8 awesome and completely free things to do in Bordeaux

undefined undefined 4 juillet 2023 undefined 17h41

undefined undefined 5 juillet 2024 undefined 06h53

The Editor

©Darwin Bordeaux

Believe it or not, you can discover Bordeaux without having to spend a penny. Discover free outing ideas, events, and sports classes offered. Here is a selection of rich and varied activities to explore the city of Bordeaux without opening your wallet.

A ballet of cultural outings in the city

Many cultural establishments open their doors and can be visited freely. You can head to the Capucins market, visit a part of the Cité du Vin, the ruins of Palais Gallien, explore the Saint-André Cathedral, not to mention the Saint-Michel and Saint-Seurin Basilicas. Enjoy the municipal libraries. And discover the Darwin ecosystem.

 


Free Museums on the first Sunday of the month

The Bordeaux City Hall has arranged for the museums to be free on the first Sunday of each month. You can visit 5 museums for free, including the CAPC, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Aquitaine Museum, and the Submarine Base. This allows you to enrich your cultural knowledge without spending a penny.

Breathtaking Walks

If you love being outside, you can go for a leisurely walk in the Jardin Public or along the riverfront, either on foot or by bike. For those who are more active, there are various trail options from 4 to 30km, like the 4.3km Lac Initiation Trail that takes between 20 minutes to 1 hour. You can also give Nordic Walking a try with distances from 4 to 10km, or opt for Gravel biking with routes ranging from 35 to 200km, depending on your choice.

Cycling from the city center of Bordeaux to the beach may sound intimidating. However, it's completely achievable thanks to the departmental cycling path established in 1980, spanning 66km and taking about 4h30 by bike all the way to the ocean!

Borrowing TBM bikes

The Metropolitan House of Alternative Mobilities gives you the possibility to borrow bikes for free, allowing you to discover and visit Bordeaux by bike. They are available for adult residents of Bordeaux Métropole. You will no longer need to walk and this will prevent you from using trams that are sometimes crowded. Don't forget to call to find out if there are bikes available, this will save you a wasted trip. TBM also offers free rental of electric bikes, more information here .

 

Let's Dance on the Quays

Let's Dance on the Quays is such a fun event that happens right on the beautiful quays of Bordeaux when summer rolls around. It's a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn some new dance moves or just have a blast dancing by the river. With almost 40 dance classes to choose from, 19 themed nights, and 5 hours of fantastic performances by local dance groups, there's something for everyone. From classic partnered dances to hip solo moves, you can try it all!

Free electro mini festivals on Sundays

During the summer season, the Bordeaux Open Air Festival allows you to enjoy outdoor concerts on Sundays in the beautiful parks of Bordeaux and its surrounding areas. It's a wonderful way to experience electronic music for free, with lively performances and a vibrant atmosphere. The festival also includes activities for kids and a food area with delicious local cuisine. Don't miss out on this fun and free event!

 

Sports Classes for Free!

Are you ready to get active and have fun without spending a dime? Decathlon village in Mérignac is offering free initiation classes for a variety of sports. This is your chance to explore new activities without any cost. You can start with a free surfing lesson from the surf association. If rollerblading is more your style, the AIR association is running free supervised rides in Bordeaux for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can find free sports equipment in the city, including gyms, city courts, and skateparks. Get moving and start your sports adventure today! 

Spend a night in an unusual accommodation

For those who would like a unique overnight experience, we suggest trying out the peri-urban accommodations located in Bordeaux. With 10 original rentals shaped like a cloud, an owl, a pyramid, or a tree trunk, you can treat yourself to a modern and adventurous journey. You can stay for just one night, but it's definitely worth it. Make sure to book in advance!

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