Bordeaux With Kids

Bordeaux, the charming capital of France’s wine region, offers more than just world-class vineyards. This historic city boasts beautiful architecture, a vibrant culture, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Bordeaux is the perfect destination for your France family holidays. Uncover the best activities, accommodations, and tips for making the most of your trip to Bordeaux with kids.

Why Visit Bordeaux With Kids

• Walkable City: Bordeaux is a compact city with pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot with little ones.
• Green Spaces: The city boasts several beautiful parks perfect for picnics, playtime, and escaping the urban buzz.
• Interactive Museums: Bordeaux’s museums cater to curious minds with interactive exhibits and engaging displays.
• Delicious Food Scene: From fresh pastries to traditional stews, Bordeaux offers a variety of cuisines to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Cultural Experiences: Puppet shows, boat cruises, and winery tours (with grape juice tastings for kids!) provide a glimpse into Bordeaux’s rich history and culture.

Things to Do in Bordeaux With Kids

• Splash Around at the Miroir d’Eau: This giant reflecting pool creates a mesmerizing shallow water effect, perfect for kids to run through and cool off on a hot day.
• Explore Parc Bordelais: This sprawling park features a duck pond, playgrounds, a mini-golf course, and even a Guignol puppet theater with shows during summer.
• Embark on a River Cruise: See Bordeaux from a different perspective on a scenic boat tour along the Garonne River. Many cruises offer family-friendly commentary and stunning views.
• Step into the Future at Cap Sciences: This interactive science center boasts hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and workshops that spark children’s curiosity.
• Unleash Inner Climbers at Arkose: This climbing gym offers various climbing walls with different difficulty levels, catering to all ages and skill sets.

Best Places to Visit in Bordeaux With Kids

• La Cité du Vin: This immersive wine museum features exhibits on the history and production of wine around the world. Special “grape escape” tours cater to children with interactive games and workshops (without the wine!).
• Musée Mer Marine: Explore the maritime history of Bordeaux at this fascinating museum. Kids will love the giant shark on display and the interactive exhibits on navigation and pirates.
• Natural History Museum: Discover the wonders of the natural world at this museum. A dedicated area for young children features captivating displays on animals and nature.
• Zoo de Bordeaux-Pessac: Home to over 250 species of animals, this zoo offers a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
• The Public Garden: This beautiful park boasts manicured lawns, a greenhouse, and a charming carousel, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bordeaux

• Bordeaux City Center: This central location offers easy access to major attractions, shops, and restaurants. However, it can be quite lively, so consider noise levels for younger children.
• Chartrons: This trendy neighborhood features charming shops, cafes, and a lively market. Its proximity to the Garonne River provides a picturesque setting.
• Saint-Seurin: This historic district offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a mix of residential streets and local shops. It’s a good choice for families seeking a quieter stay.
• Bassins à Flot: This waterfront district boasts modern architecture and stunning river views. It’s home to the Musée Mer Marine and offers a unique family-friendly atmosphere.
• Bacalan: This up-and-coming neighborhood features the Cité du Vin and offers a mix of modern apartments and green spaces.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Bordeaux

• Mercure Bordeaux Centre Ville: This centrally located hotel boasts spacious family rooms, a swimming pool, and a dedicated play area for children.
• Mama Shelter Bordeaux: This trendy hotel features themed family rooms, a rooftop pool, and fun activities for kids.
• Hôtel de l’Opéra: This charming hotel offers family suites, a central location, and a delicious breakfast buffet to fuel your day of exploring.
• Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta: These spacious apartments provide a comfortable and convenient option for families, with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas.
• Hôtel ibis Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck: This budget-friendly hotel offers family rooms, a central location, and a complimentary breakfast.

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

• Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather, making them ideal times to visit with children. The crowds are smaller compared to peak summer, and outdoor activities are comfortable.
• Summer (June-August) boasts long sunny days perfect for exploring parks and enjoying boat cruises. However, it can get quite hot and crowded, so plan accordingly with younger children.
• Winter (November-March) offers the lowest hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, some attractions may have shorter hours, and the weather can be chilly and rainy. Consider packing warm clothes and planning indoor activities for rainy days.

How Long to Stay in Bordeaux

The ideal length of your Bordeaux trip depends on your family’s interests and pace.

• Short Break (2-3 days): This is a great option for a weekend getaway. Focus on exploring the city center, visiting a few key attractions like the Miroir d’Eau and La Cité du Vin, and enjoying outdoor activities in the parks.
• Family Adventure (4-6 days): With more time, you can venture beyond the city center. Take a day trip to a nearby winery (with grape juice tasting for the kids!), explore the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, or visit charming medieval villages in the surrounding countryside.
• Extended Stay (1 week or more): Immerse yourselves in the Bordeaux lifestyle. Take cooking classes to learn about regional cuisine, participate in wine tastings (with non-alcoholic options for kids!), or rent bikes and explore the city’s extensive network of bike paths.

Bordeaux Family Itinerary (4 days)

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore the pedestrian-friendly Bordeaux city center, admiring the grand architecture and stopping for pastries at a local bakery.
• Afternoon: Cool off with a splash at the Miroir d’Eau and have a picnic lunch in the Public Garden.
• Evening: Enjoy a puppet show at the Guignol theater in Parc Bordelais.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a scenic boat cruise along the Garonne River, learning about Bordeaux’s maritime history.
• Afternoon: Step into the future at Cap Sciences, where interactive exhibits and workshops spark children’s curiosity.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Chartrons district.

Day 3:

• Morning: Explore La Cité du Vin, taking the special “grape escape” tour designed for children.
• Afternoon: Visit the Musée Mer Marine, where kids will love the giant shark and the interactive exhibits on pirates and navigation.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy a rooftop dinner with stunning city views at Mama Shelter Bordeaux.

Day 4:

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Zoo de Bordeaux-Pessac, observing animals from around the world.
• Afternoon: Rent bikes and explore the Bordeaux quay alongside the Garonne River, stopping for ice cream along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, trying local specialties like steak frites or cassoulet.

Getting Around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot with children. However, for longer distances or tired legs, consider these options:

• Public Transportation: Bordeaux has a reliable tram system that’s easy to navigate. Purchase a Bordeaux Metropole City Pass for unlimited travel on trams and buses.
• Bicycle: Bordeaux boasts a network of bike paths, perfect for exploring the city at your own pace. Many bike rental shops offer family-friendly options.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be a convenient option, especially with young children or luggage.

By following these tips and ideas, you can plan a memorable and fun-filled Bordeaux adventure for the whole family!