15 weekend ideas around Bordeaux

Are you in Bordeaux and want to explore the region for a weekend? Here are the 15 weekend ideas around Bordeaux!

The region around Bordeaux is rich and offers various activities and discoveries. If you are Bordeaux or passing a few days, Wanderlix has selected some suggestions for weekend ideas around Bordeaux.

Here are the 15 escapades we selected!

1. Bassin d’Arcachon

The Arcachon Basin is one of the most important weekend ideas around Bordeaux. The places are famous for the Pilat dune, the highest sand dune in Europe. In front is the Arguin bench, a natural and protected sandbank, home to many marine species and migratory birds, and offering a magnificent view of the dune.

Divided in four seasonal neighborhoods, Arcachon is a city where you have to walk. The city of winter is the one with the most charm with especially Villa Chopin. For a drink on the beach, head to the summer city!

The children will be delighted to discover the amusement parks in Gujan, a few minutes from Arcachon. To the north of the basin, do not miss Lège-Cap-Ferret and its lighthouse, as well as Andernos-les-Bains, a village with a charming marina.

2. La Rochelle and Island of Re

So far from Bordeaux in mind, La Rochelle is a pleasant city that we like to discover. La Rochelle is above all a small marina, the port of the Minims, on which one loves to walk and land. Also it is a fortified old town, almost a fort on its own!

From this time the towers remain, which can be visited. The Lantern is the most famous. The old fortifications can also be admired during a walk in the city centre and enjoying the local specialities on the terrace.

As for the children, they will be delighted to discover the aquarium! Finally, don’t miss the island of Ré, which you reach through the beautiful curved bridge. A preserved island, with natural reserves and beaches.

3. Biarritz

A classic of weekend ideas around Bordeaux, Biarritz is a moment of relaxation for city dwellers. It must be said that the Basque city has many assets. The sandy beaches are beautiful and a famous surf spot .

Fans of panoramas can go to the lighthouse, located on the eastern tip of the city. Also on the other side are the plateau of Atalaye and the rock of the Virgin, offering a splendid panorama.

In the city, don't miss the museum of the sea hosting an aquarium and the halls to discover local specialities. Finally, we can finish the day in one of the most famous casinos in France.

4. Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Yet located near Biarritz, the city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is nevertheless a good idea of weekends around Bordeaux. Indeed, the resort is very different from its neighbour and does not attract the same population for a short stay.

The city remains an authentic fishing port where you love walking. In the city centre, you can discover the culinary specialties of the place!

In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, we love this festive atmosphere of the South-West and its magnificent bay from which the Pointe Sainte-Barbe and the fort of Socoa face. It is also a royal residence, with the house Louis XIV and that of the Infante, which dates back to the 1640s, when the Sun King married Marie-Thérèse.

Finally, don’t miss the church of Saint John the Baptist where the famous marriage was celebrated.

5. Basque Coast and Silver Coast

If Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are the best known seaside resorts, the Atlantic coast is rich in very friendly cities that can visit for a weekend idea around Bordeaux. The coast is divided by the Basque coast to the South and the Silver coast to the North.

The Basque coast houses Hendaye, located on the Spanish border, with its beautiful castle and bay, Bidart, beautiful city with its shaded houses and red shutters, and Bayonne, ham town with its parties and city centre. On the coast of Argent, you can enjoy the beaches of Biscarosse or Mimizan, perhaps the most beautiful in the region. Then we test the board, beginning or confirmed, in Hossegor, the city of surfing. I mean, relax. Capbreton and its pretty fishing port.

6. Royan

Located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, Royan is a seaside resort Charente-Maritime . The city allows to do many activities, from the discovery of the Cordouan lighthouse, from which the panorama is fabulous, to the beach day. It's for all tastes!

In addition to its sandy beaches, Royan has a city centre with architecture mixing Belle Époque and post-war, as evidenced by Notre-Dame Church. We love it or not! With its shops, terraces and central market, it is a popular walk for travellers and locals who like to find themselves on the red beach.

Finally, children will be delighted to discover Planet Exotica, a zoo with exotic animals and dinosaur models!

7. Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park

Among the weekend ideas around Bordeaux, the Marais Poitevin is the greenest of them. Just two hours' drive and we discover a magical place, away from the urban tumult and perfect for relaxation.

On the programme, beautiful hiking or cycling in the heart of the marshes. They can also be explored in boat or canoe!

The Marais Poitevin, it is also many villages of the green Venice to discover like Coulon, Saint-Hilaire-le-Palud, Arçais or Priaires. The castle of Coudray-Salbart d’Echiré, attributed to the legendary fairy Melusine, is a beautiful heritage of the 13th century.

Finally, to finish your stay, fly to the hot air balloon near Niort!

8. Pau

Direction le Béarn for this weekend idea around Bordeaux. Historic city of the kingdom of France, it was in Pau that the king was born in 1553 Henri IV .

The discovery of Pau begins with a long walk in the old town where you cross shaded houses, narrow streets, local shops and nice terraces.

Then, direction the imposing castle dating from the 10th century. Built on the hill, he saw Henri IV born and is famous for his royal apartments.

Don’t miss the gardens where you enjoy a beautiful view. For horse lovers, the national haras, located in Gelos south of Pau, is one of the largest in France. Finally, go to the discovery of Lescar, a medieval village nearby.

9. Perigord

Corresponding to the current department of the Dordogne , the Périgord is a must-see of weekend ideas around Bordeaux. With the Aveyron , the Dordogne is the department with the most villages classified among the most beautiful villages in the Hexagon. Here are Monpazier, Saint-Jean-de-Côle and Baynac-Cazenac who are sublime but the list is long and you have the choice!

Each village is unique and remains a popular visit. Brantôme, with its coated bridge and mill, is an architectural wonder that we like to discover. Périgueux, large city of the region, is a kind of large village with an old town around the cathedral to walk.

Finally, visit the Abbey of Chancelade – founded in the 11th century – and considered one of the most beautiful in France.

10. Futuroscope

Opened in 1987, Futuroscope Park remains one of the best weekend ideas around Bordeaux, especially with children! It is a safe value, a park of human size and quality, which has evolved in recent years. Two full days are usually needed to make all the attractions.

11. Ile d’Oléron

Among the weekend ideas around Bordeaux, Oleron Island is one of the most natural. Indeed, the island remains preserved and is a true bowl of fresh air. The citadel is one of the most beautiful military architectures in France, a visit offering breathtaking views.

The Port des Salines, with its colourful wooden houses, allows you to discover Oleron’s saliculture. At the end of the island is the Chassiron lighthouse, dating from 1685 and offering a unique panorama. Finally, lovers of the game Fort Boyard can reach the fort. A former prison, it is a beautiful legacy of fortifications dating back to the 19th century.

12. Toulouse

The Rose City is one of the most popular weekend ideas around Bordeaux. With its many assets and its atmosphere, although it is also a large city, Toulouse is very different from Bordeaux. Some say it is more open and warm.

The famous Capitole square is the common gathering place, with its beautiful red brick buildings. An ideal place to sit on a terrace!

The feet are the best way to discover the city centre with its Saint-Sernin church, local shops and docks. For museums, don't miss the City of Space and the Purple Museum. Finally, a cruise on the Canal du Midi is a time of escape for a few hours to discover the surroundings.

13. Lourdes

Here's a weekend idea around spiritual Bordeaux! According to legend, it was in Lourdes that Bernadette Soubirous saw, in the Massabelle Cave, the Virgin Mary in 1858. Since then, Lourdes and the cave have become places of pilgrimage where the nurses will seek the miracle.

But Lourdes is also a beautiful old town and a sublime cathedral that you visit without moderation. The originality of the commune is also to borrow the funicular to reach the summit of the Jer peak. Guaranteed scenery and beautiful view up!

14. Quercy Regional Natural Park

This natural park is the best of weekend ideas around Bordeaux to explore geological riches. Indeed, the Causses du Quercy are full of prehistoric caves. Here is the Pech Merle and its superb engravings.

From a depth of 55 meters, the Padirac swell is a unique visit to make and its cavity impresses. Once you return to the farmland, you can go to the beautiful medieval city of Rocamadour . Finally, if the weather allows, it is possible to do many hiking tours!

15. Cauterets

If you miss the mountain air, the nearest ski resort to Bordeaux is Cauterets. In winter, we take advantage of the beautiful slopes Pyrenees . In the summer, beautiful hikes are possible. In all seasons, we breathe the fresh and pure air of the mountain!