What to do in Bordeaux when it’s hot?

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The thermometer is hovering around 30 degrees in Bordeaux, and you're looking for activities away from the sun's rays? The Bordeaux Gironde Guide has endured the mercury to give you its best advice. The Gironde capital is brimming with options for escaping the heat while still enjoying its riches.

Whether you're a local looking for new ideas or a visitor looking to maximize your stay despite the rising temperatures, follow this guide for guaranteed moments of freshness and pleasure.

Visit the Bassin des Lumières

For an artistic escape and a breath of fresh air, the Bassin des Lumières is an unmissable destination in Bordeaux.

Nestled in the heart of the former submarine base, not far from the Halles de Bacalan, this unique digital art center offers grandiose immersive exhibitions, where the works come to life on immense concrete walls and are reflected in the water.

The atmosphere is naturally cool, thanks to the thickness of the base's walls and the presence of water. A striking contrast to the heat outside. Wander through dark, vast spaces, bathed in light and sound projections, creating an absolutely captivating sensory experience. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in art in an innovative way while enjoying a most pleasant ambient temperature.

This visit is a true haven of peace away from the summer heatwave. Each exhibition is an invitation to travel, transforming the visit into an unforgettable moment of contemplation and refreshment.

Cool off at the Miroir d'eau

A must-see and emblematic of Bordeaux, the Miroir d'eau is undoubtedly the most popular place to cool off and have fun when the temperatures rise.

Located opposite the sublime Place de la Bourse, this contemporary architectural masterpiece, designed by Jean-Max Llorca, is the largest reflective surface in the world. On a huge granite slab, it alternates with mirror effects, where the 18th-century facades are splendidly reflected, and fog sequences, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Young and old alike love to venture there barefoot, let themselves be enveloped by the mist or simply admire the spectacle of the changing reflections. It is a place of life, games and relaxation, where you can capture memorable photos or simply sit on the edges to enjoy the breeze and the ambient freshness. A break at the Miroir d'eau perfectly embodies the Bordeaux art of living.

Go on a cruise on the Garonne

Speaking of water, why not treat yourself to a cruise on the Garonne River ? It's a delicious and refreshing way to discover Bordeaux from a new perspective.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the streets, the river offers a constant breeze and a unique perspective on the city's iconic landmarks. Several companies offer a variety of excursions , ranging from a simple one-hour guided tour to longer cruises that include lunch, dinner, or a tasting of local wines.

Glide peacefully along the quays, admiring the Pont de Pierre, the Place de la Bourse, the Cité du Vin and the historic facades that line the river. All while enjoying a milder temperature on the water. Thanks to the guides' commentary, learn more about the history and architecture of Bordeaux. A cruise on the Garonne is an enchanting interlude to escape the heatwave while soaking up the city's unique atmosphere.

Discover wine at the Cité du Vin

Even in the heat, the passion for wine never wanes in Bordeaux. La Cité du Vin is the ideal place to explore it in complete peace.

Visually, the Cité du Vin is noticeable from miles away. This building, with its bold architecture, evokes the movement of wine in a glass. Moreover, it is a veritable theme park dedicated to wine and wine civilizations throughout the world and across the ages.

Fully air-conditioned, the Cité du Vin takes you on an immersive and interactive journey, designed to stimulate all the senses. Discover the history of wine, its terroirs, its manufacturing techniques and its cultural influence through sensory exhibitions, screenings, games and workshops. The visit often ends with a tasting at the Belvédère, located on the 8th floor, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bordeaux and the Garonne.

Resting in the Public Garden

For a refreshing break, the Bordeaux Public Garden is the perfect setting. This magnificent green space, the lungs of the city, is an oasis of freshness and tranquility in the heart of the urban hustle and bustle.

With its vast lawns shaded by century-old trees, its paths, its lake where ducks and swans swim, and its charming bridge, it invites you to stroll and relax. In hot weather, it is the ideal place to escape the direct sun. Sit on a bench in the shade of a large tree or even on the grass, and enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream bought in one of the nearby ice cream parlors or at the garden kiosk. The family atmosphere, the birdsong and the natural freshness of the place provide an immediate well-being.

Test Science Experiments at Promenade Sainte-Catherine

Looking for fun and learning with your family? Head to Science Experiences on Promenade Sainte-Catherine. This interactive entertainment center is a great option for families, groups of friends, or anyone curious to discover the world of science in a fun and immersive way.

Sheltered from the outside heat, immerse yourself in thematic universes where science comes to life through interactive experiments, optical illusions, challenges and amazing demonstrations. It's an opportunity to stimulate your curiosity, understand complex scientific phenomena in a simple and entertaining way and spend a pleasant time in the cool.

Whether you're fascinated by space, the human body, the forces of nature, or new technologies, Science Experiences offers a tour suitable for all ages and levels of knowledge. Between laughter, discovery, and freshness, you'll have wonderful memories!

Shopping in air-conditioned shopping malls

In the heart of the city, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Even if the heat outside is unbearable, take the time to browse the shops of Bordeaux to enjoy the air conditioning and take home some summer souvenirs.

Promenade Sainte-Catherine is an open-air shopping center, but with many shaded areas and misting systems, with a variety of shops ranging from major brands to designers.

A little further away, the Mériadeck shopping center, located in the eponymous district, offers a multitude of shops, restaurants, and services in a fully air-conditioned environment. You'll find everything you need there: clothing, high-tech products, decoration, leisure activities, etc.

Go to the cinema

What's more classic and effective way to escape the heatwave than a good movie? The dark, air-conditioned rooms of Bordeaux's cinemas are like a breath of fresh air in hot weather. The city boasts several cinema complexes, with a rich and varied program to suit all tastes. Whether you're a fan of blockbusters, arthouse films, comedies, or dramas, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes.

The Mégarama Quai des Marques offers a big-screen experience along the Garonne River, while the CGR Le Français and the UGC Ciné Cité Bordeaux welcome you in the heart of the city. On the agenda: relaxing in a comfortable armchair, enjoying popcorn, and discovering a captivating story. All in a pleasantly cool atmosphere. A trip to the movies is a simple, affordable activity that's guaranteed not to overheat, perfect for a summer afternoon or evening.

Enjoy the museums of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city of art and history . Its museums are true treasures that not only possess inestimable cultural wealth, but also a welcome air-conditioned refuge in hot weather.

• The Aquitaine Museum invites you on a fascinating journey through the region's history, from prehistory to the present day, with rich and varied collections that tell the story of the evolution of Bordeaux and its inhabitants.
• The CAPC (Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux), in a former colonial goods warehouse, offers bold and innovative exhibitions of contemporary artists, in an impressive and always fresh architectural setting.
• The Museum of Fine Arts, spread over two galleries in the Town Hall Garden, houses a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th to the 20th century, with works by great masters.

Each of these museums is designed to provide you with a pleasant visiting experience, with air-conditioned spaces. It's an excellent way to combine culture and well-being, immersing yourself in Bordeaux's heritage while enjoying a pleasant coolness.

Bordeaux, even under a blazing sun, has no shortage of resources for pleasant and refreshing moments. The city offers a range of activities for all tastes, and the heat is no obstacle to discovery and pleasure.

So, next time the thermometer starts to soar, you'll know where to find coolness and entertainment in the sleeping beauty.

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