Bordeaux with kids

I've impulse booked a weekend away. We're off to Bordeaux.

Anyone been? Given that this is a family excursion rather than a romantic couples thing, is there plenty to keep us occupied for a weekend?

 

I don't know Bordeaux but @Busy-Lizzie maybe able to help you.

 

My first reaction was give the kids fizzy pop and keep the bordeaux for yourself!

 

It depends on the age of the kids but there's a nicely renovated bit of riverside where wine warehouses used to be that includes a skate park and a large area for walking and cycling plus one of those water mirror features with dancing fountains phased in.

Have a look here for more info: 30 things to do in Bordeaux with kids

 

When I say kids, I think they're mostly ancient souls in kids bodies. That's my diplomatic way of saying they're a bit boring, and like looking at interesting things and having cultural experiences (when we went to Spain, they were buzzing off the fact they successfully made a purchase in a shop, and successfully interacted with staff at bars and cafes when stopping for refreshments).

Castles and other ancient monuments, any really artistic architecture, and cafe / bars are likely the order of the day.

 

@Obelix-Vendée has given you a good answer and link. I haven't been to Bordeaux for years, except for the huge Ikea. My 4 children all went to Bordeaux University but they are all in their 40s now. They liked rue Sainte Catherine, the longest shopping street in Europe, but they weren't childen then. Rue Sainte-Catherine (Bordeaux) - Wikipedia

 

Here's another couple of links, Clue.....Bordeaux Travel Guide - The Ultimate Guide to Bordeaux, France
https://www.lostinbordeaux.com/what-to-do-in-bordeaux-in-april/

It's a beautiful city as long as you're not driving into the centre. There's an excellent tram system and also tuk-tuks for whizzing around sightseeing.

 

I went with Possum a few years ago and we stayed near the afore-mentioned riverfront. Parked the car and went everywhere on foot or tram till we left to take a lesiurely route home to the Vendée.

 

I won't be driving on this one. This is just a weekend city break. The French driving experience is possibly for our main summer holiday.

 

@Clueless 1 v2 The point is, if you pick a good location to stay, you can do it all on foor or by tram.

 

The hotel appears to be close to the city centre, and is right next to the tram line. The kids are bursting with excitement about this fact, because they're rail geeks.

I keep reading about tourists getting fined on public transport for not validating their tickets. I take it it's not like the UK where if you have a ticket, you're good. But I'm not sure what the procedure is in France.

 

I'd hazard a guess you have to stamp (put it in a machine) the ticket when you start your journey. I've seen this in Italy and to a small degree in parts of the UK (Newcastle metro?). The danger is it catches you off guard as the driver ignores passengers getting on i.e. not looking for cash or you validating your ticket as he does not care as it's an inspectors job.... I'm sure there will be graphic detail of it on the web here.... Enjoy the trip!

 

This link explains how to validate your tram tickets.
How do i validate my ticket?