Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Bordeaux’s vibrant bar scene — think sunset cocktails, live music, and dancing under the stars. In this updated list, you’ll find the best outdoor bars in Bordeaux, from laid-back riverfront spots to the most stunning rooftop bars in Bordeaux.
✨ Planning a trip to Bordeaux? Don’t miss these two essentials:
🗺️ 5-Day Itinerary: The ultimate guide to Bordeaux + two amazing day trips (Saint-Émilion & Arcachon).
📍 Bordeaux Map: A custom Google map with all the best bars, restaurants, and attractions pinned!
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! 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 come from all over the world and create a laid-back party atmosphere. You can see their program here.
Where: ZA Quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Wed – Sun
Les Chantiers de la Garonne
Just next door to Chez Alriq, you can find one of Bordeaux’s best-hidden gems: Les Chantiers de la Garonne. This old hangar has been transformed into a sailing club and a restaurant with one of the best outdoor spaces in Bordeaux. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, the restaurant features an outdoor area that feels like a real beach. Low wooden tables are scattered over fine white sand, adorned with fresh seafood and cold bottles of white wine.
Where: 21 Quai de Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux / When: open daily, see the hours here.
Mama Shelter – THE Bordeaux rooftop
Mama Shelter is likely the most popular summer rooftop bar in Bordeaux. Its funky design and original cocktails contribute to its appeal, but the prime location also plays a significant role. Situated next to Cathedral Saint André, it offers one of the best views of the city. For evening visits, booking in advance is recommended. 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.
Les Planches Éphémères
Les Planches Éphémères is a huge outdoor bar located next to Le Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux, offering a refreshing and relaxing experience near the Bordeaux Lake. The venue features two bars, a DJ set, a giant screen, and a vast chill-out area under the trees. You’ll also find food spaces, a stage, musical programming, pétanque, and various seasonal activities. The place is open every day until September 14.
Where: Rue Jean Samazeuilh, Parc des expositions, 33000 Bordeaux / When: open daily from May 15 to Sep 14.
The Rooftop of UCPA Sport Station
The UCPA Sport Station Bordeaux is a vibrant multisport complex and community hub. It offers a variety of activities, from sports and concerts to exhibitions and DJ sets. Located on the Brazza docks, this transparent building features facilities for squash, fitness, climbing, and escape games. The highlight is the rooftop, complete with a golf and minigolf practice area, perfect for relaxing in the sun before, during, or after your activities. See the program of events here.
Where: 10 Rue Charles Chaigneau, 33100 Bordeaux / When: open daily, see hours.
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.
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. Reservations are highly recommended.
Where: 28 Rue Achard, 33300 Bordeaux / When: open daily – see hours on their Facebook page
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 with daily life concerts and DJ sets. The bar 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 during the summer season, 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.
Sasha sur le Toit – Sunset cocktails with a view
Sasha is a chic rooftop bar perched above the docks of Bacalan, offering stunning views of the Garonne and the Chaban-Delmas bridge. The vibe is relaxed early in the week and turns festive with DJ sets on weekends. Expect great cocktails, Mediterranean-style tapas, and an unbeatable sunset backdrop.
Where: 88 Quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux / When: Mon–Fri from 6pm, Sat–Sun from 3pm
Bien Public – A new cultural terrace on the Right Bank
Located in the up-and-coming Belvédère district, Bien Public is one of the coolest new summer venues in Bordeaux. This massive space combines a rooftop terrace, bar, gallery, and concert venue, with regular DJ sets, art events, and vintage markets. It’s perfect for weekend drinks with a creative twist.
The only downside? It’s a bit trickier to reach without a car — depending on where you’re coming from, it might take two buses.
Where: 68 Quai Deschamps, 33100 Bordeaux / When: Thu–Sat evenings, Sun from noon.
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 best part, however, is the outdoor area! Plenty of tables are spread out 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.
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
Canopée Café in Merignac
If you want to avoid the city center, Canopée Café in Merignac is a great option! It has an indoor restaurant (open for lunch and dinner) and a chic rooftop with a huge selection of cocktails and a pétanque court, called the Bodega. Located in Merignac’s industrial zone, it lacks the views of Bordeaux’s rooftop bars but is stylish and has plenty of parking. For groups of 15 or more, booking is required. See more details here.
Where: Face Mérignac Soleil, 1 Chemin de Pouchon, 33700 Mérignac / When: The rooftop is open Mon to Sat, see hours here.
Moxy Terrace
Moxi, a 3-star hotel next to the Bacalan market, offers a terrace with a light, fun, and unpretentious vibe. The bar features a chic, kid-friendly interior and a lively outdoor space. Like many summer bars, Moxi hosts numerous live shows and DJ sets. Check out their program here.
Where: 25 Quai du Maroc, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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More fun things to do in Bordeaux during the summer season!
The Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux
Best things to do in Bordeaux this summer
The best places to visit in Arcachon
Best beaches near Bordeaux
Wine tasting in Bordeaux
Night markets in the SW of France
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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