Our top picks for great deals and free things to do in Bordeaux so you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank

Every first Sunday of the month is a must-see cultural event for any curious Bordeaux resident and art lover! In fact, the city’s museums offer free admission (except in July and August) to permanent exhibitions as well as certain temporary exhibitions. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit the CAPC, the Musée d’Aquitaine, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Base Sous-Marine, the Muséum de Bordeaux, or the Jardin Botanique.

To encourage Bordeaux residents to start cycling, the city offers residents the chance to borrow a bike for free. The only requirements: you must be an adult and live in one of Bordeaux’s municipalities. And since trying it is like adopting it, the free loan of standard bicycles is available for a period of 10 months, while e-bikes and specialty bikes (cargo bikes, folding bikes, tricycles, tandems, and push bikes) are available for a period of 2 months. So, are you into sports or not?

Come laugh your head off for free atthe Engrenage Comedy Club! Every Tuesday and Wednesday (at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.), discover six different comedians in a unique setting for an hour of hilarious entertainment! Reservations are free, and donations are accepted to support the artists. On the agenda: laughter, surprises, and a friendly atmosphere just a stone’s throw from Gambetta!

Brush up on your classics and scales! The Bordeaux Conservatory lets you attend a concert for free. With just a reservation, immerse yourself in the world of classical music (or not) at unique concerts. Chamber orchestra, piano recitals, electroacoustic music, improvisations, singing, dance… You’ll be spoiled for choice. For more information on the Conservatory’s public performances, visit this website!

Nature—there’s nothing better! Enjoy a stroll in the great outdoors in Bordeaux, a city that offers the perfect setting to get away from it all without leaving town! Whether it’s at Parc de l’Ermitage, the Jardin Public, along the Garonne River, or at Parc aux Angéliques near the riverbanks, there are plenty of places to walk, picnic, or go for a jog—all for free in a beautiful, natural setting! All these lovely spots are just waiting for you!

On the right bank lies the must-see Darwin eco-neighborhood, a unique spot with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere! It’s the perfect place for Bordeaux residents looking to get away from it all, featuring an eco-citizen center that includes an art gallery, a skate school, shops selling organic and local products, and events throughout the year. There are even concerts sometimes ! Admission is free, but if you want to attend a specific event, you’ll need to buy a ticket!

The Miroir d’Eau in Bordeaux is a true masterpiece of engineering and urban art! It spans 3,450 m² and occupies a central spot in the city—and it even holds a world record! As you can see, it’s impossible to visit Bordeaux without stopping by this iconic landmark. Inaugurated in July 2006, it’s less than 20 years old, but it’s already the largest water mirror in the world! Plus, admission is completely free!

To (re)discover Bordeaux and its metropolitan area in a fun and free way, Tèrra Aventura ’s tours are the perfect activity. Using an app, embark on an outdoor treasure hunt that combines heritage, hiking, and challenges to tackle. Lormont, Gradignan, Cenon, Floirac, Pessac, Eysines, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, and Bordeaux—choose the route that appeals to you most and set off on a family adventure without spending a penny.

Did you know that an ancient 2nd-century amphitheater is located right in the heart of Bordeaux? As Bordeaux’s oldest Roman ruin, the Palais Gallien still features limestone arches and walls that once held nearly 20,000 spectators. From amphitheater to stone quarry and now a protected site, you can admire its ruins for free from Rue du Docteur Albert-Barraud and Rue du Colisée.

To stay active without spending a penny, try outdoor sports through the “Dimanches sportifs” program. Organized by the City of Bordeaux at various times of the year (usually at the start of the school year and the beginning of summer), free sports sessions are held for adults and children in the parks on Sundays.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery and want to share the experience with your family without breaking the bank, head to Gradignan. René Canivenc Park, which is open to the public free of charge, is the perfect spot to soak up nature. There, you’ll discover more than 50 species of mammals and birds, lovely trails, and information about the site’s flora and fauna.

Want to discover the latest bestseller, dive into a classic, or hone your new passion? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of Bordeaux’s libraries and media centers. The library card is completely free and lets you borrow books, comic books, and other items such as musical instruments or e-readers.

Because libraries aren’t just for reading or studying—they also host a variety of free activities. Workshops, storytime for kids, virtual reality games, meetups, and even language cafés: there’s something for every taste and every age.

If you’re looking for a free activity to enjoy the sunny days in Bordeaux, don’t miss Bordeaux Open Air. A must-attend event in Bordeaux, it transforms green spaces into giant dance floors for ultra-festive evenings. Free admission!

Because Bordeaux isn’t just about its monuments—the city is brimming with art of a different kind. Street art transforms Bordeaux’s streets into an open-air gallery that the most curious visitors will enjoy exploring. The Darwin Ecosystem, Le M.U.R., the Belcier neighborhood, the alleyways of the old town, and the Bacalan wall—set out to discover these impressive creations.