Climbing silos, taking a wine bath... Our 12 ideas for unusual activities in Bordeaux

Using historic silos in the Bassins à Flot district to create climbing routes is the idea behind VertiGina, which bills itself as "the highest urban climbing site in France." It offers 24 climbing routes, including 11 routes reaching up to 33 meters high. All of this is spread over several levels of difficulty, for beginners and pros alike.

VertiGina is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., without reservation, at a rate of 20 euros per day (plus possible equipment rental up to 5 euros); however, for those who have never climbed before, a one-hour introductory session is necessary. Four sessions per day are scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and cost 29 euros. Detailed practical information on vertigina.com .

2 Playing golf on a rooftop

The UCPA Sport Station complex opened in 2023 in the new Brazza district, on the right bank. A special feature of this temple of indoor sports is that you can play golf on the rooftop, rooftop version. While the driving range is currently undergoing technical maintenance, the approach area remains accessible, and you can still have fun on the nine-hole mini-golf course, with a view of the Cité du Vin and the Chaban-Delmas bridge. Individual golf lessons start at 54 euros, for two from 72 euros. A mini-golf session, without reservation, costs 8 euros (6 euros for children under 12). Open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information on the UCPA Sport Station website .

Honoring local products... right down to the bath. At 44 allées de Tourny, the Wine Beer Spa offers wine or beer baths, where tastings are also possible. From 52 euros for an hour of relaxation. Tel. 07 62 53 51 60.

Want to know how the iconic water mirror opposite the Place de la Bourse works? It's an understatement to say that the underground machinery is impressive, with its 800 m³ reservoir and 900 injector system. Guided tours take place every Friday in August (except the 15th, which is a public holiday) at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., at a single price of 9 euros. Book online . Note that it is also possible to visit, at the same price, the underside of the Girondins monument on the Place des Quinconces, every Thursday in August at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., and Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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Who said you have to wait until October to get into a Halloween atmosphere? The Hostel escape game, located at 9, rue Dumont-d'Urville in Bordeaux-Lac, offers horrific scenarios within a hotel, where the tenants are tormented spirits, a clown wanting to be understood, a particularly sadistic psychopath or even a presenter looking for his biggest fans. From 90 euros (two or three players). Tel. 05 24 84 10 10.

Between general knowledge tests, musical quizzes or games to unmask an imposter, the Quiz Room Bordeaux offers various options on rue Lucien-Faure, in the atmosphere of a television set where the questions follow one another. There is even a quiz dedicated to songs from Disney films for the summer, until July 31! To organize a session, you must be at least four people and be 14 years old or older (a version adapted for children from 8 years old is available). The Quiz Room is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The price list varies depending on the number of participants and the number of games chosen, from 23 to 33 euros per person (9 to 15 euros for children). Details and reservations online .

Whether you're looking for a sightseeing tour or something more specific, there's no shortage of nighttime outings to explore or rediscover the Gironde capital. These include a two-hour guided tour of the main monuments and sites in the historic center, with or without a tasting session (wine, cheese, and charcuterie) of your choice. From 30 euros (20 euros for those under 18), every evening at 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. Book online .

You can also be tempted by a guided tour around the "Mysteries of Bordeaux": at nightfall, between Saint-Michel and Pey-Berland, there will be talk of mummies, werewolves and even witch hunts... Based on historical anecdotes, and for young and old. Allow a little less than two hours for this tour which will take place Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. From 14 euros. Book online .

Other thematic events take place, such as free visits to the Bastide Botanical Garden, either in the early evening (8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.) or from 10 p.m., to discover the plants and trees there in a different way. Until August 20, duration 1 hour 30 minutes, reservations recommended at 05 56 52 18 77. Details of slots online .

Finally, the Cathedra association will offer a night tour of Saint Andrew's Cathedral on Friday, August 22, starting at 8:30 p.m. Prices are free, reservations can be made on the Cathedra website .

No need to go to the Médoc to surf: in Bordeaux, just go to the Wave surf café . An artificial wave is installed in this establishment, located at 170, cours du Médoc. For a discovery session (five minutes of explanatory video, thirty-five or fifty minutes of skiing), it costs 27 or 29 euros. Tel. 09 83 29 67 74.

While cat cafes are widespread in France, their version for leporids is less so. In Bordeaux, there is one: Usagi Coffee [usagi means rabbit in Japanese, editor's note]. Located at 6, rue Achard, this cafe welcomes animals from the Charente-Maritime association La Maison de Locky . To access the enclosure, the establishment offers packages for €8.90 or €12.90. Tel. 07 78 34 41 69.

For those who would like to try a Canadian experience while staying in Bordeaux, what could be better than axe throwing? It is possible to discover this discipline at Burdi , located in Hangar 18 in Bacalan. Open every afternoon, except Monday. Price for a one-hour session: 15 or 17 euros. Contact: [email protected] or 05 56 45 32 35.

Have fun while doing a good deed? It's possible thanks to the Sensas sensory trails in Bacalan, which are celebrating the 1990s this summer. Focusing on the five senses, they allow visitors to step into the shoes of people with disabilities, particularly visual impairments. They also raise funds for disability-related organizations. Prices: adults, €29; children, €25. Tel. +33 6 35 62 46 28.