With its mild temperatures and colorful nature, the month of May has everything to please the people of Bordeaux! It’s the perfect time for bike rides, day trips to explore the surrounding villages, and weekends at the most beautiful beaches in the West! We also enjoy open-air venues and terraces for a glass of wine at the end of the day, followed by the magnificent parks of the “Sleeping Beauty”! And the icing on the cake: wonderful activities await you!
Give in to temptation at Bordeaux’s first international chocolate festival
Calling all foodies: the first edition of the ShowColat Festival, an international event dedicated to bean-to-bar chocolate, is coming to Bordeaux. Head to the Palais de la Bourse to discover more than 90 of the world’s most renowned chocolatiers , as well as workshops and an immersive chocolate museum . With free admission, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious and convivial experience.
Among the highlights of May in Bordeaux, one musical event is already drawing all the attention. At the end of May, the city hosts Brunch Eletronik, which transforms the downtown area into a true open-air stage. With a lineup featuring names like Amelie Lens, Eric Prydz, and Kungs, the event promises two days filled with techno, house, and more melodic performances. Beyond the concerts, the experience is also about the overall atmosphere— sunny days , relaxation areas, food, and installations designed to let you enjoy the moment in a different way. An event that naturally stands out as a must-see in May in Bordeaux!
Relive the epic story of the Titanic as if you were there! The Musée Mer Marine offers a fascinating virtual reality experience: explore the luxury of the ocean liner in 1912 before discovering the mystery of its wreck 4, 000 meters below the surface. A journey through time blending emotion and technology—not to be missed.
Cheer on the UBB during the semifinals
May marks the final stretch of the Rugby Champions Cup. Having qualified for the semifinals,Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) will face Bath on Sunday, May 3, at Stade Atlantique. It’s the perfect opportunity to cheer on our team live and feel the excitement from the stands.
Go to the Opera for free
The Bordeaux Opera invites curious visitors of all ages to the Tous à l’Opéra festival. A national-scale event where you can attend workshops and guided tours for free. With the theme “Youth,” this 19th edition aims to makethe world of opera more accessible, including to young audiences.
Uncover treasures at Quinconces
Bargain hunters and history buffs, mark your calendars! The traditional spring flea market is taking over Place des Quinconces from April 24 to May 10. With over 250 vendors, it’s the perfect opportunity to unearth treasures, from vintage furniture to rare items. Don’t miss this must-see event to stock up on gems in Bordeaux!
Take flight at the Festival du Vent in Talmont-sur-Gironde
In May, the charming village of Talmont-sur-Gironde hosts a top-notch festival: the Festival du Vent. With kites taking center stage, this event promises a fun-filled time where young and old alike marvel at this colorful aerial spectacle. In addition to enjoying a stroll through the heart of the village, fun workshops are also planned for children.
Get swept away by the sound of a candlelit concert
If summer often begins with the sounds of the Fête de la Musique, why not celebrate the arrival of spring with a tribute to the fourth art? With the return of sunny days, Candlelight Spring offers a special edition of its candlelit concerts, enhanced by a unique floral ambiance. In this enchanting setting, the melodies take on a new dimension, offering a unique sensory experience. Let yourself be carried away by Jean-Jacques Goldman’s greatest hits or Hans Zimmer’s iconic compositions , performed by talented musicians.
This month, treat yourself to a unique immersive experience. A screening of films from the Disney+ platform paired with a six-course menu to enjoy during key scenes. In May and June, Taste the Screen Bordeaux invites you to dive into the worlds of The Lion King, Coco, and The Greatest Showman!
Spend a free, active Sunday in a park in Bordeaux
Want to get moving with the return of the sun? Starting May 10, the City of Bordeaux is relaunching its “Sports Sundays.” This free program lets you participate in outdoor fitness sessions at three iconic locations: the Parc Bordelais, the Jardin Public, and the Jardin Botanique. An ideal activity to get some fresh air, whether you’re young or old!
Green up your home during the Great Plant Sale
Fancy a bit of greenery? The urban garden center Plantes Pour Tous is hosting a Big Plant Sale in May in Bordeaux. What’s in store: over 150 varieties of houseplants starting at €0.99, ranging from the most delicate to those that require little maintenance. A selection that should let you find just what you’re looking for, whether you have a green thumb or not.
Head to the Bordeaux International Fair
This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events in Gironde: the Bordeaux International Fair is making its grand return from May 22 to 31. Over ten days, more than 170,000 visitors are expected to explore the 190,000 m² of exhibition space, meet the many exhibitors in attendance, and enjoy a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Dive into pop culture at Bordeaux Geekfest
Running parallel to the International Fair is the region’s must-see 100% Pop Culture event. For its 12th edition, Bordeaux Geekfest returns with over 200 exhibitors and 14 themed areas. Whether you’re a cosplay fan, a video game enthusiast, a concert lover, or curious to attend exciting conferences, the program promises plenty of surprises. Not to mention an immersive spaceport awaits you for a weekend-long journey into space!
Stroll through Bordeaux’s museums during Museum Night
This Saturday, May 23, let your imagination run wild and discover something new with the return of Museum Night. For this edition, 13 cultural institutions in Bordeaux—from the must-see Museum of Fine Arts to the immersive architecture of the Bassin des Lumières and the Cité du Vin—are coming together to offer a unique experience. From 6 p.m. to midnight, visitors can enjoy a special program andunique activities designed for the occasion—all free of charge. A poetic nighttime stroll not to be missed.
Watch the Champions Cup final on the giant screen
This Saturday, May 23 at 3:45 p.m., the atmosphere of a big game takes over the Chaban-Delmas Stadium for the Champions Cup final betweenUBB and Leinster. A giant Fan Zone (accessible to people with reduced mobility) will be set up starting at 2:15 p.m. to cheer on the Boxers. For the occasion, 20,000 free tickets are available on ubbrugby.com. Ticket sales open for season ticket holders on Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m., and for the general public on Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. A must-see event for all rugby fans!
Join the Pride Parade
Place des Quinconces comes alive again this May with the return of the long-awaited Pride Parade. As every year, the colorful parade will start at Quinconces and end at Rive Droite. The program features the traditional giant floats, music, food and drinks, and above all, an unbeatable atmosphere.
Soak up the art at the Échappée Belle festival
From May 28 to 31, the Échappée Belle festival returns to Blanquefort with an original program dedicated to street arts and performances for young audiences. This must-see event in the Bordeaux metropolitan area features shows, workshops, and activities for all ages, with over 4,000 schoolchildren expected to attend. A highlight to share with family or friends just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux!
Spend an unforgettable evening on a houseboat
This May, why not discover Bordeaux from a new perspective by treating yourself to an enchanting getaway on the water? Between gourmet cruises and magical evenings, step aboard a luxury barge to experience a timeless moment. An essential stop for anyone who wants to fully enjoy the mild summer nights.
