What to do in Bordeaux when it rains?

Discover Bordeaux & Gironde

When it rains, we rather want to take shelter and warmth. In and around Bordeaux, you will find all kinds of indoor activities. Between museums, restaurants, leisure and sports parks… there is plenty to keep busy during bad weather days. We take you for a rainy but lively getaway in the Bordeaux region.

Opening photo © Maria Orlova / Unsplash

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Eat at the Halles de Bacalan

The Halles de Bacalan form a large covered market, where there are bistros and take-out catering outlets. You will find all kinds of food products there, as in a traditional market, but also cooked dishes to taste on the spot. You can compose your menu according to your desires, by going around the stalls. In the covered hall, there are high tables for a quick lunch.

Read our article on Les Halles de Bacalan to prepare for your visit.

Photo © Guide Bordeaux Gironde

Walking around Darwin

This eco-district is the ideal place to discover ecology, short circuits and artistic creations around recovery. You will be able to learn about eco-citizen actions and behaviors, but also give free rein to your creativity during workshops. Many events take place there. The decor is also worth a visit to admire its architecture and its "Street-art" style decoration.

Read our report on the Darwin eco-district.

Photo © Guide Bordeaux Gironde

Ice skating in Mériadeck

In the heart of the city of Bordeaux, the Mériadeck ice rink allows you to enjoy ice cream all year round. This indoor sports area is a good alternative to learn about amazing activities, in any season. Whether you like to spin around on the ice or are ready to try out other board sports, such as ice hockey or ice karting, you are not going to get bored on rainy days in Bordeaux.
For all the practical details, visit the Mériadeck ice rink website (fr).

Become a pilot for a day thanks to the Aviasim simulator

Do you want to get your fill of thrills, to live a unique experience, perhaps to make a childhood dream come true? Meet at Aviasim, the Bordeaux flight simulator. You will take the controls of an airliner for an initiation, in complete safety. Not on your first try? Many other simulators are at your disposal to go even further: fighter plane, helicopter... And if the plane is not a pleasure for you, but a phobia, there are also courses to fight against this fear.

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Visit the Pessac Zoo

In Bordeaux, the Pessac Zoo is a must-see tourist site. Labyrinth, aviary, underwater viewing pool… These are exotic, astonishing and mostly covered worlds, to enjoy an unforgettable family outing, whatever the weather. Observing wildlife is always an exceptional moment, regardless of age. The Pessac Zoo will make the eyes of young and old alike shine.

Photo © Zoo de Pessac

Stroll through the Capuchin Market

The Marché des Capucins is the largest in Bordeaux. Originally, it was the artisans district. Today, it is that of traders. It is very surprising and brings together different universes. It has even been classified as World Heritage by Unesco!

The Marché des Capucins is a covered market, very practical when it rains in Bordeaux! It takes place every morning, except Monday, in a covered hall near the historic center of Bordeaux. It is a shimmering and cosmopolitan place. It is nicknamed the “ belly of Bordeaux ”. It allows you to take a real trip through the culinary cultures of the whole world, thanks to its 80 traders.

We offer you a complete tour of the Saint-Michel district. Read our article!

Go to an escape game

Escape games are one of the trendy places, and for good reason… Wine tours, police investigations, treasure hunts, or virtual reality experiences… There is something for everyone. In Bordeaux and Gironde, many spaces await you to meet challenges with friends. You will forget your daily grind and the rainy grayness of the moment! To find good addresses, here are the establishments in Gironde which offer you an escape game.

Photo © Code Case Bordeaux

Satisfy your curiosity in Bordeaux museums

More classic, but it's always a good idea to learn as a family. What better way to immerse yourself in Bordeaux culture than to visit the museums of Bordeaux and the Gironde. You will discover its local art of living, its traditions, its ancient trades, its artists... while exploring the territories and the beautiful Girondins villages. Here is a good opportunity to stimulate your brain... Here is our article on all the museums of the Gironde, classified by theme.

The Bordeaux Museum - Photo © Guide Bordeaux Gironde

Relax and have fun in a "game bar"

Spending an afternoon in a game bar is a fun and original way to please the whole family. Whether you want to read a good book or rather to share a board game with the children, in the 20000 Jeux sous les Livres bookstore, in Pompignac, a little east of Bordeaux, you will surely find what you are looking for.

Make children happy at Youpi Parc de Libourne

Youpi Parc in Libourne is a paradise for the youngest. This play area is prohibited for over 12s! Inflatable structures, ball pool and trampolines… Here is a surprise that will make children smile again and make them forget the gloomy weather.

Photo © Youpi Parc Libourne

We have lots of other ideas in shambles!

Bordeaux is an innovative city, which has many assets to charm you. You will find all kinds of new and surprising activities there, to brighten up the rainy days:

Surfing on an artificial wave, dancing on a floating track, having fun in a game bar, purring in a cat bar, testing a virtual reality experience in a “ virtual room ”… Here is our Top 5 of our favorite bars in Bordeaux.
Recharge your batteries in a wellness center and treat yourself to a spa or a massage...
Visit the Cité du vin: we give you some tips to prepare for this wine discovery.
Take a shopping spree in Bordeaux.
Go swimming in a municipal swimming pool.