Conceived in partnership with the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre , the Boucle Verte is France’s very first metropolitan GR. It crosses 17 communes and links the most beautiful green spaces in the metropolis: forests, ecological reserves, urban parks, riverbanks and lakes. This 160km GR around Bordeaux runs from north to south, from Les Barails to Les Bassins à flot, from the Chaban-Delmas bridge to Bègles via the right bank.
Fully accessible by public transport, the GR can be explored by the day, over a weekend or over several days. For the more motivated, it’s possible to do the whole tour in 8 to 10 days, with stages of 10 to 20 km depending on your preferences. A great adventure just a streetcar or TER ride away.
Unusual stops along the way
For those who want to extend the adventure, 11 suburban refuges line the Loop. Free of charge, with no water or electricity, these contemporary and poetic cabins offer the perfect setting for a disconnected night. Some are perched in the trees, others on the edge of a lake or in the heart of a clearing. Available from spring to autumn, they are very popular and require online booking.
And to cool off? There are several bathing spots close to the trail, such as the supervised beaches at Lac de Bordeaux (Bruges) and Lac de Bègles. Ideal for a picnic break and a dip after a few kilometers.
Between nature, culture and lively neighborhoods : 160km of GR trails around the metropolis
Along the way, you’ll find a succession of landscapes: woods, marshes, agricultural areas, urban wastelands and neighborhoods in the throes of transformation. To make the walk even more surprising, the Compagnie des Petites Secousses offers artistic performances throughout the summer: giant puppets, sound installations, dance… all suspended moments that add a poetic touch to the walk. Some events require booking.
Whether you’re an avid walker, a lover of strolls or just curious in search of a summer like no other, the Boucle Verte invites you to explore the metropolis in a different way. Without a car, without leaving Bordeaux, but with a real taste of adventure!