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

Don't know what to do once summer is over? You're in luck, Gironde is a region with multiple activities that you can do even with the arrival of autumn. Vineyard, castle, stroll in the countryside or escape on the water, you have something to occupy the back to school season. The city of Bordeaux is also pleasant to discover in the off-season when temperatures have dropped and nature is colored red and gold. Let yourself be guided, we tell you what to do in autumn in Bordeaux and Gironde.

Opening photo: Choupi 33 / AdobeStock

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

West of Bordeaux, the Médoc is a pretty destination with various pleasures to discover after the summer. Between dunes, lakes and pine forests, a wild and preserved nature stretches out before your eyes, in the soft colors of autumn. Extend the vacation, the temperatures are still mild and the water warm enough for swimming. Stroll on the large sandy beaches or on paths with woody notes at the start of the school year, when all the summer vacationers have deserted. The Landes de Gascogne forest offers thousands of hectares of possibilities between walks, bike rides or electric scooters. You will love the Indian summer in the Médoc.

Lacanau Beach

2- Take the wine route in Gironde

By car, motorbike, campervan or bicycle, the wine route is a fun and gourmet route to discover the region's renowned wines. Between Grave and Sauternes, there is something for all tastes and budgets, crossing the towns in the mildness of autumn. Breathe the pure air between the hills and the colorful vineyards, admire the castles and succumb to the scent of Bordeaux wine. Between Sauternes, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Barsac and Créons, you will be able to fill your basket with pretty memories and taste the precious liquid of the region through a pleasant itinerary in the late season. The advantage is that the roads are freed from the tourist flow. Yes yes, you are privileged on the wine route in autumn.

The vineyards of Sauternes

3- Visit the vineyards in Bordeaux

Wandering between the vines with colorful fruits is a real pleasure in autumn. The green leaves are adorned with red and yellow, when the grapes saturated with sugar are ripe to be harvested. The start of the school year marks the time of the harvest in Gironde, a lively period when winegrowers are busy making wine. Passionate and in love with their land, they will be delighted to welcome you, present their work and the journey of wine, from grape to bottle. Blayais, Saint-Émilion, Sauternais, Médoc or Entre-Deux-Mer, you will spoil your taste buds after the summer. Woody red wine, sweet white or fruity dry white, there is something for everyone in Gironde.

4- Take a walk in the trees in Gironde

Tree climbing in autumn has a very special charm. The trees begin to lose their leaves which form a red and golden carpet under your feet, in a serene and soothing atmosphere of the end of summer. Nature regains its calm and offers woody scents, no matter how high you climb. Climb along the trunks and secure your grip on routes suspended in the air. The sites are suitable for young and old alike, enough to spend a great back-to-school day with family or friends. Take advantage of it, most of the time, the parks close on All Saints' Day.

5- Take a bike tour in Gironde

The bicycle is the flagship means of transport in Gironde, one of the French departments most suitable for cyclists. On 600 km of cycle paths and 300 km of car-free routes, it is a real pleasure to cycle along the ocean or in the forest when autumn appears. Several routes are offered between a part of the Vélodyssée, a piece of the Scandibérique, a loop of nearly 500 km around the department or around fifteen greenways in Gironde in along the estuary, the Garonne canal or the Arcachon Basin. Observe nature changing color, the soft rays of light be reflected in the blue waters and enjoy mild temperatures to strengthen your calves. The calm of the start of the school year is ideal for visiting the charming villages of the Gironde in the off-season, comfortably seated on your saddle, hands on the handlebars.

6- Discover Entre-Deux-Mers in Gironde

To the east of Bordeaux, between the Garonne and the Dordogne lies Entre-Deux-Mers, a region where it is good to escape. The visit in autumn is worth the detour. The multitude of vineyards are colored with purple colors with golden reflections, the water sparkles under the soft and luminous rays, revealing majestic castles which overlook the valleys. Set off to discover charming villages, bastides and towns which have a rich historical heritage. Langoiran, Rions or Cadillac, each has its own particularity and offers magnificent landscapes not to be missed. Entre-Deux-Mers is also the perfect place for a tasting of regional wine, most often white, dry or sweet depending on preference.

Visit La Réole

7- Discover Libournais in Gironde

Located above the Dordogne, the Libournais is ideal for strolling along the river and enjoying water activities such as canoeing, board sports or boat cruises. After summer, the climate remains mild and pleasant to be wet without ending up frozen. Sail along the water, surrounded by nature which transforms in autumn, donning a red and yellow coat. After the effort, comfort with again, numerous wine appellations renowned for their finesse and their fruity flavor. Saint-Émilion, Pomerol or Lalande-Pomerol, reds and whites rub shoulders in the shops of Libournais or on the markets. Take the opportunity to stroll on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning between the colorful and fragrant stands of the Libourne market.

The docks of Libourne

8- Observe and slide on the tidal bore in Gironde

No need to go to the beaches of Gironde to enjoy beautiful waves.

Immense and natural, the tidal bore is an enormous wave which forms at the mouth of the Gironde and goes up along the Garonne. This particular phenomenon occurs all year round, but is much more impressive when the water level is low and the tide coefficients are high. You guessed it, one of the best times to observe it is at the start of the school year! Indeed, it is between June and October that the tidal bore reveals all its power. The most courageous can even face the wave in a kayak, or slide while surfing on a rare roller not to be missed.

9- Play a round of golf in Gironde

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy golf. The sun softened, the colors are warm and colorful when the a little breeze brings a much appreciated freshness. Gironde, the land of golf par excellence, is the ideal destination for lovers of aces and slices. Between Margaux, Mérignac, Bordeaux and Pessac, there are many golf courses in the region which has around twenty spots where you can train and have fun. Back to school can also be the time for new things , sign up for a trial class and find out how to handle the club.

10- Take a boat trip on the rivers of the Gironde

The end of summer brings with it calm and serenity, an ephemeral atmosphere that must be enjoyed. Let yourself be carried along by the water on the Gironde estuary, the Dordogne, the Garonne or the Arcachon basin. THE landscapes evolve and modify under the rays of autumn, reflecting their golden color on the hulls of the boats. Come on board for a guided cruise, a gourmet stroll 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 wishes.

The end of summer heralds a softer season with the warm colors of autumn. Many activities are still available and there is no shortage of ideas to keep you busy at the start of the school year. In any case, this is what we hope thanks to this article which tells you everything you can do in autumn in Bordeaux and Gironde. Smile, you'll love it.

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