It’s completely possible to find something interesting and escape from the city without going too far. I have picked the 15 ideal destinations for a weekend with your friends, family, partner or even alone, less than 2 hours away from Bordeaux.
Table of Contents
Beaches
Royan (1h45 by car)
The city of Royan is a little gem on the French west coast.
There is a lot to do in Royan for the young and the old alike, whether it is visiting the museum, the animal park and its many life-size reproductions of dinosaurs, or sunbathing at the beach.
it is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The best located: Le Crist’Al, which is only a few steps away from the beach (prices starting at €126)
- The cheapest: The Originals Access, Hôtel Corrina, with its typical 1950s architecture (prices starting at 62€)
Arcachon (1h02 by car)
By the ocean, Arcachon is a seaside city very much appreciated by French people.
Did you know that this city is divided into four districts with the names of the four seasons?
You can do water sports such as sailing, or stroll along the beach.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: La Villa des T, to live an ideal experience near the beach (prices starting at €87)
- The most elegant: Grand Hôtel Richelieu, with its view on the beach and the sea (prices starting at €135)
Soulac-sur-mer (1h50 by car)
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This coastal town is the ideal place to spend a weekend or even several weeks of vacation.
A real paradise surrounded by nature, where you can visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology and stroll around the Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres Basilica.
If you wanted a quiet corner of nature close to the beach, you have found it.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Camping Mussonville, to enjoy a nice and well equipped wooden cabin (prices starting at €41)
- The most exotic: Hôtel l’Ecume des Jours, which is colorful and in the heart of the town (prices starting at 138€)
Biscarrosse (1h16 by car)
Not far from its seaside resort, Biscarrosse is a town with a lot to offer.
The beach, the forest, the lake and the nature are all part of its strength.
It was the cradle of “hydraviation” (a french term for the use of a seaplane) in the 1930s, hence the existence of the Musée de l’hydraviation in its heart.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The most elegant: Les Jardins de l’Océan, for a cozy vibe, close to the beach and the forest (prices starting at €80)
- The cheapest: La Maison Bisca, which is refreshing and marvelously well equipped (prices starting €36)
The Dune of Pilat (1 hour by car)
Come to the Dune of Pilat for a sporting weekend close to nature. The dune offers a beautiful and astonishing view of the forest, the dune, and the ocean.
You will either be able to climb the dune by the stairs, or even by the sand itself for the more adventurous.
At the bottom of the Dune, you will be able to swim at the Corniche Beach, or simply walk by the waterside.
For the thrill-seekers, it is even possible to paraglide over the dune (link in French) for an exceptional and unique experience and view of the Dune of Pilat and the Arcachon Bay.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Etche Ona hotel, an authentic and family-oriented establishment (from €137)
- The Ibis Arcachon-La Teste de Buch hotel, for a hotel situated near the beach (from €95)
The Petit Nice Beach (About 1 hour by car)
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The Petit Nice beach is perfect for a weekend with family, children, or seniors.
This beach is fully equipped with facilities such as restaurants, picnic areas, and playgrounds. This beach is also supervised by a lifeguard’s station.
The beach is accessible by plank paths to make access easier for disabled people. It even received the handiplage certification label, given to beaches adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Co(o)rniche hotel, for a 5-star stay near the beach (from €591)
- The Forestière hotel, with an outdoor pool which is accessible to disabled people (from €84)
Cities
La Rochelle (1h58 by car)
If you are looking for a city that is very active at night, La Rochelle is for you.
You can visit several monuments, such as the Tour de la Lanterne and the Tour de la Chaîne.
You can also visit the Musée des Automates, an experience not to be missed if you like miniature reproductions.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Hotel Alizéa, with its rustic and warm appearance (prices starting at €58)
- The best located: Hôtel La Tour de Nesle La Rochelle Vieux Port, with its incredible view overlooking the port (prices starting at €168)
Angoulême (1h27 by car)
The city of festivals, designated as a UNESCO Creative City, has plenty to wow you.
One of the city’s events is its International Comics Festival, where you can meet famous people in the field.
Of course, if you have an artist’s touch, be sure to visit the Comics Museum.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Hôtel d’Orléans, with its iconic blue facade (prices starting at €61)
- The best located: Apparthôtel Villa Côté Plateau, which is elegant and cozy studios well equipped to have a good time (prices starting at €161)
Bergerac (1h35 by car)
This city combines tradition and modernity, which can be distinguished by its singular architecture.
It is crossed by the Dordogne river, which gives it a rich heritage.
One can walk there for hours, thanks to many very charming alleyways.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The best located: L’Atypic, with its facade that blends perfectly with the historic center of the city (prices starting at €79)
- The most luxurious: B&B Le Clos d’Argenson, which is a magnificent building from the 19th century (prices starting at €250)
Pau (1h58 by train)
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Walking in the city center and enjoying the view of the mountains… What could be better?
Pau is also famous for its castle, now transformed into a museum, where King Henry IV was born.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Ostal Hôtel Pau Université, with its simple touches and calm vibes (prices starting at €59)
- The best located: Hôtel Central, in the heart of the city near the Palais Beaumont (prices starting at €69)
Cognac (1 hour 40 minutes by car)
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Cognac is situated 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Bordeaux and will be the perfect place for a weekend of visits with its 18 and 19th-century architecture and the city center’s cobblestone streets.
For cognac lovers, an alcohol with the same name as the city, you will be able to visit Cognac’s royal castle and discover the production secrets and history of this alcohol. You can also go on a guided tour of the vineyards surrounding the city.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The François Premier hotel, a 19th century building with a spa and a pool (from €193)
- The Relais du Valois, an affordable hotel near the city center (from €81)
Blaye (1 hour by car)
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Blaye welcomes you in an impressive citadel built by Vauban and listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It overlooks the Gironde estuary.
But this is not all there is. You will also find art workshops of all kinds in the city streets.
To discover Blaye’s surrounding areas, board a boat for a cruise on the Gironde estuary. You will see protected islands and vineyards.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Suites, for rental apartments with a stunning view of the city (from €82)
- The Citadelle Hotel, for a well-situated hotel with a pool and a view of the estuary (from €153)
- The St Simon Villa, for a unique B&B in a 19th-century villa (from €171)
Countryside
Château de Budos (50 minutes by car)
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Budos is a village south of Bordeaux where you can escape the hustle and bustle without going too far.
The place is full of vineyards, and you can taste different types of wines at Château de Budos, a family-owned winery.
So you can sip your wine, as well as visit the Château de Budos, a fortress degraded by time and revolution.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The closest: Domaine Cazenave, a house with a calm vibe and a large backyard (prices starting at €130)
- The cheapest: Les Ormeaux, with its elegant decoration and its warm welcome (prices starting at €93)
Hourtin (1h15 by car)
This small town on the shores of the great Hourtin Lake is ideal for a family weekend.
L’Île aux Enfants, a fun park for children, is close to many rental accommodations, and it is possible to do water sports on the lake.
it is perfect for relaxing by the water.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Camping l’Orée du Bois, to be close to nature and enjoy the calm (prices starting at €40)
- The closest: Le Village Western, an ideal option to feel on vacation (prices starting at €86)
Préchac (1h08 by car)
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In the middle of the Gironde countryside, Préchac is your target if you want to spend some time away from social media.
There are two castles to visit near Préchac, the Château de la Trave and the Château Royal de Cazeneuve.
The latter was a property of King Henry IV and Queen Margot.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The closest: Préchac Park, an elegant house from the 18th century with a decoration that honors it (prices starting at €92)
- The cheapest: Le Moulin de Caussarieu, a vacation rental surrounded by nature and by a riverbank (prices starting at €75, french website)
Saint-Macaire (55 minutes by car)
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This town which is full of small alleyways is in fact a medieval city.
The ramparts give a charm to this small town where each house has a story.
I recommend the visit of the maison-forte de Tardes, which is located in the heart of the alleyways.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The cheapest: Appart’Hôtel les Tilleuls, which is in a 16th century building with a medieval vibe (prices starting at €80)
- The calmest: L’Abricotier, a small stone house with a discreet and calm vibe (prices starting at €85)
Saint-Emilion (50 minutes by car)
For wine lovers, but not only them, come and visit Saint-Emilion, a small and typical wine village of the region.
Saint-Emilion is surrounded by vineyard estates and castles that you will be able to visit to discover the production secrets of the famous Saint-Emilion wine.
In Saint-Emilion, there are also huge underground galleries and cellars to visit.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Clos des Jacobins, for a unique stay in the middle of vineyards (from €182)
- The Logis du Roy, in the heart of Saint-Emilion (from €111)
Landes of Gascogne Regional Nature Park (40 minutes by car)
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The Landes Regional Nature Park welcomes you for a breathtaking experience close to nature.
These protected lands between the Lande forest and the Arcachon Bay are a biodiversity haven with its stretches of pines and birds.
This park is a pioneer of sustainable tourism and offers many environment-friendly activities. You will find a lot of bike paths and hiking trails. There are also water leisure parks.
To discover the park’s biodiversity, you can visit the Marquèze ecomuseum (link in French).
The local stakeholders provide a list of places and ideas for excursions to stay in the park (link in French).
The Poitevin Marshlands Nature Park (About 2 Hours by car)
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The Poitevin Marhlands Park is nicknamed the Green for its luxurious flora. It offers a getaway far from the city and is ideal for relaxing.
Board a boat to discover the rich wildlife of the Poitevin marshlands. You can also discover it by bike thanks to the many bike paths.
For animal lovers and children, come and discover a local species, the Poitou donkey, with a guided tour of the park.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The ’îlot du Chail, camping close to nature with a view of the river and a pool (from €50)
- The Mésanges hotel, for a calm and cozy stay (from €55)
Quirky
Walygator Park South-West (1h40 by car)
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If you want to spend a fun weekend with your family or friends, look no further.
There are several attractions with water, such as the Drakkar, the Radja River, or the Aquachutes.
Don’t miss the sea lion show, a perfect opportunity to relax.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The closest: Hôtel Au Colombier du Touron, in the middle of a park for more tranquility (prices starting at €84)
- The cheapest: Hôtel-Restaurant du Lac, with a modern and simple vibe (prices starting at €62)
Animalia Parc (1h25 by car)
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This park combines an adrenaline-filled physical activity with a visit full of surprises.
Try your hand at tree climbing.
During this playful course, you will be able to observe all kinds of farm animals.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The quirkiest: Le Repère du Pin Sec, with the comfort of a bed in a tent under the stars (prices starting at €19)
- The cheapest: Camping Le Ranch, which is ideal to rest after a long day (prices starting at €8, french website)
Cabaret Le Saint Sabastien (1h30 by car)
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Close to the Gironde estuary, you can find a small town with an establishment that is not to be underestimated: the Cabaret Le Saint Sabastien.
Spend your day near the water, and go to the cabaret in the evening.
you will find a show of about twenty acts, to spend two hours full of emotions.
Accommodations we recommend to stay at:
- The closest: Chai Paulette, with its simple decoration and its calm atmosphere (prices starting at €95)
- The most cozy: La Maison du Douanier, located on the banks of the Gironde with a breathtaking view (prices starting at €110)
The Lascaux Caves (2 hours by car)
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This emblematic prehistoric site welcomes you for an unparalleled archeologic trip.
The original Lascaux caves are closed to the public, but you will be able to visit them with a guide through a full replica of the caves.
Activities and interactive workshops around the cave will immerse you and your children in the Prehistory world.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Puy Robert castle, for a luxurious stay near the caves (from €144)
- The P’tit Monde hotel, for a well-situated and comfy stay (from €65)
- The Roseraie hotel, a 19th-century bourgeois house (from €134)
The Roquetaillade Castle (50 minutes by car)
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The Roquetaillade Castle (link in French) offers a unique visit in a castle with heterogeneous decor, a medieval outside, Renaissance touches, and a gothic interior space which has been refurbished by the architect Viollet-Le-Duc.
This iconic Gironde landmark organizes guided tours but also other activities such as the castle’s farm visit or discovering the tenant farm.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The Ecôtelia estate, for a unique stay in wooden cabins (from €88)
- Yellowstone, a huge holiday home inspired by the United States (from €166)
The Romaningue Cabins (34 minutes by car)
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You like nature and unique places. Don’t look any further, the Romaningues cabins will have a place for you.
The Romaningue Cabins are situated in the heart of Bordeaux vineyards on 80 hectares of land combining vineyards, cultivated land, and forests. It will offer a relaxing weekend close to nature in unique accommodations.
You will be able to stay in trailers, tree houses, or even perched bubbles for a night under the stars.
As for activities, you will be able to enjoy not only massages and spas but also playgrounds for children. Upon booking, you can also participate in a wine visit to discover the local vineyards.
Price: between €59 and €219
Bassin Aventures (53 minutes by car)
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To spend a fun and athletic weekend with friends or family, come to the treetop course park, Bassin Aventure (link in French).
You will be able to do tree climbing, an orientation circuit, and an obstacle course for young and old alike.
Several more or less difficult circuits are available to adapt to everyone’s age and physical capacity.
Accommodations we recommend staying at:
- The B&B Arcachon-Gujan Mestras hotel, close to the park (from €92)
- The Zaphira Villa, for a cozy and spacious B&B in the city center (from €100)
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!
