Top things to do in Bordeaux in 2025

Tête-à-tête with the pharaohs at the Bassins des Lumières 

Ah, Egypt... This civilization captivates everyone, generation after generation. Come and join us at Les Bassins des Lumières’ new exhibition for an extraordinary journey back in time. You'll feel like you're among the pharaohs, enjoying an XXL show that will unveil the myths and treasures from three thousand years. Along the Nile, the sacred river, you'll be amazed by the architecture of the temples. You'll be amazed by the tombs of the eternal kings and queens, including that of Toutankhamon, not to mention Khéops, Khéphren and Mykérinos, the three pyramids of Gizeh, majestically guarded by their Sphinx. It's a journey like a dream, both gripping and bewitching, yet revealing only a tiny part of ancient Egypt. From February 21. 
 

Discover the new museography of the Porte Cailhau 

After several months of work, the porte Cailhau has been transformed! From the top of its four floors and 35 meters high, this medieval monument has completely revamped its scenography to offer visitors testimonies of illustrious characters, some of whom will reveal surprising anecdotes about Bordeaux in the Middle Ages..... It's an entertaining and educational visit with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Charles VIII and François 1ᵉʳ, no less!

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Bordeaux's culinary creativity: A pleasant surprise. 

Bordeaux is an epicurean region par excellence, with a plethora of delightful gourmet addresses in downtown Bordeaux and the surrounding area. In fact, it's been dubbed the "city of a thousand and one restaurants." From traditional to Michelin-starred restaurants, bistros, cellars à manger, colorful street food, and committed chefs, there's something for everyone. You'd need a directory to list them all... Failing that, here are four addresses that are the talk of the town at the start of 2025:

• "Vivants" where Bordeaux-based chef duo Tanguy Laviale and Maxime Rosselin offer bistronomic cuisine with a focus on local produce.
• "Signature", to taste chef Philippe Etchebest's famous ravioli, head to Signature.
• "Vrai" is an experience where you share a table with 11 other guests and enjoy a five-course meal while blindfolded (no phones allowed!).
• "Marie Curry" is a place that feels like a warm hug, celebrating culinary traditions by serving authentic, delicious dishes influenced by various cultures, prepared by refugee and immigrant women.

Dive into the world of wine with Via sensoria

La Cité du vin is one of the must-visit places in Bordeaux, with more than 415,000 visitors in 2024 and 3 million visitors since its opening. Even if you've already been there, it's time to come back and discover the immersive tour christened "Via Sensoria". An unprecedented sensory experience that takes you through the four seasons in one hour. Accompanied by a sommelier host, you'll taste four wines from around the world (or original non-alcoholic beverages) specially paired with different artistic universes that combine visual, sound and scent creations

Remember that the Bordeaux CityPass gives you free access to the permanent exhibition of the Cité du Vin. For Via Sensoria, the sensory trail, it's strongly recommended to book online in advance: several sessions are offered throughout the day, but the number of places is limited.
 

Go to Darwin by BATO 

A high-profile alternative venue on the Right Bank, Darwin is a gigantic 10,000-square-meter tiered plaza where coworking, an XXL bar and canteen, a skate park, a bookstore and other businesses committed to a circular economy coexist. More than just a building, Darwin is first and foremost a place of encounter and exchange, hosting more than 250 events throughout the year. These include conferences, concerts and, above all, the CLIMAX festival, which attracts more than 30,000 people to each edition. A must-see destination that can be reached by bike, tram and now even by boat, thanks to a new direct connection with the river shuttles. Climb aboard the "bato"!
 

Discover new alternative hotspots 

In addition to Darwin, the metropolis of Bordeaux has many other alternative venues, larger or smaller, underground, with their own identities and programs. Bolieu à Bègles, brings together businesses, artists, breweries, start-ups and craftsmen from all walks of life. L'atelier des citernes, on the side of the station, is more like a living space. This is where people come to have a drink, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a concert or match broadcast in complete conviviality.

More recently, La Cité Bleue à Bacalan has been set up on a former industrial site where more than 150 people gather every day: companies, associations, craftsmen and shopkeepers, and where joint projects are born. Look out for an exceptional exhibition of Banksy's work at the Cité Bleue from 3 to 18 May. On the Right Bank, la fabrique POLA, an art association, offers on-site and/or off-site workshops, as well as a series of exhibitions and events open to the public. Still on the Right Bank, the latest addition, the " caserne B ", clearly displays its motto: " Boire, bouffer, bringuer ", all in typical 70's vintage decor. You'd (almost) forget that this place was a fire station not so long ago!
 

Four days of celebration on the quays in June with Bordeaux Fête le Vin

From June 19 to 22, 2025, the must-attend event for wine lovers will take place: Bordeaux Fête le Vin. Every year, this public, epicurean, family-friendly and committed festival enlivens the quays of Bordeaux with a rich and varied program, and this year it falls on the Fête de la musique! Come and stroll from stand to stand to taste local wines, learn about oenology or enjoy a concert. And as the icing on the cake, admire some exceptional sailing ships moored along the quays. The Cuauhtémoc, el Galeon, the Frenchman and the Pascual Flores are true giants of the sea that will once again enrich the Port of the Moon. Book your tasting pass now!
 

The vineyards just one train away

Bordeaux and its region are a treasure trove of wonderful experiences and wine tourism just waiting to be enjoyed! Whether you're an amateur or an enthusiast, you'll find something for everyone. The region offers a wide range of experiences for lovers, friends, and even families with young children. You can choose between visits and tastings at numerous wineries, oenological workshops, gastronomic experiences, or cultural and/or fun activities, always with a wine theme. With so many amazing châteaux and estates to choose from, it's hard to decide where to go next! Did you know that some of these beautiful places are just a short walk, bike ride, or public transport trip from the city center? And if you're looking for a little adventure, you can hop on a train and explore the famous châteaux near train stations. We've got some real gems like Château Maucaillou in the Médoc, Château La Gaffelière in St. Emilion, Château de Portets in Graves and Sauternes, Château Gayon in Entre-deux-Mers, and Château Marquis de Vauban in Blaye. So, why not treat yourself to an afternoon of train + wine? It's the perfect program!
 

Bring your tribe and explore Bordeaux as a family 

Bordeaux is a city on a human scale, and it's a kid-friendly destination for sure. Beyond the pleasant living environment and the many child-friendly activities, families will love the pedestrian-friendly city center, the green spaces, and the relaxing spots like the quays, the Bordeaux park, and the public garden. The museum, Musée de l'Illusion, and Cap Sciences are just a few of the many exhibition venues that will delight curious children of all ages. And that's not all—all the city's museums attract young audiences with a fine diversity of tours tailored to them.

Want to explore the port of the moon on your own? Try a treasure hunt with Robin's Trails, which you can request free of charge from the tourist office reception desk. Bordeaux is the perfect place for families, with a perfect balance of culture, nature, and fun activities for all ages. And of course, there's a fantastic selection of restaurants and activities that are just perfect for families.
 

Street-art : discover the most beautiful frescoes

Bordeaux's vibrant street art culture is waiting for you! Look up to see stunning frescoes of all sizes, from small graffiti to massive murals. From the Chartrons district to Darwin, via Belcier or Bacalan, local and international artists have left their mark. To fully appreciate this vibrant urban art form, we highly recommend taking a guided tour, but you can also explore at your own pace, either on foot or by bike, in street-art safari mode. And because it's ephemeral art, you can enjoy it again and again!
 

RDV avec les stars - Vibrating at their concerts

In Bordeaux this year, you can enjoy a wide variety of music. Jean-Louis Aubert, Gims, Philippe Katerine, Santa and Indochine, and Louane, Justice, the Pixies, Soprano, Lara Fabian, Lenny Kravitz, Michel Polnareff, and Julien Doré are just a few of the many talented artists who will be performing. It's going to be an amazing night at the Arkéa Aréna! In a more intimate setting, Youssoufa, Erik Truffaz & Sandrine Bonnaire, Lisa Ekdhal, Keziah Jones, Orange Blossom, MC Solar, and Kompromat will perform at the Rocher de Palmer. To discover other artists who are just as talented but less well known, check out the Rock School Barbey or the i-boat agendas. Find all the concerts and shows in our agenda.
 

Shopping and enjoying market produce

Discovering the gastronomy of the Southwest is all about taking time. Time to stroll among the small boutiques of the city center and the the city's markets. The historic market of Capucins, nicknamed "the belly of Bordeaux," has a typical atmosphere. On the quayside, the marché des Chartrons has a variety of stalls along the Garonne river. In recent years, several "Halles" have opened, such as the one in Bacalan, with around twenty stalls where you can buy fresh produce and enjoy home-cooked dishes in a friendly atmosphere. You can also visit the Halles de Talence or the "food court" version at La Boca. There are many places to try the specialties of the South West, such as the famous canelés, oysters from the Bassin d'Arcachon, asparagus from Blayais, or lamb from Pauillac.
 

Enjoying drinks on the roofs of Bordeaux  

There's nothing like an aperitif on a rooftop to enjoy the city's finest views. And that's just as well, because Bordeaux has many rooftop bars, each with its own atmosphere and identity. Whether you want a quiet place to enjoy a drink with a few friends or a lively place to enjoy breakfast or dinner with a larger group, you can find these pretty rooftop bars overlooking the Girondin capital.
 

Cheer on the UBB, the top team in the Top 14 rugby league!

Whether you're a fan or not, a Union Bordeaux Bègles match is an experience you should try at least once. Dress in the team's colors — claret and white — and head to Stade Chaban-Delmas to cheer on one of the top teams in the Top 14. In February, UBB will face Aviron Bayonnais and ASM Clermont Auvergne, and in March, it's the turn of Arlequins de Perpignan or Stade Toulousains. There will be plenty of excitement and a festive atmosphere! Tickets go on sale a few weeks before each match, so if you don't want to miss any of the latest news from the club, the official app is the place to go. You can find all the major sporting events to look forward to this year in our agenda.
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Lost in the nave of the CAPC 

For over fifty years, this museum of contemporary art, a place of research and experimentation, has presented temporary exhibitions and performances, as well as numerous cultural and educational events. Housed in an imposing 3,422 m² heritage building, this former colonial food warehouse, built in 1824, underwent three major renovation phases between 1984 and 1990. Often considered elitist, contemporary art here opens its doors to the widest possible audience, all year round, from Tuesday to Sunday. For the new season, the CAPC is pleased to present Vibeke Mascini's first major institutional exhibition, "Le Monde comme un verbe", as well as other exhibitions or events such as "Aire de repos", "Cronos", "Double Vie" or "Pollen". The CAPC is also an artistic paradise for families, with its Saturday and Sunday fun tours, which introduce young audiences to different art forms from an early age, and its "Cool Kids Club".