Having a picnic with your bottle of rosé and some fromage on a sunny day is one of the most French things you can do. If you ever tried to find a green spot in Bordeaux you’ve probably noticed that it’s not an easy task as there aren’t many parks in the center of town, especially comparing to Paris. But what many people don’t know is that there are actually quite a lot of green, magical islands between all these historical buildings, you just have to find them.

I gathered the top places where you can join other Bordolaise for a picnic with family, friends or maybe even solo with your book and a bottle of wine. I also added the location of nearby places to get some snacks and drinks, in case you didn’t bring your picnic from home. For those with kids I also added the locations of the nearest playgrounds. 

If you want to discover the best parks in Bordeaux Metropole go ahead and read my article about the most beautiful parks in Bordeaux. 

So here is my list of places to picnic in Bordeaux (see the full map at the end of the article):

Center of Bordeaux

Miroir d’eau

This is one of the most photographed places in Bordeaux, and rightly so. The reflection of Place de la Bourse on one side and the view of the Garrone on the other turns it into one of Bordeaux’s must-see spots. On a hot day, one of the most pleasant things to do is to splash your feet in the water and then catch a spot in the gardens surrounding the Miroir d’eau. The place is usually very crowded and there’s no shade, so it’s recommended to get there in the morning before it gets too hot and busy. 

Where to buy snacks: The closest supermarket to get your fruits or a bottle of rosé on a hot day is the Monop’ at Promenade St Catherine – cross the road to Place de la Bourse, continue strait on rue Saint-Rémi until you reach  Promenade St Catherine on your right. 

What’s for kids: While there is no playground next to the Mirior d’eau, the monument itself is probably one of the most enjoyable places for kids in Bordeaux. As part of its operating cycle, the level of the water goes up for several minutes creating a shallow pool, letting kids splash in the water.

Parc des Sports Saint-Michel

Parc des Sports is located just in front of quartier Saint Michel which is one of the most hip places in Bordeaux nowadays. Many people don’t pay much attention to this huge green spot in the city center,  which leaves the whole area for the locals to enjoy. The lawns of the park are wide enough to forget that you are actually one step away from the road. Also, the view of the Garonne is quite impressive so try to find a spot closer to the river. For more things to do in this neighborhood check out my article about Saint Michel.   

Where to buy snacks: A new Carfour city have just opened up on 12 Rue des Allamandiers, just next to the Saint Michel Basilica. There’s also a big food market taking place next to the Basilica every Saturday.

What’s for kids: As its name indicates, this place is very sport oriented. Besides a nice playground for kids, there are other sports facilities such as ping pong tables and a skate park.

Jardin Public de Bordeaux

The largest park in the center of Bordeaux needs no introduction. Jardin Public invites you to spread your arms (and body) on its vast green planes. It attracts most of the picnickers wandering around the center of town.

What’s for kids: There is a very impressive playground in the park as well as a puppet theater and a lot of ducks in the lake (for little animal lovers).

Where to buy snacks: There are two supermarkets from both sides of the park, one is located in the Chartrons neighborhood (8 Rue Notre Dame) and a small casino on 76 Rue Lagrange.

Parc Rivière

A green sprawling paradise in the midst of a residential neighborhood.
The vibe here is more wild and freestyle compared to the meticulously planned jardin publique.
You can find a lot of sweet spots to picnic beneath the trees. While strolling along you can visit the tiny cute castle and the Maison du jardinier et de la nature en ville, which holds gardening activities.

where to buy snacks : There’s a small Casino market between park Rivière and Jardin Publique on 76 Rue Lagrange or you can take a walk to Auchan market in the Centre Commercial de l’Europe, 19 Place de l’Europe.

what’s for kids: This is the main downside of this park. The playground is very small and older kids will be bored with it.

Place des Martyrs de la Résistance

A small local garden which draws its atmosphere from the beautiful Basilique Saint-Seurin. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center but still stay close, this is a good spot. The green pasture is quite big and usually not very crowded.

where to buy snacks : to buy fruits for a picnic go ahead to Charlotte Clementine on 14 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, if you need to add some wine, there’s a carrefour city on rue Judaique, next to Place Gambetta.

what’s for kids: This little garden has a a very small playground, mostly for the younger ones.

le Jardin de ta Soeur

The garden with a cute name and a very communal and cozy feeling is a hidden spot in Chartrons, usually frequented by the local neighbors.
The designed playground and sitting areas give it a special artistic vibe.

where to buy snacks : for snacks go to the nearest intermarche on 67 Cours Edouard Vaillant.

what’s for kids: This garden is mostly used by the local community and hence is very kids friendly. As part of the overall original design of the park, the playground too has an artistic vibe to it.

Quai des Chartrons

You can also get a picnic in style and get a little tipsy on a cozy wooden deck with a view on the river. Every Thursday and Sunday a great market takes place on Quai des Chartrons and you can have a tasty picnic with oysters, wine and local cheese.

where to buy snacks : At the market! Otherwise go to the Carrefour city at 8 Rue Notre Dame.

what’s for kids: This place is a heaven for kids! Right next to the market you’ll find both a playground and a big skate park.

The green spaces of Rive droite

Parc aux Angéliques

The Rive Droite of Bordeaux is usually the calmer part of the city, far from the busy touristic east side of the Garonne, which makes it a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon picnic or nap.
Parc aux Angéliques on quai des Queyries offers a wide green space with a view of the most beautiful monuments in the center of Bordeaux.  Closer to Darwin, the vibe gets more hipstery.. farther away and it’s more of an extended family kind of atmosphere 😉

What’s for kids: Place des Droits de l’enfant, a large playground both for little ones and for older kidsis located In front of the park, just next to Jardin Botanique.

Where to buy snacks: Magasin Général in Darwin would be the closest place to get some bio fruits, cheese and wine. For a larger selection go to the Carrefour supermarket on Allée Serr.

Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux

Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux is a magical place of biodiversity and sustainable development, located in front of Quai des Queyries, in the middle of the Bastide neighborhood. There’s a big lawn in the middle of the park but if you are looking for a more intimate picnic, check out the western section where you can find cozy little green corners between the plant pools.

What’s for kids:  Place des Droits de l’enfant is a large playground  located just next to the park. Also, Jardin Botanique is a place where kids can explore rare and exotic plants and flowers, which can turn your outdoor activity into an educational one.

Where to buy snacks: The big  Carrefour supermarket is located just next to the park in zone d’activité commerciale Coeur De Bastide-Allée Serr

The big Parks

Parc Bordelais

Parc Bordelais, the biggest parc in Bordeaux, is located in the northern part of the city in the Cauderan neighborhood. Although quite far from the city center,  making an effort to get there really pays off.  A lake, beautiful trees, huge green spaces and a lovely terasse cafe are only part of what parc Bordolais has to offer.

What’s for kids:  This is probably the most kids oriented place in this list. Besides two large playgrounds (for younger and older kids), there is a puppet theater and a little train that takes you on a tour of the park.

Where to buy snacks: The little superette on avenue Charles de Gaulle is located just one minute walk from the park. if you need a better selection you can walk a few minutes to Carrefour city on 10 Rue de Marseille.

Parc de Bourran

Parc de Bourran in Merignac is not officially in Bordeaux but is located along the tram’s A line making it a short ride from the city center. This park has a more foresty feeling to it. Besides picnicking on the big green lawn at the center of the park, you can also take lovely strolls along the many paths encircling this beautiful park and maybe find your own secret spot.

What’s for kids:  There are three separate playgrounds in the park for different age ranges.

Where to buy snacks: If you enter the park from rue Alfred de Musset, the big Auchan super market on 19 Avenue du Maréchal Gallieni, 33700  is not very far.

Parc Peixotto

Another off Brodway candidate that you can reach with a short Tram B ride.
A very lovely park with a pretty little chateaux, a pond and lots of ducks.
A relatively big picnic area where you can mingle with the many students living and drooling around the park.

What’s for kids:  Peixotto is very well eqiped for kids. It has a playground, a carousel and a little lake where you can feed the ducks.

Where to buy snacks: There is a big Casino market just next to the park at  412 Cours de la Libération. Or just go-ahead to the fancy market at the Forum.

Are you familiar with any other green spots in the city where you like to spend time with your friends? Please share your ideas in the comments below 🙂

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The full map of top picnic places in Bordeaux