The best things to do in Bordeaux when it rains?

When it rains, we all want to take refuge somewhere warm and dry. Good news: in Bordeaux and its surroundings, there's no shortage of indoor activities for rainy days. Covered markets, museums, leisure activities, family outings, escape rooms, board game bars, and spas: here's our itinerary for a lively, rainy getaway in the Bordeaux region.

What to do in Bordeaux when it rains?

Eat at the Bacalan Market and enjoy the Capucins Market

For a sheltered lunch, the Halles de Bacalan form a large covered market, home to bistros and takeaway food counters. You'll find food products like in a traditional market, but also prepared dishes to enjoy on-site: you can create your own menu as you please by browsing the stalls, and high tables allow you to eat on the go.

In the Saint-Michel district, the Marché des Capucins is the largest market in Bordeaux and a very convenient covered market when it rains. It is held every morning except Monday, in a market hall near the historic center. A vibrant and cosmopolitan place nicknamed the "belly of Bordeaux," it offers a true journey through the culinary cultures of the world.

Strolling through the neighborhoods of Bordeaux: Darwin, Chartrons and Saint-Michel

The Darwin eco-district is the ideal place to discover ecology, local sourcing, and artistic creations using recycled materials. You can learn about eco-friendly practices and behaviors, unleash your creativity in workshops, and admire its architecture and street art style. Numerous events take place there.

Between showers, Bordeaux can also be explored neighborhood by neighborhood. Umbrella in hand, head out to discover the street art in the Chartrons district, an urban expression in the heart of the city, then continue on to the Saint-Michel district and its market.

Letting off steam indoors

• In the heart of Bordeaux, the Mériadeck ice rink offers a large covered rink for skating, with rental equipment and a dedicated ice hockey area. It is open to the public when not hosting an event, and its opening hours are updated weekly: check them before you come.
• Looking for an adrenaline rush? Head to one of Bordeaux's flight simulators for a safe introduction to piloting a commercial airliner. Not a first-timer? Other simulators offer more advanced experiences (fighter jets, helicopters), and there are even courses to help you overcome your fear of flying.
• What if you surfed in the rain? At Wave Surf Café, in the Tatry gallery, an artificial wave accessible all year round allows you to surf or bodyboard indoors, before having a drink.

Playing and thinking as a family

• Escape games are all the rage, and for good reason: from wine tastings and police investigations to treasure hunts and virtual reality experiences, there's something for everyone. In Bordeaux and the Gironde region, numerous venues await you, offering challenges to take on with friends and a chance to forget the gloom.
• Spending the afternoon in a board game café is a fun and original way to please the whole family. Whether you fancy reading a good book or playing a board game with the kids, you're sure to find the perfect place!
• Even more unusual: purr therapy in a cat café, or a virtual reality experience in a "virtual room".

Satisfying your curiosity in Bordeaux's museums

Rain on the agenda? It's the perfect time to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, with routes suitable for the whole family:

• History & traditions: immerse yourself in local history at the Aquitaine Museum or discover the secrets of navigation at the Maritime Museum.
• Arts & immersion: admire the contemporary art exhibitions at the CAPC or be amazed by the monumental digital projections at the Bassins des Lumières.
• Science & curiosities: amaze the youngest with the interactive workshops of Cap Sciences or the fauna of the Bordeaux Museum.

Making children happy, even in rainy weather

• The Youpi Parc in Libourne is a paradise for the youngest children: inflatable structures, ball pit and trampolines bring smiles back to children's faces and make them forget the gloomy weather.
• The Bordeaux-Pessac Zoo, located in the heart of the forest, is mainly visited outdoors: aviary, maze, jaguar pool… It is a great family outing between showers or in light rain, with good shoes and waterproof clothing.
• For a fun and educational outing, check out our review of Science Experience in Bordeaux. And to burn off some energy, there's always the municipal swimming pool.

Take some time for the evening: shopping, spa and massage

When it rains, there's nothing like a shopping trip in Bordeaux to find gifts or treat yourself. Between the boutiques on Rue Sainte-Catherine, the small designer shops in the Saint-Pierre district, and the local specialties to pack in your suitcase (cannelés, wines, regional products), there's plenty to fill your bags, and you can easily take shelter under a porch or in a shop as soon as the downpour intensifies. A break in a tea room or café then rewards your afternoon of window shopping.

For a relaxing break, recharge your batteries at a wellness center: spa, massage, hydrotherapy, sauna, or hammam —there's something for every taste and budget, in Bordeaux and the surrounding area. An hour-long massage or a half-day at the spa is often enough to forget the gloom. Remember to book in advance, as everyone has the same idea on rainy days, and check access conditions and opening hours before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to do in Bordeaux when it rains? Go to the market at the Halles de Bacalan or the Capucins, visit a museum or the Cité du Vin, go ice skating, play in an escape game or a board game bar, surf indoors or relax in a spa.
• What to do in Bordeaux with children when it rains? Youpi Parc in Libourne, museums, games bar, swimming pool, ice rink, Science Experiences and, in light rain, the Bordeaux-Pessac Zoo.
• Are there covered markets in Bordeaux? Yes: the Halles de Bacalan and the Marché des Capucins allow you to shop and have lunch under cover.
• What unusual activities can you do in Bordeaux on a rainy day? Indoor surfing, flight simulator, escape game, purr therapy in a cat café, virtual reality.
• What to do on a rainy weekend in Bordeaux? Alternate between sightseeing (museums, the Cité du Vin), leisure activities (ice skating, escape rooms), fine dining, and relaxing breaks. Our itinerary above is customizable.

We hope we've given you some great ideas for making the most of a rainy weekend in Bordeaux. And if autumn appeals to you, discover what to do in Bordeaux and the Gironde region this fall: 10 original ideas.

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