The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city to be experienced outdoors. Its elegant squares, its promenade along the Garonne River and its nearby vineyards make it a perfect destination for those who enjoy unhurried exploration. With a mild climate for much of the year, strolling through its streets, cycling or hiking in the surrounding area is an ideal plan. If you feel like discovering Bordeaux in an active way and in contact with nature, here are some suggestions not to be missed.

Bordeaux is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France. Its wide bike lanes and mostly flat terrain make it perfect for touring on two wheels. From the historic center to modern neighborhoods such as Darwin Ecosystem, getting around by bike allows you to discover the city in an agile and sustainable way.

If you want to make sure you don't miss a corner, a guided bike tour is the best option. Accompanied by a local guide, you will ride through iconic places such as the Place de la Bourse, the Chartrons district or the Stone Bridge, while learning about the history and culture of the city.

Bordeaux is not only enjoyable on foot or by bike, but also from the water. A cruise on the Garonne River is a different and relaxing way to admire the city. From the boat, you can admire the imposing architecture, such as the Place de la Bourse reflected in the water, while tasting a good local wine.

For an even more authentic experience, many cruises include a wine tasting and a canelé, the typical Bordeaux sweet. With its caramelized texture on the outside and soft on the inside, this little morsel is the perfect complement to an afternoon at sea.

Just 40 minutes from Bordeaux lies Saint-Émilion, a medieval village surrounded by vineyards and with a charm that makes anyone fall in love. Declared a World Heritage Site, its cobbled streets and centuries-old cellars are the perfect setting for a half-day excursion.

Here you can visit some of its famous wineries and learn about the elaboration process of its prestigious wines. In addition, its impressive monolithic church, carved into the rock, is an architectural jewel worth discovering.

If you are a wine lover, you can not miss the opportunity to take a tour of the castles and vineyards of the Bordeaux region. On this route you will discover some of the most prestigious wineries in the world, located in historic châteaux surrounded by spectacular landscapes.

During the visit, you will learn about the wine production process, stroll through the vineyards and, of course, enjoy a tasting of some of the best Bordeaux wines. A must-do experience for any wine enthusiast.

If you're looking for a nature getaway, the Pilat Dune is one of France's most impressive natural wonders. At over 100 meters high, it is the highest sand dune in Europe and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Landes forest.

Very close to the dune is the Arcachon Bay, famous for its oysters and charming seaside villages. A perfect place to enjoy a day outdoors, combining hiking along the dune with lunch by the sea.

If you are looking for a different and fun way to tour Bordeaux, a Segway tour is a great option. With this electric vehicle, you can move comfortably through the historic center while a guide tells you interesting facts about the city.

From the majestic Place de la Bourse to the modern neighborhood of Bassins à Flot, this tour will allow you to explore Bordeaux without getting tired and enjoying a unique experience on wheels.

If you like history and nature, an excursion to the Dordogne Valley is a perfect plan. This region, located east of Bordeaux, is dotted with medieval villages, impressive castles and landscapes that look like something out of a fairy tale.

Here you can visit the incredible citadel of Beynac, sail on a traditional barge on the Dordogne River or explore the prehistoric caves of Lascaux. A journey through time that combines culture, adventure and dreamlike landscapes.

If you want to discover something beyond Bordeaux, an excursion to the French Basque Country will allow you to discover coastal villages with a special charm. Places like Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Bayonne offer a unique blend of French and Basque culture, with spectacular beaches and irresistible gastronomy.

This private tour will allow you to explore the region at your own pace, with stops at the most emblematic spots and the possibility of tasting local delicacies such as the famous macarons of Bayonne or the tuna of St. Jean de Luz.

Bordeaux is a city best enjoyed outdoors. Whether pedaling through its streets, cruising the Garonne or exploring the nearby vineyards, there's a plan for every traveler. Which one will be at the top of your list?