Bordeaux always rewards those who look at it from a different angle. Escape the familiar streets and take to the heights — a walk with a little altitude goes a long way in this city.
A guided tour from the Flèche Saint-Michel
If you choose to stay in the cosmopolitan Saint-Michel neighbourhood, a superb viewpoint awaits you. Climb the 235 steps of the Flèche Saint-Michel — which stands 114 metres tall — for a unique panorama over the city. Great news: after four years of restoration work, the Flèche Saint-Michel will reopen to the public in 2026, and our B&B is just 200 metres away. A perfect opportunity to rediscover it in all its splendour.
The tower was built in the 15th century above a former charnel house, where at the end of the 18th century mummies exhumed from the surrounding cemetery were put on display. A video now replaces this eerily lifelike macabre exhibit, which until 1990 attracted thousands of visitors — some Bordeaux residents still remember it — including illustrious writers such as Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Théophile Gautier and Ferdinand Céline.
Seventh heaven on the Pont Chaban-Delmas
There are several ways to continue this high-altitude stroll. The Pont Chaban-Delmas — the tallest lift bridge in Europe — can be reached on foot along the banks of the Garonne, by tram B (Cité du Vin stop), or by boat with the Bat3 ferry. The boat journey is well worth it: seen from the Garonne, Bordeaux takes on a whole new perspective — rather romantic, to say the least. Once you reach the middle of the bridge, if the timing allows (the bridge rises when large vessels pass through), you will feel like a bird in flight. The panoramic view of the Port de la Lune is simply breathtaking. The wind up there, and the gentle trembling of the bridge with every passing vehicle, will not leave you indifferent.
Spreading your wings as far as Lormont
The Parc de l'Ermitage Sainte-Catherine is free to enter and accessible by bus (bus 7, Lormont Bas stop from the Cité du Vin) or by bike for the more energetic. Because reaching the heights takes some effort! This former quarry covering 400 hectares is nestled on the hills of the right bank, 60 metres above the city, offering sweeping views over the left bank of Bordeaux, the Garonne, the Port de la Lune and even the Pont d'Aquitaine.
Before reaching the highest point, take your time exploring the many trails that criss-cross the park, perfect for a family outing, a romantic walk or a solo escape from the bustle of the city.
A wide-open view from Parc Palmer
Just 35 minutes' walk from the Parc de l'Ermitage, 25 hectares of contrasting landscapes and a sweeping panorama over the Garonne await you.
A grand vista from the heights of Cenon, enhanced by rolling meadows, tree-lined paths, lovely walking trails, an open-air amphitheatre surrounded by lawn, and two picnic areas — a true breath of fresh air. Nature lovers will encounter horse chestnuts and plane trees, elms, beeches and stone pines on their walk. Time to lace up your trainers!
To make the most of all these viewpoints, start from the best possible base: our B&B is right at the foot of the Flèche Saint-Michel, Bordeaux's most iconic belvédère. The Pont Chaban-Delmas, l'Ermitage and Parc Palmer are all within easy reach by tram or bike from the Saint-Michel neighbourhood.