Sundays in France can be tricky for visitors, as many shops and restaurants are closed, even in bigger cities like Bordeaux. While this can sometimes make planning your day challenging, Bordeaux still offers plenty of activities and tours. It’s just about knowing where to look! That’s why I’ve put together a list of 15 great things to do on Sundays in Bordeaux. No matter the season, Bordeaux is buzzing with events like festivals and concerts. To stay in the loop with the best happenings every weekend, consider joining my email list.

If you’re short on time in Bordeaux, here are two quick and fun ways to explore the city. Try my self-guided Bordeaux audio tour, perfect for discovering key sights at your own pace. Alternatively, this cycling tour offers a scenic and active way to see Bordeaux’s highlights in just a few hours.

Best things to do in Bordeaux on Sundays

Enjoy amazing street art and amazing chocolate in Darwin 

Darwin is the coolest spot in Bordeaux! An old military base turned into an urban art and joy de vivre space, with plenty of shops, a huge boulangerie, a chocolatier, a skate park, and an incredible maze of street art.  It’s a favorite hangout for locals, especially on rainy weekends. Check out all the fun activities in Darwin on their website. 

If you want to discover more hip places in Bordeaux, check out my curated Bordeaux map.

Oysters at Marché des Quais

A Sunday noon delight in Bordeaux is savoring French Arcachon oysters at Marché des Quais. This bustling market, held every Sunday morning at Quai des Chartrons, is one of the largest and liveliest in the city, loved by locals and tourists alike. In summer, it gets quite busy, so arriving early is a good idea.

Have a brunch 

Brunch has become a beloved tradition in France, and Bordeaux is no exception. Many places offer delightful brunch menus on Sundays. Some favorites include Eriu, She and Him, Frida, Hotel Zoologie, and Miah Café. It’s best to book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.

Immersive Exhibitions at the Submarine Base

Les Bassins des Lumières is a stunning visual-arts space housed in a former WWII submarine base in Bordeaux. Since 2020, it has hosted immersive exhibitions that project artworks onto the massive walls and water-filled basins of the site. These shows have featured artists like Van Gogh, Klimt, and Dalí.

The current major exhibition, “Ocean, an immersive dive”, runs from October 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026. It plunges visitors into an underwater world with whales, sea turtles, jellyfish and more, all brought to life through huge projections and powerful soundscapes. Tickets can be booked online and the experience lasts about 1-2 hours.

Antique market in Saint Michel

Every Sunday morning, more than 80 dealers gather at the square in front of the Basilica of Saint Michel for the Brocante du Dimanche. This weekly flea market is a treasure trove where you can find everything from vintage toys to antique frames and electronic devices. For more things to do in this lively neighborhood check out my Saint Michel guide. 

Wine tasting workshop

Whether you’re a novice or a curious taster, a dedicated wine-tasting workshop in Bordeaux gives you hands-on experience with local bottles from the region. In this artilce you can find the best places offer guided tastings of Bordeaux wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, in small groups. It’s perfect for a Sunday when you feel like staying in town but doing something special.

Cultural events at Bien Public

Bien Public is a multi-space by the river offering live music, DJ sets, exhibitions and a terrace overlooking the Garonne. Drop in for brunch, stay for a show, or swing by for a scenic drink when the mood takes you—it’s a flexible Sunday option.

See an exhibition

Visiting a museum is always a great option, especially since they’re all open on Sundays. Bordeaux offers a diverse range of exhibitions and museums. Art lovers can check out CAPC or the Fine Arts Museum, while those looking to learn more about the history of the region, Musee d’Aquitaine is your go to place. Every first Sunday of the month (except July and August) entry to most museums in Bordeaux is free. For more details, read my article on the best museums in Bordeaux.

Game bars in Bordeaux

Game bars in Bordeaux are a great Sunday option when you want something fun and social without needing any planning. Most of them open during the day, so you can drop in for board games, card games, or even quick tournaments over a drink. Spots like Lila and the Barber, Jeux Barjo, Gagnant Gagnant, Le Beau Jeu, and Atelier B all offer big game libraries and a cosy, relaxed atmosphere where you can easily spend an hour or a whole afternoon.

Garonne cruise with wine & canelé

Take a relaxed cruise on the Garonne and enjoy Bordeaux from the water, a view most people never see. During the ride, you can sip a glass of local wine, taste a canelé, and watch the city’s bridges, quays, and façades glide by. It’s a simple, cosy Sunday activity that feels a bit special without needing any planning.

Cité du Vin

Cité du Vin is a must-visit attraction in Bordeaux. This iconic building, inspired by the swirling of wine in a glass, is a cultural center dedicated to the world of wine. Here, you can learn about winemaking, watch films, and even taste wines. If you’re a local who hasn’t been, it’s definitely worth a visit. You can book your tickets online or read more in my detailed guide.

If you’ve already visited Cité du Vin, the Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux offers a charming look into the region’s wine history and culture.

les Halles des Bacalan

Another great Sunday destination is Les Halles de Bacalan, a chic-covered market in the Bassin à Flot district, right across from Cité du Vin. This lively market boasts numerous stalls offering delicious food and drinks, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. It’s open until 5 PM on Sundays.

Ceramics café Outing

At FLOW Céramique Café in central Bordeaux, you can pick a blank ceramic piece and paint it while enjoying tea, coffee or a glass of wine. This relaxed creative session fits that “just get out the door and do something fun” Sunday vibe you’re going for.

Indoor sports & chill at UCPA

The UCPA Sport Station Bordeaux in the Bastide area is great for those days when you want to move but stay indoors. With climbing walls, padel courts, mini-golf, an escape game and even a rooftop bar you can mix activity and chill. A solid choice for a Sunday that flows from sport to relaxing drink.

La guinguette chez alriq

Right across from Darwin, you’ll find La Guinguette Chez Alriq, a trendy tavern along the Garonne River. This place is known for its daily live music, featuring artists from all over the world. On Sundays, they offer free afternoon concerts, making it a perfect spot to unwind with family and friends. Chez Alriq operates from May to September, so make sure to catch it in season. For places in this style, check out my guide to the best summer bars in Bordeaux.

Enjoy your Sunday adventures in Bordeaux!

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:

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*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 🙂