Here you are in Bordeaux, about to go out with your partner. But what are the best places to have a romantic time that suits you? The answer lies within this article. You’ll find my best ideas for the most romantic activities in Bordeaux to do with your lover.
1) Walking Along the Quays
What is more romantic than taking a stroll, hand in hand, along the Garonne river? The quays of Bordeaux, which went through a massive renovation, became a must-see spot in the city.
The right bank as the left one holds the promise of peacefulness and magic. Try to picture yourself the scenery…the powerful glow of the sun going down and the fiery colors of the sky that reflect in the water… A most pleasing vision.
By walking alongside the Garonne river from the left bank, you’ll see the famous Bordeaux water mirror. If you’re on the other side, you’ll be surrounded by green areas: the perfect place to have a picnic!
2) Going to an Exhibition
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Who hasn’t dreamed of having a date at the museum? In the contemplative and warm atmosphere of the room, feelings get awakened and are revealed between two works of art.
However, Les Bassins des Lumières is not, properly speaking, a museum, but rather a digital exhibition center. Indeed, paintings are projected onto the walls for an immersive experience.
The lights, the flamboyant colors and the poetry of the exhibition are the reason why the place helps getting closer with your crush or lover.
3) Dining on the Garonne River
A dinner cruise on the Garonne river: a classic activity when it comes to organizing a romantic evening.
Like in the Parisian version, have a nice time with your partner while discovering the city’s heritage.
At nightfall, the quays light up and your river stroll turns into a true poetic excursion, for your greatest enjoyment.
4) Relaxing in a Floating Center
Because life is stressful and taking care of ourselves is a necessity to keep going, you’d better share a moment of relaxation with your significant other. But you shouldn’t do so anywhere!
As they are getting more and more popular, the floating centers represent a unique way of unwinding. The Graviti establishment offers various formulas for couples and their opening hours are ideal for a nightly date. Indeed, it closes at 10.30 pm, which leaves you enough time to fully enjoy your evening.
As there will be the two of you in the same open basin, you’ll both feel carried into a world full of gentleness and lightness.
Information and booking (in French)
5) Taking a Stroll in the Majolan Park
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The sweet smell of the flowers, the singing of the birds, the lightness of the breeze in your hair, the touch of the sun on your skin…who doesn’t like going to parks?
In addition to making for a great decor for your future couple pictures, the Majolan park will truly blow your mind. It is quite something!
With its huge lake, its artificial caves and its rock bridge, the landscape reminds us of the ruins of some ancient cathedral. XIXth century enthusiasts will love it.
Located in Blanquefort, not far from Bordeaux, the place is worth it if you want to surprise your beloved.
6) Wandering in the Saint-Pierre district
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If you don’t know Bordeaux and you’re looking to discover the city with your companion, wander through the streets of the Saint-Pierre district.
It is Bordeaux’s oldest district, and the area is filled with many beautiful monuments in sculpted stones that are very pleasing to the eyes. You’ll also find the famous place de la bourse, the Sainte-Croix abbatial church as well as the Cailhau gate.
Various restaurants are located in the district, so it will be pretty easy to fill your stomach.
7) Having a snack in a cookie bar
Your partner, or even yourself, love culinary discoveries, especially desserts? Try the only cookie bar in the city.
With fifteen or so different varieties of biscuits, the bar will make your mouth water with its small flavorful cookies.
In the company of your date, you’ll stare as hungrily at the cookies as you will the person in front of you…
A romantic and gourmet moment that will enable you to discover a nice place and go out with your lover.
8) Discovering Bordeaux in a side-car
Does your couple have a passion for quirkiness? What if you discover Bordeaux differently? Get in a side-car and go for a ride with your partner and a pilot.
For an hour, you’ll go past the flagship monuments of Bordeaux: the great theater, the Big Bell, the Saint-Michel spire, etc.
It is an unusual way to spend an afternoon side by side with your beloved while visiting the city.
Information and booking (in French)
9) Having Fun Onboard Le Vogue
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Le Vogue is a floating restaurant built in a boat that will become your new favorite place to spend your evenings along with your partner.
Open for lunch and dinner until midnight, you can eat while listening to some great music from the Djs.
As a very hype place located in an idyllic environment, Le Vogue will fulfill your desires for atypical outings to maintain the passion in your couple.
10) Enjoying a Nice View on the City
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If a common passion for history is what started your relationship, climb up the Pey-Berland tower to take in the beautiful panorama of the city of Bordeaux.
Maybe you’ll be put in Quasimodo’s and Esmeralda’s shoes between the enormous bells of the tower (though I do hope that your couple will not go through such a tragic ending).
Once up, you’ll not only have your fill of beauty, but you’ll also leave with superb pictures.
11) Expending All Your Energy
Everyone says it, you’re an energetic couple that only lives for sports and challenges. So, I’ve found the perfect activity for you: an assault course.
Not the sexiest activity, true, but certainly the most original! I bet your companion will be completely astonished when you announce the news.
Cross rope bridges, take mud baths and lift up tires during this highly colorful day that will leave an amazing memory.
A good way to strengthen ties and let off steam!
Information and booking (in French)
12) Visiting the Darwin District
If you have the soul of an environmentalist, you are going to love the Darwin ecodistrict that is located on the right bank of the Garonne river.
An alternative place par excellence, in which you can brunch, admire the street art paintings and the skaters that devote themselves to their sport.
A new district full of promises and in line with its time, the Darwin district will be a good surprise for those who don’t know it, and a nice outing if you’re already familiar with the place.
The Darwin district is home to many restaurants and several events punctuate the life of this district throughout the year. Everything is made for you to have a nice time!
13) Trying a Good Cocktail in a Tapas Bar
Do you want to spend an out of the ordinary romantic evening? Then go to Bar A2 in the Chartrons district.
Agnès and Alex offer a rather dense cocktail menu that you can enjoy while eating delicious tapas.
Inspired by the different travels of the couple, those small dishes have new flavors that will make you go abroad.
In a nutshell, you are sure to have a romantic and gourmet moment.
Information and booking (in French)
14) Unwinding on the Rooftop of the Mama Shelter
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The power of the rooftops must not be underestimated, and the Mama Shelter has got it. Indeed, its rooftop is one of the busiest in Bordeaux.
If you want to go there for lunch, don’t forget to book in advance, if you don’t you can go starting 3 pm.
The establishment has an amazing view of the Saint-André cathedral.
15) Making Your Own Footstool
Rumor has it you’re soon going to move in together. So why not take advantage of this upcoming event to make your first furniture together?
Upholster the seat of your old stool or a wooden crate will be given to you and bring it back home.
Is there something more romantic than the two of you participating in the customization of a piece of furniture that might find its way to your new home?
Information and booking (in French)
16) Going to the Great Theater
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Quite cliché, but also very efficient if you wish to impress your other half.
The Bordeaux national opera offers an eclectic program which will allow you to choose what will please your partner best all year long.
Since the building itself is exceptional, the show starts before you even get in it!
Wear your prettiest clothes and spend an evening full of culture in the great theater of Bordeaux.
17) Getting Some Fresh Air in the Clozet Garden
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As a private property which is sometimes open to the public, the Clozet garden is a true piece of paradise. Walk between roses, grapevines, and the work of the artist François Didier.
There is always this little romantic something that is trapped in the gardens. You will not be making a misstep by taking your significant other here.
The perspective to stroll in the alleys of a beautiful enclosed little garden hand in hand should be enough to convince you.
18) Enjoying a Couple Massage
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Is there something better than sharing a moment of relaxation to get closer? The Escale Détente institute offers a large range of treatments and duet massages; you only have to pick the one you prefer.
Doing activities as a duo is a good way to inject enthusiasm to your relationship. And, getting a massage is beneficial for both you and your lover: if you’re both doing good, then everything is perfect!
Information and booking (in French)
19) Savoring a Meal in a Chic Restaurant
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You wish to impress your beloved by offering them an out-of-the-ordinary meal? Pull out all the stops and take them to the Point Rouge, one of the most stylish restaurants of the city.
Home to a cocktail bar, the establishment has nothing to be ashamed of. Open at night from 6 pm to 2 am, you’ll spend an unforgettable one-on-one night.
Thanks to its decor that favors intimacy, it is the perfect place to have deep discussions about your future projects together.
Information and booking (in French)
20) Having a Drink on the Quays
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The Roof is a bar located in the Chartrons district in Bordeaux. On the 8th floor of a building on the Bacalan quay, a Balinese atmospheres come with Italian flavors while the bar still has an exceptional view over the Chaban Delmas bridge.
Softened lights, exotic cocktails, Le Roof will be able to spice up your romantic evening. Let yourselves dive into the beauty of the landscape (I’m not talking about your partner) and be soothed by the delicate summer breeze… Close your eyes, you’re already there!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!