Bordeaux's parks and gardens: nature in the city!

Bordeaux is very active in terms of ecology, energy saving and sustainable development. Its Darwin eco-district, its solar power plant at the Parc des Expositions, but also original initiatives, such as closing its city center to traffic every first Sunday of the month, make it a very innovative and dynamic city, looking to the future. Its "Green Plan" has also allowed the development of green spaces and bodies of water to preserve biodiversity. It is a "green" city , very pleasant on foot, but which is also easily explored by bicycle thanks to its numerous cycle paths, its TBM " Transport Bordeaux Métropole " network and its self-service bicycles, the " V3 ". Whether you are looking for a family activity, a place to play sports, or a moment of relaxation, the many parks and gardens welcome you all over the city.

The gardens of the historic center of Bordeaux

We begin our discovery tour, starting in the heart of Bordeaux. Throughout history, city dwellers have felt the need to recharge their batteries and reconnect with nature. The historic center is home to the oldest parks. Some have retained their old-world charm or have been renovated to reflect the times. It's always a stroll through the city's history.

• Right in the city center, the Public Garden is aptly named because its opening to the public was the very reason for its creation in 1746. It was a rare case at that time, but it was therefore designed and laid out for the sole pleasure of the people of Bordeaux. Initially, it was a "French" garden, following the concepts of Le Nôtre, the great gardener of Louis XIV. Then it followed fashions and was transformed into an "English" garden in the 19th century. Today, it is classified as a "Remarkable Garden of France". Inside, you can enjoy the library, the Natural History Museum, notable heritage elements, including its wrought iron gate and large pond, and its arboretum, with exceptional tree species. For younger visitors, there is a playground, a puppet theater and a carousel.
  
• We pass on the right bank, crossing the Pont de Pierre, to reach the Botanical Garden. Created in 1629, it is the former Jardin des Plantes which moved many times before taking its definitive place in 2001. It has always had an educational and pedagogical vocation. It presents you with different agricultural environments: fields of crops from around the world, so-called "above-ground" agriculture and community gardens. Its proximity to the river also allows it to recreate landscapes of the Aquitaine basin : cliff, meadow, moor... It has an astonishing alley of climbing plants, a trail of "pioneer" species and a water garden on its lake.
  
  

Parks along the Garonne

The Garonne offers a bucolic setting for the three parks that border it. We start our walk along the water's edge on the right bank of the river, with the large Hermitage Natural Park, followed by Palmer Park. Then we enter the heart of the city, in the Angéliques Park, with its shaded paths that lead directly onto the quays. Finally, we cross the Garonne to go to the left bank, to the Sports Park.

• In Lormont, the Parc de l'Ermitage is a large ecological reserve, crisscrossed by trails that connect Cenon and the Parc Palmer. On the banks of the Garonne, between its forest and its lake, the setting is exotic. The view, from the cliff, over Bordeaux, the Port de la Lune and the Pont d'Aquitaine is worth the detour! Continuing on, you only have to cross Avenue Carnot to reach the Parc Palmer. Its main assets are its green amphitheater and the Rocher de Palmer which offers a beautiful panorama. It is also well equipped in terms of sports: athletics track, tennis courts, rugby, and hiking trails...

• Between the Garonne and the Darwin eco-district, you'll find Parc aux Angéliques. Its name refers to the Angelica, a rare plant endemic to French estuaries. There, you'll find numerous explanatory panels on the local flora and fauna. Its wide paths along the quays are ideal for jogging, and the views of Bordeaux are worth a visit.

• We cross to the other bank, towards the Parc des Sports Saint-Michel, between the Pont de Pierre and the Pont Saint-Jean. In a very pleasant setting, you have access to all kinds of sports facilities: basketball court, football, beach volleyball, Basque pelota, etc.
  
  

Gardens on the outskirts of the city

Along the wide boulevards that encircle the city center, you'll find three green spaces. They offer relaxing and refreshing breaks, a break from the surrounding traffic.

• Located in the Grand Parc district, the Parc Rivière is typical of 19th century estates. Between the ruins of an old castle, you walk through an undergrowth of centuries-old trees. Its beehives give it an educational value. Numerous activities help you understand these insects, which are essential to the environment and our agriculture.

• Located on the other side of Boulevard Pierre 1st, the Parc Bordelais is labeled "Remarkable Garden of France", notably for its oak forest, some of which are centuries old. Since its creation at the end of the 19th century, it was designed to bring the countryside within reach of the people of Bordeaux and offer them fun and friendly activities. It is above all a family park very popular with children. There is really something to please them: a lake with ducks and swans, an educational farm, a little train, a puppet theater, rides, electric cars, playgrounds...

• In the city center, on Boulevard George V, is the Jardin des Dames de la Foi. It is a small "English garden". Its chess table, ping-pong table, and table football make it a very cozy place, where it is pleasant to come and play with friends or family, while the children enjoy the large playground.
  
  

Parc Bordelais, a children's delight. Photo credit: M.Strīķis CC BY-SA 3.0

Outside the city…

Around the city, you will also find something to satisfy your desire for nature.

• The so-called "Parc des Berges" is actually a promenade along the banks of the Garonne to the Pont d'Aquitaine. The flora and fauna are typical of the banks of the estuary, with alders, willows and the famous "Angélique des estuaires".

• The Barails Ecological Reserve presents an exceptional collection of plant species, spread across different areas: a rose garden, a peony garden, vines and wild orchids, magnolias, a reconstruction of the vegetation of the Pyrenees, etc. It therefore hosts events and exhibitions. You will also find the Bois de Bordeaux there. It is also a refuge for many animals and birds, with meadows, wetlands and ecological corridors.

• In Mérignac, the Bourran Park is a pleasure garden with a large lake and islands, accessible by small bridges, an artificial waterfall and a rock grotto, lawns and flowerbeds. Its large paths, punctuated by playgrounds, picnic areas and benches, make the walk very pleasant and suitable for families.

• The Bordeaux Metropolitan Area manages two Natura 2000 sites: the Marais du Bec d'Ambès and the Parc des Jalles, which includes around thirty tributaries of the Garonne. There are many walks to explore these natural spaces. You can explore the Gironde estuary, take the greenway from Bordeaux to Lacanau-Océan or the Garonne Canal from Bordeaux to Toulouse.

Bourran Park, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.

This concludes our extensive loop of Bordeaux's green spaces. All you have to do is choose where to exercise, which park to visit to enhance your travels in the heart of the city, or simply stroll and admire the beauty of nature. We hope we've inspired a relaxing break during your stay in the dynamic and lively city of Bordeaux.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Bordeaux Gironde Guide.