When you hear Bordeaux, the main thing that pops into everyone’s mind is wine and wine not, right? Might not be my favourite drink but I try to find some positives… we always aim to find 3 favourite things about each city we visit with dogs… Parks, craft beer and bakeries. Some cities do better than others but this has been our close favourite. And I guess this time around we have to add some dog friendly vineyards and chateau!
Bordeaux is full of beautiful parks and dog areas where you can enjoy beautiful walks with your dog. Whether it’s for a quiet stroll, a play session or an opportunity to socialize with other dogs, there is a perfect place for everyone. Dog bins and poo bags can be found randomly but also pretty much anywhere so there shouldn’t be an excuse, but it’s become my pet peeve to see how lazy people have become and don’t clean up after their dogs. Don’t be that mate!
Not only you can enjoy some green spaces, but also some amazing views…
- The Public Garden/ Jardin Public is a gem in the heart of Bordeaux, offering a beautiful setting for a walk with your dog. Stroll along the paths lined with colorful flowers, explore the peaceful corners of the garden and enjoy the vast lawns. Little lake surrounding the area and if your dog is like our Max, you know to keep away… A poor boy is still haunted by swooping swan experience from a few years ago. A small section of the park has areas dedicated to the pooches, where they can let off steam and play (near Rue de la Course).
- Palmer Park – Located in Cenon, near Bordeaux, Park Palmer is a true paradise for dogs and their human companions. You will find vast meadows, wooded trails and even a fenced dog area where your dog can socialize with other pooches. Take advantage of this green oasis to spend quality time with your dog. Make sure you wear proper boots as often the terrain can be muddy.
- Bois de Bordeaux – located near Le Lac and a local stadium, park consists of a wooded area and walking trails and is a popular walking spot for dog owners and casual walkers. With a scenic trail that circles the lake, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll while admiring the beautiful scenery of Ecologic reserve. Be sure to follow the park’s rules regarding dogs on leashes to ensure a pleasant experience for all. Free Parking available near the paddocks at the entry gate to the park.
- Park Bordelais is a must-see for dog owners in Bordeaux. With its wide expanses of grass, shaded paths and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk with your dog. Enjoy the tree-lined paths and rest areas to unwind together. Just be aware of parks’ closing time – I kid you not – we were told to “get out”!
- Botanic Gardens on the north side of the river Garonne, adjoining the Parc aux Angeliques you can find yourself strolling through the botanical gardens. Perfect place for a picnic or just a short visit and dogs allowed on the lead.
- Sainte Catherine Hermitage Park/Parc de L’Ermitage built on a former industrial wasteland, this is another great space to walk your dog. This park is located on the banks of the river Garonne and home to a variety of flora and fauna. Many trails crisscrossing the park that will eventually lead you to the open area overlooking the lake.
- Bourran Park/Parc de Bourran is an unexpected gem between the parks, however not the easiest one to get to from the North of the river. Plenty of wildlife and huge lake surrounding the area. Perfect spot for sundowners or picnics. Good venue for casual stroll or jogging.
Cafe/bakeries: truth to be told, the French are not known for their coffees but for their amazing pastries ( and for Matt it’s hard to find one he wouldn’t like!) and if Matt wasn’t an Aussie, we probably wouldn’t have this recommendation list but here we are if you fancy a decent brew!
- Books and coffee – more than your regular coffee spot, if you are looking for a brunch place with some cool deco, very dog friendly and you will find something for everyone…
- Oven heaven – small but cute coffee shop near market hall, own bakery within, dog and dino friendly, enjoy your flat white (a secret favourite of mine)
- Land and Monkeys Remparts – ethical and vegan bakery, if you fancy something different than the usual French pastries – the cinnamon roll is pretty good
- Boulangerie Maison Lasserre – an old petrol station has found new life and there is nothing we don’t like about this place and location… lovely pastries, decent pre-made baguette and bread selection
- Boulangerie Artisanale La Labo – wide selection of pastries and pre-made baguettes for lunches etc.
Craft Beer/ Wine Bars: it wouldn’t be a proper destination without your own list of where to bring your dog.
- Le bar a Vin – dog friendly and very knowledgeable staff – you can get yourself a few glasses of decent wine and not break a bank
- Le Sur Mesure Bordeaux – another dog friendly bar with indoor and outdoor seating area, wide selection of craft beer on tap, gets fairly busy in the evenings
- Au Bon JaJa – a little wee spot on the corner is a bistro & wine merchant with a certain quirky appeal. Open only Monday to Friday, the owner of this little venue is a very friendly and chatty man that is happy to provide expertise on their selection of wine from all over the region to compliment your food choices.
- Darwin – a former disused barracks, this popular hot spot is a stone away from the river Garonne. Darwin Eco centre has so much to offer. From use of the skate parks, to a restaurant, bakery and micro-winery, it attracts a wide range of people keen to brunch, remote working/networking or plainly meeting friends over a drink. You won’t go wrong with ordering a lunchtime pizza to keep you full – you can also throw in some nice delicious pastry or local chocolate.
- Canard Street Bordeaux – the menu has a wide selection of duck in every form, from fois grass to duck burger or duck poutine – the choice is yours
- Backyard Brique House – bit of Retro feel (maybe too red and orange) but you’re instantly transported into 1995 with a price tag of 2025, with a decent beer/food menu, this place is hard to miss. Great outdoor/indoor area, dog friendly and you can order from your table without leaving your bougie chair.
Markets: it wouldn’t be very French if we have not recommended any fresh produce, fish or meat selection market place and where to go.
- Marché des Capucins daily market (except Sunday) – Long-established market offering local produce, cheese & wine, plus prepared foods & coffee. Anything you can think of, they probably have it.
- Marché des Quais – Sunday Market with lots of prepared food stalls and fresh produce from fruit and veg to honey and wine. Fancy grabbing late breakfast? Last minute lunch prep? This place has you covered.
Transport is very easy to use and navigate, paper or online tickets available at the touch of the button (ticket machine at every stop). Line A (airport to the city centre) in 30 mins – one ticket costs 1.80 for 60 mins travel time.
Do you want to explore dog friendly wineries or dog beaches along the coast. We have got you! Follow our weekend trip to explore the beaches and visit the biggest sand dunes in Europe Dune of Pilat or a slightly more sophisticated trip to Medoc.