But why does it rain so much in Bordeaux, and in Gironde in general? This beautiful Gironde city is influenced by an oceanic climate, as it lies on the banks of the Garonne River. But don't panic! Even when it's raining, there's plenty to do in Bordeaux. Unusual museums, the Cité du Vin, astonishing experiences and fun activities await young and old alike. Discover the 11 best things to do in Bordeaux when it's raining, to learn, be amazed and have fun while waiting for the sun to return!
1. Visit the Cité du Vin, the must-do in Bordeaux when it rains
Now famous beyond our borders, the Cité du Vin is one of Bordeaux's must-visit attractions. Since everything takes place indoors, it's the perfect visit to make when it rains in Bordeaux, which you can book here. From flying over vineyards to working the vines, discover the world of wine in an interactive way. This instructive outing lets you experience the world of oenology in a fun way that's suitable for everyone. Exhibitions and tastings take you on a voyage of discovery of an exceptional terroir around the world.
Book my ticket to the Cité du Vin
2. Enjoy a moment of disconnection with sensory floating
Sensory isolation centers in Bordeaux offer to take you into a state of deep meditation. Away from the interference of the modern world, you connect with yourself, isolated from the rest of the world. At Graviti, for example, you're immersed in a space capsule-like universe for this unusual experience book here. Alone or as a couple, you'll discover an incredible sensation of weightlessness. Let your body and thoughts escape, and emerge fully refreshed from your sensory floatation.
3. What to do in Bordeaux when it rains? Challenge yourself at the Quiz Room
Watch out, it's going to buzz! Take advantage of bad weather to have some fun with friends and family at the Quiz Room in Bordeaux by booking your entry here. Just like on a real TV set, you'll challenge the other players with questions that are sometimes totally off-the-wall. Laughter guaranteed! Classic, musical or children's quizzes, there's something for everyone. You're free to choose your themes and level, so everyone can enjoy the fun.
4. Be amazed at the Musée de l'Illusion in Bordeaux
My first is surprising, my second is playful, my third is amusing, my whole is one of Bordeaux's most famous museums. Who am I? The Museum of Illusion, of course! Sometimes our eyes see things they can't explain. Good news, then! In this unusual museum, all optical illusions are scientifically explained to you, to combine fun and science. This visit, ideal if you're spending at least a weekend in Bordeaux, will amuse children and parents alike.
Book my admission to the Musée des Illusions
5. Visit Saint-André Cathedral, one of Bordeaux's treasures
As well as being an architectural marvel, Saint-André Cathedral is one of the best free things to do in Bordeaux. Why miss out? This remarkable religious edifice is a real treasure, both inside and out. Imposing all its majesty in the city center, it reveals its liturgical treasures, its majestic organ and its religious works of art inside. It's a marvel to behold, and ideal to visit when it's raining in Bordeaux, by booking this guided tour for example!
6. Discover art in an unusual way at Les Bassins des Lumières
Bad weather is the perfect opportunity to discover unusual activities in Bordeaux. Many of them are indoor, like Les Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux's digital art center. Water, light and architecture highlight well-known works of art in a 100% modern way. Long hours in front of paintings are a thing of the past. At the heart of one of France's most unusual museums, you're surrounded by a gigantic work of art projected onto the walls and floor, for an experience that's as playful as it is memorable - book now.
Book my admission to the Bassins des Lumières
7. Test yourself in an unusual escape game in Bordeaux
You can find around twenty escape game centers in Bordeaux by booking right here. On the bright side, even if it rains for several days in a row, you won't be bored! At Clock Escape, for example, you can take on the Temple of Doom or find the treasure of a Ghost Ship. Are you more of a thrill-seeker? Take the frightful direction of Room 237 at The Hostel... You could be in for the fright of your life, while having the time of your life!
8. Fun at Sensas when it rains in Bordeaux
Here's a type of escape game that's totally out of the ordinary! Sensas is a unique entertainment concept that combines challenges with disability awareness. In a group, you'll try to solve riddles to get from one room to the next, while being deprived of your sight. Put your 5 senses to the test, through a unique experience combining laughter, thrills and emotion. An ideal activity for families with children in Bordeaux, which you can book right here !
Book my 5 senses tour in Bordeaux
9. Try out indoor board sports at the Mériadeck skating rink
There's nothing like testing your balance on a 1,800 m² skating rink when it's raining in Bordeaux! On the program: skating, ice hockey and ice karts. Please note, however, that the rink is only open to the public on certain days of the week. Be sure to check the opening times for each activity. The rest of the time, the Mériadeck rink is home to Bordeaux's field hockey team, the Boxers! This activity is open to children aged 3 and over. Between some good slides and maybe a few light falls, one thing's for sure: you're going to have fun!
10. Virtual reality, the best thing to do in Bordeaux when it's raining
Virtual reality centers abound in major cities, and Bordeaux is no exception. Virtual Room, L'Horizon de Khéops and Vortex Expérience VR are perfect examples. Equipped with your virtual reality headset, you set off into a fictitious world that's truer than life, in which you interact. Rest assured, the experience has nothing to do with the misfires seen in Internet zaps. In these secure spaces, you can move around in complete peace and quiet, following the instructions given to you. Ready for an unusual experience? From time travel to a zombie invasion or a visit to the pyramids, there are plenty of themes to keep you busy when it's raining in Bordeaux.
Click here to book your virtual reality experience in Bordeaux!
11. Visit the Musée d'Aquitaine and other museums in Bordeaux
You'll find plenty of museums in Bordeaux to pass the time when it's raining. Among them, the Musée d'Aquitaine is one of the most renowned. A chronological tour, punctuated by some 700,000 artifacts, guides you through the history of Bordeaux and its region. In addition to this major permanent exhibition, the site also offers temporary exhibitions, so you can rediscover this Bordeaux landmark again and again.
Want even more? Here are some other Bordeaux museums to visit if the bad weather persists:
- bordeaux Museum,
- the Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC),
- the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design,
- the Museum of Ethnography,
- the Museum of Maritime History.
Whether you're traveling with the family, as a couple or with friends, you'll find something to suit every taste!
What to do in Bordeaux when it's raining with children?
Many of the ideas in this top 11 list of things to do in Bordeaux when it's raining are suitable for children. These include
- the Musée de l'Illusion,
- Sensas,
- the Mériadeck skating rink,
- virtual reality (more for teenagers),
- the Bassins des Lumières,
- the Quiz Room.
The Cité du Vin is also worth a visit, as there is a special children's area. There are also game bars, such as Barjo or Gagnant-Gagnant, to keep the kids busy on rainy days. A little drink and some good board games: there's nothing like waiting for the sun to come out! You'll also find a Trampoline-Park in Bordeaux, as well as a climbing gym to pass the time indoors. Your children will also love experimenting at Cap Sciences, a play area specially designed for them. The Ivazio Island playroom, with its crazy, colorful decor, will also delight older children and teenagers.
If the rain is light, why not take a tour of the city center on the little tourist train? The kids will be delighted not to have to walk too much, and you'll get a complete tour of the must-see sights. And if it rains during your stay in Bordeaux, indoor parks such as Kidooland or Youpi Parc will keep the young ones happy!
With its rehabilitated neighborhoods and modern spaces, Bordeaux is a reinvented city that can be visited rain or shine. While there's plenty to do when it's raining, you'll be lucky if you visit Bordeaux in summer, as its outdoor treasures, such as the Miroir d'Eau, will also be open to you. In any case, Bordeaux is a great city to live in all year round! Looking for a little more inspiration? Don't hesitate to sample the local delicacies at Les Halles de Bacalan: an institution! All that's left is to enjoy a drink on one of the city's best rooftops when the good weather returns, and the program will be perfect.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Bordeaux:
