Are you in Bordeaux and looking to explore the region for a weekend? Here are 15 ideas for weekends around Bordeaux!
The region around Bordeaux is rich in activities and discoveries. If you’re from Bordeaux or just passing through for a few days, Generation Voyage has selected a few suggestions for weekend getaways around Bordeaux.
Here are the 15 getaways we’ve selected!
1. Arcachon Basin
📍 65 kilometers (Arcachon)
🚗 By car: 1h05
🚆 By train: 55 minutes from Bordaux Saint-Jean station
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: Dune du Pilat, Arcachon, Lège-Cap-Ferret, Banc d’Arguin, Amusement and water parks, beach
The Arcachon Basin is one of the must-see weekend getaways around Bordeaux. The area is famous for the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune. Opposite is the Banc d’Arguin, a natural, protected sandbank, home to numerous marine species and migratory birds, and offering a magnificent view of the dune.
Divided into four seasonal districts, Arcachon is a great place to stroll. The winter district is the most charming, with the Villa Chopin in particular. For a drink by the beach, head for the summer town!
Children will love the amusement parks in Gujan, just a few minutes from Arcachon. To the north of the basin, don’t miss Lège-Cap-Ferret and its lighthouse, as well as Andernos-les-Bains, a town with a charming marina.
2. La Rochelle and Ile de Ré
📍 184 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h
🚆 By train: 2h15 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: City center, Port des Minimes, Aquarium, Fortification towers, Île de Ré, Beach / km north of Bordeaux
So far removed from Bordeaux in spirit, La Rochelle is a pleasant town to discover. La Rochelle is first and foremost a small marina, the Port des Minimes, where we love to stroll and relax. It’s also an ancient fortified town, almost a fort in itself!
The towers from this era can still be visited. The Lanterne tower is the most famous. The old fortifications can also be admired on a stroll through the town center, while sampling local specialties on the terrace.
As for the kids, they’ll be delighted to discover the aquarium! Finally, don’t miss the island of Ré, reached by crossing the superb curved bridge. An unspoilt island, with nature reserves and beaches.
3. Biarritz
📍 197 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h15
🚆 By train: 2h from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 Things to see and do: Beaches, lighthouse, Halles, Plateau de l’Atalaye, Musée de la mer, Rocher de la Vierge
A classic among weekend getaways around Bordeaux, Biarritz is a relaxing place for city dwellers. The Basque city has a lot to offer. Biarritz’s sandy beaches are beautiful, and it’s a renowned surfing spot.
Lovers of panoramic views can head for the lighthouse at the eastern tip of the town. Also on the other side are the Atalaye plateau and the Rocher de la Vierge, offering splendid panoramic views.
In town, don’t miss the Musée de la Mer (sea museum) with its aquarium, and the Halles (market hall), where you can sample local specialties. Finally, end the day at one of France’s most famous casinos.
4. Saint-Jean-de-Luz
📍 204 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h20
🚆 By train: 2h15 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing: Port and town center, Maisons Louis XIV et de l’Infante, Pointe Sainte-Barbe, Fort de Socoa, Botanical Garden
Although close to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is nevertheless a good idea for a weekend getaway around Bordeaux. In fact, the seaside resort is very different from its neighbor and doesn’t attract the same population for a short stay.
The town remains an authentic fishing port where you can enjoy a stroll. In the town center, you’ll enjoy discovering the local culinary specialties!
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, we love the festive atmosphere of the South-West and its magnificent bay, which faces Pointe Sainte-Barbe and the Socoa fort. It’s also a royal residence, with the Maison Louis XIV and the Maison de l’Infante dating back to the 1640s, when the Sun King married Marie-Thérèse.
Finally, don’t miss the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste, where the famous wedding took place.
5. Basque coast and Côte d’Argent
📍 73 kilometers (Biscarosse, nearest town)
🚗 By car: 1h15
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: Hendaye, Bidart, Bayonne, Capbreton, Hossegor, Mimizan, Biscarosse
While Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are the best-known seaside resorts, the Atlantic coast is rich in very pleasant towns to visit for a weekend getaway around Bordeaux. The coast is divided by the Basque coast to the south and the Côte d’Argent to the north.
The Basque coast is home to Hendaye, on the Spanish border, with its beautiful castle and bay, Bidart, a magnificent town with half-timbered houses and red shutters, and Bayonne, the city of ham with its festivals and town center. On the Côte d’Argent, bask on the beaches of Biscarosse or Mimizan, perhaps the most beautiful in the region. Then try your hand at surfing, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, in Hossegor, THE surfing town. Finally, relax in Capbreton and its pretty fishing port.
6. Royan
📍 123 kilometers
🚗 By car: 1h45
📷 S ightseeing / things to do: Downtown, Port, Notre-Dame church, Planet Exotica, Central market, Cordouan lighthouse, Beach
Located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, Royan is a seaside resort in the Charente-Maritime region. The town offers a wide range of activities, from discovering the Cordouan lighthouse, with its fabulous panorama, to enjoying a day at the beach. There’s something for everyone!
In addition to its sandy beaches, Royan’s town center boasts a mix of Belle Époque and post-war architecture, as evidenced by the Notre-Dame church. Love it or hate it! With its stores, terraces and central market, it’s a popular stroll for travelers and locals alike, who like to meet up on the red beach.
Finally, children will be delighted to discover Planet Exotica, a zoo with exotic animals and dinosaur models!
7. Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park
📍 200 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h
📷 What to see / What to do: Boat or canoe cruise, Hiking, Hot-air balloon flight, Village visits, Château du Coudray-Salbart d’Echiré
Of all the weekend getaways around Bordeaux, the Marais Poitevin is the greenest. Just a two-hour drive and you’ll discover a magical place, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and perfect for relaxation.
On the program: beautiful walks or bike rides in the heart of the marshes. The marshes can also be explored by boat or canoe!
The Marais Poitevin is also home to many of the villages of the Venise verte region, including Coulon, Saint-Hilaire-le-Palud, Arçais and Priaires. The Château du Coudray-Salbart in Echiré, attributed to the legendary fairy Mélusine, is a fine 13th-century heritage.
Finally, to round off your stay, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon near Niort!
8. Pau
📍 218 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h15
🚆 By train: 2h35 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing: stroll in the old town, castle, national stud farm, vineyard tours, Lescar
Head to Béarn for this weekend getaway around Bordeaux. A historic town in the kingdom of France, Pau was the birthplace of King Henri IV in 1553.
Your discovery of Pau begins with a long stroll through the old town, where you’ll come across half-timbered houses, narrow streets, local stores and friendly terraces.
Then it’s on to the imposing 10th-century château. Built on a hill, it was the birthplace of Henri IV and is famous for its royal apartments.
Don’t miss the gardens, with their panoramic views. For horse lovers, the national stud farm in Gelos, south of Pau, is one of the largest in France. Last but not least, discover the nearby medieval village of Lescar.
9. Périgord
📍 141 kilometers (Périgueux)
🚗 By car: 1h40
🚆 By train: 1h40 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: Périgueux, Villages of Monpazier, Brantôme, Saint-Jean-de-Côle and Baynac-et-Cazenac, Abbaye de Chancelade
Roughly corresponding to the present-day Dordogne département, Périgord is a must for weekend getaways around Bordeaux. Along with Aveyron, the Dordogne is the department with the most villages classified as one of the most beautiful in France. Monpazier, Saint-Jean-de-Côle and Baynac-Cazenac are just a few of the sublime examples, but the list is long and the choice is yours!
Each village is unique and always worth a visit. Brantôme, with its sunken bridge and mill, is an architectural wonder to behold. Périgueux, the region’s largest city, is a sort of large village, with an old town around the cathedral to explore on foot.
Finally, visit Chancelade Abbey – founded in the 11th century and considered one of the most beautiful in France.
10. Futuroscope
📍 260 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h30
🚆 By train: 2h from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean with a change at Poitiers
📷 S ightseeing and activities: Futuroscope itself
Opened in 1987, the Futuroscope park remains one of the best weekend ideas around Bordeaux, especially with children! It’s a safe bet, a quality park on a human scale, which has been able to evolve over the last few years. It usually takes two full days to visit all the attractions.
11. Ile d’Oléron
📍 180 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h30
📷 What to see / What to do: Citadelle, Port des Salines, Chassiron lighthouse, Beach, Fort Boyard
Of all the weekend getaways around Bordeaux, the Ile d’Oléron is one of the most natural. The island is unspoilt and a breath of fresh air. The citadel is one of France’s most beautiful military structures, with breathtaking views.
The Port des Salines, with its colorful wooden houses, is the perfect place to discover Oleron’s salt industry. At the far end of the island is the Chassiron lighthouse, dating from 1685 and offering a unique panorama. Finally, fans of the game Fort Boyard can visit the nearby fort. Formerly a prison, it is a fine example of 19th-century fortifications.
12. Toulouse
📍 245 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h20
🚆 By train: 2h10 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing/activities: Place du Capitole, stroll through the city center and along the waterfront, Cité de l’Espace, Canal du Midi cruise, Musée de la Violette
The Ville Rose is one of the most popular weekend getaways around Bordeaux. With its many assets and atmosphere, even though it’s also a big city, Toulouse is very different from Bordeaux. Some say it’s more open and welcoming.
The famous Place du Capitole is the common gathering place, with its beautiful red-brick buildings. An ideal place to relax on a terrace!
Walking is the best way to discover the city center, with its Saint-Sernin church, local stores and quays. Museums include the Cité de l’Espace and the Musée de la Violette. Finally, a cruise on the Canal du Midi is a great way to escape for a few hours and explore the surrounding area.
13. Lourdes
📍 250 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h30
🚆 By train: 2h30 from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: Massabelle sanctuary and grotto, old town, Pic de Jer funicular, fortified castle
Here’s an idea for a weekend around spiritual Bordeaux! According to legend, it was in Lourdes that Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary in the Massabelle grotto in 1858. Since then, Lourdes and the grotto have become places of pilgrimage where the infirm go in search of miracles.
But Lourdes also boasts a beautiful old town and a sublime cathedral that can be visited without moderation. Another original feature of the town is the funicular railway that takes you to the summit of the Pic du Jer. A guaranteed change of scenery and a magnificent view from the top!
14. Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park
📍 265 kilometers
🚗 By car: 2h30
📷 S ightseeing / Activities: Gouffre de Padirac, Pech Merle and Lacave caves, Rocamadour, Hiking
This natural park is the perfect weekend getaway around Bordeaux to explore its geological riches. In fact, the Causses du Quercy are brimming with prehistoric caves. One of these is Pech Merle, with its superb engravings.
With a depth of 55 meters, the Gouffre de Padirac is a unique visit to make, and its cavity is truly impressive. Once back on dry land, you can visit the magnificent medieval town of Rocamadour. And, weather permitting, there’s plenty of hiking to be done!
15. Cauterets
📍 295 kilometers
🚗 By car: 3h
📷 What to see / What to do: Skiing, Hiking
If you miss the mountain air, the nearest ski resort to Bordeaux is Cauterets. In winter, you can enjoy the beautiful slopes of the Pyrenees. In summer, you can go hiking. Whatever the season, you can breathe in the fresh, pure mountain air!