Bordeaux is a magnificent city to visit, even in cold weather. Here are some ideas to make the most of the city when it's chilly or raining:
1. Visit museums and exhibitions
The Musée d'Aquitaine: A must-visit for exploring the history of Bordeaux and the surrounding region, from prehistoric times to the modern era.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts: An art museum housing a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative objects from the 16th to the 20th century.
La Cité du Vin: If you love wine, this is a fascinating place to explore the history and culture of wine, with tastings included.
The CAPC (Museum of Contemporary Art): Housed in a former goods warehouse, it puts on a varied programme of contemporary art exhibitions.
Find all our visiting recommendations at bordeauxsaintmichel.com/decouvrez-bordeaux
2. Relax in a café or tea room
Bordeaux is full of warm, cosy cafés where you can take shelter while waiting for the weather to improve. Try La Belle Époque, Le Café Piha or L'Alchimiste for a welcoming atmosphere.
If you prefer tea rooms, Café Noche or Café Mably are perfect spots to warm up with a hot chocolate or a pastry.
3. Stroll through covered parks
Le Parc Bordelais or the Jardin Botanique are beautiful, as is the Jardin Public, which lets you unwind and learn something new while sheltering from the cold thanks to its natural history museum right at its heart.
4. Discover the city's architecture
Spend a pleasant time wandering through Bordeaux's historic centre, the Quartier Saint-Pierre, with its narrow cobbled lanes and charming squares such as the Place du Parlement.
Don't miss the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'eau — even if the effect is less spectacular in winter, the spot remains magical.
5. Explore wine cellars and wine bars
Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world, so why not take advantage of the cooler weather to explore one of its many wine cellars or bars, such as Le Bar à Vin, where you can taste local wines in a cosy setting.
Julo and Buvette are both recommended addresses for discovering regional vintages.
6. Take a river cruise on the Garonne
Some cruise operators run tours of the Garonne even in winter, with blankets and hot drinks on board to keep you warm. It's a wonderful way to see Bordeaux from a different angle, including the Pont Chaban-Delmas and the Cité du Vin.
7. Go to the cinema or a show
Le Cinéma Utopia, set in a former church, is a charming venue where you can enjoy films in a truly unique atmosphere.
If you enjoy theatre, le Femina and the Théâtre Trianon put on shows throughout the year.
8. Shopping under the arcades
The Quinconces area, the pedestrian streets such as rue Sainte-Catherine (one of the longest shopping streets in Europe) and the small boutiques of the city centre are perfect for a sheltered shopping day.
9. Sample local specialities
Take advantage of the season to try comforting local dishes such as the canelé, oysters from the Arcachon Basin or a hearty fish soup. Restaurants such as Chez Jean Mi (at the Marché des Capucins) or La Brasserie Bordelaise offer authentic regional menus.
10. Unwind in a spa or hammam
If you really want to relax and escape the cold, Bordeaux has plenty of spas and hammams, such as Les Bains de Léa or the Spa Caudalie at Château Smith Haut Lafitte — ideal for warming up and unwinding.
11. Go ice skating
Depending on the time of year, Bordeaux's ice rink may be set up on the Place Pey-Berland or at Rives d'Arcins, giving you the chance to enjoy a classic winter activity right in the city.
Bordeaux knows how to win over its visitors, whatever the weather! Even in the cold, the city has so much to offer — history, gastronomy, culture and relaxation.
Your base camp for exploring Bordeaux in all weathers
When the skies are grey outside, coming home to a warm, well-equipped studio is priceless. Our studios in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood feature reversible air conditioning (heating included), a fully equipped kitchen for cooking a meal at home, and a breakfast delivered to your door every morning — homemade muesli, pastries, fresh orange juice.
The Saint-Michel neighbourhood is ideally placed to explore Bordeaux on foot or by tram, whatever the weather.