Bordeaux travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Bordeaux, Nouvelle Aquitaine, France.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Garonne Riverbank Walk (Chartrons to Bassins à flot)
A flat riverside walk along the Quai des Chartrons and Quai de Bacalan past the Cité du Vin to the Bassins à flot, with views of the Pont de pierre and warehouse-lined docks.
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2
Parc des Jalles and Marais de Bruges
A wetland and meadow reserve north of Bordeaux with footpaths through the Jalle marshes, hosting herons and other waterbirds, linked to the Parc des Jalles green belt.
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3
Dune du Pilat Climb and Ridge Walk
The ascent of the Dune du Pilat, around 100 m high, begins from a seasonal staircase and continues by sand ridge with views of the Bassin d'Arcachon on one side and the Atlantic and Landes forest on the other.
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4
Cap Ferret Peninsula and Lighthouse Walk
The tip of the Cap Ferret peninsula has a coastal path from the oyster villages of the Basin side to the Phare du Cap Ferret lighthouse and the ocean-facing beaches of Plage de l'Horizon.
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5
Parc ornithologique du Teich Trails
A nature reserve in the Leyre delta with about 6 km of signed paths, hides and boardwalks for observing migrating and resident birds, including spoonbills and storks.
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6
Lac de Hostens Loop
A lakeside and forest circuit at Domaine de Hostens through maritime pine woodland, suitable for walking or mountain biking.
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7
Saint-Émilion Vineyard Walk
A walk from the medieval town of Saint-Émilion through limestone-plateau vineyards and past châteaux, with some short climbs on cobbled lanes and country tracks.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Flat paved or gravel routes such as the Garonne quays, Marais de Bruges and the Teich reserve.
Sand or hillier routes such as the Dune du Pilat ridge and the Saint-Émilion vineyard walk.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Bordeaux.
- Overview
- Bordeaux has a mild oceanic climate. Spring and early autumn are best for walking; July and August are hot, and the Landes forest and Dune du Pilat are very hot at midday. Forest fire-risk days can restrict access to pine forests in summer.
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Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Heat and sun on the Dune du Pilat, where the sand can burn bare feet in summer
Hazard: Forest fire restrictions in the Landes and Médoc pine forests in July and August
Hazard: Strong Atlantic currents and rip tides at ocean beaches; swim only in supervised zones
Hazard: Tide timing on the Bassin d'Arcachon sandbanks, which can cut off walkers
Hazard: Ticks in grass and woodland; check skin after walks