You can be in Bordeaux in 1 hour and 40 minutes from the UK. The sun is shining in south west France right now and we’ve found you 10 amazing things to do in a weekend. If you want to stay longer, don’t forget Bordeaux is less than an hour from some of the loveliest beaches in Europe. Let’s go!
Les Bassins de Lumières, Bordeaux
How do you get your kids interested in art, without putting them off for life? Les Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux is the polar opposite of a hit-or-miss museum visit. It’s the definition of immersive, and quite literally surrounds you with art: projected onto walls, water, roofs, your skin, your children. No surface is left untouched.
Dalí: the Endless Enigma runs throughout 2023. And if you thought one dimensional surrealism was astonishing, this will completely astound you. When we visited, mesmerised toddlers were being carried through the exhibition. Teens were just as captivated. And, although we were a little dubious about the Pink Floyd soundtrack, turns out the likes of ‘Shine on you crazy diamond’ was inspired.
Where: Impasse Brown de Coulston, about 30 minutes by tram from city centre
When: Dalí: the Endless Enigma runs until January 2024
Our recommended family hotels in Bordeaux
Block’Out Bordeaux
Bordeaux may be famous for some of the word’s finest wines, but if you’re under 18, the fact that the city has one of the tallest climbing walls in France is a lot more interesting. But indulge your young Philistines with a day at Block’Out Bordeaux and they might be persuaded to tour a few vineyards with you, no promises.
The entire climbing area here covers just under 1,100m² making it the biggest in Aquitaine. If you’re new to the sport, there are seven different ability levels, starting with absolute beginners. Alternatively, keen kids might like to take a few lessons at the climbing school. Although parents of teenagers can leave them to it and spend some time in the on-site hammam or sauna. And when you’re done bouldering, there’s a on-site bowling alley too.
Where: Rue Georges Barres in Bacalan
When: open 7-days a week from 11am to 11pm
Marché des Capucins
The thought of wandering round a market might not seem that kid-friendly at first, but Marché des Capucins is no ordinary market. For a start it’s known as the Belly of Bordeaux which definitely has a bit of child-appeal. Next up it’s ancient: established 1749 and still going strong. Then of course, there’s the gouté-factor! Try before you buy is the French way, so don’t be shy about asking for a bit of cheese or some olives.
However, the main reason to go is the atmosphere. Nowhere does markets like France and if you come in spring or summer, expect overwhelming abundance, quality and taste. We know from experience that even the pickiest kids can be convinced to eat tomatoes if they taste like berries, and here, they do.
Local, seasonal and often organic come as naturally as breathing at the market. And you’ll be surprised at how enthusiastically kids take to this way of shopping. Supermarket it isn’t.
Where: Place des Capucins, 10 minutes walk from Gare Saint-Jean
When: Tuesday to Friday 6.30am to 2pm and Saturday 5.30am to 2.30pm