Unmissable walk in Bordeaux: the Tour des ponts

Today I'm taking you on one of the essential walks in Bordeaux : the tour of the 2 bridges. Very popular with Bordeaux residents and tourists , this walk of around 7km offers superb views of Bordeaux , but also calm and greenery just a few steps from the bustling center. Let yourself be tempted by the charm of the right bank , the liveliness of the left bank and take a few moments to admire the 2 bridges which face each other in a totally different style.

A 7km walk along the water's edge

Start of the walk at the Miroir d’eau

I advise you to start your walk on the quays, at the Miroir d'eau to contemplate the beautiful Place de la Bourse. It is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike who meet to chat, admire the view, take photos but also cool off at the Water Mirror or even dance salsa! From this place, there is a magnificent view of the stone bridge.

The stone bridge

The Stone Bridge of Bordeaux

This superb bridge, more than 400 meters long, was one of the first in Bordeaux. It was built on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte. Besides, there are as many arches as there are letters in its name. Coincidences ? Your turn to judge.

For the moment, I advise you to leave this remarkable monument aside and go in the opposite direction towards the Saint-Louis quays for a walk or organize a small picnic on the lawns. For the next few kilometers, walkers are king. Finally, they will have to share this beautiful pedestrian space with fans of scooters, rollerblades or even balance bikes ! It’s one of Bordeaux’s favorite walks. Today it is a real place of conviviality and meetings but this was not always the case. Before the 2000s, the quays did not have a very good reputation... they were considered dangerous and impractical, with abandoned hangars! Hard to believe isn't it ?

A ray of sunshine and everyone is on the docks

Peckish ?

I have a good plan to share with you if you are on the docks at meal time . Take a trip to the Le Crabe Marteau restaurant to taste fresh, seasonal seafood.

Otherwise on Sundays, the Chartrons market is set up along the quays to offer the best of local products (cheese, vegetables, pastries, etc.). It is also possible to eat on site. Besides, I give a special mention to the seafood stand and their succulent oysters.

The largest outdoor skate park in France

The Chartrons skate park

For water sports enthusiasts, the quays are a perfect playground with its beautiful straight lines and limited access to pedestrians. For stunt riders , there is even a skate park made up of different areas so that all levels can have fun. I love coming here and spending hours admiring the talent and perseverance of the skateboarders.

The Marques quays and the Chaban Delmas bridge

A little further, towards the Pont Chaban Delmas, you can let yourself be tempted by the numerous terraces and brand name boutiques at discounted prices. It is from this point of view that we best appreciate the sumptuous Chaban Delmas bridge . With a little luck, you will be around when it rises to let the boats coming to dock in Bordeaux pass. It’s a fascinating spectacle that brings together many spectators !

The Chaban Delmas bridge

Cross the Garonne to enjoy the right bank

Continue the walk by climbing the Chaban Bridge and don't forget to admire the view once at the top. Looking to the left, you can even see the Aquitaine Bridge which is also a technological feat. Arriving on the right bank , turn immediately right after the bridge to stay in the pedestrian area and continue straight on until the stone bridge.

I love walking on the right bank . This side of Bordeaux is calm, green and there is a special atmosphere . In summer, I advise you to stop at Alricq for a drink and reconnect with the world on the banks of the Garonne, with your feet in the sand. There's another place that I love in the area : the Darwin Ecosystem.

A break at the Darwin Ecosystem

My third favorite address on this side of Bordeaux : Burdigala cruises. Why choose between the right bank and the left bank when you can stroll on the Garonne and admire both... It's another way to discover Bordeaux and enjoy its surroundings.

After this sweet interlude, it is now time to cross the remarkable stone bridge towards the left bank. You still have 5 minutes left to reach the Miroir d’Eau and the loop is complete.

The essential stroll in Bordeaux

Whether walking, running, cycling, rollerblading... I advise you to go for a walk around the 2 bridges. It’s accessible to everyone and so enjoyable. Good walk !

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