What to do in Bordeaux when it’s cold?

This year again, the cold weather is settling in for a few months in Bordeaux. In winter, we often tend to stay indoors, cozy up on the couch with a hot chocolate. Not that this program isn't appealing, but we wanted to suggest other activities to do in Bordeaux when it's cold. Gloves, scarves, and hats, you're ready!

Opening photo: Vince Gx Unsplash

Go to a restaurant to escape the winter chill

There is no season for indulging in a restaurant, but winter still offers a special attraction. We let ourselves be pampered by attentive service, the hot dishes and specialties comfort the stomachs in the warmth of a warm room. With its many addresses spread throughout the city, Bordeaux has several restaurants where you can discover the region's gastronomy. Oysters from the Arcachon basin, caviar from Aquitaine or porcini mushrooms from Bordeaux, your taste buds will be delighted. Of course, the essential red wine accompanies your meal, which ends with a delicious cannelé.

Go to the cinema to shelter from the cold

The movie theater, with its comfortable armchairs, relaxing atmosphere, and classic pot of popcorn, is a popular destination when the biting cold makes your cheeks rosy. In Bordeaux, one cinema in particular is worth the detour. Utopia is an unusual place to watch a good film in the heart of an old church in Old Bordeaux. Vaulted ceiling, wooden furniture, and arcades, what a pleasure to discover it when it's cold. The program is varied with screenings in original language and subtitles, and includes many festivals not to be missed.

Shopping in winter

It's not difficult to find a shopping mall where you can take refuge when the cold weather sets in. In Bordeaux, we like to stroll through the Mériadeck Bordeaux shopping center, the Bordeaux Lac shopping center or the Saint-Christoly shopping center. Made up of clothing stores, jewelry stores, delicatessens and shoe stores, it's the ideal destination when the cold sets in in Bordeaux. Enjoy a day of shopping punctuated by coffee breaks and lunches in a sheltered restaurant, before continuing your afternoon shopping. A must-see in Bordeaux when it's cold is Ikea. This Swedish brand is perfect for occupying a few hours during the winter between practical and inexpensive furniture and decorations.

Visiting Bordeaux's museums when it's cold

Open most of the year, museums are a good alternative to get out of the house without being cold. In Bordeaux, there are many choices between exhibitions, events and artistic manifestations. Opt for the most famous:

• La Cité du Vin, an incredible monument that surprises with its architecture and tells the story of wine over 3,000 m2 of exhibition space.
• The Natural History Museum is astonishing with its skeletons and fascinating representations.
• The Bassin des Lumières opens an enchanted universe where shapes and colors blend to a magnificent musical composition.

You quickly forget your frozen fingers when you see the varied themes of the different museums.

Go to the swimming pool or the skating rink in winter

Rest assured, even if the idea of getting into the water or sliding on the ice when you're already cold doesn't appeal, you'll quickly warm up with these activities. Diving, swimming and splashing around in the pool helps to loosen muscles stiffened by the cold. For a few hours or all day, have fun splashing around in warm water in Bordeaux. For the ice rink, it's best to bring gloves and a scarf, don't forget that you're sliding on the ice. But what a pleasure to skate without being cold ! Between maintaining your balance and moving forward without falling, you might even sweat under your down jacket.

Getting lost in a local bookstore when it's cold

Book and paper lovers can spend hours reading summaries, discovering favorites, or unearthing the most captivating novel. Bookstores are often run by enthusiasts who love to chat. Don't hesitate to ask them questions or browse the aisles sheltered from the cold. In the center of Bordeaux, the Mollat bookstore is huge and combines a bookstore, as well as an exhibition gallery and conference rooms. Buy your next read or participate in the events organized in winter.

Enjoy a brunch or afternoon snack during the winter

It's cold, you're taking advantage of it to sleep in and don't know whether to have breakfast or lunch? Get out of the covers and opt for brunch, a delicious compromise that will satisfy your sweet and savory cravings. Most often offered on Sundays, some restaurants make it their specialty. Treat yourself, it warms the taste buds when it's cold in Bordeaux. In the afternoon you can also take a snack break in one of the city's many tea rooms to taste the famous cannelé. Saint-Michel, les Capucins or even Chartrons, the city center districts are full of good places to stop.

Go to the theater to escape the cold

Improvisation, comedy, or more classical plays, there's something for everyone in Bordeaux. Book your seat at the Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux, a magnificent, iconic structure in the city that offers breathtaking concerts. Other more unique venues are also worth a visit, such as the Poquelin Théâtre with its intimate 25-seat venue in the former shower baths of the Bastide district, or the Pergola located in a 1925 art deco building. Let yourself be charmed by the small local theaters for a moment of relaxation far from the cold in Bordeaux.

Playing a game indoors when it's cold

There's nothing better than sheltering in place and having fun when winter disrupts your desire for activity. In Bordeaux, it's impossible to get bored! Bowling, escape game, billiards, trampoline or virtual room, choose the theme you prefer and bring your best friends or your whole family for a lively day. Game bars and dance bars are also attractive if you like board games, or dancing to the rhythm of music to warm up.

Go to the Bordeaux Christmas market

It's a must-see during the winter season. From December onwards, we put on gloves, fur-lined boots and hats to wander the aisles of the Christmas market. Laughter bursts forth, smiles are revealed under scarves and joy spreads among the subdued lights. Sweet treats are always on offer to warm you up, such as sweet waffles, melting pancakes or the famous Christmas mulled wine. Christmas trees decorated with baubles and garlands adorn the streets of Bordeaux; don't miss this ephemeral spectacle ; you just need to dress well to avoid being cold.

It's easy to love winter when you know how to keep yourself busy. Thanks to this article, you now have all the best ideas for what to do in Bordeaux when it's cold.

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