What To Do in Bordeaux in September
Visiting Bordeaux in September is an exciting time of the year. There are many things to see in Bordeaux. Not only is Bordeaux renowned for producing g some of the finest wines in the world, but it is also a cultural centre that boasts music festivals, UNESCO world heritage sites, countless museums, and different neighbourhoods around the city that are an ecosystem within the greater city, as well as endless other activities that are available to satisfy any taste. The wine harvest is taking place in Bordeaux in September, and the excitement of creating a new vintage adds an air of excitement as the many wineries and chateaux bring in the fruits of their labours. This is a perfect time to enjoy a day wine tour in the famous village of Saint-Emilion to explore some of the local gastronomic delights and, of course, the legendary wines of Bordeaux.
Why Visit Bordeaux in September?
September is an exciting time to visit Bordeaux as the city is now less crowded after the August rush of tourists, which creates a relaxed, enjoyable vibe and easier access to many activities in the city and beyond. All the hustle and bustle is centred outside of the city with a sudden burst of energy in the vineyards and châteaux as another harvest has begun. Aside from the harvest, there are many activities that are taking place during the month, which include various festivals and cultural events such as outdoor concerts, food festivals, and other events that are part of the harvest celebration.
It is a very special time to visit Bordeaux as the excitement of the wine harvest and myriad of different cultural events create a perfectly harmonious mix that makes this time of the year very special.
Bordeaux Weather September
The weather is still warm, and a walk along the Gironde River in the evening, mingling with the locals, is the perfect way to enjoy the final rays of the setting sun over the river and city. Bring something warm for the chilly evenings, and sun cream and a hat for the hot sunny days.
There are many outdoor activities in Bordeaux, such as exploring the city on a bicycle. You can hire your wheels before you arrive, and most companies will deliver your bicycles and pick them up from your accommodation.
Autumn in Bordeaux is the perfect time to discover the many beautiful green spaces where you can enjoy a relaxed picnic in the Parc Bordelais or explore the botanical gardens of Jardin Public.
Things To Do in Bordeaux in September
Bordeaux Walking Tours: September is the perfect time to explore the city on foot. Don your most comfortable pair of shoes and discover the secrets of this beautiful city with free walking tours in Bordeaux. Explore the offerings of one of the leading local walking tour companies in the city: Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. Every tour is hosted by a professional Bordeaux cultural guide who is a native English-speaking local. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to explore the old charming old streets of Bordeaux where you can explore different points of interest including the city centre, various Bordeaux attractions and many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are in abundance such as the Port of Moon, Bordeaux’s old town that features fantastic architecture from the 18th century. The tours are very popular, so ensure that you visit the website for availability and to book your spot.
The are many September Events in Bordeaux, such as Bordeaux cultural events and the Bordeaux Festival in September such including Music and Food Festivals in Bordeaux. They are very popular, so it is a good idea to reserve early if possible, as some of the events do require advance bookings. Many of the Heritage Day events are free but do require that you sign up before you arrive so ensure that you check the events diary before you arrive.
If you are active and enjoy running with scenic wine immersion along the way, then you should take on the challenge of a marathon then you Sign up for the Grand Médoc Châteaux Marathon. It takes place from 5-7 September and is a unique long-distance running experience where you can test your endurance as you run through the picturesque countryside surrounded by the vineyards of Médoc that will be filled with workers busy bringing in the harvest. At the end of the race, you can enjoy local gastronomic delights and, of course, a wine tasting.
The Climax Festival takes place from 10-14 September. It takes place in the Darwin district in the Caserne Niel. The purpose of the festival is to bring together individuals from Bordeaux and around the world. It features a truly unique mix of more than forty different events, including music performances, art exhibits, as well as projects that promote increased social consciousness with the purpose of addressing issues that are centred around urban cultures and climate change.
If you are a fan of comics and books, then you should explore Gribouillis, an arts and visual festival that is dedicated to comics from more than eight different artists and fifty local and national publishing houses. This free event is designed for all ages and features workshops, exhibitions, shows, and screenings to designed to share the exciting universe of comics. There will even be authors at the event to sign their works.
European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) takes place on 20 and 21 September. Enjoy free entry to various museums, heritage sites, monuments, and other architectural gems across the city. Check the website for more details and availability.
Created in 2016, the FAB – Bordeaux Métropole International Arts Festival takes place from 26 September to 11 October and is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that tries to get off the beaten track. It will take place across different venues in the city. It features local and international and local artists and features performances such as dance, theatre, music, visual arts, and performances that champion contemporary writing in all of its forms of expression.
Other Cultural Activities Worth Exploring
For those who enjoy immersive historical experiences then a visit to Les Bassins des Lumières offers a forty-five-minute 360° virtual reality experience, Napoleon: The Immersive Epic. You will experience Napoleon's story, including important moments in his life, and wander freely through different scenes, such as the freezing temperatures in Berezina, a meeting before the battle of Austerlitz, and many more. The exhibition runs until 28 September, and tickets need to be booked online in advance.
If you are planning to explore more cultural institutions during your stay, take a look at our guide to the best museums in Bordeaux to help you decide which exhibitions and collections to prioritise.
Via Sensoria at La Cité du Vin offers visits in several languages, including English, so that every visitor has an exceptional sensory wine experience. This unique tasting experience includes a flight of four alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages from around the world. These sessions are led by a passionate wine professional, and participants will enjoy an hour to open their senses by participating in different original types of tasting games and savouring the bounty that each season offers. This exposition immerses visitors into the colours, flavours, textures, and aromas of wine, which is a multi-sensory experience that explores the diversity of nature and the artistry of the talented men and women who make wine. Travel through a universe of olfactory, sound, poetic, and visual creations. The experience will be open until early November.
Ouvre la Voix is a festival that takes place from 5 to 7 September. This travelling cyclo music festival is organised by the Rock School Barbery that shares the region’s heritage through bike rides through the countryside of Entre-deux-Mers with stops along the way to enjoy live concerts that are a blend of chansons Française, Rap, Folk, and other genres of music. Local products are also available to discover and enjoy. Consult the website to see which concerts are available during your visit.
Best Activities in Bordeaux in September
There are different neighbourhoods around Bordeaux that are well worth the visit if you are seeking to immerse yourself in the local culture or discover some of the outstanding architecture that Bordeaux is famous for, and boasts 347 UNESCO World Heritage listed buildings.
Place Nansouty is in the southern part of Bordeaux and is one of its hidden treasures, set in a semi-circular square that is filled with quiet tree-lined streets and is the crossroads between the famous Marché des Capucins and Bordeaux’s long boulevards. The revitalisation project of 2019 transformed the area into a space that is pedestrian-friendly where visitors can experience authentic local Bordeaux and sit on the wooden benches under the trees that are surrounded by peaceful green spaces and marvel at the centrepiece of the square, an ornate fountain that was designed by architect Louis Garros in 1876. There are a variety of local events and street musicians giving impromptu performances, as well as the weekly farmers market that is held every Thursday. It is a twenty-minute walk from the Bordeaux City Centre. It is very child-friendly, the quiet streets and local Parc Rivière with its vast green spaces offer the perfect environment for youngster to stretch their legs and explore.
The theatre scene in Bordeaux is full of excitement, and there are many performances to enjoy. You can enjoy the ambience of the rich theatrical history of Bordeaux with a trip to Theatre Femina, which opened on 19 March 1921. It is one of the most famous cultural venues in the city that has a long and colourful history that dates to the 19th century, when the building was a carriage house. Many different types of performances run throughout the year that include opera, comedy, dance, and concerts that feature classical music. Check to website to see what is playing as well as the availability of taking a tour without seeing a performance.
For those who enjoy the majestic architecture of cathedrals, there are many to explore in Bordeaux. You can even enjoy a special photo and art exhibition LUMINISCENCE, which was created in the Bordeaux Saint-Andre Cathedral, where the silent stone walls come alive with the lights of the story that offers an unparalleled sensory journey that is accompanied by music and a light show. The show has travelled across France and now has returned to Bordeaux. It runs from 20 September to December.
There are also some other very notable cathedrals that should not be missed, such as Eglise Saint-Croix de Bordeaux, which dates to the 7th century and started out as a Benedictine Abbey, which is often compared to Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris. It has a stunning nave that is thirty-nine metres in length. If you are visiting cathedrals, then ensure that you visit the Église Notre-Dame. It is thought of as being one of the most beautiful churches in Bordeaux, designed using stunning Baroque architecture with beautiful artwork and wrought iron railings, and a magnificent white marble altar that was sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Péru in 1751.
Enjoy a leisurely Bordeaux River cruise either in the afternoon or evening. Many of these cruises include wine tasting or dinner while watching the sunset. You can slowly go along the river and enjoy a stunning view of Bordeaux from the water.
Day Trips from Bordeaux
The weather is still warm enough to enjoy a day at the beach, and Arcachon Bay is the perfect place to relax on pristine sand or take a leisurely swim in the still warm water. If you enjoy oysters, then a visit to Les Halles des Arcachon is a must. A hike up the hill offers an opportunity to admire the magnificent mansions that were built in the 19th century. While up there, you can experience a stunning view over the bay.
Dune du Pilat is the biggest and tallest sand dune in Europe and is located forty minutes south of Arcachon. This natural phenomenon juts out of the sea, which can be hiked up or is equally accessible by stairs, with a breathtaking view at the top that makes it well worth the trip.
Saint-Émilion, September is the perfect time to enjoy a wine tasting in Bordeaux. Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim is one of the leading Bordeaux vineyards tour companies in the region and specialises in offering tours on state-of-the-art e-bikes. You will spend the day cycling through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion and visiting several wineries during the Bordeaux wine harvest to taste some of the finest wines that are on offer. The tours are led by a charming and friendly native English-speaking guide who is not only a wine expert, but also there to ensure that every moment of your day is memorable, educational, fun, and excellent food, as well as ensuring that you truly can immerse yourself in the charm of the region and experience the local ambience.
Your extremely knowledgeable guide will answer any questions (wine or non-wine related) that you may have along the way and will share the local history of this exceptional wine region that has been making wine for over two centuries. Tours can also be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be one or more days. When you book with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim, all the details are taken care of, and all that you must worry about is having an unforgettable day out. Contact them for further information and experience the excitement of the grape harvest season in Bordeaux first-hand.
Local Markets Bordeaux
No visit would be complete without a trip to the various local markets scattered around the city. There are many different local specialities to discover, and it is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local cultures and mingle with the locals as they go about their daily shopping.
Marché des Capucins is a covered market and is one of the largest and most famous markets in Bordeaux. The word “Capu” dates back several hundred years and refers to the tradition of the local retailers. There is a wide variety of fresh and high-quality local products that can be enjoyed onsite or taken away. Stroll among the lively stalls, fill your basket with specialities from locals and further afield, and this is a must-see during your visit. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 6 am – 2 pm and 5.30 am – 2.30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Les Halles Bacalan is another indoor market that should be on your list if you love great food, and it is open Tuesday to Sunday. Located opposite of La Cité de Vin. Explore the range of sumptuous products on offer from the twenty-three artisans who are there the entire year. A true haven for foodies, you can sit down and enjoy your gourmet finds onsite that range from organic bread, cheeses, homemade ice cream, fresh fish, and much more.
Saint-Seurin Farmers market has been open every Friday morning between 7 am and 1 pm since 2018 at Place des Martyrs de la Résistance. It brings together producers and those who love good food underneath the shade of the plane trees in a friendly ambience with an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables, local produce, chatter, and tastings.
September Travel to Bordeaux
Travelling to Bordeaux is easily accessible by air or land. There are direct flights from all major European airports. Alternatively, you can easily travel by car or train. There are many accommodation choices, which include self-catering accommodation or traditional hotels. September can still be quite busy, so book early to avoid disappointment.