Skip to main content

Cultural Activities in Bordeaux

Discover the top Bordeaux cultural activities

Where?
Bordeaux
Updated

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!

Jump to

  1. Archaeological Sites & Roman Ruins
  2. Boat trips & sailing
  3. Canoeing / Kayaking
  4. Canyoning
  5. Castles & Ruins
  6. Cave & Rock Climbing
  7. Cinema
  8. Climbing
  9. Coasteering
  10. Cookery Schools & Courses
  11. Culture and guided tours
  12. Cycling
  13. Fiestas, Fairs & Fetes
  14. Fitness and swimming
  15. Flying
  16. Golf
  17. Horse riding
  18. Houses & gardens
  19. Hydro-speeding
  20. Ice-climbing
  21. Indoor activities
  22. Indoor climbing
  23. Live Music
  24. Markets
  25. Mountain-biking & Fat-biking
  26. Mountaineering
  27. Museums & Galleries
  28. Paragliding / Parapenting
  29. Religious Buildings
  30. Sailing & yachting
  31. Snow and ice activities
  32. Spas and massages
  33. Theatres
  34. Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums
  35. Via Ferrata
  36. Walking, hiking and running
  37. Waterparks
  38. Watersports
  39. Wine tasting & vineyard tours

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

See all Boat Trips in Bordeaux

See our Boat Trip Guide

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

See all Sights in Bordeaux

See our History Guide

Cycling in Bordeaux

Road Bike Bike Hire in Bordeaux

See all Road Bike Bike Hire in Bordeaux

See our Cycling Guide

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.

See all Events in Bordeaux

Golf in Bordeaux

Golf Courses in Bordeaux

See all Golf Courses in Bordeaux

Horse riding in Bordeaux

Horse-riding in Bordeaux

See all Horse-riding in Bordeaux

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.

See all Events in Bordeaux

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.

See our Markets Guide

Mountain-biking & Fat-biking in Bordeaux

Off-road bike Bike Hire in Bordeaux

See all Off-road bike Bike Hire in Bordeaux

See our Mountain Biking Guide

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

See all Spas in Bordeaux

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.

See all Theatres in Bordeaux

Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Bordeaux

Theme Park Theme & Adventure Parks in Bordeaux

See all Theme Park Theme & Adventure Parks in Bordeaux

Watersports in Bordeaux

Watersports in Bordeaux

See all Watersports in Bordeaux

See our Watersports Guide

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.

See all Vineyards in BordeauxSee our Wine Guide

Latest News & Reviews

See allLatest News & Reviews
the ocean waves at l'horizon beach cap ferret

Upcoming Events

See allUpcoming Events
Darwin Climax Music Festival, City of Bordeaux
town square with market stalls
the main market square in sarlat la caneda
Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion, Saint Emilion
people in red robes in front of castle ruins
Wine Chateaux Open Visitis (Portes Ouvertes)