Questions
What people ask about Bordeaux
Times are local. Check the official page before you go: schedules and prices change.
- Where can I meet people in Bordeaux if I just moved?
- What can I do for free in Bordeaux this week on my own?
- Where can I practise a language with other people in Bordeaux?
- Where to play padel as a beginner in Bordeaux?
- Where can I play board games in Bordeaux on my own?
- What to do on a rainy evening in Bordeaux?
- Are there evening activities in Bordeaux for people travelling alone?
- Where can I join a board game night in Bordeaux as a stranger?
- Are there group walks or hikes in Bordeaux?
- Free library programmes in Bordeaux: what is on?
- Free concerts in Bordeaux I can go to alone?
- Is there a social dance or movement class in Bordeaux?
- Are there hands-on classes in Bordeaux?
- Where can I do a quiz night in Bordeaux on my own?
- Is there a pub or bar event in Bordeaux where I can go alone?
- Where can I go to a theatre, exhibition or screening in Bordeaux alone?
- Are there jam sessions or small gigs in Bordeaux I can go to alone?
- Where can I see live music in Bordeaux?
- Where can I learn something new in Bordeaux in the evening or at the weekend?
- Where can I get outside in Bordeaux with other people?
Where can I meet people in Bordeaux if I just moved?
Pick one low-pressure event this week and go twice; our Bordeaux listings include 31 that suit newcomers.
- Yin Yoga session Yin et gratitude, AGJA, Bordeaux Caudéran — Maison de quartier AGJA, Mon 16 Nov, 19:00
- Balade Lumineuse, a 4 km evening walk or ride, in Bordeaux — Placette de Munich, Thu 19 Nov, 18:15, free
- Rights quiz «In the skin of a citizen», Hôtel Ragueneau, Bordeaux — Hôtel Ragueneau, Sat 21 Nov, 15:00, free
- Parlons migration, a friendly talk with games and stories, in Bordeaux — La ManuCo, Tue 24 Nov, 17:30, free
More: New in town guide · Language cafés · Game nights
What can I do for free in Bordeaux this week on my own?
Plenty: 16 free things this week in Bordeaux are in our listings, so you can go without spending anything.
- Saint Augustin, penseur du temps, talk at Magendie, Bordeaux — Résidence Autonomie Magendie, Tue 17 Nov, 15:00, free
- Moonlight Sessions: free student jazz at Le Pas de Lune, Bordeaux — Le Pas de Lune, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00, free
- Lettres du Monde: Juan Gabriel Vásquez at Librairie Mollat, Bordeaux — Librairie Mollat, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Balade Lumineuse, a 4 km evening walk or ride, in Bordeaux — Placette de Munich, Thu 19 Nov, 18:15, free
More: Library nights · Language cafés
Where can I practise a language with other people in Bordeaux?
You have 3 options in Bordeaux, from drop-in conversation tables to weekly exchanges.
- Bordeaux Language Exchange — Tuesday, 20:00; Flocus
- Bordeaux Language Exchange (Flocus) — Tuesday, 20:00; Flocus
- Parlons migration, a friendly talk with games and stories, in Bordeaux — La ManuCo, Tue 24 Nov, 17:30, free
Where to play padel as a beginner in Bordeaux?
Start at one of 2 clubs in Bordeaux with beginner-friendly padel sessions.
- 4PADEL Bordeaux-Lac — padel court rental; level: beginners welcome; from EUR 12 per player 1h30
- UrbanPadel Bordeaux Carbon-Blanc — padel beginner clinic (cours collectifs) + open court booking; level: niveaux 1-8, debutant complet accepted; court price not published on page
More: Padel & pickleball
Where can I play board games in Bordeaux on my own?
Bordeaux has 2 board-game cafés or game shops with tables in our data, 1 noting beginners are welcome.
- Lila and the Barber — board-game cafe; various
- Le Poney Fringant — board-game cafe; various
More: Game nights
What to do on a rainy evening in Bordeaux?
Pick a talk, concert or club night under a roof; we list 34 such evenings in Bordeaux over the next 14 days and 2 game cafés.
- Yin Yoga session Yin et gratitude, AGJA, Bordeaux Caudéran — Maison de quartier AGJA, Mon 16 Nov, 19:00
- Elisabeth Leonskaja, piano recital, Auditorium de Bordeaux — Auditorium de Bordeaux, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00
- Lettres du Monde: Juan Gabriel Vásquez at Librairie Mollat, Bordeaux — Librairie Mollat, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Lila and the Barber — board-game cafe; various
- Le Poney Fringant — board-game cafe; various
More: Library nights · Game nights
Are there evening activities in Bordeaux for people travelling alone?
Yes for activities: 61 evening events, groups and game nights are listed in Bordeaux. For street safety, rely on local official guidance.
- Yin Yoga session Yin et gratitude, AGJA, Bordeaux Caudéran — Maison de quartier AGJA, Mon 16 Nov, 19:00
- Elisabeth Leonskaja, piano recital, Auditorium de Bordeaux — Auditorium de Bordeaux, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00
- Lettres du Monde: Juan Gabriel Vásquez at Librairie Mollat, Bordeaux — Librairie Mollat, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Bordeaux Language Exchange (Flocus) — Tuesday, 20:00; Flocus
More: Game nights · Language cafés
Where can I join a board game night in Bordeaux as a stranger?
You can turn up solo at any of the 2 listed game sessions in Bordeaux; hosts usually seat newcomers.
- Rights quiz «In the skin of a citizen», Hôtel Ragueneau, Bordeaux — Hôtel Ragueneau, Sat 21 Nov, 15:00, free
- Free general knowledge quiz at Poney Fringant, Bordeaux — Poney Fringant, Wed 25 Nov, 19:00, free
More: Game nights
Are there group walks or hikes in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has 5 guided walks coming up that you can join alone.
- Balade Lumineuse, a 4 km evening walk or ride, in Bordeaux — Placette de Munich, Thu 19 Nov, 18:15, free
- Bordeaux passé-présent, guided walk along the quays, Bordeaux — Maison Ecocitoyenne Bordeaux Métropole, Mon 23 Nov, 10:30, free
- Art Deco walk through the Lescure quarter, Bordeaux — Place Johnston, Sat 28 Nov, 10:00, free
- Corps moqués, corps mal aimés, artistic walk, Bordeaux — Place Pey Berland, Sat 28 Nov, 15:30, free
More: Walk & talk
Free library programmes in Bordeaux: what is on?
Libraries are a good low-pressure option: we list 4 events at them in Bordeaux.
- Lettres du Monde: Eminé Sadk, Bibliothèque Grand Parc, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Grand Parc, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Lettres du monde: Manal Salamé at Flora Tristan library, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Flora Tristan, Sat 21 Nov, 11:00, free
- 10 ans de trumpisme, talk at Bibliothèque Mériadeck, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Mériadeck, Fri 27 Nov, 17:00, free
- Klezmer and Creole roots of jazz: free talk at Mériadeck, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Mériadeck, Tue 8 Dec, 10:30, free
More: Library nights
Free concerts in Bordeaux I can go to alone?
Bordeaux has 7 free concerts and sessions coming up.
- Moonlight Sessions: free student jazz at Le Pas de Lune, Bordeaux — Le Pas de Lune, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00, free
- Free concert by the Orchestre d'Harmonie de Bordeaux — Théâtre La Pergola, Sat 21 Nov, 18:00, free
- Art Deco jazz concert, Museum of Fine Arts, Bordeaux — Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, Wed 25 Nov, 19:00, free
- Klezmer and Creole roots of jazz: free talk at Mériadeck, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Mériadeck, Tue 8 Dec, 10:30, free
Is there a social dance or movement class in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has 6 classes and social dances in our data.
- Yin Yoga session Yin et gratitude, AGJA, Bordeaux Caudéran — Maison de quartier AGJA, Mon 16 Nov, 19:00
- Try Romani Dance: Free Taster Workshop — Hôtel Ragueneau, Tue 24 Nov, 17:30, free
- Tango class and milonga at Darwin Éco-système, Bordeaux — Darwin Éco-système, Sun 29 Nov, 14:30
- Rebonds dance workshop with Suzanne Henry, Station Marne, Bordeaux — Station Marne, Sat 12 Dec, 10:00
Are there hands-on classes in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has 6 hands-on sessions coming up; working on a shared task gives you something to talk about.
- Winter planting garden workshop at La ManuCo, Bordeaux — La ManuCo, Wed 18 Nov, 14:30
- Nuit du dessin: free late-night drawing at the MusBA, Bordeaux — Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, Fri 20 Nov, 19:00, free
- Fresque de la diversité workshop at Hôtel Ragueneau, Bordeaux — Hôtel Ragueneau, Mon 23 Nov, 17:00, free
- Try Romani Dance: Free Taster Workshop — Hôtel Ragueneau, Tue 24 Nov, 17:30, free
Where can I do a quiz night in Bordeaux on my own?
We list 2 quiz or trivia nights in Bordeaux.
- Rights quiz «In the skin of a citizen», Hôtel Ragueneau, Bordeaux — Hôtel Ragueneau, Sat 21 Nov, 15:00, free
- Free general knowledge quiz at Poney Fringant, Bordeaux — Poney Fringant, Wed 25 Nov, 19:00, free
More: Game nights
Is there a pub or bar event in Bordeaux where I can go alone?
We list 11 bar or tasting options for Bordeaux.
- Seulgi Lee, SOUPE: twilight soup tasting, Frac MÉCA, Bordeaux — Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA, Sat 21 Nov, 17:15, free
- Free Talk on Wine Politics in Old-Regime France — La Cité du Vin, Tue 1 Dec, 19:00, free
- Festive products and world wines at La Cité du Vin — La Cité du Vin, Thu 3 Dec, 18:30
- Viva Bolivia! Bolivian wine tasting at La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux — La Cité du Vin, Fri 4 Dec, 19:00
Where can I go to a theatre, exhibition or screening in Bordeaux alone?
Bordeaux has 40 exhibitions, performances and screenings in our data (19 free).
- Lettres du Monde: Juan Gabriel Vásquez at Librairie Mollat, Bordeaux — Librairie Mollat, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Lettres du Monde: Eminé Sadk, Bibliothèque Grand Parc, Bordeaux — Bibliothèque Grand Parc, Wed 18 Nov, 18:00, free
- Opening night of Bons Baisers from the USA, Bordeaux — Musée d'Aquitaine, Wed 18 Nov, 19:00, free
- Du verre et des vases, talk at the MADD museum, Bordeaux — Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design, Thu 19 Nov, 19:00, free
Are there jam sessions or small gigs in Bordeaux I can go to alone?
12 jazz, folk or jam-session events in Bordeaux are listed, 4 of them free.
- Moonlight Sessions: free student jazz at Le Pas de Lune, Bordeaux — Le Pas de Lune, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00, free
- Tigran Hamasyan, jazz piano, at Auditorium de Bordeaux — Auditorium de Bordeaux, Sat 21 Nov, 20:00
- Les Filles-au-Diable, talk and choir, Musée d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux — Musée d'Aquitaine, Sun 22 Nov, 15:00
- Atout chœur du Tauzin, Jazz and Mass Project, Notre Dame, Bordeaux — Eglise Notre Dame des Anges, Sun 22 Nov, 15:30
Where can I see live music in Bordeaux?
Our Bordeaux listings include 34 concerts and music evenings, with 18 in Dec.
- Elisabeth Leonskaja, piano recital, Auditorium de Bordeaux — Auditorium de Bordeaux, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00
- Moonlight Sessions: free student jazz at Le Pas de Lune, Bordeaux — Le Pas de Lune, Tue 17 Nov, 20:00, free
- Paolo, rap, at Lieu Chéri, Bordeaux — Lieu Chéri, Wed 18 Nov, 20:30
- Free concert by the Orchestre d'Harmonie de Bordeaux — Théâtre La Pergola, Sat 21 Nov, 18:00, free
Where can I learn something new in Bordeaux in the evening or at the weekend?
Bordeaux has 20 learning events coming up (14 free); a talk gives strangers an instant shared topic.
- Saint Augustin, penseur du temps, talk at Magendie, Bordeaux — Résidence Autonomie Magendie, Tue 17 Nov, 15:00, free
- Enquête autour de la Flèche, talk, Musée d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux — Musée d'Aquitaine, Tue 17 Nov, 16:00, free
- Winter planting garden workshop at La ManuCo, Bordeaux — La ManuCo, Wed 18 Nov, 14:30
- Café-debate: learning across disciplines in the age of AI — université de Bordeaux - Auditorium Station Marne, Thu 19 Nov, 18:30, free
Where can I get outside in Bordeaux with other people?
Bordeaux has 5 outdoor listings coming up (4 free).
- Balade Lumineuse, a 4 km evening walk or ride, in Bordeaux — Placette de Munich, Thu 19 Nov, 18:15, free
- Bordeaux passé-présent, guided walk along the quays, Bordeaux — Maison Ecocitoyenne Bordeaux Métropole, Mon 23 Nov, 10:30, free
- Swimcross session at Piscine du Grand Parc, Bordeaux — Piscine du Grand Parc, Tue 24 Nov, 19:00
- Art Deco walk through the Lescure quarter, Bordeaux — Place Johnston, Sat 28 Nov, 10:00, free
Newcomers
Practical answers for newcomers
Each answer paraphrases an official page and was checked 3 Nov 2026. Planning help, not legal advice: confirm details with the source.
How do I get from Bordeaux Airport to the city centre?
The airport's official page says tram line F is direct: about 35 minutes to Hotel de Ville and 45 minutes to Gare Saint-Jean, with trams every 10 minutes on weekdays and Saturday and every 15 minutes on Sunday. A direct airport-to-Gare Saint-Jean shuttle (30 minutes) is also listed, as are bus lines Corol 39 and 33.
Source: Bordeaux Airport (checked 3 Nov 2026)
Is there rent control in Bordeaux?
Service-Public.fr states that for leases (including mobility leases) signed or renewed from 15 July 2022 until 24 November 2026 in Bordeaux, rent is framed by minimum and maximum reference rents depending on furnished or unfurnished, number of rooms and construction period. The reference amounts must be stated in the lease and the listing, and a rent supplement may apply in some cases. Only main-residence rentals and mobility leases are covered. The page was marked verified on 20 July 2026, so recheck the dates.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
What can I do if a bank refuses to open an account for me?
Service-Public.fr says that if a bank does not answer an account request within 15 days, that counts as a refusal. The bank must give you a refusal letter with the reason. You can then ask the Banque de France to use the "droit au compte" procedure: it designates a bank that must open an account with basic banking services. Opening the account and using basic services are free under this procedure. Eligibility includes being domiciled in France, with no nationality condition.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
What is a SEPA transfer?
According to Service-Public.fr, a SEPA transfer (virement SEPA) is made in euros between countries in the SEPA zone; a transfer in other currencies, or in euros outside the SEPA zone, is an international transfer.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
How much can a landlord ask as a security deposit, and when must it be returned?
For a main-residence lease, Service-Public.fr states the deposit (dépôt de garantie) may not exceed 1 month of rent excluding charges and must be written in the lease. At the end of the lease, it must be returned within a maximum of 1 month after you hand back the keys, under the conditions explained on that page.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
How do I tell several services my new address after moving?
Service-Public.fr offers an online address-change declaration that notifies, in one step, energy suppliers (EDF, Enercoop), France Travail, social security bodies (health insurance, family allowances, pension funds), the tax office and the vehicle-registration service.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
What is a médecin traitant and why choose one?
Service-Public.fr explains that you choose your médecin traitant, who coordinates your care and refers you to specialists. Consulting this doctor means you are in the coordinated care pathway (parcours de soins coordonné) and are reimbursed better.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
How does health insurance work for a foreigner settling in France?
Service-Public.fr explains that rights depend on your nationality group (EEA/Switzerland, UK, other) and status (employee, retiree, student, job seeker). For workers, it states that under the universal health protection scheme (Puma) anyone working in France is covered; your employer files the hiring formalities (DPAE), but you must still contact the health insurance office of your place of residence to finish registration. Family members living with you for more than 3 months are covered by French health insurance.
Source: Service-Public.fr (checked 3 Nov 2026)
Go deeper
More for Bordeaux
Language cafés · Game nights · Padel & pickleball · Walk & talk · Library nights · Book clubs · New in town guide · Meet people without a dating app
Meet & Mint
See who's going, then go together
Meet & Mint shows events and people near you on one map. Join an event alone, chat with the group, meet at the event. Free on iPhone and Android.