for some freshly-caught prawns washed down with
a glass of white wine at a riverside guinguette.

Eating well, strolling freely, sharing moments: Bordeaux is experienced at its own pace

4. EMBRACING THE LOCAL ART DE VIVRE

Market tables, creative eateries, artisans, street art… a simple and welcoming immersion, ideal for experiential stays “like a local”.

Watch the world go by on the terrace outside the Grand Théâtre or Cathedral, or head up to the city’s best rooftop bars (Mama Shelter, Dock G6, Grand Hôtel or 2024’s Luxury Rooftop Restaurant, Gina bar).
Experience another side to Bordeaux at the Darwin Écosystème, soak up the sea air over drinks on the I-Boat or party the night away at a guinguette on the right bank.
Live up Bordeaux’s buzzing cultural and artistic nightlife and visit its cafés, theatres, countless live music venues and clubs with eclectic playlists.
Shop ’til you drop in the famous Triangle d’Or, Rue Sainte-Catherine or Vieux Bordeaux for famous readyto-wear brands and designer boutiques. Department stores and luxury brands put on a show for window shoppers too.
Grab a delicious bite to eat at a stand at one of the markets, sit back and savour the moment at an acclaimed restaurant or experience up-and-coming chefs’ passion for South Western produce in one of the city’s many eateries.

The Arcachon Bay and the Dune of Pilat within easy reach

5. ADDING AN ATLANTIC ESCAPE TO THE PROGRAMME

As a getaway from Bordeaux, the coastline offers an immediate contrast: oyster farmers, sea air and wide open spaces. Perfect for extending an urban stay with a touch of nature.

Catch the train from Saint Jean station to reach Arcachon Bay in under an hour and enjoy a seafood lunch by the seaside.
Cycle around the bay with a few snack breaks at the colourful huts on the oyster farming ports.
Climb up the biggest dune in Europe to watch the sun set over the ocean with unobstructed views of the Cap Ferret peninsula.

to go further

Exploring Bordeaux

Explore our suggested itineraries for this destination, discover our package tours, and browse our selection of service providers for this destination.

Practical resources designed to help you develop coherent and attractive programs tailored to your customers.

Build your programmes in Bordeaux

Our package holidays

Our itinerary suggestions

All service providers