What to do in Bordeaux and its surroundings for a weekend
Only 2 hours from Paris by train, Bordeaux is an ideal destination for a car-free getaway. Facile to access, well-connected to Toulouse, Bayonne, or even Spain, the Gironde capital is full of surprises: culture, gastronomy, nature, heritage, the ocean, and, of course... vineyards. Between its lively streets, its Garonne quays, and its wine excursions, the "Sleeping Beauty" is the perfect destination for a city break of a few days, whether for couples, friends, or solo!
And for a more embodied immersion, also discover the micro-adventure of our reporter Rosalie in Bordeaux: three days of discovery between city, wine, and nature!
Discover Bordeaux and its surroundings by train
With its direct TGV links to Paris, Toulouse, Bayonne, Hendaye, and even Barcelona, Bordeaux (the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) is the gateway ideal to the South-West. And good news: once there, everything is easily done on foot, by bike, by tram, or by train. Its TBM network (Tram and Bus of the Metropolis) is fluid and well-designed, and the TER network set up by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region allows for stress-free exploration of Arcachon, Saint-Émilion, Blaye, the Médoc, or even the Graves and Sauternes areas.
Culture side: between heritage, street art, and alternative venues
La Cité du Vin, a sensory journey
Whether you are an oenology fan or simply curious, this is THE essential visit to understand the soul of the territory. At the Cité du Vin, you can experience an immersive journey through the civilizations of wine, with immersive scenography, sensory experiences, and a panoramic view of the Garonne from the Belvédère (viewpoint).
The Permanent Exhibition invites you to explore the place of wine in the world through 18 interactive modules, while the Via Sensoria route (currently closed, reopening scheduled for 04/01/2026, until 11/01/2026) offers a unique multi-sensory tasting.
Permanent exhibition - ©Rosalie Borde
The Permanent Exhibition, divided into 18 interactive modules, allows for the exploration of the place of wine in the world and its civilizations, thanks to the support of 54 international wine regions. Here, one discovers the terroirs, the expertise, the traditions, and the innovations that shape this fascinating universe across the world and throughout History.
The Cité du Vin is also a fun and participatory experience. On the program: tasting workshops, interactive games, shows, meetings, and introductions to aromas.
And to top off the experience beautifully, head to the Belvédère (viewpoint), where you can enjoy a glass (of wine or grape juice) facing a panoramic view of Bordeaux and the Garonne.
And the little extra that makes all the difference? Committed to a responsible approach, the Cité du Vin strives to minimize its environmental impact while raising visitor awareness of the preservation of wine heritage. An approach consistent with its mission: to keep the culture of wine alive, while transmitting it sustainably!
Guided tour under the Water Mirrors
Another original visit: the guided tour « Les dessous du Miroir d’Eau » (The Underside of the Water Mirror), which allows you to descend beneath the famous aquatic facade of the Place de la Bourse and understand its machinery and history!
Bordeaux by bike: between street art and heritage
An open-air city of art, Bordeaux can also be discovered on two wheels. The Tourist Office notably offers a guided "Street Art & Historic” bike tour, which allows you to explore monumental frescoes and hidden works in the downtown alleys. An ideal ride to combine culture, fresh air, and visual pleasure!
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One of the (very) many gems to discover in the streets of Bordeaux - Rosalie Borde
The Place de la Bourse and its Water Mirror: the emblematic duo
It is impossible to talk about Bordeaux without mentioning the Place de la Bourse, an 18th-century masterpiece that symbolizes the city's classical elegance. Just opposite, the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) - the largest in the world - reflects its blonde facades and creates an almost magical atmosphere at sunrise or sunset.
The sublime Water Mirror in the evening
Between mist, reflections, and children playing, it's a lively and poetic place to discover both day and night!
Art and creation in all their forms
As for museums, the CAPC (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the Musée d'Aquitaine immerse you in the city's history and modernity.
But Bordeaux also features vibrant alternative venues: Darwin, a former military barracks transformed into an eco-responsible third-place, or Le Bien Public, a new hybrid spot combining a bar, concerts, and exhibitions on the right bank.
Nature side: walks, vineyards, and open spaces
The Jardin Public, Bordeaux's green lung
A true haven of peace in the heart of the city, the Jardin Public is one of the most beautiful urban parks in France. Classified as a "Remarkable Garden," it houses a botanical garden, a body of water, and even a small puppet theater. The ideal place for a break in the shade of the magnolias, a bike ride, or a picnic!
The magnificent Jardin Public of Bordeaux
And to vary the pleasures, you can also explore the Parc des Angéliques on the right bank or the Parc Bordelais, which is more family-oriented, with its games and mini-train.
A green and active city
And if you want to challenge yourself, set off on the GR de Bordeaux Métropole, a 160 km route connecting 17 municipalities and dotted with peri-urban shelters.
Crossing the Garonne via the Pont de Pierre
Built under Napoleon I, the Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge) has linked the two banks of Bordeaux since 1822. With its 17 arches (as many as there are letters in "Napoléon Bonaparte"), it offers one of the most beautiful views of the city.
The majestic Pont de Pierre
On foot or by bike, it's an essential passage to reach the right bank, often quieter, and admire the panorama of the quays and the Place de la Bourse.
The Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes
Less than an hour from the city center, this legendary route invites you to a gentle escape between vineyards and châteaux. Thanks to "Bulle Verte," you can rent an electric bike and set off independently to discover the wine estates.
Less than an hour from the city center, the Graves and Sauternes vineyards offer an ideal playground for a car-free wine tourism getaway.
Les vignes de la route des vins © Rosalie Borde
Between tastings, encounters, and golden landscapes, it's a nature and culture interlude not to be missed. To discover the full account of this getaway in our micro-adventure of 3 days in Bordeaux, it's here.
Bonus fun and unusual activities in Bordeaux
To truly get off the beaten path, explore the "Original Leisure Activities" offered on the Tourist Office website. For example: boat trips, vineyard activities accessible by public transport...
Villages and Heritage side: charm and authenticity
Around Bordeaux: immersion in historic and wine-growing villages
Around Bordeaux, there is no shortage of getaway ideas.
- Saint-Émilion, a medieval city in the heart of the vineyards, classified by UNESCO.
- Blaye, with its Vauban citadel and its breathtaking view of the estuary.
- Arcachon and Cap Ferret, between dunes, Belle Époque villas, and oyster huts.
And for a more confidential weekend, head for the wine-growing villages of Médoc or Entre-deux-Mers, perfect for disconnecting in nature.
The Citadel of Blaye, fortress on the estuary
A true military masterpiece by Vauban, the Citadel of Blaye overlooks the Gironde estuary. Accessible by train and then by bus, it forms a defensive complex classified by UNESCO, along with Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc.
The pretty Citadel of Blaye
Inside the ramparts, one discovers a small, lively village, artisan workshops, cellars, and spectacular viewpoints over the river. A perfect place for a day trip outside of Bordeaux.
And to go further: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, land of great vineyards
If you want to explore the region beyond its capital, know that Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an incredibly rich region in landscapes and exceptional vintages. Focus on a few essential destinations easily accessible from Bordeaux in 2 hours or less.
Getaway in the land of spirits: Cognac (Charente)
About 1h30 by train from Bordeaux, the city of Cognac invites you to discover the region's other great treasure: the famous spirit of the same name. This brandy is intrinsically linked to the local vineyard. You can visit the prestigious merchant houses (Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin...) to understand the elaboration of this "burnt wine" and explore the historic cellars. It's an opportunity to extend the oenological culture beyond wine, by discovering an expertise that is just as ancestral and internationally recognized.
The sweetness of life and the vineyards of the Dordogne
The Dordogne, accessible in about 1h15 by TER train to Périgueux, is a dream destination for lovers of history and nature. Besides its castles and prehistoric sites, the department is home to renowned vineyards like the Bergeracois. These wines, whose history is closely linked to that of Bordeaux wines, offer a beautiful diversity: dry whites, structured reds, and even sweet wines (like Monbazillac, an excellent complement to Sauternes). An ideal getaway to combine cultural discoveries and tastings.
On the wine route of the South-West: the Basque Country
The Basque Country, whose capital Bayonne is only 2 hours by TGV from Bordeaux, is famous for its coastline, its rich culture, and its gastronomy. But the hinterland also shelters confidential vineyards with a strong identity. Irouléguy wines, for example, are produced on steep Pyrenees hillsides and represent a unique high-altitude vineyard, often compared to vineyards around the world. Tasting them is an experience that breaks away from the Bordeaux beaten path, while still remaining within the theme of the vine.
This article was written in partnership with the Bordeaux Tourist Office, Gironde Tourisme, the Regional Tourism Committee of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Cité du Vin, and the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes. To go further, visit their official websites!
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
