What to do in Bordeaux and the Gironde region in autumn? 10 original ideas

Don't know what to do once summer is over ? You're in luck! The Gironde region offers a multitude of activities you can enjoy even as autumn arrives. Vineyards, castles, countryside walks, or a getaway on the water —there's plenty to keep you busy this fall. The city of Bordeaux is also delightful to explore in the off-season when temperatures have dropped and nature is ablaze with red and gold. Let us guide you; we'll tell you what to do in Bordeaux and the Gironde this autumn.

Top 10 ideas for things to do in Bordeaux and the Gironde region this autumn

1. Discover the Médoc, its beaches and its forests in Gironde

West of Bordeaux, the Médoc is a lovely destination with a variety of pleasures to discover after summer. Between dunes, lakes, and pine forests, a wild and unspoiled landscape unfolds before you, bathed in the soft colors of autumn. Extend your vacation; the temperatures are still mild and the water warm enough for swimming.

Take a stroll along the vast sandy beaches or wooded trails in the fall, when all the summer vacationers have departed. The Landes de Gascogne forest offers thousands of hectares of opportunities for walking, cycling, or electric scootering. You'll love the Indian summer in the Médoc.

2. Take the Wine Route in Gironde

Whether by car, motorcycle, campervan, or bicycle, the Wine Route is a fun and delicious way to discover the region's renowned wines. There's something for every taste and budget, winding through towns and cities in the gentle autumn weather.

Breathe in the fresh air between the rolling hills and colorful vineyards, admire the châteaux, and succumb to the aromas of Bordeaux wine. Between Sauternes, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Barsac, and Créons, you can fill your basket with lovely souvenirs and savor the region's precious liquid along a pleasant off-season route. The advantage is that the roads are free of tourist crowds. Yes, you're truly privileged to be exploring the wine route in autumn.

3. Visit the vineyards in the Bordeaux region

Wandering among the vineyards laden with colorful fruit is a true delight in autumn. The green leaves turn shades of red and yellow as the sugar- laden grapes ripen and are ready for harvest. The start of the new season marks the beginning of the grape harvest in the Gironde, a bustling time when winemakers are busy preparing their wines. Passionate and devoted to their land, they will be delighted to welcome you, share their work, and explain the journey of wine from grape to bottle.

Blaye, Saint-Émilion, Sauternes, Médoc or Entre-Deux-Mers – you'll be spoiling your taste buds after summer. From oaky reds to sweet whites or fruity dry whites, there's something for everyone in the Gironde.

4. Try out the treetop adventure course

Tree climbing in autumn has a very special charm. The trees begin to lose their leaves, creating a red and gold carpet beneath your feet, in a serene and soothing late-summer atmosphere. Nature regains its calm and offers woody scents, no matter the height of your course.

Climb the tree trunks and secure your grip on suspended routes in the air. The sites are suitable for both children and adults, making for a great day out with family or friends after the summer break. Take advantage of it while you can, as most parks close for All Saints' Day.

5. Take a bike tour in Gironde

Cycling is the main mode of transport in the Gironde, one of the French departments best suited for cyclists. With 600 km of cycle paths and 300 km of car-free routes, it's a real pleasure to cycle along the ocean or through the forest when autumn arrives.

Several routes are offered, including a section of the Vélodyssée, a piece of the Scandibérique, a loop of nearly 500 km around the department, or about fifteen greenways in Gironde along the estuary, the Garonne canal, or the Arcachon Basin.

Watch nature change color, the soft rays of sunlight reflecting in the blue waters, and take advantage of the mild temperatures to tone your calves. The quiet of autumn is ideal for visiting the charming villages of the Gironde region in the off-season, comfortably seated in the saddle, hands on the handlebars.

6. Explore the Entre-Deux-Mers region in Gironde

East of Bordeaux, nestled between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, lies the Entre-Deux-Mers region, a perfect getaway. A visit in autumn is particularly worthwhile. The multitude of vineyards are ablaze with crimson hues and golden highlights, the water sparkles in the soft, luminous sunlight, revealing majestic châteaux overlooking the valleys.

Explore charming villages, fortified towns, and cities boasting a rich historical heritage. Langoiran, Rions, or Cadillac —each has its own unique character and offers breathtaking scenery not to be missed.

Entre-Deux-Mers is also the perfect place for a wine tasting of the region, most often white, dry or sweet depending on preferences.

7. Explore the Libournais region in Gironde

Located above the Dordogne River, the Libournais region is ideal for riverside walks and enjoying water activities such as canoeing, watersports, or boat trips. Even after summer, the climate remains mild and pleasant, allowing you to get wet without freezing.

Drift along the waterways, surrounded by nature as it transforms in autumn, donning a cloak of red and yellow. After your exertion, enjoy the rewards offered by numerous renowned wine appellations, celebrated for their finesse and fruity flavors. Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, or Lalande-Pomerol — reds and whites alike— are found in the shops of the Libournais region and at local markets.

8. Observe and glide on the tidal bore in Gironde

No need to go to the beaches of the Gironde to enjoy beautiful waves. Immense and natural, the tidal bore is a huge wave that forms at the mouth of the Gironde estuary and travels up the Garonne River. This unique phenomenon occurs year-round, but is much more impressive when the water level is low and the tide coefficients are high. As you might have guessed, one of the best times to observe it is in the fall ! Indeed, it is between June and October that the tidal bore reveals its full power. The most adventurous can even brave the wave in a kayak, or ride a rare, unmissable wave on a surfboard.

9 - Play a round of golf in Gironde

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy golf. The sun has softened, the colors are warm and vibrant, and a light breeze brings a welcome coolness. The Gironde, a golfing paradise, is the ideal destination for lovers of aces and slices. Between Margaux, Mérignac, Bordeaux, and Pessac, the region boasts numerous golf courses, with around twenty spots to practice and have fun. The start of the new season can also be a time for new experiences; sign up for a trial lesson and discover how to handle the club.

10. Take a boat trip on the Gironde rivers

The end of summer brings with it calm and serenity, a fleeting atmosphere to be savored. Let yourself drift along the waterways of the Gironde estuary, the Dordogne, the Garonne, or the Arcachon Basin. The landscapes evolve and transform under the autumn sun, reflecting their golden hues on the hulls of the boats.

Come aboard for a guided cruise, a gourmet trip or stop off on the small wild and preserved islands. Another way to enjoy it is to rent a boat for a few hours or for the day, a good way to discover the Gironde and its castles at your own pace and according to your desires.

The end of summer heralds a milder season with the warm colors of autumn. Many activities are still available, and there's no shortage of ideas to keep you busy as you head back to school or work. At least, that's what we hope, thanks to this article which tells you everything you can do this autumn in Bordeaux and the Gironde region. Get ready to smile, you're going to love it.

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