What To Do In Bordeaux In Winter

Winter is around the corner and although the idea of hibernating until the spring shows up again might be a great option, there are other activities to engage in. Here is a list of fun things to do this winter while in Bordeaux.

Check out the art scene

The art scene of Bordeaux is constantly gaining momentum and art galleries are opening left and right, which means you can come across great exhibitions all year around. The museums in town have diverse displays and are exceptionally curated. What’s more, you can visit them for free every first Sunday of the month.

Head to the Pyrenees for a weekend

You should take advantage of your time in Bordeaux to plan an excursion to the Pyrenees. If skiing is your thing, you’ll be happy to discover a fantastic region that offers endless skiing options. But, whether you are into hiking or exploring the great outdoors, the Pyrenees region will meet all your expectations.

Get lost in a bookstore

A fantastic way to avoid the cold and rain is to stay indoors, coiled up with a blanket, a hot beverage and a novel. A decent book selection is essential to fully enjoy this blissful, winter pastime. Don’t hesitate to get lost in one of the city’s numerous bookstores and spend hours leafing through the pages of books both old and new.

Stay warm in concert halls

Music warms our hearts and gets our bodies going. While you are in Bordeaux, head to as many concerts as possible. The city has a lot of cultural spaces, so its inhabitants and visitors can see great artists and performances very often. If you are into classical music, the Opéra National de Bordeaux and the Auditorium are fantastic options. The Krakotoa, the Théâtre Fémina or the Rocher de Palmer (on the right bank of the Garonne River) are known for the eclecticism of their performers.

Head to the ocean

People tend to cross the ocean off their list when they come to Bordeauxin the winter but that’s a mistake. Indeed, taking to the Atlantic Ocean is a fantastic idea for a day-trip. For instance, head to the Arcachon Bay and take a walk by the tide and enjoy the sound of the waves while feeling re-energised by the fresh air. Later on, stop at the Dune du Pilat to watch the sunset and admire the astonishing view.

Spend some time on ice

Ice skating is a fun activity if you are traveling in a group or with family. For more than 35 years, the Patinoire de Mériadeck has been an emblematic venue that witnessed some of the biggest events to mark Bordeaux. If you’re unsure of your ice skating skills, you can still come to this nice complex to watch some ice hockey or catch a show, as the place also often transforms into a concert hall.

Organize an Inside Apéro

We’ve talked about the importance of apéros to Bordeaux locals during the sunny days, but don’t be mistaken: they don’t stop in the winter. In fact, gathering with friends in a comfy home to have some drinks and nibble on snacks (having a ‘raclette’ party is a must) is great way to spend your evenings when it gets cold outside.

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About the author

Jennifer Migan

Jennifer is a speechwriter and a public speaking coach based in Bordeaux, France. She is also a former professional tennis player. She is the founder of The Speech House which helps people (in English and French) to overcome their fear of public speaking and become better communicators. You can follow her on Instagram @jennifer_migan and on her storytelling platform Unique Stories @uniquestories.co.