Nicola recently finished writing the new edition of Lonely Planet's Pocket Bordeaux guidebook, which is out in May Here she shares her expert opinion on visiting Bordeaux as a family.
With its giddy mix of sweeping green spaces, river life, interactive museums and casual dining scene, Bordeaux tops the French charts for urban exploration en famille.
This is a city with mountains of space for all ages β energy-burning tot to tech-smart teen β to paddle in puddles, toot bicycle bells, flip tricks in the skatepark, let off steam and have an all-around blast. Weekend brunch is big with Bordelais families. State museums are free to those under 18 and tiny travelers under five can ride public transport for free.
A duck pond and playground are the icing on the cake. What's not to love about dancing and scampering barefoot in the world's largest reflecting pool across the tram tracks from 18th-century place de la Bourse?
Aspiring pirates and seafarers will be awestruck by the 7m-tall 23ft shark hanging in front of the entrance. Inside, contemporary exhibits dive into the marine world, naval battles, the history of navigation, and oceanography. Bordeaux spoils with its choice of museums. Porte Cailhau is a less demanding choice for shorter legs and parents with babes in slings.
