The Paris 2024 Olympics are right around the corner, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th. With athletes coming from all over the globe and about 10 million visitors, Paris is getting ready to welcome a massive crowd of spectators and tourists alike!.
But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of the busy city, we’ve got just the alternative for you. Just a 2-hours train ride away from Paris is Bordeaux, a charming city known for its world-famous wines. As Bordeaux experts, we’re here to help you plan the perfect Olympic getaway.
Discover Bordeaux during the Olympics
Home of the games since 2020 and welcoming the Olympic flame on May 23rd, Bordeaux hosts 7 matches of the women’s and men’s football tournament, including the quarter finals!
The matches will take place at the MATMUT Stadium between July 24th and August 2nd, 2024.
You can travel to the stadium by tram:
Line C, Stop ‘Parc des Expositions’.
Line B, Stop ‘La Cité du Vin’, then by shuttle.
Or by bike: 7 km marked route from the city center.
If you are coming to Bordeaux for a game, you might as well experience what else the city has to offer! Often called the Petit Paris, Bordeaux has been elected most beautiful French city in 2024 by the Online Mortage Advisor for its historical architecture.
What to do in Bordeaux during the Olympics?
First, you need to get walk the quaint streets of Bordeaux and explore the local shops and charming hotspots. And if you want to learn more about the history of the city and its architectural wonders, we recommend booking the Bordeaux Private Walking Tour!
Bordeaux isn’t called the wine capital of France for nothing. There are a myriad of wine bars and cellars to choose from! If you want to try the best of them, Bordeaux Wine Trails can organize your very own Wine Bar Crawl, ideal for when you need to stay locally but need some guidance on the best wine bars in Bordeaux.
Sauntering from one street to another can be overwhelming, so why not escape to the countryside and discover Bordeaux’s vineyards! Our half day tour to Saint-Emilion or our Full day e-bike tour in Saint-Emilion, will show you why Bordeaux is so renowned in France and abroad.
Finally, Bordeaux is a haven for foodies! There is always a new eatery opening its doors. For authentic south western cuisine, head to ‘La Tupina’ nestled in the heart of Saint Michel. For a lighter, trendier fare, ‘Vivants‘ near Place Saint Pierre is an excellent choice. And for a diverse culinary experience, don’t miss ‘Les Halles de Bacalan’, an open market food hall located north of Bordeaux facing the famous wine museum‘ La Cité du Vin.’
Experience the region: 3 must-see spots!
If you are planning on staying for a few days in the Bordeaux region, here are the places you should visit:
1) Arcachon
Located south west of Bordeaux, just a 1 hour drive away, is the picturesque bay of Arcachon, renowned for the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. This impressive natural wonder is climbable and offers a breathtaking view. Get to know the seaside streets of Arcachon, lined with historic houses and local shops, and don’t forget to try the region’s famous oysters! At Bordeaux Wine Trails, we can accompany you on your Arcachon getaway: Champagne on top of the dune, visit of an oyster farm, boat tour…all you have to worry about is putting on sunscreen!
2) Lacanau
Whether you’re an amateur surfer or simply seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat, Lacanau is the perfect destination. With its beautiful beaches, Lacanau attracts visitors from across France and beyond. Feeling hungry after some sun and surf? Lacanau has plenty of seaview restaurants, cafes and shops. Enjoying a day with the family or friends whilst absorbing the surf and skate culture of thr south west.
3) Cognac
Less than 2 hours away from Bordeaux lies the Cognac region, famous for its world-renowned spirits. The region is home to over 200 cognac houses, including renowned names such as Hennessy, Remy Martin, and Martell. Explore the historic town and embark on a tour of the prestigious cognac houses. Experience the cocktail culture at rooftop bars like ‘Indigo by Martell’ and ‘Hotel Chai Monnet’, or cozy cocktail bars like ‘Bar Luciole‘ and ‘Le Louise’.
Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, seaside adventures, or a taste of world-class spirits, the Bordeaux region has something for everyone to enjoy.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approaches, Bordeaux and the surrounding region offers many memorable alternatives for those seeking to escape the bustling crowds of the city. Start planning your Bordeaux adventure today and create your own unforgettable Olympic memories!
