Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat

About an hour from Bordeaux, Arcachon Bay is known for its calm waters and wide sandy beaches, shaped by oyster farming that still thrives here. You can cycle along quiet paths, spot birds on the nearby Île aux Oiseaux, and stop for fresh oysters at one of the local seafood shacks. Just next door is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising over 100 metres. Climbing it rewards you with wide views across the bay and the Atlantic beyond. Together, the peaceful bay and the towering dune make a great day out, whether you’re after nature, fresh air, or just some impressive scenery.

• Address:

  Bassin d'Arcachon, France

Basilique Saint-Michel

Basilique Saint-Michel is a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century, and it stands out for its separate, 114-metre bell tower — the tallest in southern France. You can climb the tower for great views over Bordeaux. Inside, there are plenty of chapels with old artwork, and the whole place is part of the UNESCO-listed Routes of Santiago pilgrimage.

• Address:

  16 Place Meynard, Bordeaux

• Phone:

  +33 5 56 91 67 13

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–7pm

Bordeaux by Bike

Embark on a bike tour to explore the expansive city of Bordeaux in a unique way — this experience follows a meticulously planned route that takes you to all the must-see spots. Guided by a local, you'll traverse a 14 km path discovering street art, lush green spaces, and historical sites, all while unravelling Bordeaux’s rich history and hidden gems. This bike tour not only allows you to cover more ground than walking, but it also helps you uncover sights and picturesque spots that could easily be missed when exploring alone.

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts sits in a grand 19th-century building just off the main shopping street. Inside, you’ll find a collection of European paintings and sculptures, from the Renaissance through to the 20th century, including works by Rubens, Delacroix, and Picasso.

• Web:

  www.musba-bordeaux.fr/en

• Address:

  20 Cours d'Albret, Bordeaux

• Phone:

  +33 5 56 10 20 56

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–6pm

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Saint-André is Bordeaux’s main cathedral — parts of it date back to the 11th century, though most of what you see now is from the 13th to 15th centuries. It’s a classic Gothic structure and has seen a fair bit of history, including the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Just next to it is the Tour Pey Berland, a separate bell tower you can climb for panoramic views over the city and the cathedral roof.

• Web:

  www.cathedrale-bordeaux.fr

• Address:

  Place Pey Berland, Bordeaux

• Phone:

  +33 5 56 44 67 29

Cinéma Utopia

Hosted within the former St Simeon's church, Utopia is a unique fusion of a film theatre, café, lunch spot and cultural hub. Specialising in alternative films shown in their original language with French subtitles, Utopia offers a memorable movie experience in a comfortable and nostalgic setting. Even if you're not in the mood for a film, the building itself is a noteworthy French cultural landmark worth exploring. Aside from its cinematic offerings, Utopia features a charming bar and restaurant with indoor seating and a street terrace. Enjoy a variety of delicious lunch options and drinks in this cool, atmospheric space.

• Web:

  www.cinemas-utopia.org/bordeaux

• E-mail:

  bordeaux@cinemas-utopia.org

• Address:

  5 Place Camille Jullian, Bordeaux

• Opening hours:

  +33 5 56 52 00 03