Cultural Activities in Bordeaux
Discover the top Bordeaux cultural activities
Whatever you choose to do on your holiday you are sure to find a huge range of cultural activities across the Bordeaux area. From museums to archaeological sites, live music or wine tastings, there is something for everyone in Bordeaux. Check out the selection of things to do & see below for some holiday inspiration!
Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
The region of Bordeaux has a very long history, with settlements as old as the 4th century BC and a prosperous medieval life. Here you can visit beautiful castles, bridges and ruins that tell the area's fascinating journey through time.
Boat trips & sailing in Bordeaux
Boat Trips in Bordeaux
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Pointe-de-Gravet to Phare de Cordouan Boat Trip
Since 1983 Vedettes La Bohême welcome you to visit the Cordouan lighthouse or to discover the mouth of the estuary of the Gironde.
Castles & Ruins
Most of the Gironde's economy has been based on wine production since the Middle Ages, when it was home to important aristocrats like queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Many of the area's vineyards are located around wonderful castles, while Bordeaux and its surrounding towns are home to some of the most beautiful palaces, most of which can be visited.
Cave & Rock Climbing
Under the town of Rauzan you can find the limestone caves of the Grotte Celestine, open to the public.
Cinema
Catch the latest films and releases in Bordeaux on your holiday. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.
Cookery Schools & Courses
Bordeaux, like the whole of France, is a paradise for foodies. Local delicacies include beef, lamb, mushrooms, the world-famous foie gras, grapes with which they make the region's celebrated wine or fresh oysters, while there are delicious regional recipes like the Entrecote Bordelaise, Eclade or desserts such as the Gateau des Rois or Caneles. Many culinary schools and restaurants around Bordeaux offer cookery classes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes or discover the newest trends in French cuisine.
Culture and guided tours in Bordeaux
Sights in Bordeaux
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Museum of Contemporary Art CAPC, City of Bordeaux
The CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux offers all year round a program of temporary exhibitions and appointments around the history of art, music or contemporary creation.
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Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac
Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, this château produces some of the great Médocs.
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Musee des Douanes, Bordeaux
Sitting on the stunning Place de la Bourse, the museum of customs is located in the former customs house and presents the history of the customs administration.
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Maison des Arts et Traditions Populaires, Carcans
This small museum was established in 1975 by local people who wanted to preserve and remember their local heritage and the history of the Medoc / Bordeaux area.
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Le Phare du Cap-Ferret Museum
Situated a little inland on the peninsula to protect the building from erosion, it was placed there to monitor and protect the numerous vessels entering the basin from the strong ocean currents.
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Musee d'Aquitaine
This excellent museum recounts the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times through to the 20th century.
Cycling in Bordeaux
Bike Hire in Bordeaux
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Road bike hire
Offering express bike repairs without an appointment and bike rentals for use in and around the city.
Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes
There are many village festivals around Bordeaux where you can mingle with the locals, dance to traditional music and taste local specialities while learning more about the region's history and customs.
Golf in Bordeaux
Golf Courses in Bordeaux
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Golf du Medoc Golf Courses, Le Pian Medoc
Created in 1989, the Golf du Médoc offers 2 remarkable 18-hole courses: Les Châteaux and Les Vignes.
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Margaux Garden Golf Course, Margaux
Situated within the ground of the hotel Relais de Margaux Golf & Spa this beautiful course sits on the banks of the Gironde estuary.
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Lacanau Garden Golf Course, Lacanau
Situated in the heart of the forest between the lake and the ocean, the 18 hole Ardilouse ensures a quiet round in some stunning scenery
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Arcachon International Golf Course, Arcachon
The course, whose tree lined fairways are set in natural forests of maritime pines, mimosas, oaks and evergreen strawberry bushes, is hilly on the front nine and flatter over the back nine with several water hazards.
Horse riding in Bordeaux
Horse-riding in Bordeaux
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Les Petits Chevaux Horse Riding, Soulac-sur-Mer
Whatever your age or level of riding, you will be welcome at the equestrian centre to share their passion for horses.
Houses & gardens
The Gironde's grand palaces and chateaux are undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in the area. Many of those are surrounded by beautiful vineyards and in them you can taste local wines. The countryside also offers stunning villas that are open to the public.
Live Music
Bordeaux is one of France's largest cities, so it comes as no surprise that it boasts one of the liveliest music scenes in the country. From festivals, to small pubs hosting live rock bands or nightclubs with some of the best DJs, Bordeaux has something to suit all tastes.
Markets
Bordeaux and the surrounding area have a whole host of markets where you can hunt a bargain, check out the local crafts and antiques, or buy regional produce.
Mountain-biking & Fat-biking in Bordeaux
Bike Hire in Bordeaux
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Mountain bike hire
With a selection of mountain bikes, e-bikes, fatbikes and children’s bikes, this company has something to suit every requirement.
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Mountain bike hire
Providing the tools for your adventures in and around Bordeaux, they offer a complete delivery service and are happy to give any advice you need to ensure your trip is a success.
Museums & Galleries
Bordeaux and the larger Gironde region have a wide range of museums and galleries to keep visitors entertained. From important art collections to exhibitions dedicated to the area's history, traditions and typical products like wine or oysters, there is something for everyone.
Religious Buildings
The Gironde area boasts many wonderful religious buildings, with important medieval and modern churches and monasteries. Some of them have even been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Spas and massages in Bordeaux
Spas in Bordeaux
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Guerlain Spa
Located in Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, this large 1000m2 spa is inspired by the Roman baths of antiquity. It occupies 3 floors, including a panoramic terrace with jacuzzi overlooking the rooftops of Bordeaux.
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Spa de Seze
Located in the Hotel de Sèze, the spa has been decorated to preserve serenity and relaxation. They have a water circuit located in their former wine cellars, and many beauty treatments to choose from.
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Les Bains de Margaux Spa, Margaux
Located in the left wing of the Relais de Margaux Hotel, this spa offers lots of different treatment to choose from, and even one to five-day programmes.
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Golf du Medoc Spa, Le Pian Medoc
Located in the Golf du Medoc Resort, this spa offers a wellbeing area with a variety of face and body treatments using Decléor products.
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Saint-Emilion Spa, Saint Emilion
Discover the Spa du Château Grand Barrail, where local guests and visitors are warmly welcomed to enjoy a range of beauty treatments. Each spa journey is uniquely designed to meet the desires and needs of their clients
Theatres
There is a bustling cultural life in Bordeaux thanks to its important venues where you can watch a theatre play, usually in French, as well as dancing shows and operas.
Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Bordeaux
Theme & Adventure Parks in Bordeaux
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Zoo Bassin d'Arcachon
With more than 800 animals, spread across an area of 22 hectares, the zoo offers you the chance to discover extraordinary and rare animals.
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La Ferme Exotique Animal & Nature Park, South Bordeaux
With over 1000 animals to meet, from around 75 different species, from the very smallest, all the way up to the largest breeding camels in France.
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La Foret de Robin, Soulac-sur-Mer
Come and experience the ancient art of thousands of years... archery!
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Zoo de Bordeaux-Pessac
With a varied and interesting mix of wildlife, you can learn about the animals, conservation and about the zoo's research projects, whilst walking amidst the enclosures.
Watersports in Bordeaux
Watersports in Bordeaux
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
Wine tasting & vineyard tours in Bordeaux
Take a tour around one of the beautiful vineyards in Bordeaux. Taste the carefully made wines, learn more about them, the grapes and the wine making process whilst enjoying the wonderful vineyard scenery.