Ira Szmuk, Author at Lost in Bordeaux

In Charente and Charente Maritime

The best distilleries to visit in Cognac France

Last updated on May 12, 2023 No Comments

Cognac is located about an hour and a half drive from Bordeaux and is one of the most interesting trips you can do in the SW of France. In this article, I will recommend the best distilleries to visit in Cognac (and the Cognac region). However, Cognac itself is also a beautiful little town, rich with history and unique architecture. If you have time to visit the city itself too, check out my article about the best things to do in Cognac.

the best things to do in Cognac — *Visit Cognac*

If you’re also interested in wine, you must dedicate some time to visiting wineries in the Bordeaux wine region. To help you do that, I have a detailed guide to the Bordeaux wine region, that will help you decide what chateaux you’d enjoy visiting.

A big shout out, to Marie, a fabulous guide in the Cognac region that took me to several of these distilleries. If you’re staying in Bordeaux and don’t want to drive to Cognac I highly recommend taking her as a private guide. There’s also a great semi-private tour from Bordeaux to Cognac that’s offered by Olala company – see all the details here. Finally, if you’re looking for a special activity in Cognac, join this masterclass and taste several different Cognacs.

How Cognac is made – some basic info before your visit

The eau-de-vie created in the cognac process has been called the “nectar of the gods” by Victor Hugo.

Cognac is a brandy made from white grapes, and is crafted in the region of… Cognac. 98% of the grapes used for making cognac are Ugni Blanc grapes. In fact, like with French wine and champagne, there are laws that control exactly how cognac is distilled. During the distillation process, the spirit must be distilled twice using copper alembic stills. The region even requires the cognac makers to distill their spirits before April 1st every year. Talk about pressure.

Then the cognac has to be matured in French oak barrels that are from Limousin or the Tronçais forests. Most cognacs have been mixed by a maître de chais. All of these rules ensure the quality of cognac, which has 63 different possible aromas.

French cognac-makers separate cognac into different vintages, or “crus” in French, which reflect their quality. The most revered is the “Grande Champagne”, widely known for its fine taste and wide range of aromas. Some might say it’s the “champagne of cognacs.”

A cognac of the “Petite Champagne” vintage is also prestigious but is grown in soil with less of a limestone layer, and therefore less prestigious. The “Borderies” and “Fins Bois” are two more high-quality cognacs, each with a distinct flavor. Borderies has a violet aroma and Fins Bois has a fruity flavor. There’s a fifth vintage, but nobody talks about that one.

Now that we have that covered, let’s dive into the best distilleries to visit in Cognac. I’ll start with distilleries located in the center of Cognac City and continue to other villages in the larger Cogan region.

The best Distilleries to visit in cognac city

Cognac Camus – traveler’s favorite!

The Camus Distillery has been in the Camus family for five generations. They use a special distilling method dubbed the “intensity” process. It allows them to find the most aromatic parts of the second distillation. This gives their cognacs a very fruity aroma and makes them 7 times more aromatic than the competition.

At the Camus distillery, there are tours offered in English with a tasting of their Horizontal Intense Classic cognac for 35 euros. You can also take a master class, during which you make your own cognac for 190 euros.

Where: 21 Rue Cagouillet, 16100 Cognac

Hennessy – the biggest Cognac house

Anyone that’s listened to U.S. or British rap in the past 20 years has heard of Hennessy. Fortunately, the actual spirit has nothing to do with fur coats or oversized gold rings.

We took the Hennessy tour and had a fabulous time. The company’s boat took us to the other side of the river to visit the cellars. Then we learned all about the processes of creating this luxurious spirit, from the terroir to the maturing and assembling processes. At the end of the tour, you get to taste two different Cognacs and a Cognac-based liqueur (which to be honest, I loved the most).

Cognac tasting - Hennessy — *Cognac tasting – Hennessy*

The price of the tour is 20 euros per person, you can book it here. Tours run from an introduction to a detailed look at the XO spirit of Hennessy.

Where: Quai Richard Hennessy, 16100 Cognac

Château Royal de Cognac

This is arguably the most historical château on my list. It dates back to the 10th century and creates both the Baron Otard and Ussé cognacs. Because of its rich history, visitors receive tours that are based both on history and on the craft of cognac making. Built along the river and meant to prevent invaders from Normandy from infringing upon the city walls, the château casts an impressive shadow over the water.

Starting in the 15th century, the château served as a royal residence, and King Francois I of France was born there. The Château offers two different kinds of visits: 1) At the heart of d’Ussé, which is 35 euros per person, and 2) At the heart of the Château, starting at 18 euros per person.

Where: 127 Bd Denfert Rochereau, 16100 Cognac

Cognac MEUKOW

The Meukow estate is a family-owned cognac property. Although it was started in 1850, the last building was not bought until 2012. Symbolized by a black panther, the property is unique in that it is also home to a restaurant, where you can take culinary courses with cognac pairings.

The château offers a tour with 3 cognac tastings, led by the cellar master of the property. Getting a tour from the cellar master herself is a rarity, but gems like this can be found on small properties like the Meukow estate.

Where: 7 Rue François Porche, 16100 Cognac

Martell – the oldest Cognac house

The Maison Martell has been producing cognac since 1715 and is known for its long history. It credits its 300 years of success to its founder, Jean Martell. At 21 years of age, he established the house and set its tone for innovation and reinvention. These aptitudes have allowed it to withstand the tests of time and modernity. As a grande maison de cognac, Maison Martell has a commitment to biodiversity.

The property offers three tours in English – one each of its XO (35 euros) and VSOP (25 euros) cognacs, and one on cognac-making craftsmanship (60 euros).

Where: 7 place edouard Martell 16100 Cognac

Best distilleries to visit in the larger Cognac region – the small producers

Domaine Pasquet

If you’re interested in visiting a small family-owned producer in Cognac, Domaine Pasquet is the château for you!

You will be welcomed by the lovely Amy, who is married to one of the owners and is managing the business with him. This is the most welcoming and cozy experience you can get in a Cognac, which is dominated by huge domains.

The estate produces organic cognac, a rarity, and is known for its ability to present a cozy experience while also being innovative with its product. Its commitment to producing small batches of cognac and to organic processes makes each bottle unique.
Domaine Pasquet offers a tour in English for 16 euros and includes a tasting.

Where: 27 Chez Ferchaud, 16120 Bellevigne, France France

Cognac Raby

Another great family-owned distillery to visit is Cognac Raby, located in the small village of Segonzac. The tours are free and run by the owner of the Cognac house, Cecile. The Raby family has owned the domain for 5 generations. The family did not start distilling until the 1970s, making Cecile a third-generation distiller. The family takes care of their land, and the estate has been certified as a High Environmental Value level 3.

The estate’s tours are one and a half hours long, and they are available in English. The estate’s shop on-site is open during general business hours without an appointment.

Where: 3 bis La Brée, 16130 Segonzac

Bourgoin Cognac

If you’re traveling through Angouleme (the capital of the Charentes department), this is the distillery you should visit.

The Bourgoin family thinks of its cognac as a winemaker’s cognac. Its website is reflective of the family’s irreverent sense of humor: “Receive the punch of the cognac like a gift. Whether the results are a light stupor or a razzle-dazzle, it promises not to leave you unscathed.”

The Domaine appreciates the people that work the land, names them on its site, and has their photos in its tour advertisements. It offers tours in English for 30 euros.

Where: 14 Rue du Puits, 16290 Saint-Saturnin

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to discover when planning your trip to Cognac:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente
The most beautiful villages in Ile de Ré

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Pin this article, for your next visit to the Cognac region

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Discover Bordeaux

The best outdoor bars in Bordeaux

Last updated on May 11, 2023 4 Comments

Bordeaux is a lively city throughout the year, with plenty of restaurants and wine bars which are perfect for a night out. However, summer is when Bordeaux truly shines with plenty of rooftops, terrace cafes, and open bars all over the city. Many of the outdoor bars in Bordeaux are open only during the summer season so you have a limited amount of time to enjoy them.

In this article, I included some of my favorite rooftops and terraces all over the Bordeaux metropole. Some are posh and chic and others are more simple and chill, there’s something here for everyone. You need to know that every district in Bordeaux has a different vibe to it so you need to visit a few to really enjoy the Bordeaux spirit 🙂

Mama shelter- one of the best rooftops in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

If you’re about to spend the summer in Bordeaux be sure to also check my article about the best things to do in Bordeaux in the summer. If you’re interested in wine tastings in Bordeaux check out my article about the places for wine tasting in Bordeaux. For specific events and other ideas for things to do every weekend, I invite you to subscribe to my email list here.

Here’s a list of the outdoor bars and drinking terraces in Bordeaux for a perfect cocktail evening or an afternoon apero!

La guinguette chez Alriq – the best tavern in town

La Guinguette chez Alriq is one of my favorite places in Bordeaux and its opening event usually means that summer has officially started!

what to do in the summer in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

The Guinguette is a big tavern located on the right banks of the Garonne in the Bastide neighborhood, hosting plenty of open-air concerts every summer. The performing bands and artists are coming from all over the world and create a laid-back party atmosphere.

There’s usually a small price to pay for the concerts taking place on Thu-Sat and on Sundays the entry is free. You can see their program here. The place is very popular so expect to see a line at the entrance.

Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, Port Bastide, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Thu-Sat from 19:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00

Les Chantiers de la Garonne

Just next door to La guinguette chez Alriq you can find one of Bordeaux’s best-hidden gems. Les Chantiers de la Garonne is an old hangar turned into a sailing club and a restaurant with one of the best outdoor spaces in Bordeaux.

The restaurant is located on the board of the Garonne River with an outdoor space that feels like a real beach. Low wooden tables are spread over the fine white sand adorned by fresh seafood and cold bottles of white wine. You can find more info about the restaurant and other activities proposed by the Chantiers de la Garonne here.

Where: 21 Quai de Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux / When: The bar is open from Wednsday to Sunday, see the hours here.

Mama Shelter – classic Bordeaux rooftop

Mama Shelter is probably the most popular summer rooftop bar in Bordeaux. It has a funky design and many original cocktails but I believe its location should also get a lot of credit for its popularity. It’s one of the only rooftops in the center of Bordeaux, located just next to the Cathedral Saint André, and has one of the best views of the city. If you come in the evening hours, booking in advance is recommended.

The most popular rooftop in Bordeaux - Mama shelter — *Mama Shelter- by Lost in Bordeaux*

Mama Shelter is also one of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Bordeaux.

Where: 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000 Bordeaux / When: Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, see specific hours here.

Plage de L’IBOAT

The Iboat is a three-level ferry spanning 687m2, anchored to one of the docks of Bassins a flot and mostly known as a concert venue. During the summer they also open their “beach”, a fun outdoor space on the board of the Bassin a flot with a bar, comfy sofas, and different outdoor events. La Plage de L’IBOAT is definitely one of the best summer bars in Bordeaux for an afternoon drink! You can see the list of concerts and events here.

Iboat Bassin a Flot Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

For more cool places to visit in the Bassin a flot area check out my article about the Bacalan district.

Where: Bassin à Flot n°1, Cours Henri Brunet, 33300 Bordeaux / When: Every day, check out the list of events on their website

Le Bar de la Marine

Le Bar de la Marine is another hidden gem and like many places in this list, it’s also located in the Bacalan district. A few minutes walk from la Cité du Vin, you’ll pass by a little restaurant that doesn’t seem very impressive from the outside, but once you enter the door you’ll discover a magical universe.

La Bar de la Marine in Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

Since 2019, the Bar de la Marine belongs to chef Frederic Coiffe who not only makes great food but also knows how to create a perfect summer vibe. The restaurant has a secret garden in the back where you can enjoy lunch, meet friends for an afternoon drink or have a delicious family brunch on Sunday. See more details on their Facebook page.

Where: 28 Rue Achard, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily – see hours on their Facebook page

Les Planches Éphémères

Les Planches Éphémères opened its doors last year and quickly became one of the local’s favorites. A huge outdoor bar, located at the Hippodrome of Bordeaux in La Bouscat, the place offers two bars, a dj set, and a huge chill-out area under the trees. The place is open every day until September 30. Check out their site for more info.

Address: 8 Avenue de l’Hippodrome, 33110 Le Bouscat

Where: 8 Avenue de l’Hippodrome, 33110 Le Bouscat / When: open daily from May 17 to August 31, from 17:00, see the opening hours here.

Effet Mer

If you didn’t have enough reasons to go to Bassin a flot, here’s another one. Effet Mer is a fun summer bar, located just next to the Base Sous-Marine. This cool place is open seven days a week and offers daily life concerts and dj sets. For more details click here.

L’Effet Mer is located just next to Les Bassins des Lumières, one of the best art venues in Bordeaux. A perfect opportunity to combine art with afternoon drinks!

Where: 280 Boulevard Alfred Daney, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily starting May 12, see the opening hours here.

Gina

Another very popular summer place in Bordeaux is Gina, a rooftop bar and Italian restaurant located at the new Renaissance hotel in the Bassin a flot district. The place is open seven days a week and on weekends offers brunch as well. The restaurant requires a prior reservation, you can see more details and book here.

Where: Place des Millésimes, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily – see the hours here.

Domaine de Raba

The beautiful chateau of Demaine de Raba is well hidden in a residential neighborhood in Talence. This place is a bit hard to describe as it has everything from a spa to a fancy restaurant, a bar, and different events like cinema nights and morning yoga. The menu of the bar changes every week and it has many special evenings with Dj sets and concerts. Booking in advance is recommended, you can do it online here.

In case you’re also looking for a romantic weekend, you should check out their cute hotel – Hôtel Domaine de Raba Bordeaux Sud.

Where: 35 Rue Rémi Belleau, 33400 Talence

Les Halles de Talence

The Talence market is the little brother of the Bacalan market, built by Biltoki in December 2018. Inside the market, you can find a very good cheese stand, tapas, Moroccan food, sushi, oysters, and more. The prices are a bit high except for the bar, which has a great variety of wines at a good price. The best part, however, is the outdoor area! Plenty of tables are spread in the afternoon between the market and the other restaurants in the Forum and you can enjoy a really fun apero or dinner with a very local vibe.

Halles de Talence - chic market near Bordeaux — *by Lost in Bordeaux*

If you want to discover other markets in Bordeaux check out my articles about the best markets in and around Bordeaux.

Where: Place Alcala de Henares, 33400 Talence / When: Daily except for Mondays, the market closes for a break between 14:30 to 16:30 on weekdays

Canopee Café in Merignac

If you want to avoid going to the city center the Canopée Café is a great option! The Canopée Café in Merignac has both an indoor restaurant (open for lunch and dinner) and a very chic rooftop with a huge selection of cocktails and a petanque court, called the Bodega.

This rooftop is located in the industrial zone in Merignac and thus lacks the beautiful view in Bordeaux’s rooftop bars but the place itself is super chic and there’s plenty of parking 🙂 If you’re a group of 15pl, you must book a table- all the details are here.

Canopée Café Mérignac - chic rooftop near Bordeaux — by Lost in Bordeaux

Where: Face Mérignac Soleil, 1 Chemin de Pouchon, 33700 Mérignac / When: The rooftop (La Bodega) is open Mon to Sat from 17:30.

Eklo’s Guinguette

Eklo in the Bastide neighborhood is an eco-friendly hotel and also a fun bar/restaurant with a huge terrace. The atmosphere there is very chill and less posh than some of the other places on this list, and it’s definitely a positive thing. The menu mostly includes charcuterie, cheese, and some snacks so don’t expect a proper dinner. There’s usually a D.j set in the evening, see the program here.

Where: 10 Rue de la Gare d’Orléans, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Thu to Sat from 16:00 to 23:00

Moxy

A similar vibe of a light, fun, and unpretentious terrace bar you can find at Moxi, a 3-star hotel located next to the Bacalan market. The bar has a chic interior space (which is even kids-friendly) and a fun outdoor space. Like many other summer bars, they have quite a lot of live shows and dj sets. See the program here.

Where: 25 Quai du Maroc, 33000 Bordeaux, France

Le Café Utopia

This isn’t specifically a Bordeaux summer bar but it’s one of my favorite Terraces in Bordeaux all year long (when it’s not raining of course). For those who’re not familiar with the place, Utopia is an independent cinema theater, installed in an ancient church, l’église du Vieux Bordeaux. At the entrance to this beautiful building, you’ll find le Cafe Utopia, a nice bistro, and a good to take your laptop for a few hours of work.

However, the best part is the terrace which has plenty of tables on one of the liveliest squares in Bordeaux, Place Camille Jullian. If you’re looking for a nice, simple place for a drink in the center of the city, this one is recommended.

Cafe Utopia - one of the best terraces in Bordeaux — *Cafe Utopia – one of the best terraces in Bordeaux*

Where: 5 Place Camille Jullian, 33000 Bordeaux / When: Daily from 10:00 to 22:30

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Liked the article? Want to read it again when you’re in Bordeaux? Save it on your Pinterest board.

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux you may also like to read some of the following “intro to Bordeaux” articles I wrote:
The Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux
The best districts in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
What to do in one day in Bordeaux
Things to do with kids in Bordeaux

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux Monthly

Best things to do in Bordeaux in May

Last updated on May 5, 2023 No Comments

What’s happening in Bordeaux in May? Our charming city feels very lively in May. All the outdoor places around Bordeaux are starting to open up with locals occupying every terrace café in town. The summer season in Bordeaux is officially on!

In this article, I made a list of all the best events and ideas for things to do in Bordeaux in May 2023. If it’s your first time here don’t forget to check my article about the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux as well as my Bordeaux district guide (especially helpful for those looking for accommodation in Bordeaux).

Now let’s see what’s waiting for us in Bordeaux and the Southwest of France in May 2023!

The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in May 2023

Open doors in Saint-Emilion

An open-door weekend will take place on April 29 – May 1st in Saint Emilion where tens of wine producers will open their chateaux to the public.

The weekend will include many activities such as wine tastings, visits to the chateaux, games for kids, and bike rides. Check out the full program for the participating châteaux, the activities, and the wine tasting proposed for that weekend – here. You can also plan your trip to this wine region with my detailed guide to Saint Emilion.

See all the other open-door events taking place in the Bordeaux wine region this year.

When: April 29- May 1st / Where: different locations around Saint Emilion

The opening of La Guinguette chez Alriq

The best place for sunny weekends in Bordeaux is about to reopen for its summer season. La Guinguette chez Alriq is a tavern in the Bastide neighborhood, on the rive droite of the Garonne. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a cold beer, nice food, and daily concerts with a magnificent view of the Garonne. The first concert will take place on May 4, see the full program for the month here.

Discover other summer bars in Bordeaux in my article.

When: Starting May 4 / Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, Port Bastide, 33100 Bordeaux

Tous À L’opéra

The Opera of Bordeaux invites you to its annual event on May 5-7. The program includes public rehearsals, performances, workshops for kids, and more. Some of the activities require prior reservation.

You can find all the info here.

When: May 5-7 / Where: Opere de Bordeaux

Search for beautiful antiques at the Brocante

The big brocante of Bordeaux is hosted twice a year at Place des Quinconces with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, restaurants, and craftsmen. It’s the biggest brocante event in the area and the selection is huge, from vintage home decor to paintings, antique furniture, garden accessories, and more.

Brocante de Bordeaux - one of the best events in Bordeaux — *Brocante de Bordeaux – Lost in Bordeaux*

The market is taking place from April 21 to May 8. For more info and the list of exhibitors click here.

When: April 21 – May 8 / Where: Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux

Go on a wine trip in Medoc

May is probably one of the best months to do the Route des Chateaux in Medoc, a magnificent wine trail, that combines nature, history, and culture on one beautiful road.

You can do it as a day trip from Bordeaux and visit wineries located not far from the city. Here are a few I can recommend: Chateau d’Arsac, (book a visit here), the charming family-run Chateau Siran (book a visit here) and Chateau Kirwan (book a visit here).

If you prefer to go on a tour with a guide, here’s a great wine tour company that will take you on a half-day tour, with two winery visits – click here for all the details. However, if you have the time I recommend going there for at least 2 days and discovering the north part of Medoc. Read about my weekend in Medoc in this article.

Les Cogitations

Les Cogitations is a mocking art festival taking place in the L’entrepot in Lehaillan on May 9-14. Check out the full list of performers here.

When: May 9-14 / Where: 13 rue Georges Clémenceau – Le Haillan

Cathedral nights

The Cathedral of Saint André in Bordeaux invites you to the Cathedral Nights events that will include two nights of musical concerts (May 12-13). The beautiful lighting of the Cathedral at night will make this an unforgettable event. For more information click here.

When: May 12-13/ Where: Place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux

Open doors in the Côtes de Bourg appellation

Ô Chais is the annual open doors event taking place at the Côtes de Bourg appellation. It’s less known than the renowned Saint Emilion or Medoc appellations but it’s an excellent wine you should try when visiting the Bordeaux wine region.

This year the event is taking place on May 13-14. See more details here.

For other open doors events, check out my article about all the Portes Ouvertes in the wineries of Bordeaux.

When: May 13-14 / Where: wineries in Bourg

Sidéral Festival

Sideral is an electronic music festival that is about to take place in Bordeaux on May 12-13. The concerts will be hosted by three very cool music venues in Bordeaux: Les Vivres de l’Art, Iboat, and the Salle du Grand Parc. To see the full program and for the tickets, click here.

When: May 12-13/ Where: Different locations in Bordeaux

European Museums Night

On May 13 some of the best museums and cultural establishments in Bordeaux will open their doors to the public with free exhibitions and activities. Besides exhibitions, the museums will host lots of kid-friendly activities, concerts, and more. See the full list of museums and events here.

Discover the best museums to visit in Bordeaux in my article.

When: May 13 – 6 pm until midnight / Where: Different museums around the Metropole

Foire internationale de Bordeaux

The big fair of Bordeaux is about to take place on May 13-21 at the Parc des Expositions. The 100th edition of the fair will host many events and exhibitions related to gastronomy and art de vivre. See more details here.

When: May 13-21 / Where: Parc des Expositions, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Geek Festival

Comics, science fiction, video games, parallel worlds, creative industries – you’ll find all of these at the next Bordeaux Geek Festival (BGF), taking place May 19-21 at Parc des Expositions.

The goal of this festival is to experience geek culture and share knowledge on topics that are at the heart of the Geek community. The BGF brings together different players from these industries, among them: video artists, gamers, illustrators, designers, scientists, authors, comedians, and more. For more details and tickets click here.

When: May 19-21 / Where: Hall 3 and 1 – Parc des Expositions, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Tango Festival

The 7th edition of the Bordeaux Tango Festival will take place on May 16-21. This hot festival connects Bordeaux and the place where Tango was born, Buenos Aires. A variety of activities will be offered to celebrate the link between these two cities, such as dance, music, art, literature, and even food. See the program of the festival.

When: May 16-21 / Where: Different locations in Bordeaux

Visit the smallest village in France

Did you know that the smallest village in France is located in the Entre Deux Mers sub-region of Gironde, less than an hour’s drive from Bordeaux? Castermoron d’Albret has only a few streets but each one of them is so beautiful, you can spend half a day just wandering in and around the village. Read more about Castermoron d’Albret in my article. If you go there on a Saturday, pass by the great market of La Reole and buy some stuff for a picnic 🙂

Open doors at the châteaux of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

The open door of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux will take place on May 27-28. Cadillac is a small and less-known appellation in the Bordeaux wine region but is worth visiting if you’re here during that weekend.

See the list of participating Chateaux.

When there, don’t miss the beautiful Château de Cadillac, one of the most important historic monuments in Gironde. Check out other beautiful towns you can visit in that part of Gironde in my article about the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux.

When: May 27-28 / Where: Different locations around Cadillac (see the website)

Picnic in the vineyards

People in this region really love visiting wineries and doing picnics, so why not combine the two activities? Usually, the vineyards can only be visited as part of a guided tour at the Chateaux, but one weekend a year you’re invited to enjoy many of them for free. Just bring you picnic to the vineyards and enjoy a fun day with your family and friends surrounded by this majestic scenery. The chateaux will provide wine and entertainment 🙂

The event is called Pique nique chez les vignerons and more than 100 domais are participating in it around France (and Bordeaux obviously). This year the event will be taking place on May 27-29. The places are limited so reserving a spot is recommended. Take a look at the map.

When: May 27-29/ Where: Different locations in France (see map)

Millesime Electronic music festival

Festival Millesime will take place on May 26-27 in La Réole (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux).This is a great event for electronic music lovers who want to enjoy a good linup without leaving the region.

La Reole is a charming village located on the banks of the Garonne river, which is where the festival will take place. See more info here.

If you’re looking for something to do in the region, visit Castelmoron d’Albret, the smallest village in France, see more details in my article.

When: May 26-27 / Where: Hippodrome de La Réole, lieu dit Mijéma, 33190 La Réole

Fête de la Nature

Terres d’Oiseaux, the beautiful nature reserve, located on the board of the Gironde estuary invites you to a weekend of nature celebration. The event will take place on May 27-28, see more details here.

When: May 27-28 / Where: La Terre Promise, 33820 Braud-et-Saint-Louis

Saint Macaire Sort Le Grand Jeu

A big game festival will take place on May 27-28 in the charming village of Saint Macaire. The program includes plenty of different activities, escape games and workshops. For more info click here.

When: May 27 – 28 / Where: the center of Saint Macaire

Let your kids discover the art of circus at the Jubil’à Jongle festival

The 14th edition of the festival will start with an inauguration evening on May 26, which will include magic and fire shows and different activities for kids. On the second day of the festival (May 27), you will discover the art of circus and street entertainment through shows of Juggling, magic, games, and introductory workshops. The festival will take place at the Parc de Fongravey in Blanquefort. For more info click here.

When: May 26-27 / Where: 4 Parc de Fongravey in Blanquefort

Big events in other parts of the SW of France

Fête de la Fraise

The annual celebration of strawberries is going to take place on May 14 in the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. This region of France is known for amazing strawberries so they are right to celebrate it 🙂 For more details click here.

Les Floralies – Flowers weekend

On the weekend of May 13-14, you can also visit Saint-Jean-de-Cole, one of France’s most beautiful villages where a big flowers fair is about to take place. See more details here.

Année Du Dessin En Dordogne

This year the Dordogne is celebrating the Drawing year with an impressive amount of art exhibitions all over the department. The exhibitions and different art-related events will take place in famous chateaux, churches, libraries, and other art venues. See all the dates and locations in the program of the event.

When: February – December 2023 / Where: different towns in Dordogne

Exhibitions and concerts not to miss this month in Bordeaux

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin has renovated its permanent exhibition and added plenty of cool and immersive sections for you to learn about wine. You can buy tickets here.

If you’re not sure if it’s worth the price, you can check out my article about the Cite du Vin to see what to expect during your visit there. Visiting wineries is always a good option in the Bordeaux wine region. Check out my new article about the best wine tours in Bordeaux.

Dali and Gaudi – Les Bassins de Lumières

Les Bassins de Lumières is hosting a new amazing exhibition! This time the immersive exhibition is dedicated to Dali and Gaudi. Les Bassins de Lumières is a visual arts space, situated in an old submarine base, that is known for its immersive exhibitions.

You can see a video I took in their previous exhibitions just to get the vibe.

The new exhibition will be presented from February 3 to January 7, get your tickets here.

When: February 3 – January 7, 2024 / Where: Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux

Street are at L’institue Bernard Magrez

L’institue Bernard Magrez is a beautiful chateau in Bordeaux that regularly host street art exhibitions and events. Currently, there are three different street art exhibitions presented at the gallery. You can visit the chateau only on weekends. Buy tickets here.

street art in Bordeaux - L;institut Bernard Magrez — L’institut Bernard Magrez – by Lost in Bordeaux

Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.

If you need more tips for things to do in the SW of France I invite you to join my Facebook group ” Travel in the South West of France“. Also, every Friday I send a newsletter with plenty of additional events you can enjoy during the weekend, so hurry up and subscribe to my email list now 🙂

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

In Around Bordeaux

Where to stay in Arcachon, France

Last updated on April 14, 2023 No Comments

Arcachon is one the prettiest resort towns in the Southwest of France. You can make it a quick day trip and wholly enjoy it, but I highly recommend spending a few nights to fully absorb the Arcachon experience. In this article, I gathered a list of the best hotels in Arcachon as well as some tips regarding the best places to stay in Arcachon.

This list includes hotels only, so if you’re looking to stay on a camping website – check my article about the best camping sites in Arcachon and Cap Ferret.

If you have a few days to spend around Arcachon Bay, check out my article about the best places to visit in Arcachon.

Where to stay in Arcachon and some important tips

Where should you stay in Arcachon?

The city is divided into 4 parts, the most central one is Ville d’Ete (the summer town). That is where most of the restaurants, shops, and other attractions are located. So if you want to be close to everything within a short walking distance – that’s where you should stay.

However, other parts of the city are not less charming so if you’re traveling by car/ bike, you should consider them as well. Other parts of the city include the winter city with its amazing 19th-century villas, the port, the beaches, and the Le Moulleau neighborhood. In my Arcachon guide, I have a detailed explanation of what to expect in every neighborhood.

Ville d'hiver - one of the best neighborhoods in Arcachon — *Ville d’hiver*

A few important tips when booking your hotel

The southwest of France can get very hot in the summer, so be sure to book a place with AC if you are visiting during peak season around July-August. It has become a must in the last few years but not all places provide it so double-check.

Parking is not easy to find in Arcachon during the summer season and even if you do find one close to your hotel it can be rather expensive. So if you’re coming by car, try to look for a hotel that offers a parking option. These are not free but it’s usually cheaper per day than the ones offered outside.

Restaurants on the riverfront of Arcachon — *Coffee places in Arcachon*

Breakfast – most hotels offer that option. If you’re located in Ville d’Ete, just know that you have plenty of coffee places where you can have a light breakfast, so don’t feel obliged to have one at the hotel.

Best hotels in Arcachon

Le B d’Arcachon

If you’re looking to stay as close as possible to the main beach of Arcachon this is the hotel for you! Le B d’Arcachon is a popular 4-star hotel with direct access to the beach. The hotel is located in Ville d’Eté, a few minutes walk from the train station, the theater, and the market.

The rooms have a modern clean design to them, as well as other spaces such as the breakfast hall. Breakfast is not included in the normal price of the room but you can add one if you want a nice start to the day with a view of the beach.

Many of the rooms have a little balcony with a beautiful view, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy on the beautiful summer days of Arcachon. You can also rent bikes at the hotel and go on a ride along the beach.

Pets are welcomed upon request. There’s a private parking option at the hotel at an extra cost.

Book it here

Residhome Arcachon Plazza

People traveling with kids or for a longer period of time will probably prefer staying in an apartment. If that’s something you’re looking for, I have a great option for you – Residhome Arcachon Plazza.

This beautiful aparthotel building is located at the most central place in Arcachon in Ville d’Ete. It’s a short walking distance from the main beach, the market, the train station, the casino of Arcachon as well as other important facilities.

Every room has a small kitchen complete with a refrigerator so you can buy the best ingredients at the Arcachon market and cook in your apartment. The rooms come with air conditioning and Wifi.

Private parking is available on-site, however, it’s an extra cost.

Book your room here.

Where to stay with kids in Arcachon — *Arcachon – a family friendly vacation*

If you’re traveling with kids, learn about all the best kids-friendly activities Arcachon has to offer.

Hôtel Villa-Lamartine

Another great hotel in the center of Arcachon (Ville d’Ete) is Hôtel Villa-Lamartine. It’s a 3- stars boutique hotel situated in a beautiful Arcachon villa. Located within a few minutes walk from the main beach and the train station, and surrounded by plenty of boutiques and restaurants.

This small hotel offers only 20 rooms, which include a few simple rooms as well as larger family rooms and beautiful suites. The rooms are beautifully designed but in a more traditional way with darker colors and heavy wooden beds. It’s fully renovated and has some great facilities like terrace tables for breakfast and a spa.

The hotel has two conference rooms and is often rented to companies attending the events at the conference center of Arcachon.

The hotel provides private parking at an extra cost of 25 euros a day.

Their prices are very good considering their amazing location and great facilities.

Book your room here.

Victoria Boutique Hotel

Victoria Boutique Hotel is a great option for an affordable modern hotel. It’s the newest hotel on my list, opened in 2020 so all rooms are new and spotless.

The hotel is quite chic and would please people who love a more modern clean design. It’s a very small boutique hotel with only 3-4 rooms on every floor. Pro tip: If you choose the ground floor rooms they come with a small private garden 😉

The hotel also has a cool rooftop where you can have breakfast or a drink.

Victoria Boutique Hotel good value for money — *Victoria Boutique Hotel*

Victoria Hotel is not as central as the other hotels on this list but still located within a walking distance from the beach and the commercial center of Arcachon.

The gives is great value for money, as during the season you can find rooms at around 200 euros per night, which is quite rare for a 4-star hotel in Arcachon.

Book your room here.

Hôtel Ville d’Hiver

Now moving to one of my favorite parts of Arcachon City – Ville d’Hiver. The winter town, built on the hills of the city in the late 19th century, attracts many visitors thanks to its gorgeous architecture. While it’s a bit farther away from the beach and the restaurants, it offers a calm magical atmosphere.

If that sounds like a place you want to stay in this next hotel is for you!

Hôtel Ville d'Hiver - the best hotel in Ville D'Hiver in Arcachon — *Hôtel Ville d’Hiver*

Located in a beautiful complex with several separate villas for the guests. It has a beautiful garden inviting you to walk around and enjoy the scenery. The highlight of this hotel is the restaurant which offers a big menu of local specialties.

The hotel is located about 15 minutes walk from the main beach. But to compensate for that in the summer you can enjoy their pool as well as a small spa facility.

The only disadvantage is that the hotel can be a bit somber in the lobby and the rooms on the ground floor. Try to get a room with a terrace if you stay there.

Other than that it’s a very cool well kept hotel.

Book your room here.

Hotels close to Dune du Pilat

La Co(o)rniche

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, I would highly recommend going to La Co(o)rniche!

La Co(o)rniche is a 5-star hotel designed by Philippe Starck with the most amazing view of Dune du Pilat and the Bassin d’Arcachon. It has a very chic pastel-colored design and each room is unique. Every room has a balcony or a private terrace with a beautiful view.

The Co(o)rniche is located just a few minutes by car from the Dune du Pilat but you can also access the dune by foot from the beach.

*infinity swimming pool at La Co(o)rniche*

The highlight of this hotel is the infinity swimming pool with a view of the ocean, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery with a cocktail at their outdoor bar. The hotel is open all year long and when it’s too cold to use the outdoor pool, the hotel guests can use the indoor pool at their sister hotel Ha(a)ïtza.

Book your room here.

Ha(a)ïtza

As previously mentioned Ha(a)ïtza is the sister hotel of La Corniche and another project of Philippe Starck. It has a delicate style with warm white tones and touches of steel.

It’s yet another 5-star luxury hotel that hosts one of the best restaurants in Arcachon – the two-Michelin-starred Le Skiff Club. They also have a bistro with great food and more affordable prices.

Haaitza - one of the bets hotels near Dune du Pilat — *One of the restaurants at Ha(a)itza*

The highlight of the hotel is the covered swimming pool under a glass roof that’s open all year long. Ha(a)itza also offers other great facilities like a spa, a fitness room, and a hairdresser.

The hotel is located on the main street of Pyla sur Mer, the quiet town of Dune du Pilat. Within a few minutes walk from the hotel you can enjoy the calm beaches of Dune du Pilat which are the best ones to go to when the main beaches are getting too crowded.

Book your room here.

Hope this article will help you find the best place for your Arcachon vacation!

Don’t forget to check all my other Bordeaux-related articles before traveling to the region!

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Charente and Charente Maritime

How to spend a vacation with kids in Île de Ré

Last updated on April 19, 2023 No Comments

Ile de Ré is a perfect summer destination for families. Wide beaches, sports parks, and car-free cycling paths make this Island one of the best places for kids in France. In this article, I’m going to tell you about all the best things you can do with kids in Ile de Ré.

Some of the activities I’m going to offer are better fit for older kids and some are very fun to do with toddlers/ babies as well. And as it’s a summer destination, these are mostly outdoor activities. But just in case it rains, I added a few really fun indoor places you can take your kids to in and around Ile de Ré.

The best things to do with kids in Île de Ré

Discover the Island on bikes

This is the one activity on this list I consider a must!

Île de Ré is one of the most bicycle-friendly places in France and cycling is the best way to discover the Island. The Island is flat so it’s easy to cycle around even if you’re not in shape.

There is a cycling path in almost every part of the Island, connecting all its 10 villages so you don’t need a car to move around Île de Ré. Most of the paths around the villages and the salt marshes are car-free which makes it very safe for kids to cycle.

Cycling with kids in Ile de Re - one of the best activities to do with kids — *Cycling with kids in Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

As it’s a family-friendly destination, most bike rental places have kids’ bikes, child bicycle trailers, bike seats, and more. This means you don’t have to bring anything with you. If your kids are too heavy to carry, try electric bikes, which you can rent in bike shops in Ile de Ré.

Keep in mind that Île de Ré is a very popular destination so in the summer the bicycle paths can get quite busy. If possible, try to start your day early or at least avoid very crowded town centers like Saint Martin de Re and Le Bois Plage en Ré.

Where to rent bikes in Île de Ré

There are rental bikes in every village, so just rent one from wherever you’re staying and start discovering the Island. We rented bikes from different places and we always got great service and equipment.

Here are two rental shops I used on my last two visits: Beach Bikes in the center of Saint Martin de Ré and Les Cycles N in Ars en Ré.

Here’s a good map of all the cycling paths on the Island, to help you plan your trip. You can get a physical copy of it at any tourist office in the Ile de Re as well as the rental bike shops.

cycling in Ile de Re - one of the most kids friendly vacations in France — *La Route du Sel with kids – Lost in Bordeaux*

Go to the beach

You didn’t think I would omit the beach from this list, right? It’s an island with more than 100km of coastline after all!

There are lots of amazing beaches in Ile de Ré, however, some are particularly safer for kids. When the tide is low you can collect shells, one of the activities kids seem to love the most.

Plage du Grouin in Loix - a kids friendly beach in Ile de Re — *Plage du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

Here are some of my recommendations for kid-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré:

Plage du Grouin in Loix in the north part of the Island tucked in a calmer part of the Island, facing La Rochelle. This beach feels more like a lake than the ocean, which makes it a very fun beach for families.

Plage des Gollandières is a vast beautiful beach located in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Even on busy summer days, you can always find a place here. If your kids are a bit older, you have plenty of water activities to choose from on this beach. The beach is also supervised in the summer.

Plage de Gros Jonc is yet another family-friendly beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, the northwest of the Island. There are two sailing schools on the beach and plenty of water activities like surfing and bodyboarding. It’s particularly loved by small kids thanks to the rock pool on the side of the beach.

going to the beach - one of the best things to do with kids in Ile de Re — *Plage du Gros Jonc – Lost in Bordeaux*

Learn How to surf

A vacation in Ile de Ré is a great opportunity to take surfing lessons. The island is home to many surfing schools so you don’t have to go far from where you’re staying to take daily lessons.

Here are two recommended surf schools in Ile de Ré:

Swim and Surf is a surf school in le Bois Plage en Ré that’s open all year long.

In the summer the school offers a 5-day course for kids (over 6yo) as well as for adults. Outside the summer season, you can also take private surf classes.

See all the details here.

Re Surf is another great surfing school that is open from April to November.

You can find the school in two villages, le Bois Plage en Ré in the south of the island and Les Portes en Re in the northwest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ré surf (@resurf_ecole)

Like the first school on the list, this school offers five-day courses in small groups or private surfing lessons. You can get a discount if several family members are enrolled in the school. The courses are offered during the summer and other French school vacations.

Private lessons are offered during the rest of the opening period as well.

If you already know how to surf you can rent surf equipment from them as well. See all the details here.

There are of course many other surf guides and schools you can find in Ile de Re, so try what’s closer to your camping site/hotel.

Keep your balance on the SUP

If surfing looks too hard, you can always enjoy a stand-up pedal (SUP) at the calmer beaches around the Island. Ile de Ré offers a variety of SUP activities from guided tours along the salt marshes to SUP lessons and yoga on a SUP.

If you’re interested in taking SUP lessons go to SUP Evasion, a school located in Couarde sur Mer. The school offers SUP classes to adults and kids over 8yo. If you already know how to handle your SUP, just rent the equipment and go explore the natural spaces of this magical Island. Here are all the details about the courses and renting.

If your kids are older than 12yo you can also enjoy a guided SUP tour. This is an amazing way to discover some hidden natural gems that are only accessible by SUP/boat.

Take your kids to la plage des Enfants

La Plage des Enfants is a kids club that offers plenty of fun activities for kids from 3 to 13 yo. The place consists of five different clubs offering plenty of activities for kids such as swimming, golf, and circus classes. One of the clubs is dedicated to little kids (3-3.5 yo) where they can enjoy soft play, crab fishing, and more.

The facility is located at the Plage du Gros Jonc in Les Portes en Ré, north of the Island. You can check out details about all the clubs and prices here.

La Plage des Enfants is going to open for the summer season on July 3rd. It’s a popular family activity, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Donkey riding

Donkey riding is one of the most popular activities in Saint Martin de Ré, the main village of Ile de Ré.

The donkey is a very symbolic animal here in Ile de Ré. In the past, donkeys were used to harvest salt and transfer it from one village to another. And while the locals have stopped using them for agriculture you can still see them grazing next to the citadel of Saint Martin de Ré.

Donkey riding at Saint Martin de Re - one of the best activities for kids in Ile de Re — *Donkey riding – Lost in Bordeaux*

You can enjoy donkey riding daily in the summer and during French school vacations. The activity starts at Parc de la Barbette (next to the Vaubin parking). See all details here.

La Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Lilleau des Niges

If the weather isn’t perfect for a beach day, you can take your kids bird-watching at the natural reserve of Lilleau des Niges. This beautiful reserve is located just next to the quiet village of Les Portes en Ré.

Ile de Ré is a paradise for bird watching, with more than 200 bird species observed on the Island. There are also more than 40 butterfly species to look for, so keep your eyes and cameras open. The best time for this activity is spring and autumn when many birds start to migrate. It’s best to come when the tide is high as it’s when you’re more likely to see plenty of birds.

Lilleau des Niges has plenty of paths to follow to explore the salt marshes while you’re looking for birds and butterflies.

Bird watching and salt marshes in Ile de Re — *The salt marshes of Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Discover Île de Ré through a game – Terra Aventura

Exploring new places with kids can be a daunting task, especially when they get bored. Our region, Nouvelle Aquitaine, has come up with a perfect solution for that, a geocaching game called Terra Aventura.

Terra Aventura is an immersive activity that will help you get your kids engaged when discovering a new destination. Be it a natural reserve or a historic landmark, the game makes them discover the place playfully through a series of questions and clues.

Terra Aventura is a free app, all you need to do is download it on your phone. The games are offered in French and English. The app currently has two routes in Ile de Ré. One is in Loix and the other one is a route that should be done by bicycle in Le Bois Plage en Re.

See all the details about the games in Ile de Ré following this link.

Club de plage Les Dauphins

If you’re traveling with toddlers, Club de Plage Les Dauphins is perfect for you. The kids club, operating in the summer offers a variety of activities for kids starting from 2yo. The baby club that opens in the morning hours includes a program of games, swimming, storytelling, a trampoline, and more.

And while your kids play or learn how to swim you can enjoy a great selection of sportive activities for adults like aqua biking or aquagym.

The kids club is located on Peu Rago beach in La Couarde sur Mer. See more details here.

A Catamaran trip

Another way to enjoy the ocean and the beautiful landscape of Ile de Ré is by taking a Catamaran trip. Dream’on is a company that offers two hours trips on a catamaran that your kids will absolutely love!

The trip starts from the port of Saint Martin de Ré, the main village on the Island. You can take the trip daily from April to early November. See all the details and ticket prices here.

Go Skating

If you need a bit of a break from water activities you can take your kids skating.

The Skatepark of Les Portes en Ré is located in L’aire de loisirs de la Plaine du Gros Jonc. It’s a huge recreation area with plenty of facilities for kids like a playground, picnic tables, and a big skateboard park.
The park is free and open all year long, see more details here.

Learn how honey is made

Abeille de Ré is a honey farm located in the artisanal village of Loix. Apart from delicious honey they also offer different activities that will make your kids explore the world of bees.

Take their guided tour to discover the work of the beekeeper. If you come at the right time you can even attend a honey extraction and taste fresh honey.

The tours take palace from April to September at 16:30, see details here. From time to time the place also offers magic shows for little kids, see the dates here.

Le manège en… chanteur de Donin

Sometimes a good carousel is all children really need and Ile de Re has a special one to offer. Le Manège en Chanteur, located in the beautiful village of Ars en Re, was created in 1983 by Donin. While the vintage carousel has its charm, the real attraction here is Donin himself. A sweet singer who loves kids and amuses them with his funny songs while they ride the carousel.

The Carousel is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 from mid-April to early November.

See all the details here.

Kids-friendly day trips from Île de Ré

A day trip to La Rochelle

Anyone coming to this part of France must dedicate at least one day to the beautiful port city of La Rochelle. It’s one of the best destinations on the Atlantic coast, a lively city with plenty of monuments, restaurants, and charming streets.

La Rochelle a perfect day trip from Ile de Re — *La Rochelle with kids – Lost in Bordeaux*

It can also be a lovely day trip to do with your kids when staying in Ile de Ré. You can enjoy the many parks, restaurants, kids’ museums, and attractions this city has to offer. To get there you can take a car or a bus but one of the best ways to do it is by boat.

The sea shuttle leaves every morning from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the lively port of La Rochelle. This trip allows you to observe the Island from the sea as well as the historic monument of fort boyard on the way. In the summer, there’s a shuttle several times a day.

See hours and ticket prices here.

A day trip to Sable d’Olonne

Sable d’Olonne is one of the most popular towns on the Atlantic coast famous for its beaches and long promenade. If you have a few days in Ile de Ré you can take the time to discover other treasures in the region like Sable d’Olonne.

The P’tit Natien boat leaves daily from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the shores of Sable d’Olonne. The sail takes about 1.5 hours and usually leaves at 9:30 or 10:30, during the summer season.

See all the details here.

Go to the best Aquarium in the region

And last but not least, don’t miss a chance to take your kids to one of the best aquariums in France!

La Rochelle is home to one of France’s biggest aquariums exhibiting more than 12,000 animals of 600 different species. Every floor of the Aquarium is dedicated to a different sea and shows you the different animals inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean sea, the carbines, and more.

La Rochelle Aquarium - one of the best things to do with kids near Ile de RE — *La Rochelle Aquarium – Lost in Bordeaux*

It’s one of the favorite kids’ attractions in the Southwest of France! Do it either as a day trip from Ile de Ré or on your way to or from the Island. The aquarium is open daily all year round, see the opening hours here.

Where to stay with kids in Île de Ré

Île de Ré is a family summer destination and as such it’s home to many camping sites, houses, and kids-friendly hotels.

Camping sites can vary from simple ones to 5-star sites that include mobile homes, pools, and activities for kids. So you have a huge variety to choose from according to your taste and budget.

Also, one important tip from a local, the southwest of France can get very hot in the summer! If 35C+ is not your cup of tea make sure there’s AC in your accommodation before booking it!

Most French vacation from July 15 to August 15 so prices will be at their peak during that period. If you have the option, try to schedule your vacation towards the end of August.

If you’re interested in renting a mobile house on a camping site Sunêlia – Interl u de in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is a great option. It’s a 5-star camping site with a big pool, a babysitting service, a spa, and a restaurant.

For more simple and affordable options you can check Camping Le Suroit and Camp du Soleil

which are both very kids-friendly campings.

`If you’re traveling with a big family (or several families together) you have this great villa with 5 separate bedrooms. It’s very close to the center of Saint Martin de Re so you’ll be located in the center of things.

Or this house in Le Bois Plage en Re if you want to stay closer to one of the most family-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux Monthly

What to do in Bordeaux in July

Last updated on May 22, 2023 2 Comments

I’m writing this article in May because I’m just too excited about all the events taking place in Bordeaux in July to keep this info to myself! So what’s happening in the Bordeaux region in July 2023, you ask? Events like Bordeaux Open Air, Dansons sur les Quais, and La Bataille de Castillon are only part of the long list you’ll find in this article.

As usual, most of this list includes specific events, so if you want to see fun places to visit during the summer, check out the article about the best things to do during summer in Bordeaux. Also, every Friday I give updates about other events taking place in Bordeaux in my newsletter, so don’t forget to subscribe to my email list if you’re not on it yet.

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux and you want to get more tips about traveling in Bordeaux and the Southwest of France feel free to join my Travel in the Southwest of France group on Facebook or follow me on my Facebook/ Instagram accounts. This time the list is long so I divided the list into things to do in Bordeaux and things to do in Gironde and other parts of SW in July 2023. Let’s start!

The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in July 2023

Go for a drink in one of Bordeaux’s summer bars

Plenty of rooftops, terrace cafes, and open bars are surging all over the city starting at the end of May/beginning of June. Some are more posh and chic, others simple and chill but they are all super fun to hang out in during the summer in Bordeaux. Check out the list of the best summer bars in Bordeaux.

Summer of Music in Medoc

Les Estivales de Musique en Medoc is the only music festival in France dedicated exclusively to young laureates of international competitions.

The festival was created in 2003 to discover new talents in classical music. The concerts are hosted in some of the most prestigious châteaux in the Medoc area and are followed by wine tastings. The festival is taking place from June 29 to July 12. See the full program here.

When: June 29 – July 12 / Where: Different locations, see program above

Before going check out my guide to the Medoc region to discover other places that are worth a visit on the way to your concert 🙂

Le Festival des Hauts de Garonne

This is an annual music festival taking place on the rive droite of the Garonne. On June 30 and July 1,6,7, plenty of music concerts will take place in different parks in four towns in Bordeaux Metropole (Floirac, Lormont, Bassens, and Cenon). See all the details here.

When: June 30 and July 1,6,7 / Where: Rions

Les Escapades Musicales

Les Escapades Musicales is a big classical music festival taking place in different natural and historic sites around the Bassin d’Arcachon. During five weeks (from June 22 – to July 22) plenty of international musicians will take part in this festival, aiming to concert the unique sites of Arcachon with the elegance of classical music. See the program here.

When: June 22 – July 22 / Where: Different locations around Arcachon

La Co(o)rniche - luxury hotel in Arcacachon — The infinity swimming pool at La Co(o)rniche

Don’t miss all the other amazing places to visit in Arcachon – it is the perfect summer destination.

Baroque Festival

Festes Baroques is a Baroque music festival taking place at different wine chateaux in South Gironde. So if you want to enjoy wine, beautiful music, and some of the most interesting patrimony in this region, this event is for you. The event will take place from June 27 to July 6. See the full program of concerts here.

When: June 27- July 6 / Where: Different chateaux in South Gironde

Festival Rues et Vous

This is the 16th edition of Festival Rue et Vous, a performance art festival taking place every year in the charming medieval town of Rions. This year the festival will take place on July 7-9 and will include a rich program of theater, dance, circus, and music shows for both adults and kids. For tickets and the full program check out the website of the festival.

Rions is one of the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux and is totally worth a visit.

When: July 7-9 / Where: Rions

Jalles House Rock

Le Jalles House Rock is one of the biggest rock festivals in Gironde that annually proposes a rich program of local and international acts. The goal of the festival is to share the love for rock music with as many people as possible and that’s why the entrance is free. They do however encourage you to donate to the Estran association that organizes the event.

This year the festival in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles takes place on July 7-8. For more details check out the website of the festival.

When: July 7-8 / Where: 1, chemin de Cantelaude, 33160 Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

Les 24h du Swing

This is the 33rd edition of ‘les 24h du Swing’, a swing festival taking place this weekend (July 7-9) in Monségur. More than 40 concerts will take place at different locations like Bastide Monséguraise, des Tilleuls à la Halle, and different bars and restaurants in Monségur. For more info and tickets click here.

When: July 7-9 / Where: several locations in Monségur

Les Nouvelles Saisons – music festival

Les Nouvelles Saisons is a classic music festival taking place in Bordeaux on July 9-19 at Cour Mably, la Cathédrale de Bordeaux, and the main library of Bordeaux. The festival was created by the violoncellist Jeremy Genet and the composer Christian Lauba offering a great variety of musical styles (baroque, romantic, modern, and more). For more details and tickets click here.

When: July 9-19 / Where: Different location in Bordeaux

Summer sales

Summer sales are a great opportunity to enjoy good deals on clothes, shoes, electronics, toys, and more. This summer Les Soldes d’été will take place from June 28 to July 25.

Celebrate the French National Day

July 14th is the French national day which is celebrated in every city in France. Like every year, Bordeaux will hold a series of popular events and parties. Apart from the traditional national day events, plenty of other parties will take place on July 13-14 in many parts of Gironde to celebrate this day. I will update you about specific events taking place in Bordeaux during the long weekend of July 14 in my newsletter. Subscribe here if you’re not on my list yet!

Dance on the Quai

Dansons sur les Quais is a series of dancing classes and events where people gather to dance together and learn a variety of dancing genres like Tango, Salsa, Bollywood, Forro, Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Zumba, and more.

All the dance classes will be guided by professional dancers from different dance schools in Bordeaux. The classes are completely free, so this is a great opportunity you don’t want to miss. The event will take place on the quai almost daily on July 12-30. Many of the lessons and events this year require prior reservation, for more details and the full program see here.

When: July 12-30 / Where: Quai Louis XVIII, 33000 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Metropolitan Summer

Like every year Bordeaux Metropolitan invites you to discover the city and the area around it through a series of cultural events and activities. Between July 17 and August 27, more than 100 activities of music, dance, public reading, theater, circus, and gastronomy will take place around the metropole. Check out the full program of events here (the program will be updated soon).

When: Daily from July 17 to August 27/ Where: Bordeaux Metropolitan – check out the exact location of every event in the program.

Bordeaux Open Air

Bordeaux Open Air is a series of free summer electronic music events, all set in different locations and with a great city vibe to them. The program of all the summer events will be published here.

When: Sundays in July, August, and September / Where: Follow the website for the exact location

La Bataille de Castillon

La Bataille de Castillon is a spectacle taking place during the course of several weeks in the summer, replicating the famous fight from 1453. Castillon-la-Bataille, the town where the show takes place also hosts many activities and events revolving around the big show: tours of the city, exhibitions, workshops of medieval art, and more. For more info and tickets click here.

When: July 20 – August 19 / Where: Association 1453, Mairie de Castillon, 33350 CASTILLON-LA-BATAILLE

Andernos Jazz Festival

One of the best Jazz festivals in the Gironde region is taking place this weekend (July 28-30) in Andernos les Bains. This is the 50th edition of the festival so it’ll be bigger and happier than ever. For more details about the Andernos Jazz Festival click here.

Andernos les Bains is one of the best destinations to visit in Arcachon.

When: July 28-30 / Where: the center of Andernos les Bains

Nuits Atypiques Festival

This multidisciplinary festival in south Gironde has been taking place every summer since 1992. From June 4 to July 22, plenty of events will take place in 12 towns in the Gironde department. The program includes a variety of activities such as concerts, theater, films, debates, tours to discover the towns, and more. Check out the full program here.

When: June 4- July 22 / Where: South Gironde- check out the exact location of every event in the program.

Big events in other parts of the SW of France – July 2023

Festival Garorock

Let’s start the list with one of the biggest music festivals in our region, the Garorock! The popular festival is about to take place from June 29 to July 2 in Marmande (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). Garorock is an international festival with 5 big stages that usually hosts more than 50 French and international artists. Click here for more info.

When: June 29- July 2 / Where: Plaine de la Filhole 47200 Marmand

If you want to discover other festivals taking place in the region, check out my post about the best music festivals around Bordeaux.

Blues Passions in Cognac

Every July, Cognac hosts one of the biggest music festivals in the region called the Cognac Blues Passion. The festival, which will take place on July 4-9, includes some of the biggest names in the Blues world in its program. See the full program here.

When: July 4-9 / Where: Boulevard Denfert-Rochereau, Cognac

Jazz in Marciac

Marciac is a nice little village in the Gers department (about 2 hours’ drive from Bordeaux) that hosts one of the biggest Jazz festivals in the region. The festival takes place for three weeks (from July 20 to August 6) and has a very impressive lineup of international Jazz artists. Check out the full program here.

When: July 20 to August 6 / Where: Marciac

Fêtes de la Madeleine

Fêtes de la Madeleine is the big festival of Mont de Marsan, in the Landes department, celebrating the Gascogne culture. The five days event transforms the city into a big carnival with plenty of concerts, traditional food, and activities for kids. The festival is taking place on July 19 – 23. Check out the long list of events here.

When: July 19-23 / Where: Mont-de-Marsan

Festival FreeMusic

Freemusic is a big music festival taking place this weekend (June 21-23) at Lac de Montendre (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). The festival includes a long lineup of artists that will take the stage on this beautiful beach in the Charente-Maritime department. For the full program and tickets click here.

When: July 22-24 / Where: Lac Baron Desqueyroux, 17130 Montendre

Jazz in Sanguinet

Another cool festival this weekend (July 20 -23) will take place in Sanguinet, just next to Biscarrosse Lake. This is a fun and free event with plenty of concerts and exhibitions. For more info click here.

When: July 20-23 / Where: Espace Gemme, Avenue du Born, 40460 SANGUINET

Festival Musicalarue

The Musicalarue is a big music festival taking place in Luxey (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux) on July 28-30. See the lineup and ticket prices here. More info here.

When: July 28-30 / Where: Les Cigales – 273 rue des écoles, 40430 Luxey, Aquitaine

Fête du Cognac

The Cognac festival celebrates the spirits of the region, the Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, and wines of the region. This is a fun and happy event with plenty of drinks and good music. And it’s an opportunity to discover one of the best destinations in the region, the town of Cognac.

The event will take place on July 27-29 in the center of Cognac. See the full program here.

When: July 27-29/ Where: the center of Cognac

Vesere Festival

The Vezere festival is a classical music festival taking place every summer in the Brive region. A long list of concerts will take place between July 5 and August 12 in the different theatres and chateaux in the region. See the program here.

Brive is located on the border between the Corezze and the Dordogne departments and is a great destination for anyone traveling in the region in the summer.

When: July 5- August 12 / Where: Different locations around Brive

Is it your first time in Bordeaux?

Be sure to check up my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

If you’re looking for more ideas for day trips in the Bordeaux region here are a few other articles you might want to read:
The best beaches around Bordeaux
Day trips around Bordeaux – wine, beaches and villages
10 day trips from Bordeaux by Public transport
A weekend in Medoc – Bordeaux wine tours
What to do and eat in Saint Emilion

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

In Around Bordeaux

The most beautiful villages in Île de Ré

Last updated on May 4, 2023 No Comments

Ile de Re, a little piece of heaven on the French Atlantic coast is home to many beautiful villages. There are ten villages on the Island, each with a unique soul and character. Some of the villages on Île de Ré are lively with buzzing city centers while others are very peaceful with long sandy beaches.

Île de Ré is not a huge Island and if you have a few days, you can visit all ten villages and discover their uniqueness. However, some villages are more beautiful and interesting than others and in this article, I’ll make you discover them. So if you’re time limited and want to make sure you visit the top spots on the Island, follow my list of the most beautiful villages in Île de Ré.

*If you need more recommendations for places to visit in the SW of France, join my Traveling in the Southwest of France group.

Beautiful villages in Île de Ré you shouldn’t miss

La Flotte – an ancient port with the most beautiful market

Île de Ré prides itself on having three out of its ten villages formally labeled as “the most beautiful villages in France” (Les plus beaux villages de France). One of these three stunning villages is La Flotte.

La Flotte is located on the northern coast of the Island and it’s the first village you’ll pass by after crossing the bridge from La Rochelle. The charming village has a rich history dating back to the middle ages. It was a busy port during the 13th century playing an important role in the salt trade on the Island.

La Flote - one of the most beautiful villages in France — La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux

What’s not to miss in La Flotte:

The market

La Flotte is home to one of the best markets in Île de Ré. Built as a medieval-inspired market, it’s a perfect place to try some of the regional specialties just before you leave the Island. The market is located at Place du Marche and is open daily throughout the year.

The medieval market of La Flotte in Ile de Re — *The medieval market of La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux*

The historic center:

La Flotte has a bustling historic center with plenty of nice restaurants and beach fashion boutiques. Take a stroll through the narrow paved street and absorb the atmosphere and the architecture of this beautiful town. The village has a beautiful little church, L’église Sainte Catherine that’s also worth a visit.

The Port

From the old center, you can continue to the port with its beautiful green lighthouse. In the past, La Flotte was a commercial port and nowadays shelters many touristic boats. From the port, you can do a nice walk along the Promenade du Front du Mer.

If the weather’s getting hot, head to the small beach located right next to the city center, Plage de l’Arnerault

Recommended hotel in La Flotte:

Hôtel & SPA Le Richelieu is a great Spa hotel located within 10m from the beach. The hotel is perfectly located next to the port and the market.

Saint Martin de Ré – the main village of Ile de Re

Saint Martin de Ré is a lively port town with beautiful half-timbered houses and historic landmarks. Like its neighbor La Flotte, Saint Martin de Re is labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The village is considered the unofficial capital of Île de Ré thanks to its rich history and economic development. And while it’s not the biggest village on the Island, it’s definitely the most important and liveliest of them all. It’s not hard to see why this village is so loved by both locals and tourists.

Saint Martin de Re - the most beloved village in Ile de Re — *Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Saint Martin was an important military port and you can still see its star shape fortifications and its beautiful citadel. This historic monument was built by Vauban, a French military architect, at the end of the 17th century. It is one of the 12 famous Vauban fortified towns some of which are located in the Southwest of France.

Blaye in Gironde is another example of a Vauban fortified town, see more details about it my article about the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux.

In 2008, Saint Martin de Ré was classified as a Unesco world heritage.

What not to miss in Saint Martin de Ré

The old center

Saint Martin de Ré has a very busy center with lots of restaurants and boutiques, especially around the port where a lot of seafood restaurants and coffee places are located. It’s a perfect spot for lunch. Be sure to be there early to get a spot on one of the terrace cafés.

Saint Martin de Re - one of the most beautiful villages in Ile de Re — *The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Many houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. During that time the village saw great financial growth with many salt and wine merchants moving into the town center. Take a stroll in the historic center and discover the interesting mix of architectural styles. Don’t miss the colorful house and historic buildings such as Eglise Saint-Martin with its bell tower and panoramic terrace.

The beautiful houses in Saint Martin de Re — *The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Springtime is particularly beautiful in Saint Martin de Ré with many houses decorated with typical flowers from Charentes Maritimes. The most prominent one is the stunning hollyhock flower which you can find in abundance in the region.

The port

This is the main port of the island and where most of the sea excursions are leaving from. If you’re staying on the island, taking a cruise is one of the best activities you can do here. You can take a cruise to the magical île d’Aix or just a boat trip with a tour around Fort Boyard.

A boat trip to Fort Boyard from Ile de Re — *Fort Boyard – Lost in Bordeaux*

You can book your tickets online.

Eat Ice Cream

Another thing this town is known for is ice cream! One of the best ice cream shops here is called La Martinière. It was established in 1970 and is still considered the best ice cream on the Island La Martinière closes during the winter season.

Recommended hotel in Saint Martin de Ré:
La Martinoise Garden is a charming 4-star guest house in the center of Saint Martin de Re. Book here.

If you’re traveling with a big family, here’s a great villa with 5 rooms close to the center of Saint Martin de Ré.

Ars en Ré – the best place to discover the salt marshes

The third village in Île de Ré to be labeled as one of the “Plus beaux villages de France” is Ars en Ré. It’s a very tranquil village, especially in comparison to Saint Martin de Re and La Flotte.Ars en Ré is located on the South-west coast of the Island, about 30 minutes drive from the Pont de l’île de Ré. However, the village (as well as the route there) is remarkably beautiful and well worth the drive.

La Route du Sel - Ile de Re — *The salt route next to Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

Ars en Ré is perfectly situated between the ocean and the salt marshes of Fier d’Ars. If you’re interested to discover how salt is being produced in Ile de Re, this is the perfect place to start your discovery tour.

Cycle paths are spread along the salt marshes and the port so biking is the best way to discover it. You can also do it walking but I’m a friend that the monotonic scenery might get boring at some point.

If you have a few days on the Island, Ars en Re is a great point to start discovering the western part of the Ile de Re.

What’s not to miss in Ars en Ré

The church

The most famous monument in Ars en Ré is its church, Église Saint-Étienne built in the 15th century. The church has a black and white bell tower that is seen from every corner of the village. In the past, the belltower used to guide boats sailing toward the Island. Hence its unique colors.

*Église Saint-Étienne in Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

The port and the little center

Ars en Re has a very cute little town center and port with a few nice restaurants. It’s a great place to stop for lunch.

The port of Ars en Re - a perfect spot for Lunch — *The port of Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux*

After you finish eating, the center is also where you can rent a bike for your trip. We rented our at Beach Bikes in the center, but there are several shops that all seem good. Most bike rental shops are open from April to November.

Here’s a map of all the cycling routes on the Island.

The market

Ars en Ré is also home to one of the best markets in Ile de Ré. In the summer, the market takes place in the town center every day, whereas the rest of the year it takes place only on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

If you’re visiting in the winter, market days are the better days to visit this lovely village.

Loix – an Island with in an Island

Look closely at the map of Île de Ré and you’ll notice that Loix is actually an Island within an Island. Most of the village is surrounded by the ocean, making it a 14km coast in total. The southern part of Loix is surrounded by the salt marshes of Île de Ré.

salt marshes of Île de Ré near Loix — *Salt marshes near Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

The peninsula is connected to the rest of the Island by two main cycling paths. One path takes you along the coast from the east side, which is one of the most beautiful paths on the Island.

The second path is called “La Route du Sel”. This one goes through the salt marshes and leads to the salt eco-museum.

What’s not to miss in Loix:

Pointe du Grouin – a calm beach on the northeastern part of the peninsula. If you’re looking for a calm, kids-friendly beach, this is a great option.

Pointe du Grouin - a calm beach in Loix — *Pointe du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux*

Loix has a cute town center with a few coffee places. It also hosts a cute little market that takes place daily during school break and the summer.

One of the most interesting parts of Loix is the village artisanal. Plenty of merchants and craftsmen open their workshops and boutiques for people to visit. Among the most interesting ones to visit in the soap producer (savonerie Atisanae de re) and l’Abeille en Ré (honey farm).

La Couarde sur Mer – a calm village in a prime location

La Couarde sur Mer is another charming village on the southern coast of Île de Ré. It’s one of the more prosperous villages on the Island thanks to a variety of economic activities like oyster, salt, and wine production.

Couarde sur Mer - a great stop for a drink — *Couarde sur Mer – Lost in Bordeaux*

The village has a very cute center with restaurants, bars, and a big carousel for kids. It’s not as lively as other villages on this list but it has one of the best markets on the Islands.

What’s not to miss in La Couarde sur Mer

La Couarde sur Mer has one of the best coastlines on the Island – a strip of more than 5km of sandy beaches. You can enjoy a variety of water activities such as surfing, jet skiing, SUP, and more.

Another perfect activity offered here is yoga on the beach. The classes take place on Plage des Anneries in July and August. See all the details here.

Recommended hotel in la Couarde sur mer

This beautiful B&B with its beautiful garden is located within a few minutes walk from the beach of la Couarde sur Mer. It’s a perfect place for those looking for a calm vacation.

Le Bois Plage en Ré – the village with the best beaches

Le Bois Plage en Ré is the most popular village in the southern part of Ile de Re, mostly thanks to its amazing beaches. The village has a long 6km of sandy beaches which are perfect for families.

The beach at Le Bois Plage en Ré - Ile de Re — *Plage des Gollandières – Lost in Bordeaux*

Le Bois Plage en Ré is known for its summer market taking place in the center of the town. It’s a perfect place to equip yourself with local delicacies before going to the beach.

What’s not to miss in Le Bois Plage en Ré

The town center is not as beautiful as in other villages on this list but it’s a very lively and kids-friendly village with plenty of restaurants. The market is definitely a must.

The market of Le Bois Plage en Ré — *The martket of Le Bois Plage en Ré – Lost in Bordeaux*

From inland, the village is surrounded by woods and vineyards. That’s where the Cooperative wine cellar is located. The cooperative includes about 60 wine producers, whose vineyards cover around 600 hectares (7% of the total territory of the Island). You can visit the cooperative in July and August. See details here.

Where to stay in Le Bois Plage en Ré

If you like camping sites, Interlude located next to the Gros Jonc beach is a great one. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Les Bois Flottais is a very cozy hotel located between the beach and the city center.

How to get to Ile De Ré

To get to Ile de Re you first need to get to the main city nearby, La Rochelle. La Rochelle has an airport and one of the biggest train stations in the region so you have quite a few ways to get here.

You can find all the ways to get to La Rochelle here.

From La Rochelle, you can take a bus ( 3/3E), which stops at the train station and the city center. This is the cheapest way to get here, the ticket price is only 2.5 euros.

See the timetable here.

If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to pay the environmental tax to cross the bridge. The fee is 16 euros in the high season (mid-June to mid-September) and 8 euros in the low season.

You can also take a boat from the port of La Rochelle to get to the Ile de Ré- see all the details here.

Take a boat from La Rochelle to Ile de Re — *The port of La Rochelle – Lost in Bordeaux*

How to get from village to village in Ile de Ré

Even if you decide to come to Ile de Re by car, you can easily leave it in the parking. The best way to move around the Island is by bike. There are bike rental shops in every village and in many camping sites as well.

Some of the shops will even bring the bikes to your hotel.

The second option is the free shuttle that circulates around the Island. From April the subtle serves three villages: La Flotte, Loix, and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. In the high season, July- August, the shuttle goes through all 10 villages of Ile de Re. See all the details here.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux Monthly

What to do in Bordeaux in June

Last updated on May 23, 2023 2 Comments

I was really hoping to release my “What to do in June in Bordeaux” list earlier this year, but there were so many events I had to include here that it took forever to finish! So I apologize to those who have been waiting for it 🙂

So what’s happening in June in Bordeaux this year? We have plenty of music festivals, wine events, a medieval festival, and Bordeaux’s famous wine festival. It’s hard for me to recommend which one of these events to attend as all of them are great, but I invite you to follow me on Instagram where I always share stories from the events I go to.

If it’s your first time here don’t forget to check my article about the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux as well as my Bordeaux district guide (especially helpful for those looking for accommodation in Bordeaux). Also, don’t miss my post about the best rooftops and terrace bars in Bordeaux.

Let’s start the list of the best events taking place in Bordeaux in June 2023!

Note: You can get a discount on all the exhibitions mentioned in this article if you purchase the Bordeaux city pass.

The best events in Bordeaux (and Gironde) in June 2023

Fête de la Morue

For more than two centuries, Bègles has been an important center of Morue (codfish) in France. Since 1996, this suburb of Bordeaux celebrates the Morue every year with la Fête de la Morue, a famous culinary and culture festival that gives a stage to young artists. This year the festival will take place on June 2-4, and as always it comes with a rich program of concerts, cooking workshops, exhibitions, tastings, conferences, and more. For more details follow the Facebook page of the event or check out the program.

When: June 2-4 / Where: Different locations in Bègles (see program).

Soulac 1900

The Soulac 1900 jazz festival is taking place this year on June 2-4 in the charming town of Soulac sur Mer located in the north part of the Medoc area. The idea of the festival is to get you into the vibe, art, and culture of the 1900s. All the events and concerts will take place on the streets of the town and the access is free. For more details click here.

Read more about what to do in Soulac and other towns nearby in my article about Medoc.

When: June 2-4 / Where: Soulac sur Mer

Festival Echappée Belle in Blanquefort

The Echappée Belle festival is a great entertaining event for the whole family merging theater, dance, circus, and other art forms. The festival will take place from June 1-4 at Parc de Fongravey. See the entire program here.

When: June 1-4 / Where: Parc de Fongravey in Blanquefort (see the program)

Rendez-vous aux Jardins

Nature lovers will love this weekend! On June 2-4, more than 200 parks and gardens (some are private) in Nouvelle Aquitaine are going to be open to the public. The events include guided visits, exhibitions, gardening workshops for kids, and more. For the full list of parks and gardens click here.

When: June 2-4 / Where: choose a park from the list above

Read my article to discover the most beautiful public parks in Bordeeaux.

Festiv’Asques

Festiv’Asques is a rock festival on June 2-3 in Asques, a small village in Gironde, located on the Dordogne River. For the full program and tickets click here.

When: June 2-3 / Where: 340 Rue de l’École, 33240 Asques

Dance at la guinguette chez Alriq

La Guinguette chez Alriq is a tavern in the Bastide neighborhood, on the rive droite of the Garonne. Especially loved by the local public, chez Alriq is a fun place to enjoy a summer evening in Bordeaux while listening to live music. The Guinguette is open from Thursday to Sunday. See the full program for this month here.

When: all summer / Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, Port Bastide, 33100 Bordeaux

Festival Jazz 360

This is the 10th edition of the Jazz 360 festival which was initiated to support the creation of Jazz music. During the six days of the festival, tens of professional and young artists will take the stage in several different towns and villages in Gironde. The festival will take place on June 2-11 in six different locations: Langoiran, Saint-Caprais-de-Bx, Cénac, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Quinsac, and Latresne. For more details visit the site of th e festival.

When: June 2-11 / Where: see different locations here.

ODP Music Festival in Peixotto

ODP is an annual music festival taking place in Parc Peixotto in Talence. This year the festival will take place on June 8-11. That’s one of the best music festivals in Bordeaux metropole and always has a great lineup. For more details and tickets go to the festival’s website and their Facebook page.

When: June 8-11 / Where: Parc Peixotto, Talence

Bambino Party

This weekend (June 10-11) l’Île aux Enfants in Hourtin (Medoc Atlantic) will hold a kids festival for children up to 12 years old. This annual kids’ celebration will host plenty of artistic workshops and sportive activities. For more details click here.

When: June 10-11/ Where: L’Île aux Enfants, 33990 Hourtin

For more kids-related activities check out my article about 30 things to do with kids in the Bordeaux region.

The pride parade

The pride parade of Bordeaux will take place on June 10. The parade will start at 15:00, the location will be updated soon. See more details and updates here.

When: June 10 / Where: The location will be updated soon

The Medieval Festival of South Gironde

The Medieval Festival of Gironde will take place on June 10-11 in the Cabiros forest in Landiras (about 40 min. south of Bordeaux). This unique site, at the heart of the forest, creates a perfect medieval-times atmosphere for this unique festival. The medieval village, the costumes, and the sword fighting are only part of the activities that will help you discover the history and habits of those ancient times. For more info check out the website of the festival.

When: June 10-11/ Where: Landiras, 33720

Festival Le Haillan Chanté

The 12th edition of the singing festival, Le Haillan Chanté, is taking place on June 6-10 in Le Haillan. French song lovers will adore this event which is full of performances of both current and more nostalgic songs. To see the full program of the festival click here.

When: June 6-10 / Where: 13 rue Georges clémenceau 33185 Le haillan

Jazz and Blues Festival in Leognan

The 26th edition of the Jazz and Blues Festival of Leognan will take place on June 7-10. Four concert nights will be given at three different towns in the area: Saucats, Martillac et Léognan. Take a look at the full program here.

When: June 7-10/ Where: See all the locations in the program above

Grand Crus Weekend

One of the most anticipated events in the Bordeaux wine region is the Grand Crus Weekend which will take place on June 9-11. This event, organized by the Union des Grands Crus (the regional wine classification), aims to create an international meeting of wine lovers. The highlights of this weekend will include tasting wines from over 110 Grand Crus and meeting different chateaux owners as part of pre-organized dinners in the châteaux. Read more about the event and the full program here.

When: June 9-11/ Where: many locations in Gironde, see the program

Dali and Gaudi – Les Bassins de Lumières

Les Bassins de Lumières is hosting a new amazing exhibition! This time the immersive exhibition is dedicated to Dali and Gaudi. Les Bassins de Lumières is a visual arts space, situated in an old submarine base, that is known for its immersive exhibitions.

The new exhibition will be presented from February 3 to January 7, get your tickets here.

When: February 3 – January 7, 2024 / Where: Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux

Bordeaux Food-truck Festival

The food truck festival is doing its big comeback on June 16-18 at Parc Cazalet in Pessac. The program includes more than 20 different food trucks, a DJ set, and workshops for kids and adults. See more info here.

When: June 16-17/ Where: Parc Cazalet in Pessac

Madame Loyal

A huge electronic festival will take place on June 17-18 at the Parc des Expositions in Bordeaux. More than 30 live sets are waiting for you in the rich program of the Madame Loyal festival. See all the details and tickets here.

When: June 17-18/ Where: Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux

La Fête du Vélo

The 26th edition of La Fête du vélo will take place on June 17. In the morning a big cycling parade will take place at Parc de Bourran in Merignac and will continue to other parts of Marignac. See all the details here.

When: June 17 / Where: Different parts of Merignac, check out the program in the link above.

Fête de la musique

The Fête de la Musique is a French national day, dedicated to the celebration of music, with free concerts and street parties happening on this day (June 21) all over France. This is an extraordinary day where you get to walk around the city and enjoy an endless variety of small and big concerts from any genre of music. Like every other city in France, Bordeaux too will celebrate La Fête de la Musique with its own street concerts and activities. Follow Lost in Bordeaux for more information about specific concerts, which will be published in June.

When: June 21 / Where: All over the city of Bordeaux

Bordeaux Wine Festival

This month (June 22-25) the banks of the Garonne will be again filled with wine lovers celebrating the Bordeaux wine festival, Bordeaux Fête le Vin. During the days of the festival, big sailing boats will be docking along the banks of the river, be sure to reserve your spot if you want to visit them. Discover the other activities proposed during the festival here.

Wine Festival on the quai in Bordeaux — Wine Festival on the Quai

When: June 22-25 / Where: The banks of the Garonne

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin has renovated its permanent exhibition and added plenty of cool and immersive sections for you to learn about wine. You can buy tickets here.

If you’re not sure if it’s worth the price, you can check out my article about the Cite du Vin to see what to expect during your visit there. Visiting wineries is always a good option in the Bordeaux wine region. Check out my new article about the best wine tours in Bordeaux.

Nuits Atypiques Festival

This multidisciplinary festival in south Gironde has been taking place every summer since 1992. From June 4 to July 22, plenty of events will take place in 12 towns in the Gironde department. The program includes a variety of activities such as concerts, theater, films, debates, tours to discover the towns, and more. Check out the full program here.

When: June 4- July 22 / Where: South Gironde- check out the exact location of every event in the program.

Baroque Festival

Festes Baroques is a Baroque music festival taking place at different wine chateaux in South Gironde. So if you want to enjoy wine, beautiful music, and some of the most interesting patrimony in this region, this event is for you. The event will take place from June 27 to July 6. See more details here.

When: June 27- July 6/ Where: Different chateaux in South Gironde

Street are at l’Institut Bernard Magrez

L’institue Bernard Magrez is a beautiful chateau in Bordeaux that regularly host street art exhibitions and events. Currently, there are three different street art exhibitions presented at the gallery. You can visit the chateau only on weekends. Buy tickets here.

Big events and things to do in other parts of the SW of France

Rio Loco – the biggest music festival in Toulouse

Rio Loco, created in 1995, is one of the best festivals Toulouse has to offer. The festival is focused on world music and culture and aims to promote cultural diversity. Each year, the program includes plenty of open-air concerts, shows for kids, visual arts, and more. This year Rio Loco will take place on June 14-18. See more details here.

The festival takes place at Prairie des Filtres in the Saint Cyprien neighborhood (read more about Saint Syprien in my district guide).

When: June 14-18/ Where: Prairie des Filtres, Toulouse

Free music festival

A three-day music festival will take place on June 22-24 on the beach of Lac de Montendre in Charentes Maritimes (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). See info and tickets here.

When: June 22-24/ Where: Lac Baron Desqueyroux, Montendre

Take your kids to an inflatable water park in Biscarrosse

The huge inflatable water park in Biscarrosse (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux) is about to reopen for the Summer at the beginning of June. The AquaPark is equipped with water ziplines, several diving boards of different heights, trampolines, catapults, climbing walls, slides, and more. The park is accessible to kids over 4 years old. For more details and tickets click here.

Where: Port Maguide, 18 Chemin de Maguide, 40600 Biscarrosse

If you need more ideas for activities with kids check out my post about 30 things to do with kids in Bordeaux.

Festival Garorock

We’re going to end our list with of the biggest music festivals in our region, the Garorock! The popular festival is about to take place from June 29 to July 2 in Marmande (about an hour’s drive from Bordeaux). Garorock is an international festival with 5 big stages that usually hosts more than 50 French and international artists. Click here for more info.

When: June 29- July 2 / Where: Plaine de la Filhole 47200 Marmand

Is it your first time in Bordeaux? If it is you should definitely check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.

If you’re looking for more ideas for day trips in the Bordeaux region here are a few other articles you might want to read:
The best beaches around Bordeaux
Day trips around Bordeaux – wine, beaches and villages
10 day trips from Bordeaux by Public transport
A weekend in Medoc – Bordeaux wine tours
What to do and eat in Saint Emilion

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

In Toulouse

The Best coffee shops in Toulouse, France

Last updated on March 7, 2023 No Comments

Toulouse is the capital of good coffee in the South of France, here I said it! Every time I visit the pink city, I’m quite amazed by the amount of specialty coffee shops in the center. Most of them are located in the Carmes district which is the hipster area of Toulouse. To complement the good coffee vibes, these places also have great cakes and brunch menus on weekends.

Most of the coffee shops in Toulouse are also designed in a cute and cozy way, which upgrades the whole coffee experience. I’m a coffee addict so finding good coffee places is very important to me 🙂

In this article, I want to help you discover the best coffee places in Toulouse. Save this list for your next weekend there!

If it’s your first time in Toulouse you should also check these two articles about Toulouse:

A weekend guide to Toulouse – all the best things to do
The best areas to stay in Toulouse
The best markets in Toulouse

Let’s dive in!

Coffee places in the center of Toulouse

In this part of the article, you’ll discover the best coffee places around Place du Capitole, the most central part of Toulouse.

Allegory Coffee Bar

Allegory coffee bar is located on the chic street Rue Peyras, about five minutes walk from the famous place de la Capitol. As you’ll discover in this article, most of the chic specialty coffee shops in Toulouse are located in the Carmes district. So if you’re looking for one in a more central location, Allegory is probably one of your best options in the Capitol district.

Decorated with gentle green and pink objects, Allegory Coffee Bar has a very romantic feel to it. The café offers an impressive pastry selection to accompany the great coffee. If you want to eat you have a nice savory menu to select from with more brunch-like options like pancakes, eggs, and savory waffles.

*Allegory Coffee Bar in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

The service is excellent and they even gave us some recommendations about their favorite boulangerie in the city. The place gets busy on the weekend and you can’t book a table so be there early.

Opening days: Allegory coffee bar is open every day except Wednesday
Address: 9 Rue Peyras, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.allegorycoffeebar.com/

Café Boutique Chapelle des Carmélites

This is one of the best-hidden gems in Toulouse, a coffee shop nestled in the garden of Chapelle des Carmélites.

The Chapelle features the most amazing 17th-century murals and ceiling paintings, that were inspired by the works of art at the Sistine Chapel. This is a real treasure worth visiting, regardless of the coffee shop.

But we’re here to talk about the best coffee shops in Toulouse and this is definitely one of them.

The café itself is tiny and most of the chairs are outside in the garden, so it’s definitely a place for sunny days. The coffee belongs to Hayuco, a famous coffee roaster in Bordeaux, whose coffee you can also find in other spots in the city.

*Chapelle des Carmélites – Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Wednesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 18:00
Address: 12 Rue de Périgord, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://hello.hayuco.coffee/

Le Café Cerise

Le Café Cerise has two coffee shops, both located just next to the Garonne river.

The first one is situated on Quai de la Daurade and it’s their main café, where you can find both indoor and outdoor sitting. They have a great menu if you’re hungry for a big breakfast.

Their second place is an outdoor coffee shop on the other side of Pont Neuf in the Saint Cyprien neighborhood. It’s located in the garden of Le Château d’Eau, which is a cute photography gallery.

Le Café Cerise - good coffee in a great setting — *Le Café Cerise in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Here you’ll find mainly sweet pastry and amazing coffee, of course.

Café 1- Daurade:
Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Address: 4 Quai de la Daurade, 31000 Toulouse

Café 2-Cote Jardin- Café éphémère
Opening days: Saturdays and Sundays only
Address: 1 place Laganne, Jardin du Chateau d’Eau

Check out their website: https://lecafecerise.fr/

Coffee places in the Carmes and Saint Etienne districts

Now let’s move south to the hippest part of Toulouse, the Carmes neighborhood where most of my favorite coffee shops are located.

Canopée Coffee House

Canopée Coffee House is a very popular place and arguably serves the best coffee in Toulouse. It has a more rustic design that calms you down the minute you step into the door.

On their menu, you can find quite a lot of juices and more healthy food options.

Canopée Coffee House in Toulouse - great brunch menu — *Canopée Coffee House in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Every Saturday the place gets very busy so be sure to come early. My favorite spot there is the sofa next to the window, where you can see both the cafe but also feel the vibe of this hip neighborhood.

Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Address: 28 Rue des Couteliers, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://canopee.coffee/

La Belle Brune

This coffee was recommended to me by some of my Lost in Bordeaux followers who know that I’m a coffee addict and they didn’t disappoint. It’s one of my favorite coffee shops in Toulouse.

Just a warning, La Belle Brune (and many other good places in Toulouse) have a brunch menu on Sundays. So if you’re visiting the city on Sunday, going there only for a cup of coffee is not the best plan (unless you come early). Having said that, a Sunday brunch is a very trendy thing in France now, so you can do that too for the full experience 🙂

La Belle Brune - the best coffee in Toulouse — *The best coffee in Toulouse- La Belle Brune – Lost in Bordeaux*

On other days of the week, la Belle Brune offers another menu with a huge variety of cakes. They have a few tables indoors but also a fun terrace space on one of the chic streets of the Carmes district.

Opening days: Closed on Wednsday and Thursday
Address: 31 Rue Pharaon, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://labellebrune.fr/

Café Papiche

We are staying on the same street for yet another amazing coffee: Café Papiche!

A cute little place, serving one of the best cafes you can get in Toulouse. They have a really nice selection of homemade pastries, but their babka is something you shouldn’t miss.

Adored by coffee professionals - Café Papiche in Toulouse — *Café Papiche in Toulouse – Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Address: 44 Rue Pharaon, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.facebook.com/CafePapiche/

Kopi Coffee shop

Kopi Coffee shop is located at Place du Salin, one of the liveliest squares in Les Carmes. It’s a perfect place to stop on the way to the main park of Toulouse and grab a coffee.

Thibault the owner, is a coffee enthusiast that decided to open this place to share his love of coffee. He’s joined by his dad who serves as the chef of Kopi Café. Like other coffee shops on this list, they also have an amazing selection of sweet pastries.

Kopi Coffee shop - one of the best coffee shops in Toulouse — *Kopi Coffee shop -Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening days: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Address: 20 Pl. du Salin, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.instagram.com/kopicoffeeshop/?hl=en

Neroli Coffee Society

Neroli cafe is a holistic cafe, a concept I wasn’t aware of before coming here. You can order all the regular hot beverages but that’s not why most of their clients come here.

The specialty of Neroli is their whole foods, colorful coffee, mixed with ingredients that you would never imagine combining with hot milk. Their pink Latte for example has beetroot in it, while the golden latte is mixed with vanilla and turmeric.

*Neroli Coffee Society – Lost in Bordeaux*

I’m not sure I’d replace my caffeine intake with these on a daily basis, but it was definitely a nice experience.

Opening days: Open Tuesday to Saturday
Address: Neroli Coffee Society, 11 Rue Théodore Ozenne, 31000 Toulouse
Check out their website: https://www.nerolicoffeesociety.com/toulouse-coffee-shop

If you’re visiting Toulouse for the first time there are a few articles you should check:
My detailed guide to a weekend in Toulouse
Where to stay in Toulouse – the best districts
The best events taking place in Toulouse
The best things to do in Toulouse with kids

If you’re visiting during Christmas you might want to check my article about the best Christmas markets around Toulouse.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Pin this article, for your next visit to Toulouse

In Toulouse

The best markets in Toulouse

Last updated on March 7, 2023 No Comments

Toulouse is known for at least one amazing market, Marché Victor Hugo. But did you know that the pink city has many other great markets in almost every one of its central districts? Visiting a market is a must for those interested in local cuisine and discovering regional delicacies. That’s why in this article I want to introduce you to the best markets in Toulouse.

This list contains outdoor and covered markets where you can sit and dine. I included big food markets but also small organic ones, book markets, and even an antique market. There’s something interesting to check in almost every part of Toulouse center.

If it’s your first time in Toulouse, check out my detailed guide for a weekend in Toulouse. If you love French markets, check out my article about the best markets in Bordeaux.

Let’s dive into the best markets in Toulouse, one of the more foodie cities in France.

Best Markets in the Center of Toulouse

Marché Victor Hugo

If you have to choose only one market in Toulouse, Marché Victor Hugo is the place. The main market of Toulouse is a gastronomic institution attracting tourists and locals alike.

The first market in the center of Toulouse was built in 1827 after the walls of the medieval city were demolished. It was a wooden market and the square itself was called Place du Marché-au-Bois and renamed Place Victor Hugo in 1886. The modern covered market we see today was inaugurated in 1892 and is the biggest covered market in Toulouse.

Marché Victor Hugo - the main market of Toulouse — *Marché Victor Hugo- by Lost in Bordeaux*

The market’s first floor is where more than 200 stalls are located. Here you can find everything from the best cheese to charcuterie, bread, seafood, poultry, and more. It’s the best place to try some local tapas and delicacies that Toulouse is mostly famous for like the Saucisse de Toulouse and the Pavé Toulousain cheese. See a list of all the stalls and producers at the market here.

The second floor of the market is where the restaurants are located. That’s where many locals will finish their shopping journey on the weekend. On weekends, a lot of people flock here to enjoy lunch with their friends on the terrace of the market. If you want to try one of the market restaurants you must come early (not later than 12:05 🙂 ). My favorite restaurant at the market is Au Bon Graillou, try their mussels.

Opening hours: The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7:00 to 13:30.
Address: Pl. Victor Hugo, 31000 Toulouse

Food tour in Marché Victor Hugo

If you have the budget, I highly recommend taking a tour of the market with Jessica from Taste of Toulouse. Jessica is an American cheesemonger who moved to Toulouse in 2017. She created a food tour company specializing in local cuisine with the market tour being the flagship and the most popular tour.

You can book her market tour here.

Marché des Carmes

Marché des Carmes is another covered market located in the center of Toulouse. The market is nestled in the center of the chic Carmes neighborhood with plenty of stylish coffee shops and boutiques around. The market hosts around 40 stalls with a great selection of cheese shops, charcuteries, seafood products, and the most beautiful fruits and vegetables. Des Carmes market isn’t as big as Victor Hugo but it has everything you need. I feel this market is a bit less intimidating thanks to its smaller size and cozy design.

There aren’t many restaurants in the market itself but a huge number of restaurants around it so finding a good place to dine shouldn’t be complicated.

If you need a recommendation, try La Braisière on 42 Rue Pharaon.

Address: Marché des Carmes, Pl. des Carmes, 31000 Toulouse
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 to 13:30

Marché des Carmes - one of the best markets in Toulouse — by Lost in Bordeaux

Do a picnic

On sunny days one of the more local things you can do is a picnic with everything you bought at the market. The Carmes market happens to be located just five minutes walk from Jardin Royal, a beautiful park with exotic trees and a little pond. This is the perfect place to spread your picnic blanket and take out all the goodies you bought at Les Carmes.

Marché Esparcette

If you like organic markets, there’s one waiting for you right in the center of Toulouse. Marché Esparcette is a small market taking place every Tuesday and Saturday on Square De Gaulle, behind Place du Capitole. The market hosts only small certified organic producers, among them you can find cheese and spice producers, a butcher, and a baker.

Address: Square De Gaulle 31000 Toulouse
Opening hours: Tuesday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm

Other markets in Toulouse

Marché de Saint Aubin

Marché de Saint Aubin is the perfect market for sunny Sundays!

The market takes place every Sunday morning around Eglise Saint Aubin, about a ten-minute walk from the city center. It’s a huge market where you can find stalls of absolutely everything. Cheese from the Pyrenees, next to local honey and jam producers; a farmer selling only apples next to a huge stall of olives and spices; freshly ground coffee, local desserts, and a huge variety of saucisson; and the list goes on and on.

Marché de Saint Aubin in Toulouse — *Marché de Saint Aubin – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Saint Aubin is predominately a food market but you can also find quite a few florists, craftsmen, clothing stands, and more. The market has an incredible vibe to it with many musicians and bands coming to play here every Sunday.

Saint Aubin is where many Toulousians meet their friends for a Sunday brunch after they finish their shopping. There are many restaurants in the area but you can also buy ready-to-eat dishes from many stalls in the market. Around lunchtime, the market gets very busy and the lines to buy food get long so be sure to come early (before 11 am).

Opening hours: every Sunday from 7 am to 1:30 pm
Address: Place Saint Aubin, 31000 Toulouse

Getting there: If you’re staying outside of the city center you can use the metro to get to the market. The closest station is Jean Jaures.

Marché de Saint Aubin - the best market in Toulouse for Sundays — *Marché de Saint Aubin – by Lost in Bordeaux*

The best picnic spot

If you can’t wait to taste all the delicacies you just bought at the market, go for a picnic at the Grand Rond. Located about 10 minutes walk from the market, this beautiful park is abundant with impressive sculptures, flowers, and hidden spots for a perfect picnic.

Marché Saint Cyprien

Marché Saint Cyprien is located on the west side of the Garonne river in the Saint Cyprien neighborhood. It’s mostly visited by the locals who are very proud of their neighborhood and almost never cross the bridge to the central part of Toulouse.

What makes this market particularly interesting is that it kept its original metallic structure. That is contrary to the Victor Hugo and Les Carmes markets that were completely rebuilt in the 20th century. If you’re interested in architecture, this is the most beautiful market in Toulouse.

The market has all the local products and you can find there anything from a butcher to cheese and flowers. Nevertheless, it’s a rather small market, so unless you’re staying in that part of town, I recommend visiting other markets on this list.

If you’re coming from the city center, take line A of the metro to the Saint Cyprien – République station.

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Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 to 13:00
Address: Pl. Intérieure Saint-Cyprien, 31300 Toulouse

Where to Picnic

The Saint Cyprien market is located within a few minutes walk from one of the biggest parks in Toulouse, Prairie des Filtres. The park is located on the banks of the river, so you’re guaranteed a picnic with a perfect view.

Marché Cristal

This is the biggest market in Toulouse, spread all over the main boulevards of Toulouse from Place Jeanne-d’Arc to Arnaud-Bernard. That’s where it got the nickname “marché des boulevards”. It’s the easiest market to get to if you’re located outside of the city center.

This market is more affordable than the three covered markets I mentioned in this article. It doesn’t offer the same experience as the other markets on my list, but a great option for people living in Toulouse and visitors looking for a large regular French market.

The best markets in Toulouse — *Toulouse market – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 to 13:00
Address: Boulevard d’Arcole and Boulevard de Strasbourg

La Brocante des Allées – Antique market

We cannot talk about markets in France without mentioning at least one antique market.

La Brocante des Allées is the main antique market of Toulouse taking place every first weekend of the month (Friday to Sunday). The brocante hosts more than 90 vendors, selling everything from art to fancy dishes and furniture. The market is taking place on allées François-Verdier, in the south of Les Carmes neighborhood.

A brocante in Toulouse — *Brocante in Toulouse – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Opening hours: Every first weekend of the month (Friday to Sunday) – from 9:00 to 18:00
Address: allées François-Verdier

Marché des Bouquinistes – Rue du Taur

Let’s finish with something rather cute, a book market!

Strolling the streets of old Toulouse, you’ll discover that this city has an impressive amount of bookstores. It’s thus not very surprising that the city hosts a weekly book market. Marché aux Livres du Taur takes place every Saturday on rue du Taur, one of the most beautiful streets in Toulouse. The market unites together six book shops that put out books from every possible genre, from comics to kids’ literature and cooking books. Most of the books are in French of course, but it’s a cute market to stop by even if you don’t speak French. See more info on their Facebook page.

Opening hours: Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm
Address: Rue du Taur

If you’re visiting Toulouse for the first time there are a few articles you should check:
My detailed guide to a weekend in Toulouse
Where to stay in Toulouse – the best districts
The best events taking place in Toulouse
The best things to do in Toulouse with kids

If you’re visiting during Christmas you might want to check my article about the best Christmas markets around Toulouse.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Pin this article, for your next visit to Toulouse

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂