Activities to Do in the Bordeaux Region

The Bordeaux region is one of the most beautiful areas of France, known for its vineyards, medieval villages, Atlantic coastline, and relaxed pace of life. Whether you're staying for just the weekend or extending your trip, here are some things to do around the western Atlantic coastal side of the region and the eastern wine-country side.

Suggestions for coastal side:

We will be in Arcachon, on the Atlantic coast, June 17th-19th. Check out our "Wedding Week Activities" tab to join us here!

Additional Arcachon ideas:

1. Boat or Ferry Cruise Across the Arcachon Bay to Cap Ferret

Take a scenic pinasse or ferry ride from Arcachon across the Bassin to Cap Ferret — great for views of the bay, oyster farms, and the iconic Île aux Oiseaux. Once in Cap Ferret, you can stroll the villages, explore lighthouse views, and bike the beautiful paths through pine forests and to remote beaches.

2. Surfing

Just north of Arcachon, Lacanau-Océan is a famous surf town with consistent Atlantic waves and excellent surf schools like Ocean Ride or Magic Surf School offering lessons for all levels.

3. Oyster & Seafood Tasting

Arcachon Bay is world-famous for its oysters. Guests can enjoy fresh oysters and seafood right at the water: explore oyster huts and markets at Gujan-Mestras, Cap Ferret (like those in L’Herbe or Le Canon), or seaside restaurants in Arcachon itself.

4. Biking Along the Bay & Pine Forest Trails

Rent bikes and explore the network of beautiful cycle paths around the Arcachon Basin and Cap Ferret — easy, scenic rides through pine forests, across boardwalks, and along the water’s edge.

5. Sandy Beaches & Promenades

Spend a day at beaches like Plage d’Arcachon, Plage du Moulleau, or Plage Péreire — perfect for sunbathing, swimming, seaside picnics, and sunset strolls.

6. The Cœur de Ville Market

Stroll around this local farmers market any morning (starting June 15th) for bites of fresh cheese, pastries, seafood, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Open 7:30am-1:30pm in Halle Baltard on Place des Marquises.

7. Casual Beachfront Treats & Ice Cream

Arcachon and Cap Ferret both have plenty of ice cream shops and seaside cafés along the promenade and at piers — fun for a relaxed break in between beach walks and sightseeing.

8. Parc de La Coccinelle

Great for young kids, Parc de La Coccinelle in Gujan-Mestras is a cute amusement park with family rides, a petting farm, and a small water play area

9. Wingfoil or Wakesurf at Lacanau Lake

If you prefer freshwater, Lac de Lacanau (1-1.5hr drive from Arcachon) has loads of opportunity for water sports. Evolution 2 Lacanau or Chamoulou Sailing School offer lessons in wingfoil, wakesurf, wakeboard, sailing and more.

10. AquaPark at Biscarrosse (Inflatable Waterpark on Lake Lacanau)

Great for older kids or energetic adults, this large floating inflatable water park, also at Lake Lacanau, has slides, trampolines, climbing zones and water challenges.

Suggestions for wine-country side (city of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Lussac):

1. Explore Saint-Émilion (UNESCO Village)

Walk through cobblestone streets, discover wine cellars carved into limestone, and visit the underground Monolithic Church, one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

2. Wine Tasting in the Lussac & Montagne Appellations

These two small wine villages produce some of the best Grand Cru Classé wines near Saint-Émilion. Many châteaux offer tastings and short visits.

3. Visit the Famous Châteaux of Saint-Émilion

Château Troplong Mondot

Château Figeac

Château La Dominique (famous for its modern red rooftop)

Book tastings in advance — weekends fill quickly.

4. Walk the Vineyards Around Lussac & Montagne

Beautiful and easy walking paths through vineyards and rolling hills. Perfect for a quiet morning stroll.

5. Spend a Day in the City of Bordeaux (UNESCO)

Visit the Miroir d’Eau, Saint-André Cathedral, the Garonne riverfront, the Cité du Vin museum, or simply enjoy the city’s cafés and wine bars.

6. Boat Ride or Kayak on the Dordogne River

The Dordogne is peaceful and scenic — ideal for kayaking or renting a small boat for a couple of hours.

7. Visit the Medieval Village of Saint-Macaire

Stone ramparts, narrow streets, and beautiful architecture — a quiet and charming alternative to the more crowded villages.

8. Explore Libourne Market

Held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, this local market offers fresh produce, cheese, pastries, and wine. Great place for a relaxed French breakfast.

9. Bike Tour Through the Vineyards

Rent bikes in Saint-Émilion or Libourne and ride through Château-studded landscapes. Many routes are easy and very scenic.

10. Visit the Cité du Vin (Wine Museum)

A modern, interactive museum dedicated to the world of wine — great even for beginners.

11. Enjoy a Spa Day in Saint-Émilion or Bordeaux

Some châteaux offer spa services with vineyard views (e.g., Château Grand Barrail).

12. Truffle or Foie Gras Tastings (Seasonal)

Local farms around the Dordogne offer tastings and short tours — a fun way to discover regional cuisine.

13. Sunset in Saint-Émilion Over the Vineyards

Grab a glass of wine, and some of Saint-Emilion's famous macaroons, and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region.

Favorite spots: Tour du Roy or the Cloître des Cordeliers.