Living in a big city obviously has it is positive and its negative sides. Undeniably, the luxury of convenient public transport or being able to go shopping at a moment’s notice can be more than agreeable. But, let’s be honest here. All the splendours of our modern lives cannot compare to the beauty and calmness that a couple of hours spent around nature could give us. There are studies that show the importance of green spaces in cities. Countless benefits exist from a simple park or garden walk for the human psyche and the urban environment (reduces the urban heat effect, clean air, a place for physical activity, etc.) Since I am a firm believer in those things I think it’s time for me to introduce you to the Best Parks in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux is a city that has an abundance of green spaces. They seem to be as important to the locals as any other architectural, historical or cultural marvel around the town. Parks and gardens are always full of people during the warmer days as French people do enjoy a good picnic, socializing and breathing fresh air and doing sports out in the open. In order to accommodate those needs, there are magnificent green spaces all around the city.
Main tourist attractions in Bordeaux (Part I)
Tourist sites in Bordeaux you must see (Part II)
Jardin Public (City Center)
The Public Garden situated in the centre of the city, near Quinconces is the most known green space for the locals to chill, have a picnic or jog. There are a lot of buses that stop very close to the garden and there is a tram – tram c that passes nearby as well. The Garden is constructed in a romantic, English style. A pond could be found in the centre, surrounded by big, green lawns and tall trees that give the best shadows for a quick nap.
Equipped with playgrounds for the children, as well as the famous puppet theatre and a restaurant – l’Orangerie there is something for everyone here. It was created in 1746 so if you are interested in a piece of history, there is a part of the original iron fence preserved between rue Ducau and la place Longchamp, as well as the place du Champ-de-Mars.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals (“Unclassified” dogs are allowed on a leash, as are second category dogs kept on a leash and muzzled.)
Opening Hours: Every day from 7 am.
CLOSES: from April 1st to May 31st: 8 pm
from June 1st to August 31st: 9pm,
from 1st to 30th September: 20h,
from October 1st to 31st: 7pm
from November 1st to February 14th: 18h,
from February 15th to March 31st: 7pm.
Adress: Jardin Public, Cours de Verdun, 33000 Bordeaux
Le Parc Bordelais (Caudéran)
Located in Caudéran is the largest park in Bordeaux – Parc Bordelais. If you have kids, this is the place you should take them and here is why. The park has not only the typical beautiful greenery and flowers but there is also an animal farm where the little ones could have the pleasure of petting a goat or a pig. Ducks, wild ducks, geese, swans and water hens and fluffy rabbits run freely around the little lake in the centre of the park. There are swings, go-karts, and a children’s theatre. A little café is hidden between the trees for those moments when the parents need a pick me up.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, and animals.
Opening hours: Every day from 7 am.
Closing hours:
from April 1st to May 31st: 8 pm
from June 1st to August 31st: 9pm,
from 1st to 30th September: 20h,
from October 1st to 31st: 7pm
from November 1st to February 14th: 18h,
from February 15th to March 31st: 7pm.
Address: Rue du Bocage, 33000 Bordeaux
Parc Féau, Bois du parc du Château (Merignac)
Do you love big, open spaces? Do you like old trees, forests and wild nature? Then maybe, this less-known park, hidden in the Merignac district of Bordeaux is right up your alley. Park Feau is not one of the typical parks around the city with straight, pretty gardens, made up of colourful flowers. It is mostly constructed by greenery, swamps and big trees and that is exactly what I love about it. I a couple of minutes walk from the Lycee des Merignac – Tram A stop and you have a forest inside the city. Maybe not the best place for children (though there is a children’s playground) but it is perfect for a run or a walk with your pet. Plus it is open all the time.
Suitable for: Children (though there are swamps and a lot of grass), sports activities, and animals.
Opening hours: All the time
Address: Rue Gustave Flaubert, 33700 Mérignac
Jardin Botanique (La Bastide)
If you have an affliction towards plants and greenery, this place will be ideal for you. The Local Botanical garden is dedicated to teaching and educating people on different topics such as sustainable management of natural resources. The first garden was created in 1629 and in 2001 it was moved to the right bank of the Garonne river.
Suitable for: Children
Opening hours:
Garden:
In summer: 8h-20h
In winter: 8h-18h
> Greenhouses and exhibition halls:
11h-18h, except Mondays and holidays
Address: Esplanade Linné, 33100 Bordeaux
Parc Rivière
This is one of the lesser-known parks in Bordeaux, but it is for sure worth visiting. There is a romantic vibe in the air there, maybe because the place was once a castle. Ideal for a walk with your loved one, this 4-hectare park also has a little attraction called – Maison du Jardinier. A place for all the plant-lovers, this lovely house has was once a stable that belong to the castle.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals.
Opening hours:
Open every day from 7am.
Closing :
from April 1st to May 31st: 8 pm
from June 1st to August 31st: 9pm,
from 1st to 30th September: 20h,
from October 1st to 31st: 7pm
from November 1st to February 14th: 18h,
from February 15th to March 31st: 7pm.
Opening hours for the Garden house:
From 8h to 17h30:
With Wednesday afternoons dedicated to advice
(contact the structure)
Evenings and Saturdays dedicated to the animations
(See the monthly schedule)
Summer closure in July and August (except one-off workshops)
The schedules of the structure are likely to evolve.
For more information, please refer to the monthly schedule or contact the Maison du Gardier et Nature in the city directly at 05 56 43 28 90.
Address: rue Mandron. 33000 Bordeaux
Le Parc de Majolan (Blanquefort)
The Majolan Park is one of my favorite places in the outskirts of Bordeaux. Created between 1870 – 1880, this stunning park was once a swamp. After the reconstruction began, the 20 hectares of the swamp was remade into a lake, an artificial cave, fountains, waterfalls, bridges and flower gardens. The place is honestly one of the most beautiful things ever. It has a small castle in the center. Quiet, secluded walking paths, with romantic wooden or iron bridges. The caves are so amusing to explore as well, even though they are artificial (which I couldn’t tell). Highly suggest it for you and your kids. Just keep in mind that it is better to go by car, as it is situated at Blanquefort.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals.
Opening hours:
8h-20h30, every day, from April 1st to September 30th.
8h30-18h, every day, from October 1st to March 31st.
Visit the caves: Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 14h to 19h, from April 1st to September 30th.
Address: Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 33290 Blanquefort
Park Bourran (Merignac)
This park, situated in the Merignac district was created in 1884 and is now classified as a historical monument. Rich flora and fauna can be found there. Plus amazing scenery. Like the beautiful lake as the main attraction and the castle on the hill that now houses the Superior School of Teaching and Education, make Park Bourran something special. There is an abundance of lovely botanical trails and ornamental birds (water hens, geese, white and black swans). You can enjoy playgrounds, one of which is accessible to children with reduced mobility. There are also otters and it is so enjoyable to see them splash around the water. If you like jogging there is a 1.6 km jogging trail as well.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals.
Opening hours:
From November 1st to March 31st, from 8:00 to 18:30
From April 1st to May 31st, from 8:00 to 19:30
From 1 June to 31 August, from 08:00 to 21:00
From September 1st to October 31st, from 8:00 to 19:30
Address: Rue Léo Lagrange, and avenue de la Marne 33700 Mérignac
Vinet Square (City Center)
This little gem, hidden away in the middle of the center of the city is like an oasis for anyone who needs a moment of tranquillity and peace in the otherwise crazy, busy town of Bordeaux. Housing a big vertical garden, yes, I said vertical it is something that you must see for sure. Also it is perfect for those Instagram photos.
Suitable for: Children
Opening hours:
Open every day from 8am.
Closing hours:
from April 1st to May 31st: 19:30,
from June 1st to August 31st: 8 pm
from September 1st to October 31st: 18:30
from November 1st to February 14th: 17:30
from February 15 to March 31: 18:30.
Address: Rue Vinet, 33000 Bordeaux
Jardin des Lumières (City Center)
Are you the mood for a romantic walk? Look no further than the Jardin des Lumieres. Even the name sounds intimate and warm. This almost 5 km promenade is a beloved place for all the Bordelais. Looking towards the city and its amazing architecture on one side, and the stunning river of Garonne on the other – this stretch of beautiful greenery is like the living and breathing lung of the city. There is a special trail for those who like cycling or skating. And if you are in a need for a little break, just take a seat on the grass between the flowers and enjoy a cold drink.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals.
Opening hours: All the time
Address: Quai de la Douane 33000, Bordeaux
Refuge Périurbain (Bègles)
This one is really whimsical and special. Born from the idea to create urban shelters surrounded by nature inside the city itself and next to the river, this is a unique project that should be experienced and can’t be explained. The little pots are very basic but the interesting shapes and designs make them exceptionally inviting. There is no running water or electricity inside the small ‘houses’ but since the idea for me is to get closer to nature that is quite normal. If you like hiking and being one with the mother earth this might be just for you.
You can reserve a stay here.
Suitable for: Children, sports activities, animals.
Opening hours: With reservations
Address: 15 Rue Louis Blériot, 33130 Bègles
