Eco-responsible leisure in the city, it can be done !
An invested destination for responsible and fair tourism, Bordeaux offers a range of activities with a low environmental impact: activities on foot, by bike or by tram, visits closer to nature, tastings of local produce, responsible shopping, etc. Thanks to numerous players committed to the ecological transition, in Bordeaux, it has never been easier to combine pleasure and respect for the planet. Follow us to get ideas for your stay.
Original guided tours
Would you like to learn more about the city? Multiple guided tours invite you to explore its wonders. To discover the must-sees, meander through the historic centre on foot, accompanied by a guide, or enjoy a peaceful visit aboard the little electric train.
Would you like to combine heritage, nature, gastronomy, crafts and an eco-responsible approach? You are going to love Vert Bordeaux’s gourmet and historic visits, which also offer day or half-day trips to St Émilion, Arcachon Bay or Entre-deux-Mers.
Located on the docks, at the base of the stone bridge, the Maison Écocitoyenne provides a programme full of activities focused on the environment and sustainable development every month. Workshops, exhibitions, walks, conferences, and projections are available for free.
Getting as close as possible to nature to better understand and protect it; this is what Terre & Océan has to offer through its educational activities and trips for children and adults. During these outings, the members of the association will share their scientific knowledge about environmental protection, geology, water quality, history and biodiversity.
Nature getaways in the city
Nature lovers or explorers at heart, take the GR Métropolitain, the first Metropolitan GR footpath in France. Its 160 km invite you to wander from park to park. Incidentally, it is in these parks that you may stumble across one of the 11 peri-urban shelters around Bordeaux. These are unusual accommodation which the metropolis provides free of charge, and which must be booked a month in advance.
Another area of greenery: the Botanical Gardens. A genuine oasis of coolness, come and wander through the garden and its greenhouses, where the numerous plant varieties from around the world which can be found here will take you on a journey.
A mini-adventure on the right bank? Still unknown and therefore more wild, the right bank of Bordeaux promises to be a great escape. Heading towards Lormont aboard the Bat3 before enjoying a lovely walk along the hillsides, passing through Ermitage, Palmer, Cypressat and Castel parks: change of scenery guaranteed!
Looking for an outing with children? Look no further, and discover the geocaching itineraries to discover Bordeaux and its surroundings while having fun. In the form of treasure hunts, the Tèrra Aventura app brings together culture and challenge, where the whole family can take part!
Discovering local heritage
To learn more about our local heritage, several possibilities are available to you. Street-art fans will be enchanted by the M.U.R. The modular wall painting is the playground for renowned street artists and its décor regularly changes in the context of performances.
If you’re a wine lover, the Musée du Vin et du Négoce will take you back in time through the history of the Bordeaux wine region. It is located in the mythical district of Les Chartrons, historically the wine merchants’ district. For wildlife enthusiasts and parents looking to keep their children busy, the Natural History Museum will delight you thanks to its collection of spectacular misfits and the treasure hunts from the Saint-Pierre or Chartrons district to the Bassins à flot will satisfy your desire for discovery. Equipped with your road map, your challenge will be to solve a certain number of enigmas at your own pace, in a fun and completely autonomous way.
Dive into the world of wine
You have probably already visited the Cité du Vin, but be sure to go back because new itineraries have been added, as well as a new immersive 360° workshop dedicated to the wines of the region. With its “NF Environnement” and “RSE Divertissement Durable” labels, it makes every effort to face the major environmental and societal issues of our time.
Why not discover the city via a wine itinerary? Equipped with your illustrated map, your smartphone and your headphones, head out for a 2-hour commentated walk on your own. The map is available from the tourist office, the Cité du vin and from the Mollat bookshop.
Did you know that there is an urban winery in the heart of Darwin? The mini winery proposes different workshops to learn how to make and taste wine using organically or biodynamically farmed grapes and harvested by hand.
In the town centre, Cousin et Cie organises wine tastings of old vintages, some of which can even be done as part of a cruise.
Head for Pessac on tram B for a visit/tasting at the Château Luchey-Halde, located in the prestigious appellation of Pessac-Léognan. You can compare their vineyards to that of the Château Pape Clément before ending your visit with the “extraordinary gardens” to discover hundreds of plant species from here and elsewhere.
Discover Bordeaux by bike
Bordeaux is resolutely a city that should be discovered by bike. In fact, it came 12th in the Global Bicycle Cities Index, and 2nd in France after Strasbourg. To better capture both sides of the river, the loop between the Pont de Pierre and Chaban-Delmas bridge is ideal (around 7 km of cycle paths, accessible for children). Another outing idea from Bordeaux is the Roger Lapébie cycle path, a green lane which snakes through the forest, and along the old railway line. You’ll need between 7 and 9 hours to cycle the 78km to Réole train station, where you can take the train back. How about visiting the châteaux by bike? From Blanquefort train station, there are three loops available (9, 23 and 29 km) to visit several wine estates.
It’s a sunny, warm day - why not head to Lacanau by bike? A 66.5km cycle path will take you from the miroir d’eau (mirror of water) to the beaches; you’ll need to allow for around 4.5 hours of pedalling, followed by a lovely swim!
And for an unusual bicycle experience, Bordeaux Bike Tour proposes various guided bike trips including one at night-time, leaving at 8.30pm from 47 rue de la Rousselle, to discover a whole other side of Bordeaux.
Enjoy Bordeaux from the Garonne river
From the Garonne river, you can enjoy one of the best views of Bordeaux, and its façades and monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. For a cultural walk, an aperitif at sunset or a romantic dinner, come aboard one of the Bordeaux River Cruise boats, some of which are equipped with electric motors.
After sailing on the Garonne, maybe you’d like to know what is going on underneath? Jean-Marie Hauchecorne, a professional Bordeaux fisherman, will take you on his boat to discover the pleasures of fishing, day or night. As mentioned above, the Terre&Ocean association organises nature outings, and also on the water.
Think about the planet while you shop
A stone’s throw away from Rue Ste Catherine, you’ll find some lovely eco-friendly shops such as Ikos, selling second-hand articles. If you’re a fan of second-hand stores, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the centre of Bordeaux: Frip Confit, Freep’Show Vintage, Vintage Paradise, Blue Madone, Trafic, steak fripes, Saint Kilda, Madame Plus and many more!
If second-hand and vintage shops aren’t your thing... Here are the Top 3 “green” concept-stores where you can treat yourself while staying committed to a slow-fashion approach: "Little Green Cocoon" rue des remparts, "Concrete Raw" quais des marques and "Mat Green Concept" rue des remparts.
For your everyday shopping, more and more bulk food stores have opened, not to mention those specialised in short-circuit products like Échoppe de la lune, le comptoir bordelais, and the Tourist office’s shop, which showcases local produce.
The most recent in the series of delicatessens and wine shops committed to local and organic consumption: La Maison Lejeune, where Iris invites you to try some high-quality “made in Nouvelle-Aquitaine” products, at very reasonable prices. A new place to check out ASAP!
