Unique Cultural Events You'll Only Experience in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is known to be the world’s wine heaven. And what if you could go to a place and try not only Bordeaux’s greatest wine but the finest foreign wines as well? Every two years, the Vinexpo event makes this wish come true. It is also a great chance to meet the major players of the wine and spirits industry.

This is Europe’s biggest oenotourism event. For four days it allows you to embark on a fabulous journey around wine, shows and many more surprises. Located by the gorgeous promenade of Les Quais, the biennale event will this year celebrate its 20th anniversary, welcoming some of the biggest’s sailing ships during the Tall Ships Regatta competition.

Happening in Bordeaux every two years, the Fete du Fleuve is a popular celebration during which the local population and tourists mingle by the Garonne river and taste some of the region’s delicacies. Don’t be surprised if you see enthusiastic people jumping into the Garonne (it’s part of the fun), and why not hop on one of the many regattas cruising on the river?

Since 2004, the Agora Biennale has become a very popular cultural event in Bordeaux. Initially created as a way to showcase innovative creations to improve Bordeaux’s quality of life through architecture, urbanism and design, the “Biennale” has expended its spectrum by including other disciplines such as arts, literature, photography, and many more.

Since its first edition in 2012, the Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bordeaux (FIFIB) is a beloved festival for all the cinephiles living in Bordeaux. The original and qualitative selection of films allows people to discover talented directors from the independent scene and to see excellent movies you usually don’t see in theatres.

Some people argue that having a drink right after a gruelling effort such as a marathon is a great way to speed up recovery. It seems that the organisers of the Marathon du Médoc have decided to test this hypothesis by providing drinks…while people are running. Although we at Culture Trip encourage people to drink responsibly and not engage in outrageous behaviour, we recommend this unique experience as you will get a chance to try some of the world’s most famous millesimals such as Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Esthète and many more.

Different than the more “laid-back” Marathon du Médoc, the Marathon Bordeaux Métropole is year after year becoming one of the most sough-after events in town. Being a nocturne marathon, the energy of all the runners and volunteers translates into an extraordinary atmosphere. People from all over town come and cheer for the thousands of people who run to push their limits or to support a charity. During that evening, the whole city is unified to cheer for these fantastic athletes who push their limits, or for the amateurs who run to support a noble cause.

Take a trip outside the city and join the Fest’Arts de Libourne, a joyful street festival dedicated to street artistry. You will certainly have a wonderful time admiring shows around circus, dance, theatre, magic or music. With over 30 artistic companies ensuring the show goes on, this festival draws thousands of people every year.

If La Fête de la Musique officially starts the season of music festivals in Bordeaux, there is one music manifestation you surely don’t want to miss: it’s the Festival Relâche (which you could literally translate to “The Let Go Festival”). Throughout the summer, Bordeaux is filled with extraordinary vibes that will make you dance on the streets for sure!