Top things to do in Bordeaux

The wine capital: 18th-century stone, river light, and the vineyards.

• Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'eau — The crescent square and the world's largest reflecting pool: the postcard, especially at night.
• La Cité du Vin — The wine museum shaped like a decanter: the tasting at the top with the city panorama included.
• Old Bordeaux (UNESCO) — Rue Sainte-Catherine (Europe's longest pedestrian street), Place du Parlement, the Grosse Cloche.
• Cathédrale Saint-André & Tour Pey-Berland — The Gothic cathedral; climb the separate bell tower for the roofscape.
• Darwin Écosystème — The former barracks turned eco-district: street art, skate park, organic canteen — Bordeaux's alternative heart.
• Les Bassins des Lumières — The digital art centre in the WWII submarine base: monumental projections.
• Saint-Émilion (day trip) — The medieval wine town 40 min away: the monolithic church, the grand cru tastings.

Free things to do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is generous if your budget isn't. All of these cost nothing or close to it:

• Miroir d'eau — The reflecting pool: free, the evening ritual.
• Old town wandering — The UNESCO streets: free.
• Jardin Public — The 18th-century public garden: free.
• Darwin (grounds) — The eco-district's open areas: free.
• Quays walk — The Garonne quays: the long riverside promenade.

Festivals & the religious calendar

The town's own festivals:

• Bordeaux Wine Festival (June (even years)) — The Fête du Vin on the quays: tasting passes, tall ships — the even-year edition is the big one.
• Fête du Fleuve (June (odd years)) — The river festival alternating with the wine festival: boats, concerts on the quays.
• Bordeaux Fête le Vin (harvest) (September) — Harvest season in the vineyards: the châteaux open their doors.
• Christmas market (late November–December) — The Allées de Tourny market: vin chaud by the golden triangle.

And the national calendar:

• Fête de la Musique (21 June) — Free concerts everywhere: streets, squares, bars. Every town in France participates.
• Bastille Day (Fête nationale) (14 July) — Fireworks, balls, military parade in Paris; every commune has its own 13th/14th July celebration.
• Christmas markets (late November–December) — Marchés de Noël in town squares — vin chaud, crafts, lights.
• European Heritage Days (third weekend of September) — Journées du patrimoine: normally-closed monuments open free.

Exact dates are confirmed yearly — check local listings before booking around a festival.

Sports: Football

FC Girondins de Bordeaux: six-time French champions, the club of Zidane's breakthrough years. Recent seasons have been turbulent (financial collapse, the fight back up) — check the current division before planning. The Matmut Atlantique stadium is the modern home.

Rugby: Union Bordeaux Bègles (Top 14) fills the Stade Chaban-Delmas — rugby is arguably the bigger live sport now. Surf: the Atlantic coast (Lacanau, Hossegor) is an hour west.

Tickets: official site

What's new in Bordeaux

The wine festival alternates with the river festival yearly — check which June it is. The Bassins des Lumières keeps new shows. Tram extensions keep improving airport access.

Submit your event

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Common questions

More to explore in Bordeaux