FAQ - Out and About in Bordeaux

The team at MyDestinationBordeaux has put together some commonly asked questions about the Bordeaux area which opens up to adventures in history,art, food and fun. What to do?!! We hope the answers give you a start.    

If you have other questions about Bordeaux contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer and add it to the list to help other travelers planning a visit.

1 - What should I not miss in the Bordeaux area?

Here is our list of Bordeaux’s top ten and check out the Events page for sports, theatre, and exhibitions. 

2 - If I only have a weekend, what should I do?

Bordeaux is recognized as an excellent weekend getaway in many parts of Europe as the Bordeaux Merignac Airport is served by 35 airlines both domestic and international. Plan a getaway weekend of gourmet restaurants in town or a châteaux spa retreat in the Médoc or Saint Emilion or romantic weekend in an Entre-Deux-Mers châteaux.

3. Where do I take the kids?

For your first day of orientation in Bordeaux you might head the gang to the Water Mirror facing the Bourse on the Garonne River. It is one of France’s largest art and water installations and commands a perfect vantage point of the city, river and sky reflected into its enormous mirror. Now, all run through it and have the time of your lives! Take lots of pictures. Then perhaps pick up 1€ a day bicycles and tour the town together - you’ll find a bank of bicycles on the other side of the road opposite the Water Mirror.

4. If the weather is bad what do I do?

As a Norwegian friend pointed out, "There’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing." Fortunately bad weather here is rarely a problem but you don’t even have to stay indoors if it is – go underground and explore a choice of exotic cave destinations.

5 - What about tours or should I just wing it? 

Some people are just more comfortable with a pre-arranged tour or tour package and an expert guide. Many prefer the control and flexibility of organizing their own trip. Bordeaux offers many informative tour options with excellent tour guides to choose from but if you want the choice of independent navigation you might consider making your own printable travel guide that you can take with you on your mobile or even send to friends and relatives. LOGIN IN OUR Members Area. Save your favourites and go!

6 - I plan to hike. Where should I go?

Check out the wine routes of Bordeaux such as the Chateaux Route of the Medoc. The Entre-Deux-Mers wine region offers numerous paths through wooded lands, along rivers and through châteaux vineyards. You might enjoy hiking a section of the Santiago de Compostelle route as well. Historically Bordeaux was a major entry point for pilgrims coming from the UK via water. The vineyard paths of Saint Emilion offer many choices as well.

7 - Where can I camp?

The Côte d’Argent offers a great selection of camping location along the Atlantic Ocean such as sites in and around Soulac-sur-Mer at the Gironde Estuary. Continue south of Arcachon where you’ll discover more great beaches and camping sites. Whether you’re looking for organized family areas or quiet off the beaten path retreats this 200 km stretch of beach has many options.

8 - Where are the best beaches?

The Côte d’Argent, half an hour or so west of Bordeaux, has 200 km of the best white sand beaches. It’s one of longest and top rated beach destinations in Europe. To start with check out Arcachon, go north or south from there and don’t leave out the Dune du Pyla in your plan. 

9 - What’s the surfing like?

The Côte d’Argent has waves for pro and amateur alike with uncrowded beaches along its 200 km stretch. .The waves at Lacanau-Ocean are always reliable – and enormous – and this is why champion surfers congregate there each year in August to compete in the Sooruz Lacanau Pro, a stage in the world surfing tour. Also highly recommended are Biscarrosse-Plage, Mimizan-Plage and Contis-les-Bains Arer.

Get a head start on your trip to Bordeaux. Make your own guide, save your favourites, organize your trip. To print your personalized Bordeaux guide, take it with you on your mobile or send your itinerary to friends and family, login in our Members Area. Voilá et bon voyage!