25 Awesome Free Things To Do In Bordeaux, France (2024)
Are you looking for the best free things to do in Bordeaux? You came to the right place!
I’ve been living in Bordeaux for over 2 years now, and I am constantly on the lookout for new free activities in the city.
It doesn’t matter if you are a backpacker traveling through France, only visiting Bordeaux for a weekend, or an international Erasmus student spending your semester in the southwest of France.
We can all agree that France is not an affordable country, and it might be hard to save money while traveling in France.
Luckily, I found numerous free things to do in Bordeaux at any time of the year.
Keep reading for the best free Bordeaux activities!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Best Free Things To Do In Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a great place to visit if you’re backpacking on a budget.
While France is not a cheap travel destination, there are plenty of free things to do and incredible sights to enjoy in the city and around.
Free things to do in the city center of Bordeaux
1. Join a free walking tour
If you’ve read my travel blog before, you know that Free walking tours are my favorite way to discover a new city. Especially if you only have one day in Bordeaux!
Bordeaux free walking tour lasts about 2h and takes you around the main attractions in the city center while teaching you the must-know facts about the city.
Remember that while free walking tours are technically free, the guides only earn from tips. So, tip your guide if you liked the tour!
2. Enjoy the open-air museum that is the city center of Bordeaux
The whole city center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a free open-air museum. It represents an outstanding example of classical and neo-classical trends.
The UNESCO rewarded that the city retained its authenticity in the historic buildings and spaces created in the 18th and 19th centuries.
You don’t need a specific itinerary to explore the historic center of Bordeaux. With more than 350 historical monuments in the city, you are sure to find something to admire!
Start from the charming neighborhood of Chartrons in the north and observe how the architecture changes as you make your way to the south and Place de la Bourse.
Wandering the city center of Bordeaux is my favorite free activity in Bordeaux. Every time I walk in the city center I discover something new. I love the way old buildings were built with such attention to detail.
If you like aesthetic doors, the city center of Bordeaux is a perfect place to look for the most beautiful doors!
3. Find all ancient Bordeaux Gates
Following the previous activity, try and find all the old gates of the old Bordeaux.
Like most medieval towns, Bordeaux used to be a fortified city. Today, six gates from different historical periods serve as a reminder of Bordeaux’s history.
La Porte Cailhau is arguably the most stunning one. Part of the Bordeaux ancient fortification facing the Garrone, this gate dates back to the 15th century.
La Porte Saint-Éloi et la Grosse Cloche is one of the symbols of Bordeaux. This gate also dates back to the 15th century, and it served many different purposes throughout history. Today, the bell only rings for special occasions.
La Porte d’Aquitaine built in the 18th century, is located on Place de la Victoire, and today it marks the beginning of the Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Recently renovated La Porte Dijeaux functioned as the city’s entry point in the 18th century.
La Porte de Bourgogne, also known as the Porte Salinières, faces Pont de Pierre. It was built in the 18th century in honor of duke Bourgogne.
Finally, we have La Porte de la Monnaie. You might miss this gate if you don’t pay attention as it is relatively modest and connected to the neighboring buildings.
4. Check out the ruins of the Roman arena – Palais Gallien
Yes, centuries ago, the Roman Empire stretched all over Europe, including Bordeaux.
You can’t find many reminders of Roman history in Bordeaux today. However, the ruins of the Roman Colosseum Palais Gallien are impressive and free to visit!
Approach the amphitheater from Rue de Colisee for the best view.
5. Discover Bordeaux churches
Bordeaux is home to some majestic churches. You don’t need to be religious to marvel at the architecture of these artistically crafted buildings.
Some of the most beautiful churches in Bordeaux are the Bordeaux Cathedral, Saint Pierre’s Church, Saint Louis Church in Chartrons, Saint Croix Church, Notre Dame church, and Saint Marie de la Bastide.
Churches are free to enter, but some might be closed to tourists during the processions. Remember to wear appropriate clothing if you don’t want to be scolded by nuns!
6. Visit the flea market in Saint Michel
Every Sunday, Saint Michel Square houses an open-air flea market. It is one of those things you just have to see for yourself. People sell everything, from antique record players to toys and books.
It is a fun and free activity to browse through the market, and maybe you will discover some hidden gems!
7. Take advantage of free museums on the first Sunday of the month
Museums are generally not free in Bordeaux. Yet, like in many other French cities, there are reduced rates for students, children, and groups.
However, if you are a museum lover, you will be glad to learn that most Bordeaux museums are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month. (except July and August, but check the website of the Musem you’re interested in for the most accurate information)
Not all museums participate in this offer, so remember to check the list of Museums that are free on Sunday. You can choose between six different museums and Botanical Gardens.
This way, I visited the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Aquitaine.
8. Admire the world’s largest reflective pool
Did you know Bordeaux’s most famous tourist attraction is completely free to visit?
The Miroir d’Eau was built in 2006, and it is the world’s largest reflecting pool, covering 3,450 square meters.
It is also one of the most photogenic spots in Bordeaux on the condition you arrive early enough, and it is not filled with kids running around.
Also, the pool is empty in the winter, so don’t be as confused as I was the first time I saw it.
9. Visit Sunday Market on the Quai des Chartrons
If you like browsing farmers’ markets, you can choose between many markets in Bordeaux.
Sunday market on the Quai des Chartrons is a weekly event that brings together local farmers and food trucks.
If you visit Bordeaux on any other day and want to see a local market, Marche de Capucins is the best place to go.
10. Walk on Quay along the Garrone
Garrone in Bordeaux is not the most romantic river in the world. Nevertheless, walking along the Quay is a perfect combination of being in the city and going for a walk in nature.
Get some steps in and do the whole circle, crossing the Chaban-Delmas bridge to Bastide. Observe how vastly different the two sides of the river are.
You can also run along the Quay, as you will see it is a very popular activity with the Bordolese.
11. Bike along the Garrone
Alternatively, you can also bike along the Garrone! It is arguably the best cycling path in Bordeaux, as it is pedestrian and bike-only.
Be warned that on a busy day, you will have to avoid a lot of pedestrians in the bike lane.
You can combine sightseeing and cycling with one of the bike tours in Bordeaux!
How to rent a bike in Bordeaux?
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent self-service city bikes V3 all over the city. While it is technically not free, you can rent it for a whole day for just 1,70€!
V3 bikes work in a way that you pay 1,70€ for 24-hour access to the bikes. You can use the bike for free for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, you pay an hourly fee. But, if you return the bike to the station before 30 minutes are up, you don’t pay anything!
It is possible to get from one station to another within less than 30 minutes, and I use this technique often. I find it is also a fun activity making sure that you beat the clock while enjoying your time biking.
12. Watch a cruiser pass under the Chaban-Delmas bridge
It is not an everyday occurrence that you see a bridge rise 55 meters to let a giant cruiser ship pass under it.
If you want to catch the bridge rising, check the closing times of the Chaban-Delmas bridge, as they will signal the days a cruiser is in the city.
13. Find hidden Bordeaux street art
If you love street art, Bordeaux is the open-air gallery of your dreams!
Unfortunately, unlike traditional galleries, finding art is not as straightforward. But, it is all over the city.
Some of my favorites are le Renard de Amo, close to the La Porte Cailhau, and Alisa in Wonderland in Les Bassins à Flots.
Check out the most popular street artists of Bordeaux to know what to look for!
14. See the Spaceship in Bassins à flot
The spaceship in Bacalan Marina is one of the newer additions to Bordeaux’s attractions as it landed in Bordeaux in 2018.
According to the artist Suzanne Treister, it represents the transformation of the past to the future.
It is certainly an interesting addition to Bordeaux’s art scene and fits the trendy neighborhood of Bacalan.
15. Discover an alternative side of Bordeaux – Darwin eco-system
Darwin eco-system on the right side of Garrone is a relatively new trendy alternative place in Bordeaux.
Located in the former military brackets, it rejuvenated a once-abandoned location and gave space to local artists and alternative groups to co-exist.
Free Bordeaux activities in the nature
16. Have a picnic in Jardin public
Restaurants might be expensive in Bordeaux, but picnics are free! Apart from the food, you have to buy it either way.
The most popular picnic spot in Bordeaux is Jardin Public. So, on a sunny day, grab your blanket, lunch, or snacks and enjoy the day surrounded by nature.
There are other parks in Bordeaux where you can have a picnic. Quay along the Garrone is another popular spot!
17. Watch the sunset from the Quai des Queyries
Depending on the time of the year you are in Bordeaux, the sunset will fall somewhere between Saint Michel church and Place des Quinconces.
The best area to watch the sun fade behind the historical buildings of Bordeaux is on the other side of the river, Quai des Queyries.
You can grab a drink in one of the riverside bars. Otherwise, for a free activity, you can just sit along the quay and enjoy the view.
The best sunset spot is the benches at the beginning of the pedestrian path in front of the cinema.
18. Swim in a Bordeaux lake for free
Lakes are a great, free activity if you visit Bordeaux in the summer and don’t want to travel to the coast to cool off in the sea.
Bordeaux has two swimming lakes, one in the north and one in the south.
Bordeaux Lac in the north of the city is the main swimming lake. Begles Plage is another smaller lake in the south of Bordeaux.
Both are free to enter! However, if you are an adult and a good swimmer, I suggest going to Bordeaux Lac, as the swimming area is significantly larger.
- If you are not convinced and would rather swim in the ocean, check out my article on the best beaches around Bordeaux!
19. Hike in Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine
Bordeaux might seem like a flat city, but just across the Garrone in Lormont, there is a perfect hiking opportunity accessible by public transport – Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine.
The hiking trail takes you through the woods and around a lake at the bottom of the hill.
20. Find the best free viewpoint in Bordeaux
You might have assumed when I said there was a hill in Bordeaux that there would be a great viewpoint. And you were right!
The best free viewpoint in Bordeaux is in Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine.
Standing at 60m above the Garrone River, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Bordeaux city center on one side and Pont d’Aquitaine on the other.
You don’t need to hike to get to the viewpoint. Take tram A from the city center to Lormont, get off at the tram stop Iris, and follow Google map instructions to the entrance.
21. Learn about nature in Botanical gardens
While you have to pay to enter the inside gardens, the outside Botanical gardens in Bordeaux are free to visit!
You can choose between two locations. The first is the small section of Jardin Public, and the second is across the Garrone in the main Botanical Garden area.
It is interesting to walk around, and you can learn more about biology and geology on the boards around the garden.
Seasonal free activities in Bordeaux
Depending on when you visit Bordeaux, there are some seasonal free activities that you can plan to add to your itinerary.
22. Dance at Fete de la Musique
Fete de la Musique is a festival I didn’t know existed before moving to France. If you are like me and don’t know what this music festival is, prepare to be amazed!
It is an annual music celebration held on the 21st of June.
What does that mean? The whole city turns into an open-air disco! Wherever you go, there is music playing and people dancing.
You can attend official events on big stages scattered around the city or join one of the numerous unofficial parties with DJs blasting music from their balconies and people dancing in the street.
23. Enjoy the Bordeaux Open Air music festival
Every summer since 2016, you can enjoy the Bordeaux Open Air music festival in different locations around the city.
The events start in July and last until September. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy electronic music and discover new parks in the city, as every Sunday is a new location!
Check the official Bordeaux Open Air website to see where and when the next event will be!
24. Stroll the Christmas Market
Bordeaux is not really a fairytale Christmas Market destination. Nevertheless, there is a Christmas spirit in Bordeaux in winter.
The city gets decorated for the holidays, and the main Christmas tree is in front of the Bordeaux Cathedral.
Bordeaux has only one Christmas Market on a square between Place des Quinconces and Place de la Comedie.
You can drink mulled wine, eat traditional winter food, and buy Christmas trees or handmade gifts.
25. Carnaval des Deux Rives de Bordeaux
Carnival des Deux Rives is a celebration traditionally held on the first Sunday in March since 1996.
Like other European carnivals, there is a parade of organized groups and people dressed up in costumes.
Is Bordeaux expensive to visit?
France is generally not an affordable travel destination. Bordeaux is not an exception.
Meals in restaurants, drinks in bars, and accommodation are pricey. However, many tourist attractions are totally free to visit!
Therefore, yes, it is possible to visit Bordeaux on a budget. You just need to adjust your itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
Now that you know about all the free activities in Bordeaux, you can choose the time to visit according to your interests.
As you can see, most of the activities on this list are not weather-specific, so you can visit Bordeaux any time of the year and have an amazing time!
Winters in Bordeaux are not as cold as in the north of Europe, so it is a pleasant winter destination. However, it is not the best spot for Christmas Market spirit if that is what you are after.
Bordeaux Open Air music festival might appeal to electronic music lovers, while others might enjoy a unique Carnival in March.
Something is going on in Bordeaux at any time of the year!
Summary: Free Things To Do In Bordeaux
And that’s a wrap! Now you have a list of the 25 best free things to do in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux is worth visiting even if you’re on a budget, and with affordable flights to the city from all over Europe it should be on your wish list!
Have you visited Bordeaux before? Is there a free activity I missed that should be on this list? Let me know in the comments!
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