Where to picnic in Bordeaux

Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 04:49 pm

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Wondering if there are any places to picnic in Bordeaux?

Well, compared to Paris, Bordeaux doesn’t have an abundance of parks in the city centre. But there are still plenty of places to picnic in Bordeaux, you just have to know where they are.

And let’s face it, having a picnic is about the most French thing you can do.

From Parc Bordelais and Jardin Botanique to Quais de la Garonne and Miroir d’eau Bordeaux has plenty of places for you to enjoy a French-style picnic.

I recently spent a weekend in Bordeaux and had a lovely picnic. I’ll tell you where in a minute.

Short on time? Want to know how to get around Bordeaux?

To enjoy your picnic in Bordeaux the best way to get around is to buy a Bordeaux City Pass. The pass includes unlimited access to tram, bus, river shuttle and FREE entry to 15 museums.

Get details on the Bordeaux City Pass >>>

Why would you want to picnic in Bordeaux?

Imagine this: a picturesque setting with a wicker basket, a checkered blanket, luscious French cheeses, ripe fruits, a baguette, and of course, a bottle of fine Bordeaux wine.

Yes, we’re talking about the quintessential Bordeaux picnic!

Whether you’re a resident looking to enjoy your city’s sunny weather, or a traveler eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, picnicking in Bordeaux offers a unique, laid-back way to experience the city’s rich gastronomy and natural beauty.

So, grab yourself a Bordeaux City Pass and let’s embark on this exciting journey and discover the best picnic spots that Bordeaux has to offer and the nearest boulangerie to each!

Places to picnic in the heart of Bordeaux

No 1 – Jardin Public de Bordeaux

A green park with a lake where you can picnic in Bordeaux

As the name would suggest this public garden is the perfect place to lay out your blanket and enjoy a picnic. A beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city complete with a lake was designed in the style of an English garden in the 19th century.

However, it was actually created in 1746 and has made its way onto the list of France’s most remarkable gardens stretching over 11 acres.

Who would have thought you’d find something like this in the centre of Bordeaux?

📍 LOCATION: Cours de Verdun, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Boulangerie le pain de la Renaissance, 47 cours portal Bordeaux .

No 2 – Miroir d’eau

Ok, not the obvious choice for a picnic as it’s not a park, but I had a great picnic here. It was the perfect place for people spotting and enjoying some lunch al fresco.

Plus, as one of Bordeaux’s most iconic attractions it was ridiculously Instagrammable.

It’s become extremely popular with tourists since its installation in 2006. Spanning 3,450 square meters, it’s the world’s largest reflecting pool.

What sets it apart is the magical combination of water, mist, and mirrored reflections.

Every 15 minutes, the water disappears, revealing a fog that gently rises from the ground. This then gives way to a thin sheet of water that gradually covers the pool again, creating a shimmering surface that mirrors the surrounding architecture, the sky above, and the people who wander through it.

As you can imagine it does get very busy and there is no shade here so remember to take plenty of sunscreen.

📍 LOCATION: Quais de la Garonne, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: BH Formations, Quai Deschamps, Bordeaux.

No 3 – Place des Martyrs de la Résistance

This square has a lot of history attached to it and sits where an early Christian cemetery was discovered as part of the archaeological site of Saint-Seurin.

Over 400 graves have now been excavated.

It’s one of the largest squares in Bordeaux with plenty of benches, grassed areas and a playground for the kids. It’s much quieter than many other places as it’s not right in the centre, so away from the hustle and bustle.

📍 LOCATION: Pl. des Martyrs de la Résistance, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Maison Lamour, 157 rue Judaïque, Bordeaux

No 4 – Parc Rivière

An old stone building looking out onto a park in Bordeaux

The smallest park in Bordeaux it’s hidden away in a more residential area near the Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute. It’s popular with locals and was originally part of a 19th-century castle owned by Baron Alfred de Luze.

You can still see the ruins of the castle in the park and you’ll find some chestnut trees that are over a century old.

It doesn’t have the manicured look and feel of Jardin Public but it’s a beautiful and tranquil spot. In the old stables, the city has created an area for keen gardeners to meet and understand some of the old ways of gardening.

📍 LOCATION: Rue Mandron, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Antone Artisan boulanger, 125 rue de Laseppe, Bordeaux

No 5 – Quai des Chartrons

A wooden deck area with two people sat in Bordeaux with grass and trees behind

This area of Bordeaux is a fabulous mix of bohemian and bourgeois with a completely different feel from the city centre.

Quai des Chartrons is right on the riverbank. You can sit on the wooden deck looking out over the river enjoying some food and wine.

There is a fantastic market every Sunday which is the best place to buy your picnic supplies, especially if you like oysters.

They even have a skate park to keep the kids occupied.

📍 LOCATION: Quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: La P’tite Boulangerie Notre-Dame, 62 Rue Notre Dame, Bordeaux

The lesser-known picnic areas in and around Bordeaux

No 6 – Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux

An old stone building with a lake in front in a park in Bordeaux

Located in the Bastide neighbourhood, the Jardin Botanique is a lush and beautifully curated botanical garden that offers a serene escape away from the more touristy parts of Bordeaux.

Established in the early 19th century, it spans over 10 hectares with an impressive collection of plants, including rare and exotic species housed in the big greenhouse.

As you explore you’ll find several themed gardens including the Rose Garden, the French Garden, with its geometrically designed flowerbeds and symmetrical patterns and the Rock Garden.

The lake is lovely too and the perfect place to sit and have your picnic.

📍 LOCATION: Esp. Linné, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Gourmandises De Guillaume, 202 bis rue de la benauge, Bordeaux

No 7 – Parc Bordelais

A lake with greenery either side at a picnic in Bordeaux

Spread over 28 hectares it’s the largest park in Bordeaux and situated in the Cauderan area. It has everything you’d expect a park to have with a lake, cafe, two playgrounds and even a puppet theatre.

It’s also popular with runners and cyclists and there are so many areas to spread a blanket on the grass to enjoy the surroundings.

It will take you about 30 minutes to walk from the city centre but it’s well worth the visit.

📍 LOCATION: Rue du Bocage, Bordeaux | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Antone Artisan boulanger, 125 rue de Laseppe, Bordeaux

No 8 – Parc Majolan, Blanquefort

A lake with an old ruined stone building on the edge with green trees behind in Bordeaux

And now we’re venturing outside of Bordeaux, but not too far. At Parc Majolan you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic areas. It quite literally gives you everything you could possibly need from a park.

One minute you’re following a path that feels like it’s leading you into a forest and the next minute you come across part of an old ruin.

There’s a beautiful lake and there are even some old caves from the 19th century complete with a fairytale-style grotto. You could quite literally spend the day here and still not discover all there is to see.

📍 LOCATION: Av. du Général de Gaulle, Blanquefort | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Le Fournil d’Alex, 27 av général de gaulle, Blanquefort

No 9 – Parc Peixotto

A manicured garden with a chateau and pathways in Bordeaux

Just a short tram ride from Bordeaux is Parc Peixotto, a fabulous little park complete with a chateau. In the 18th century, this whole area was one where the rich Bordeaux merchants would come and spend time. So much so, that wealthy banker, Samuel Peixotto, built a chateau here in 1769 surrounded by gardens.

Both the gardens and chateau are now owned by the city of Bordeaux and you can now enjoy a picnic taking in the beauty of Parc Peixotto.

📍 LOCATION: Cr de la Libération, 33400 Talence | 🥖 Nearest Boulangerie: Le Fournil De Birdy, 25 av. de Thouars, Talence

The best Wineries for Picnics near Bordeaux

At the end of the day, Bordeaux is known for its wine so it makes sense to combine the two, picnic and wine.

What could be better than having a chateau with a vineyard as your backdrop as you enjoy a luxury picnic with all the trimmings?

And if you don’t fancy going to the market in Bordeaux some chateaux will organise a picnic for you and include all the usual delicacies such as cheese, baguettes, cold meat, pastries etc.

You’ll usually need to book these in advance; normally, they’ll be available between May and September.

Enjoy a Gourmet Winery Picnic in Saint-Emilion >>>

FAQS on the best places to picnic in Bordeaux

Is Bordeaux safe?

Yes, Bordeaux is safe. For solo travellers, Bordeaux is much safer than Paris and has a very low crime rate.

Is Bordeaux family friendly?

Yes, Bordeaux is very family friendly. There are plenty of things. todo with kids of all ages, including some of the museums such as Cap Science and Muséum de Bordeaux.

How easy is it to park in Bordeaux?

Parking in Bordeaux is relatively straightforward as there are numerous public parking lots, both above and underground, located conveniently close to key attractions.

Additionally, Bordeaux has a great ‘park and ride‘ system, which encourages visitors to park their vehicles on the city outskirts and use public transport to reach the city centre.

Final thoughts: Where to Picnic in Bordeaux

If you know where to look, there are so many lovely quiet places to enjoy a picnic in Bordeaux.

Also remember to check out the beaches around Bordeaux, as they are the perfect place for a picnic.

Bordeaux has everything from the great parks and greenspaces to the wine caves housing some of the best wines in the world. And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay there are lots of great options in Bordeaux, not to mention some five-star luxury.