Let’s be honest, when you think of Bordeaux, the first image that pops into your head is probably a vineyard, a cheese platter and someone named Jean-Pierre describing “notes of blackberry and subtle oak”. And yes, that is glorious.
But did you know that Bordeaux is also a brilliant playground for adventure lovers? That’s right, underneath its polished exterior lies a city that’s ready to get your pulse racing (and not just from too much Merlot).
Whether you’re into paddling, pedalling or parachuting here are the top 10 adventure activities to try in Bordeaux with just enough humour to wash down all that sophistication.
1. Kayak Through the Heart of Bordeaux
🛶 Because sightseeing is better when your arms are doing all the work.
Swap the walking tour for a kayak trip down the Garonne River. Paddle under historic bridges, past grand 18th century façades and right through the city’s watery soul. You’ll get fit, wet and surprisingly cultured all at once.
💦 Bonus: You’ll feel smug waving at people stuck in riverfront traffic.
2. Surf at Lacanau Beach
🏄 Wine country AND waves? Bordeaux, you show off.
Just a short drive from the city lies Lacanau, a beach paradise with proper surfing chops. Whether you’re a total beginner or channeling your inner Kelly Slater, this Atlantic coast hotspot is all about salty air and sore arms.
🌊 Pro tip: Reward yourself with oysters and wine. You are, after all, still in Bordeaux.
3. Ziplining Through the Forest at Parc Aventure
🧗 Because flying through trees brings out the child (or screaming adult) in everyone.
Located just outside Bordeaux, Tepacap or Parc de Loisirs offers high ropes, zip lines and rope bridges that make you feel like a very clumsy Tarzan. It’s a tree top playground for adults who aren’t afraid to squeal.
🎯 Safety tip: Don’t look down… unless you really want to impress your Instagram followers.
4. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Vineyards
🎈 Wine country, but from the clouds.
Float gently above rolling vineyards in a hot air balloon, soaking in views of grape heaven like a literal wine god. It’s peaceful, breathtaking and only mildly terrifying when the flame thingy roars.
📸 Warning: May cause you to propose to someone on a whim. Even your tour guide.
5. Explore the Dune of Pilat – On Foot or By Paraglider
🏜️ Climb it. Run down it. Fly off it. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
The Dune of Pilat (Europe’s tallest sand dune) is about an hour away and it’s worth every grain of sand in your socks. Climb it for the views, paraglide off it for the adrenaline and tumble down for the giggles.
🦶 Optional: Pretend you’re in the Sahara. Then eat ice cream.
6. Cycle the Bordeaux Wine Routes
🚴 Pedals. Pinot. Perfection.
Get on your bike and tour the vineyards like the sophisticated adrenaline junkie you are. Cycle through Médoc, Saint Émilion, or Graves, stopping to sample wines, take photos and ponder buying a château you absolutely can’t afford.
🍷 Top tip: There are actual bike and wine tasting tours. Yes. This is real life.
7. Wakeboarding at Bordeaux Lac
🏄♂️ Like snowboarding, but wetter, warmer and with fewer broken wrists.
At Exo 33, a wake park just north of Bordeaux, you can wakeboard, kneeboard, or just fall in spectacular fashion. There’s a cable system for all skill levels and a chill lakeside vibe perfect for watching others wipe out.
💁 For those less inclined to face plant: there’s also paddleboarding and beach lounging.
8. Urban Skateboarding at the Darwin Eco System
🛹 Where hipster meets half pipe.
Darwin is Bordeaux’s eco urban cultural centre — part skatepark, part art space, part organic café, part “Am I cool enough to be here?”. If you’ve got wheels (or just want to watch people with wheels), this is the edgy, alternative side of Bordeaux.
🎨 Also includes street art, coworking spaces and suspiciously good vegan burgers.
9. Paddleboarding on the Garonne at Sunset
🌇 Because balance + beauty = bliss (or a splash).
Get your zen on with a stand-up paddleboard session as the sun dips behind Bordeaux’s honey coloured buildings. It’s surprisingly peaceful… until you wobble and fall in.
📦 Bring: A dry bag, a sense of humour and an audience for your elegant dismount.
10. Geocaching in the Historic City Centre
🗺️ It’s like Pokémon Go, but for actual grown ups.
Grab your phone and start a geocaching adventure through Bordeaux’s streets. You’ll uncover hidden treasures, learn quirky facts and probably walk straight past a famous monument without noticing. Ideal for families, curious travellers and secret treasure hunters.
🤫 Don’t forget to leave a cheeky note behind in the cache. Future adventurers will thank you.
✨ Final Sip of Wisdom:
Bordeaux might be elegant, refined and oh so French, but she’s also got a wild streak. Whether you’re paddling under bridges, surfing the Atlantic, or ziplining through the pines, you’ll find that this city isn’t just about wine but it’s also about living fully, adventurously and with a slightly windswept hairstyle.
So next time you raise a glass in Bordeaux, do it to toast your bravery, your blisters and the fact that you still have sand in your shoes from that ridiculous dune run.
