What to Do in Bordeaux in October
Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world, and October is when the Bordeaux harvest season draws to a close. If you are seeking a relaxing autumn holiday in the heart of wine country, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy various other Bordeaux activities in October, then look no further. October is the perfect month to experience the magic of autumn in Bordeaux. This Bordeaux seasonal travel guide is filled with ideas and activities that you can enjoy during your October holidays in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Weather and Travel Tips October
The summer tourists have left the region; however, October is a time when the region is making a beautiful transition into the autumn season. Bordeaux weather October is still quite pleasant, with an average daily temperature of around 15°C, and most of the days are still warm and sunny days which means that you can enjoy various outdoor activities both in the city and or by taking a day trip further afield. Evenings are cool; pack a warm jacket and a raincoat in case of showers. The weather is still perfect for evening Bordeaux riverfront walks along the Garonne River or even a river cruise in the evening that often features dinner and wine, as well as various other thrilling Bordeaux outdoor activities in October.
Best Things to Do in Bordeaux in October
If you are searching for inspiration and are wondering what to do in Bordeaux in October, rest assured that you will be spoiled for choice, as there are many autumn activities in Bordeaux city and region to explore.
Bordeaux Wine Tours in October
The Bordeaux wine harvest season is drawing to a close, and visiting Bordeaux vineyards in October offers visitors the unique opportunity to see the vineyard workers among the vines, busily bringing in the last fruit of the Bordeaux grape harvest season surrounded by the autumn vineyard colours in Bordeaux, the golden leaves are a sign that the vines are starting their slow descent into dormancy in preparation for the long winter ahead. There are many Médoc wine tours on offer; however, if you want to discover one of the oldest and famous wine appellations in the region, you should spend a day discovering the legendary wines of Saint-Émilion, where you can leisurely cycle through the idyllic scenery of the vineyards on a state-of-the-art e-bike. Spend a memorable day out with the fantastic team at Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim, who offer one of the finest Bordeaux wine tasting experiences in the region
All tours are led by a local wine expert who is a native English-speaker who will take you to some of the area’s top wineries, as well as a tour of the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, where you will enjoy a sumptuous lunch featuring local cuisine and wine (of course). Immerse yourself in the local history of a region that has been producing exceptional wines for more than two centuries. For more information, contact Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim, who are dedicated to creating memorable moments that are designed to last for a lifetime. Tours are designed to ensure that you have the perfect day out and can be designed to accommodate private groups as well.
Free Bordeaux Walking Tours
Why not spend one day of your October holidays in Bordeaux exploring this UNESCO-listed city on foot, accompanied by a local professional local native English-speaking tour guide who will take you on less-travelled streets that feature some of the most beautiful Bordeaux architecture, each with a fascinating story to tell. Book a tour with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and spend a morning or afternoon discovering over two thousand years of history. Be ready to discover local street art and many other fascinating sights that are known only to the local population. Tours are very popular; to avoid disappointment, book them in advance on the website.
Bordeaux Sightseeing in Autumn
Bordeaux tourism is still thriving in October, and it is the perfect time to discover to explore the city.
There are various autumn markets in Bordeaux:
Marché des Quais is open every Sunday with market stalls that stretch along the Quai des Chartrons. Mingle with the locals and other tourists and explore the vast array of gourmet delights that range from cheese to local produce and feature stalls where you can buy food to eat whilst you are browsing, or at one of the little tables where you can enjoy fresh oysters and wine. Ensure that you come hungry because there are a lot of different delicious foods to tempt you.
The Marché des Capucins is open every day and has been welcoming visitors since 1749. It was transformed into a covered market in 1878. Fondly called “The Belly of Bordeaux”, this is one of the oldest markets in France and is the most important gastronomic spot in the city, a must-visit for foodies. The massive array of stalls, food stands, and restaurants create a medley of colour and a vibrant atmosphere that is bustling with visitors and locals and is a meeting spot where people meet for a coffee, a platter of oysters accompanied by wine, or other gourmet treats.
AMOS Association is a charity that has been running for thirty years now. Explore a wide range of different items from clothes to other second-hand items, where every purchase goes towards supporting worthwhile causes. If you love a bargain, then this massive flea market is certain to please your pocket, and you might even find some hidden treasures to take home.
Explore Bordeaux on a bicycle
There are over two hundred kilometres of cycling paths around the city, making it the fourth most cycle-friendly city in the world. Explore Bordeaux on a bicycle at your own pace. You can reserve bicycles online from several hire companies, and most will deliver to and collect from your accommodation.
If you enjoy running, why not support the fight against breast cancer and participate in the La Vague Rose (the pink ribbon) challenge? This charity race takes place on 19 and 20 October, and last year there were over 20,000 runners. Meet up at 9 am at the Miroir d’Eau and run the fun 7-kilometre race. Breast cancer is still the leading cause of death and the most common cancer in women, with over 12,000 deaths last year. So put on your running shoes and help raise money for a worthy cause.
When you are not attending a festival or visiting the local wineries, there are many other things to do.
Take a day trip outside of the city limits and visit the UNESCO-listed Citadelle de Blaye. The fortified city ruins, an hour from Bordeaux, remain uncrowded even during peak season. If you are a fan of old ruins, then this beautiful edifice and surrounding buildings are a great place to explore either on your own or with a tour guide, and if you visit on Saturday or Wednesday, there is a market where you can grab a saucisson or baguette for lunch.
Explore over fifteen Bordeaux museums and galleries—some offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month:
Musée National des Douanes
Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux
Muséum de Bordeaux (The Bordeaux Natural History Museum)
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Musée d’Aquitaine
Musée d’Ethographie de l’Université de Bordeaux
The Bordeaux Metropole City Pass, available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, provides free access to many of the museums and monuments around the city as well as unlimited travel on the Bordeaux public transport system, including the ferries. So, if you are planning to visit several museums and monuments, it is a worthwhile investment.
La Cité du Vin
Visit Bordeaux's famous wine museum. Its massive 13,350 square metre space was constructed using bold architecture and features various interactive exhibits as well as a restaurant with a panoramic view over the city of Bordeaux and the surrounding areas. The Via Sensoria exhibition is running throughout the entire month of October. Embark on a journey where you will spend an hour fully immersed in the multi-sensory, diverse universe of four wines or other non-alcoholic drinks.
A professional wine expert will guide you as you explore the different facets: flavours, textures, colours, and aromas that are accompanied by different sounds, artistic installations, and poetic creations. Check the website for availability and to book your tickets. If you have brought the children along, there is also a variety of different activities that are suited for young visitors.
Bordeaux Events October
Bassins de Lumières is the largest digital art museum in the world that is housed in the former submarine base, which was built during World War two during the German occupation to house their U-boats. The space has now been transformed into an immersive experience where art is projected onto the massive concrete walls. From 18 October, it will be featuring an exhibition “The Little Prince “. Visit this amazing structure and spend forty-five minutes fully immersed in the magic of this beloved fairy tale with the hero in Saint-Euxpéry’s famous story. Experience a thrilling journey that celebrates the power of your imagination as you explore this extraordinary universe. Tickets should be booked in advance as the attraction is very popular, and spaces are limited.
Classical music lovers should check out the programme at the Théâtre Trianon, which is holding a series of concerts that are at tribute celebrating the music of Hans Zimmer. Enjoy a medley of music from famous films such as Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, and Interstellar are all featured in one amazing evening. The event starts on 2 October. For more information, consult the website for availability and tickets.
Candlelight concerts transform some of the most iconic spaces in Bordeaux into magical spaces, such as Place de la Bourse or Cour Mably, and offer sixty-minute concerts that feature different artists who cover all genres of music and feature popular artists such as Queen, surrounded by the flickering lights of sustainable flameless candles that create a special ambience. Check the events schedule to see if there is one playing during your visit.
Bordeaux Festivals and Events in October
The harvest is almost complete, and the city is bursting with energy, and the festival scene is booming. There are many different Bordeaux cultural events that offer a variety of different themes and events, which means that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Autumn Fun Fair in Bordeaux is held every six months at Place des Quinconces, and the second event takes place between 10 October to 2 November. Perfect for younger visitors as well as for adults, with a variety of rides, other fairground attractions, and stalls that sell local seasonal Bordeaux produce. Admission is free, but attractions are priced according to what is on offer.
Animasia is the Asian culture festival which is being held in the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre, celebrating its 21st edition on the 11 and 12 October. This popular festival has over 25,000 visitors every year and is a favourite among fans of pop culture across France. There are hundreds of different exhibitors that feature different Asian themed topics. Enjoy video games, martial arts, drawing, K-pop, the art of making Chinese tea, Japanese Origami, and much more in this vibrant two-day event.
BON! Gourmet Festival in Bordeaux runs from 13 to 19 October. The second annual event celebrates Bordeaux gastronomy in autumn with cooking classes, conferences and round tables, gardening and composting, shared meals, games, and shows that are brought to visitors by an association of around one hundred locals that share a commitment to providing healthy local plant based foods from local restaurants, academics, artists, producers, and individuals that are dedicated to spreading local culture. It takes place across different areas in the city.
Connect Skaturbanism Festival is on the 16 to 19 October and is dedicated to promoting skate culture with the belief that it transcends cultural boundaries and creates a strong connection between both newcomers and experienced skaters. Skateboarding has been legalised in Bordeaux’s public access areas after seven long years of battle and has led to a burgeoning skating culture that is spread across the city and offers different cultural events as well as urban development areas just for skaters. The international festival features music, urban skate sessions, workshops, talks, and exhibitions that highlight the artistic and cultural impact of the sport.
Fête du Vin Nouveau & de la Brocante takes place throughout October to celebrate autumn. If you enjoy a good bargain, then you should visit this flea market, which is a combination of second-hand and antique dealers who are selling a variety of interesting articles.
FAB International Art Festival takes place from 26 September to 11 October and features street art and dance performances that take place across different locations in Bordeaux. Check the website for the full details of the two-week programme.
Sonora Electro Festival in Bordeaux will be held from 31 October to 1 November in two massive 8,000 square metre warehouses and offers a complete sound immersion experience that is accompanied by outstanding light shows as well as eighteen hours of electro and techno music that will be broadcast from two stages by some of the best electronic artists with the local collectives.
Tremplin de 2 Rives is celebrating its 13th edition from 17 October to 15 November and is a festival that features new musicians, composers, and performers and is designed to give them a chance to connect with the public and help them to find a music company that will recognise their talent and sign them on. It is a perfect opportunity for music lovers to discover the latest emerging talent and meet the artists that are creating it.
FIFIB is the Bordeaux Festival of Independent Movies that was created to promote and sustain independent and free cinema and features some of the most daring film creations in the industry. In the evenings, the festival site turns into an open-air cinema theatre and a dance floor. Visitors can enjoy film screenings, concerts, and even meet the special guests who attend the event.
The Vibrations Urbaines Festival takes place in the Bordeaux suburb of Pessac between 13 September and 8 October and features an exciting line-up of international BMX contests, hip hop dance battles, street art exhibitions, a skating contest, and many more events. Perfect for anyone who loves cool urban festivals.
Travelling and Staying in Bordeaux
There are direct flights from most major European cities to Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, which is a forty-five-minute journey from the Bordeaux city centre. Alternatively, you can travel by car or train. There are many types of accommodation to choose from in Bordeaux that range from traditional hotels to self-accommodation. You can stay in the city centre near the major tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops or choose other areas further outside of the city centre, depending on what you are planning to visit during your stay. Bordeaux has become a popular tourist destination, so book travel and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re extending your autumn stay, don’t miss our guide on what to do in Bordeaux in November, featuring seasonal events, cultural highlights, and travel tips for late autumn in the city.