It's so tempting to visit a city as beautiful as Bordeaux! But visiting a big city can be expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of free activities in Bordeaux! Whether you're looking for amazing walks, relics of the past or museums, here are our top free places to visit in this beautiful Gironde city. Whether you're a fan of good deals, keen to make a few savings or just a travel fan a little short of cash, you've come to the right place. Discover our top 11 free things to do in Bordeaux.
1. La Cité du Vin, free under certain conditions
La Cité du Vin is a must-see in Bordeaux. For certain people, access to the permanent exhibition and sensory tasting trail is free. Are you one of the lucky ones? You can take advantage of these free activities in Bordeaux if you are :
- iCOM Card holder,
- rSA beneficiary,
- accompanying a disabled person.
Children under 6 also benefit from free admission to the Cité du Vin.
2. Admire the remains of the Palais Gallien free of charge
Did you know that Bordeaux was once called Burdigala? In those ancient times, and more precisely in the IIᵉ century, the Palais Gallien, the city's amphitheater , was built. After being used for gladiatorial combat, it was destroyed in 275. Abandoned for a long time, it was finally restored to its former glory over the centuries. Although the Bordeaux amphitheatre, located in the Fondaudège district, is now in ruins, it remains a poignant (and free!) testimony to the city's past.
3. Discover Bordeaux's free activities by bike... for free!
Tour Bordeaux's best free activities by bike. Don't have one with you? Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones who can borrow a bike for free. With Le Vélo par TBM, you can ride for free if you're an adult living in the Bordeaux metropolis. It's a great way to (re)discover the city, whether you live in Bordeaux itself or in the surrounding area!
4. Admire the Miroir d'Eau, one of Bordeaux's top free activities
Bordeaux's water mirror is the largest in the world, measuring 3,450 m². Facing the majestic Place de la Bourse, this magical site alternates between mirror effects (15 minutes) and fog (3 minutes). Designed by Jean-Max Llorca, it's one of the city's most beautiful sights. As you stroll around Bordeaux, you can enjoy this marvel free of charge, which attracts visitors from all over the world, and even inspires other cities such as Quebec. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., this free activity is one of Bordeaux's greatest treasures.
5. Visit Saint-André Cathedral free of charge
Close to the town hall, Saint-André Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admission is of course free. Despite a devastating fire in the 19th century, it has been magnificently restored. The result is breathtakingly beautiful! You can admire treasures of religious art, as well as great organs. A liturgical treasure trove has also been on display since 1947. A must on your list of free activities in Bordeaux!
6. Discover Bordeaux's most beautiful districts on foot
The Place des Chartrons is one of the must-see places in Bordeaux, and it's free! It would be a shame to miss out. A stroll through this emblematic district is also an opportunity to discover some beautiful works of street art, as we mentioned in our article on unusual activities in Bordeaux. We also invite you to take a stroll through the eclectic Saint-Michel district, less touristy than the city center, and a mix of the traditional and the modern.
7. Museums on 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month: free activities in Bordeaux
If you're planning to visit Bordeaux over a weekend, we invite you to time your trip for the beginning of the month. Every first Sunday of the month, many of Bordeaux's museums open their doors free of charge:
- the Musée d'Aquitaine,
- the CAPC, Bordeaux's museum of contemporary art,
- the Muséum de Bordeaux, between science and nature,
- the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Good news! The Bordeaux Botanical Garden is also free on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month.
8. Fill up on free activities at Bordeaux Lake
Known for its huge supervised beach, Lac de Bordeaux is great for swimming. In summer, water sports activities are offered, often free of charge. It's easy to spend the whole day around the lake without paying anything. Walks, jogging, table tennis, cycling, sunbathing: take advantage of the many free activities on offer in this pretty corner of Bordeaux, 100% nature. A real favorite!
9. Darwin, unusual free activities in Bordeaux
An essential part of the Bordeaux landscape, Darwin is located in an eco-rehabilitated former barracks on Bordeaux's right bank. Dynamic and alternative, this unusual place welcomes skateboarders, street art enthusiasts and Sunday brunchers alike. Although not free, the indoor skatepark offers affordable rates. Darwin is also home to socially-aware boutiques such as Bric à Brac Emmaüs and La Géolibri bookshop. Cultural events are organized throughout the year, including the Climax Festival. While not all of these activities are free, some are, and it's possible to stroll through this unusual district without paying anything, immersing yourself in an atmosphere like no other.
10. Stroll along the quays of the Garonne River
Whether you're jogging, shopping, cycling or walking, there's plenty to do on the quays of Bordeaux. This is also where you'll find Darwin, as well as the famous Miroir d'Eau, the city's most photographed landmark. The site is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a 100% pleasant setting for strolling in fine weather. Right or left bank, take your pick! While there are many fee-paying activities along the Garonne, others won't cost you a cent.
Don't forget the quayside market, every Sunday morning, offers a pleasant stroll through the stalls of fresh produce.
11. Free strolls in Bordeaux's parks and gardens
Located in the center of Bordeaux, the Jardin Public offers an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. The Parc Bordelais is another of Bordeaux's free activities, appreciated for its small forest and pond, which sometimes attracts a few animals. A little way from the city, we also invite you to discover Parc Bourran and its eponymous château. Its botanical reserve is a marvel!
As you'll see as you stroll through the town, you can enjoy its wonders for free, just for a stroll. Cross the stone bridge, admire the religious buildings or the Grosse Cloche - it's all free! After all these free urban adventures, you've earned the right to relax on one of Bordeaux's best rooftops. A beautiful view of this exceptional city awaits you! One last free tip for the road? Every month, AIR Roller offers free roller-skating tours, so you can discover the city in a whole new way!
Discover also the most popular things to do in Bordeaux:
