Weekends in Bordeaux are among the favorite stays of the French, among the big cities of France. The diversity of activities to do in Bordeaux is such that one can wonder what to do during a weekend. Heritage, vineyards of Gironde, gastronomy, the activities are numerous. We suggest you a few must-sees to organize a getaway in Bordeaux, a city known for its gentle way of life. As a couple for a romantic stay, with friends or family, what to do in Bordeaux for two or even three days?
And if you can, we advise you to discover Bordeaux in July or August: the city will be quieter, as most of the tourists will be concentrated on the coast.
How to visit Bordeaux on a 2-day weekend?
To help you plan your short weekend stay, here is a small suggestion of the must-see visits in Bordeaux for these two days.
The Saturday program to visit Bordeaux
On Saturday, everything is open in the city center! This is the perfect time to visit the historic city center of Bordeaux and its rich heritage. The heart of the city being vast, you can finish your visits the next day.
- The market in the Saint-Michel district
Don't postpone this visit... It could define the beginning of your weekend in Gironde. It is indeed on Saturday morning that the market of the Quartier Saint-Michel is held. It will be an ideal stroll to start your day. Every weekend, it's the unavoidable meeting place for many Bordeaux inhabitants and tourists. In a warm atmosphere, you will be able to stroll on one of the most famous markets of Bordeaux. It will also be the occasion to discover the Basilica of Saint-Michel and the Saint-Michel spire (the highest building in Bordeaux!).
- Must-see visit of Bordeaux: the Pey-Berland Tower
Second step of the day, located less than 2 km from the Saint-Michel market: the Pey-Berland tower of Bordeaux, which is in fact the bell tower of the Saint-André cathedral. This building was separated from the cathedral itself because of the weight of the bells. If you visit the Pey-Berland tower, go with a good pair of sneakers, because you will have to climb 225 steps. A breathtaking view awaits you!
- Sainte-Catherine street
Only 750 meters away, you can head for Sainte-Catherine street. Visiting downtown Bordeaux without passing by Sainte-Catherine street is simply unthinkable... It is the longest pedestrian street in Europe! It is ideal to visit on Saturdays during your weekend in Bordeaux, if you want to stroll a little in the downtown stores.
- The Place de la Comédie in Bordeaux
Are you more of a visitor or a showman? About 2 km from the rue Sainte-Catherine, on the Place de la Comédie in Bordeaux, you can do both! The facade of the grand theater which houses the famous National Opera of Bordeaux awaits you, with its superb columns. The square itself is one of the most famous in Bordeaux and is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Bordeaux. Do you like shows? In anticipation of this Saturday night, book your seat to see a show in this famous theater.Excellent restaurants are waiting for you in Bordeaux, including in the Opera House.
- The Big Bell
Another must-see visit to discover Bordeaux's heritage is the Grosse Cloche, and its unique Saturday tours. It was once used to announce a possible fire, but also to ring the beginning of the grape harvest. History lovers will love it!
- The Place de la Bourse and its famous water mirror
This is another must-see when you decide to go to Bordeaux for a weekend: the water mirror of the Place de la Bourse. Let yourself be seduced by its absolutely unique hypnotic effects.
Tip: Visit this square at the end of the day, and eat there. You will discover it by day and by night, and both are worth seeing! This work of Michel Corajoud is visible from April to November.
Sunday's program to visit Bordeaux
After this busy Saturday, it's time for Sunday! Here, you can prefer activities that do not require the opening of shops.
- The market on the Quai des Chartrons
If you missed the Saturday morning market in the Saint-Michel district, here is another one: the Quai des Chartrons market.
If you want to discover the specialties of Bordeaux, this is the place to be! This market is as big as it is friendly, and will allow you to bring back from your weekend some good Bordeaux food.
- The Public Garden of Bordeaux
After strolling through the city and the markets, it's time to relax. The public garden of Bordeaux was created in 1746 by Ange Jacques Gabriel. It welcomes you in a green setting, with its French gardens.
You can relax, picnic and discover various interesting things such as horticultural information, a children's playground, a dog run, a book box, etc. A nice place to spend a couple of hours on Sunday.
The Darwin eco-system
4 km away, the Angelic Park is another interesting natural place to discover, to recharge your batteries, get away and visit at the same time. At the end of this park, you will discover Darwin and its famous eco-system. This former military barracks has been rehabilitated to become an eco-district. In the General Store, you can taste good local products. It is therefore an ideal visit to make on Sunday noon or afternoon, during your weekend in Bordeaux.
Stroll on the Pont de Pierre on the right bank
The stone bridge was completed in 1822. It links the city center to the Bastide. It is therefore an interesting point to discover between two visits. With its 487 meters long and its 17 arches, it is an essential bridge to cross at least once.
What to do in Bordeaux during 3 days?
How about a third day of weekend in Bordeaux? On Monday or Friday, organize some bonus visits to discover the city in more detail.
- The bookstores of the Place de la Victoire
If your third day in Bordeaux is on a Friday and you're a little bookworm, head to Place des bouquinistes. The vendors are there even in the afternoon, so you can still enjoy them if you arrive in Bordeaux in the late morning.
You can then go eat and discover the bars of Bordeaux not far from there. There are many places to have fun in Bordeaux, so take advantage of them!
- Visit the Cité du Vin
This is the perfect place to learn more about grape growing and wine making. Between passive and active visit, you learn a lot about wine and vineyards, while being sometimes actor of the visit. A playful, interesting and unavoidable discovery when you want to visit Bordeaux.
The Cité du Vin de Bordeaux is open every day from 10am. As a bonus, treat yourself to a meal at 7, the panoramic restaurant of the Cité du Vin, with its exceptional view.
This visit is not incompatible with others on the same day, as it lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
- Visit a vineyard during your extended weekend in Bordeaux!
If you want to visit a vineyard, we invite you to visit the most important one in Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion! Special tours are organized, often starting with a visit to the old village of Saint-Emilion. You will also visit the castle of Pressac, its vineyards, its domain and you will learn more about the stages of making this wine.
There are also many chateaux in the region: take advantage of them!
A weekend in Bordeaux: What to do with your family?
Some of the visits described above can be adapted to families. However, here are a few additional ideas for visits to Bordeaux especially designed for families with children.
- A boat cruise to visit Bordeaux on the Garonne
All parents know the difficulty of visiting a city on foot with children. Their little legs get tired quickly, and it becomes difficult to really visit and enjoy the weekend.
Visiting Bordeaux from the Garonne River, on a boat, is the ideal solution. During these trips, you will have a splendid view of the city and its monuments. On their side, the children will be delighted by this original and not very tiring visit. The boats leave at different times of the day, so you can easily fit this attraction into your schedule. There are also all-inclusive packages, to eat directly on the boat.
A change of scenery guaranteed, even for those who know Bordeaux from the mainland..
- A treasure hunt to discover Bordeaux
How to entertain children while allowing the whole family to discover the history of Bordeaux? With a treasure hunt of course!
Young and old will discover the architectural and patrimonial wealth of the city of Bordeaux through a fun circuit. There are several routes, which last from 1 hour to 2h30. They will allow you to wander around Bordeaux, to decipher enigmas as a family and to have fun while learning.
- The Zoological Park of Bordeaux-Pessac
Zoo visits are often top destinations when traveling with children. There is a superb one in Pessac, not far from Bordeaux. Big cats, red pandas, lemurs and other animals are waiting for you, as well as a playful labyrinth.
Whether you go for 2 or 3 days for your weekend in Bordeaux, you can visit this park, which is open 7 days a week.
- The Bordeaux Park
Head for the largest green space in Bordeaux! At the Parc Bordelais, children can even enjoy a puppet show.
In the middle of nature, children will have fun on a playground, they will discover animals and the whole family will spend a pleasant moment. For the parents, it will also be an appreciated moment of relaxation. A "greening" to be scheduled whenever you want during your weekend, the park being open every day (however, prefer the times during which the puppet show takes place).
- The Natural History Museum of Bordeaux
The museum of Bordeaux is adapted to family visits, including for the youngest. A museum for children under 6 years old is indeed proposed on the first floor.
The whole family will discover in this museum endemic species of the region, but also exotic animal and plant species. A playful visit, which will easily occupy the children, after the visit of the city by boat-cruise for example.
Please note: the Natural History Museum is not open on Mondays.
Where to sleep in Bordeaux?
Are you looking for accommodation in Bordeaux for an unforgettable weekend? Discover our list of favorite accommodations!
Bordeaux offers a variety of fantastic places to stay, depending on your preferences and interests. If you're looking for the hustle and bustle of the city center, the historic district known as the "Golden Triangle" is the place to be. Here you'll find elegant hotels, upscale boutiques and charming cobblestone streets. If you prefer a more bohemian and lively atmosphere, the Saint-Pierre district is perfect with its trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. For a peaceful atmosphere and a great view of the Garonne River, the Chartrons district is a great option, also offering many antique markets. Whatever your choice, Bordeaux is full of charming neighborhoods that will meet all your expectations.
Here are our 3 favorite accommodations in Bordeaux:
- The best value: the Hotel Gambetta is one of the best-rated establishments in Bordeaux thanks to its very central location (next to one of the city's largest pedestrian and shopping streets) and its affordable rates.
- The most central: the hotel de l'Opéra is located in the heart of the city in a beautiful stone building: you can enjoy the city and its cultural treasures very easily on foot. Remember to ask for a room on the courtyard side to avoid the noise of the city!
- The most luxurious: theHotel de Sèze is a contemporary and refined 4-star hotel located in a beautiful 18th century Bordeaux building in the golden triangle of Bordeaux, between the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre. The hotel has a spa, a lounge bar, a smoking room, a cigar cellar and a restaurant.
So much for our proposal of must-see visits to do during a 2 or 3 day weekend in Bordeaux! An exceptional city rich in heritage, the city nicknamed "Port of the Moon" has a lot to offer. Without a doubt, you'll have to spend at least a second weekend there to visit everything you want to... Little tip at the end: Take advantage of the last minute offers and book your nights at low prices to have a better budget for visits and leisure activities! Our website offers you a lot of other good deals to go on a weekend as a couple or with your family.
And if you plan to stay a little longer in the area, we advise you to discover Arcachon, about 1 hour away by car or train. To know more about it, discover our dedicated article : What to do in Arcachon and its surroundings ? The 13 must-sees.
