20 Unconventional Ways to Experience Bordeaux

The Rise of Alternative Tourism

Introduction

My Camino de Santiago walking retreat guests often ask me if it is worth visiting Bordeaux before or after their retreat. “Of course it is,” I answer, with unshakeable conviction, “Have a look at my 10 Must-do’s while in Bordeaux-page if you need to convince yourself.”

Sometimes they reply, “But I’ve been there several times already, I’ve seen and done everything!”

“No, you haven’t,” I reply. “I bet I can name at least 20 things/places that you haven’t done or seen yet.”

“Name them!”

So I did, and I published my list in this blog post.

As you may know, most people go to Bordeaux for the wine tours and magnificent architecture (which are absolutely fantastic, don’t get me wrong!) As someone who’s passionate about alternative tourism, I’ve pulled together a collection of unique experiences that’ll show you a completely different side of Bordeaux.

Think secret underground caves, dawn fishing trips with locals, and rooftop beekeeping – the kind of stuff that’ll make your friends say “Wait, you did what in Bordeaux?” These aren’t your typical tourist activities, and that’s exactly what makes them special. Some are easy to book, while others might need a bit of long-in-advance planning and local connection-making, but I promise they’re worth the effort.

I’ve included both organised activities you can easily sign up for and some more adventurous options that’ll require both research and creative planning. The goal here is to help you create memories that go beyond the standard tourist photos (though you’ll definitely get some amazing shots along the way!)

Ready to discover a different side of Bordeaux?

Here are 20 unique ways to experience Bordeaux beyond the typical wine tours and magnificent city centre:

1. Take a street art tour through the Bassins à Flot district, where massive murals transform former industrial buildings into an open-air gallery. Don’t miss the submarine base turned cultural center Bassin des Lumières with its striking installations.
2. Join local foragers hunting for edible plants in the Parc aux Angéliques, learning about traditional Bordelais wild herbs and their culinary uses. End with a picnic of your findings.
3. Explore the underground quarries in Lormont, where limestone was extracted to build Bordeaux’s historic buildings. These eerily beautiful caves offer a completely different perspective on the city’s architecture.
4. Visit the “Water Mirror” at sunrise when local tai chi practitioners gather, creating a mesmerizing scene of silhouettes against the world’s largest reflecting pool.
5. Take a kayak trip through the Port of the Moon at night, paddling under illuminated bridges while learning about the city’s maritime history from your local guide. Kayak trips can be booked through Bordeaux Canoë or Les Kayakistes de Bordeaux.
6. Participate in a canelé-making workshop in a historic bakery, learning the secrets behind these iconic rum-and-vanilla pastries that few tourists ever master. Canelé workshops are offered by several cooking schools – La Table de Cana and L’atelier des Chefs are good starting points.
7. Join the “Trotinette” (electric scooter) night tours through empty streets, experiencing famous monuments without the daytime crowds. Electric scooter tours are available through companies like Bordeaux by Bike or BordeauxE.
8. Visit the Darwin Ecosystem, an alternative community in former military barracks, featuring urban agriculture, skateparks, and the largest organic restaurant in France. Visits can be booked directly through their website (darwin.camp)
9. Take a bike tour of Bordeaux’s hidden courtyards, accessing private spaces normally closed to the public through special arrangements with local residents.
10. Join a local fishing community for early morning lamprey fishing on the Garonne River, learning about this ancient local delicacy still prized in Bordelais cuisine.
11. Experience a sound bath meditation session in Saint-Michel Basilica‘s bell tower, combining medieval architecture with modern wellness practices – check their calendar or contact them directly.
12. Participate in a “photos vs sketches” challenge, where you team up with local artists to capture the same scenes through different mediums.
13. Join the “marché des capucins” before dawn to help vendors set up their stalls, earning your breakfast through authentic local interaction.
14. Take a sustainable fashion tour through Le Chartrons district, visiting upcycling workshops and vintage stores housed in 18th-century wine warehouses.
15. Participate in a grapevine adoption program in a small family vineyard, receiving updates and wine throughout the year from “your” vines. Grapevine adoption programs are offered by several small vineyards around Bordeaux – search for “parrainage de vignes Bordeaux.”
16. Join local urban beekeepers maintaining hives on city rooftops, learning about honey production while enjoying spectacular views. For urban beekeeping experiences, contact “Les Ruchers Bordelais.”
17. Take part in a “ghost sign” photography workshop, hunting for and documenting faded vintage advertisements on old building facades.
18. Experience a “blind wine tasting” dinner in complete darkness at a former wine cellar, guided by visually impaired sommeliers.
19. Join a botanical art class in the Jardin Public, learning to create prints using local plants and traditional techniques.
20. Participate in a historical reenactment of 18th-century merchant life at Place de la Bourse, complete with period costumes and trading scenarios.

To book any of these activities, the Bordeaux Tourist Office (bordeaux-tourism.co.uk) is a great first point of contact – they can often connect you with local guides and organisations.

At the time I published this post, these activities were available, although some obviously are seasonal. I cannot guarantee that they will be available indefinitely.

I chose the items on my list to reflect my interest in alternative tourism. Not just ecotourism and the preservation of our natural habitat, but specifically an alternative way to visit cities like Bordeaux in more meaningful ways.

Apart from Ecotourism, what is Alternative Tourism?

Alternative tourism is a response to the negative impacts of mass tourism, offering a more sustainable, responsible, and authentic travel experience that values environmental preservation and local culture maintenance. It is also referred to as responsible travel, ethical tourism, or anti-tourism.

Key Aspects of Alternative Tourism:

• Focus on Sustainability Alternative tourism emphasises both environmental and cultural sustainability, aiming to minimise negative impacts.
• Unique Experiences It seeks to provide tourists with deeper and more meaningful experiences, moving away from conventional itineraries.
• Community Involvement Alternative tourism often involves local inhabitants, ensuring they directly benefit from these tourism activities.
• Respect for Local Values It respects the values of local people, fostering encounters and exchanges that initiate worthwhile interchanges.

Types of Alternative Tourism:

• Ecotourism Focuses on sustainably visiting natural areas, emphasizing environmental conservation and education.
• Rural Tourism Involves visiting rural areas to experience countryside life and participate in agricultural activities, helping revitalise local economies and preserve rural traditions.
• Cultural Tourism Centers on exploring local cultures through visits to historical sites, museums, and cultural events, promoting the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Community Tourism Is managed by local communities, allowing them to directly control and benefit from tourism activities, promoting community autonomy and sustainable development.

Why would you want to explore Bordeaux alternatively?

Deeper Cultural Understanding
When you engage with locals through activities like dawn market setups or fishing trips, you experience the city’s authentic daily rhythms and traditions. You’re not just observing the culture, you’re participating in it. This gives you insights into how people actually live in Bordeaux, rather than just seeing the polished tourist version.

Unique Personal Stories
Think about it – while classic photos of the Place de la Bourse are beautiful, imagine telling friends about the time you helped harvest honey from city rooftops, or learned ancient pastry secrets from a local baker. These experiences create more memorable and meaningful stories that stand out from typical tourist narratives.

Avoiding Overtourism
Popular sites like Saint-André Cathedral and the Cité du Vin can get incredibly crowded, especially during peak season. By seeking out alternative experiences, you not only avoid the crowds but also help distribute tourism’s impact more evenly across the city.

Local Economic Support
When you participate in smaller, locally-run activities like urban farming at Darwin or artisan workshops, you’re often supporting small businesses and community initiatives rather than large tourist operations. This helps preserve the city’s authentic character and supports local innovation.

Personal Growth
Stepping out of the standard tourist routine often pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s joining a French tai chi session at dawn or exploring underground quarries, these experiences can be more challenging but ultimately more rewarding than following a standard guidebook itinerary.

Discovering Current Culture
While Bordeaux’s historical sites are impressive, alternative tourism lets you experience the city’s contemporary culture – its street art, sustainability initiatives, creative communities, and modern interpretations of traditions. This shows you how Bordeaux lives and breathes today, not just how it looked centuries ago.

How would Bordeaux benefit if you explored the city alternatively?

Alternative tourism offers several significant benefits to local communities, focusing on sustainable development and meaningful experiences. The main benefits include:

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation: Alternative tourism stimulates local economies by creating diverse employment opportunities in various sectors such as hospitality, tour operations, and local artisanship, which keeps the city alive.
2. Cultural Preservation and Exchange: By promoting interest in local traditions, customs, and historical sites, alternative tourism encourages the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage. It also facilitates cultural exchange between visitors and locals, promoting mutual understanding and breaking down stereotypes.
3. Environmental Conservation: Alternative tourism, particularly ecotourism, supports conservation efforts by raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging sustainable practices.
4. Community Development and Infrastructure Improvement: Revenue generated from alternative tourism can be reinvested in local infrastructure, including transportation networks. This improves the quality of life for residents while enhancing visitor experiences.
5. Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The tourism industry encourages small businesses and local entrepreneurship, allowing us to create unique services and products. This diversifies the local economy and promotes self-sufficiency.

Alternative tourism models can create a positive impact on local communities while providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travellers.

Final Thoughts

While Bordeaux’s renowned wines and UNESCO-listed architecture will always be spectacular draws, these alternative experiences offer something truly special – a chance to weave yourself into the city’s living, breathing present rather than just admiring its tapestried past. Whether you’re harvesting honey above the rooftops, paddling through the Port of the Moon under starlight, or learning centuries-old recipes in historic bakeries, you’ll connect with the real Bordeaux and its people in ways that most visitors never do.

Remember, some of these experiences might require advance planning, a dash of French language skills, or a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But that’s often where the magic happens, right? The most memorable travel stories rarely come from following the typical tourist trail.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to local organisations, use the tourist office as a resource, or simply start conversations with Bordelais who share your interests. You might just find that these unconventional adventures become the highlights of your trip, giving you not just photos and memories, but real connections and a deeper understanding of this magnificent city.

So go ahead – dare to explore Bordeaux differently. The city’s hidden side is waiting for those curious enough to seek it out.

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