You've enjoyed Old Bordeaux, but now you know it. So do the Cité du Vin, the Miroir d'Eau and the Rue Sainte-Catherine. Now it's time to explore Bordeaux's surroundings! Curious as we are, we didn't hesitate to extend our visits to two hours around the city. No regrets! Are you ready to pack your bags? So, where to go within 2 hours of Bordeaux? Follow us to discover our escapades, between beaches, towns and vineyards.
1. Where to go within 2 hours of Bordeaux? Royan
Here's a lovely destination less than 2 hours from Bordeaux! We took a stroll along the Sentier des Douaniers, one of Royan's must-sees. Between beautiful beaches and a stroll to the Pont du Diable, we discovered a generous natural environment, ideal for a change of scenery. A quick trip to the central market before heading off to the Belle Époque villas of Pointaillac, and our stay in Royan was a real success!
By car, it takes about 1 h 45 to get from Bordeaux to Royan.
Our favorite hotel cosy rooms, good breakfast, sea views: that's what you'll find when you book a room at theHotel Belle Vue in Royan!
2. Visit Arcachon, near Bordeaux
During our weekend in Arcachon, we took in one of the town's best sights: Ile aux Oiseaux. With its "cabanes tchanquées", it has a typical local charm that we loved! But visiting Arcachon also means getting up early to go to the fish auction, admire the magnificent Villa d'Hiver or discover the Banc d'Arguin. Of course, we couldn't resist the call of the magnificent and impressive Dune du Pilat. If you have the time, we recommend rounding off your stay with a visit to the bird sanctuary of Le Teich and a tour of Cap Ferret: two not-to-be-missed attractions!
Accessible in 1h10 by car (or 55 minutes by train), Arcachon is one of the best places to visit around Bordeaux.
Our favorite hotella Pergola is a kid-friendly hotel you can book right here. On the program: calm, garden, prime location and affordable prices.
The activity to book for your weekend a guided culinary tour of the Bay of Arcachon.
3. Biscarrosse, a Landes treasure
It's great to be able to relax by the lake! It's one of the best spots in Biscarrosse, big enough to be quiet without ever getting bored. The kids would have come back every day, but we had other great places to visit, like theBiscarrosse Aquapark and its Waterjump, or Bisc'Aventure. Meanwhile, experienced swimmers and water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the Atlantic waves
Allow 1h25 by car to drive from Bordeaux to Biscarrosse.
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: the room with terrace at the Hype Hôtel is as pretty as it is comfortable. The little extra: the nearby cycle path! Click here to book.
Petit Futé Tip: the ideal way to get around Biscarrosse is by bike. Parking lots near lakes and other tourist attractions are not free. What's more, as well as being very numerous, the cycle paths are flat and therefore easy to access for everyone.
4. Where to go within 2 hours of Bordeaux? La Rochelle
Located around 2 hours away, La Rochelle is the ideal destination for a weekend near Bordeaux. We have particularly fond memories of our family walks along the Old Port. While Saint-Louis Cathedral is one of La Rochelle's must-sees, the kids loved visiting the city's aquarium . The rest of the time, it's great to stroll around the old town, before visiting some of the nuggets, including :
- parc Charruyer,
- the Musée du Nouveau Monde,
- the towers of La Rochelle,
- the Bunker.
Our favorite hotel a charming building, a quiet but ideally located hotel, a warm welcome - that's what we found at theHôtel Atlantic in La Rochelle. Book your affordable room here!
The activity to book for your weekend a little cruise to Fort Boyard rounded off our stay perfectly!
The article to read: Visiting La Rochelle in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
5. Discover beautiful Angoulême
There's plenty to do in Angoulême! Among them: the Musée du Papier (yes, yes!), as unusual as it is interesting. Are you a heritage enthusiast? Then we recommend you visitAngoulême's pretty Saint-Pierre cathedral. A visit to this town also means keeping an eye out for surprises, such as the town's painted walls: veritable giant works of art! A stroll along the ramparts, a bike ride and a visit to the Plan d'Eau de la Grande Prairie, and you've got yourself a successful weekend!
Allow around 55 minutes for a train journey and 1h35 by car.
Our favorite hotel the colorful ambiance of theHôtel du Palais was a pleasant surprise during our stay. Bookable here, this inexpensive hotel in Angoulême is a real "coup de coeur"!
Good to know: angoulême is home to the Cité de la Bande Dessinée, a rare museum that's sure to please fans. Click here to book your ticket.
6. Stroll the streets of Pau
We don't always think of Pau when we want to organize a stay less than 2 hours from Bordeaux. And yet, it's an ideal city! We fell in love with its historic heart, with its superb white period facades. The Musée National was a real wellspring of knowledge, before our steps took us to the magnificent Parc Beaumont. What splendor! From museums to religious buildings, the visit is fascinating and full of surprises.
The fastest way to get to Pau from Bordeaux is by train (two hours).
Our favorite hotel pau: a touch of luxury in a budget hotel in Pau? That and much more is what we found at the Bristol! Elegant, comfortable and welcoming, this hotel, which you can book here, is a real favorite.
The article to read: What to do and see in Pau The 13 must-sees
7. Where to go within 2 hours of Bordeaux? Cognac
In 1 hr 40, you'll cover the 123 km between Bordeaux and Cognac. One of its finest treasures? Its château, the birthplace of François 1er! Other must-sees in Cognac include the church of Saint-Léger and the Musée des Arts du Cognac. Even if we're not fans of the drink itself, we found this museum fascinating. As for us, we followed the walking tours organized by the Tourist Office to discover the town's historic past: zero regrets!
Our favorite hotel the Château Pellisson is a wonderful place to stay in Cognac. Bookable right here, this beautiful establishment offers a swimming pool, large rooms and a magnificent exterior.
The activity to book for your weekend learn the secrets of a unique know-how and the art of cognac making by booking here your visit to Maison Rémy Martin including a cognac tasting.
Good to know: representations of the salamander can be found everywhere in Cognac, because in the Middle Ages, it was believed to have mystical powers, such as being able to live anywhere (water or land) and to resist flames. Quite a symbol of resistance!
8. Succumb to the charm of Biarritz
Biarritz is The Place To Be on the Atlantic! While lounging on the beach is a pure pleasure, you can also discover pretty spots like the Rocher de la Vierge. On our first morning, we took a trip to the Halles market to stock up on good local produce, and enjoy a delicious meal! However, our favorite place of the weekend was the Cité de l'Océan, which is great for the whole family. Fancy a stroll? Then the port and the lighthouse are the places to go!
The fastest way to get to Biarritz from Bordeaux is by train (about two hours). Allow a further twenty minutes by car.
Our favorite hotel color and natural motifs greeted us at Parc Mazon, a charming Basque establishment. This inexpensive Biarritz hotel, bookable here, is ideally located.
The activity to book for your weekend: surfing lessons on the Côte des Basques beach in Biarritz.
The article to read: What to do in Biarritz 15 must-do activities in 2025
9. Visit the vineyards of Saint-Émilion
Just an hour away (by train or car) is a wine-lover's paradise: Saint-Emilion! While these well-known vineyards are perfect for wine tourism (hello Wine Route!), there were plenty of other interesting sights waiting for us in Saint-Émilion. The medieval town is indeed a magnificent little nugget. On the program:
- the Cordeliers Cloister,
- the Monolithic Church,
- the catacombs,
- toy Tower, etc.
The Palais Cardinal, to the north of the city, is also a real beauty. In short, a wonderful surprise, less than 2 hours from Bordeaux!
Our favorite hotel the Château de Courtebotte: surrounded by trees and vegetation, a true bubble of zenitude! Elegant, comfortable and refined, it's the ideal place to stay when visiting Saint-Émilion.
The activity to book for your weekend: this tour of a Bordeaux estate with tasting in Saint-Émilion.
Read more: What to do and see in Saint-Émilion The 11 must-sees
10. Where to go within 2 hours of Bordeaux? Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This time, we're going a little bit further... It takes around 2 hrs 10 min by train to get to Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Bordeaux, but it's well worth it! Must-see sights such as the Fort de Socoa provide a fascinating insight into the town's history. From the charming town center to the pretty port, it was a pleasant stroll. A memorable souvenir: the Maison Louis XIV, which welcomed Louis XIV for his wedding. Finally, a short tour of the Pointe de Sainte-Barbe and the botanical gardens of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and we're left with a head full of lovely vacation memories!
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: the rooms at the Mosaïk Hôtel aren't large, but they're very comfortable. The friendly welcome you'll find here is a real bonus, as is the hotel's location close to the ocean.
The activity to book for your weekend: this boat trip along the coast in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The article to read: Where to go for a cheap weekend in Europe? Top 15 destinations
Now you're ready to escape less than 2 hours from Bordeaux for a weekend or short vacation! Between cities and nature, there's plenty to see and do. Bordeaux's proximity to the ocean makes for a real getaway that's hard to miss. Do you like this format? Check out our article "Where to go for a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris" and much more!
