Where To Watch Sunset In Bordeaux? 10 Best Sunset Spots

ByNatali

If you’re wondering where to watch sunset in Bordeaux, I’ve got you covered!

When I moved to Bordeaux, I was quite surprised by how dramatic and vibrant Bordeaux sunsets are, especially as the city is rather flat with only a few high-rise viewpoints outside the city center. 

Bordeaux sunset is relatively late year round, making it a perfect way to end your day in the city. 

As the sunset time changes throughout the year, some spots are better at certain times than others. I’ll note the time of year when you can see the sunset from which spot!

Here are the best places to watch the sunset in Bordeaux!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

sunset in Bordeaux view from Quai des Queyries

1. Quai des Queyries

Quai des Queyries is situated on the right side of the Garrone River, offering a beautiful view over the Old Town of Bordeaux.

Honestly, it is one of the most underrated places in Bordeaux, as the view from this side of the river is stunning at any time of the day.

Still, it is the place to see the best sunset in Bordeaux as you get to sit on the benches along the river and watch the sun setting behind the old stone buildings of the city center. 

If you’re after some unique romantic things to do in Bordeaux, bring a little snack and a drink to have as you watch the sunset!

This is my favorite sunset spot in Bordeaux because it works year-round.

The sunset will be more left or right depending on the time of the year, but you can always see it from this spot!

If you’d like to have a drink while watching the sunset, Le Siman and The Central Pub are right across the street!

bordeaux sunset pont de pierre

2. Pont de Pierre

My second favorite spot to watch the sunset in Bordeaux is Pont de Pierre!

This historic bridge is the most beautiful in Bordeaux, connecting Porte de Bourgogne on the left side of the river and Place de Stalingrad on the right side.

The bridge is the perfect spot to watch the sunset year-round, and you only have to cross from one side to the other depending on the time of the year.

In the winter, you can see the sunset on the left side of the bridge over Saint Michel Church.

In spring and autumn, the sunset is right in front of the bridge over the Porte de Bourgogne. 

Finally, you can watch the sunset on the right side of the bridge over Porte de la Lune in the summer!

sunset in bordeaux view from pont Chaban Delmas

3. Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas

Now, if you’re visiting Bordeaux in winter, a cool spot to watch the sunset is Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas.

This modern bridge in the north of the city center has several built-in benches where you can sit and watch the sunset over the river.

I think the best time to watch the sunset here is in the winter, as the sunset is right in front of you over the Old Town and the river. It’s also very nice if you’re visiting France in autumn!

You can still watch the sunset here in other seasons, but the sunset will be more to the right behind the buildings instead of right in front of you.

vibrant red susnet behind a ferris wheel in bordeaux place de quinconces

4. Place des Quinconces

I’ve seen people say you can watch the sunset from Place de la Bourse and I was very confused by how did they manage as you’re surrounded by high buildings covering the sunset.

Turns out that Place de la Bourse works as a good Bordeaux sunset spot maybe two times a year – and I’ve lived here for over 3 years, so I’ve tried many times!

Instead, go several hundred meters to the north and watch the sunset from Place des Quinconces.

Place des Quinconces is the largest square in Bordeaux, and it is usually completely empty, allowing for stunning unobstructed sunset views. 

For an even better experience, consider going on the giant Ferris wheel on the square. You’ll get to see the sunset over the city from quite a unique perspective!

The best time to watch the sunset here is in the summer. The sun sets before it reaches Place des Quinconces in other seasons. 

sunset in bordeaux place pey berland over hotel de ville building

5. Place Pey Berland

If you want to grab a drink and watch a sunset in the city center, Place Pey Berland is one of the best options. 

Most bars in the city center of Bordeaux are blocked by the buildings, or facing east, but Place Pey Berland works as it is a large open square.

The best time to watch the sunset here is in the summer when the sun sets right behind the Hotel de Ville.

6. Bacalan

  • 🗺️Location: Bacalan
  • 🌄When: Early summer!

Bacalan is a trendy neighborhood in the north of Bordeaux, best known for the popular wine museum – Cité du Vin.

Sunsets in Bacalan are particularly stunning during the short period when the sun sets the farthest to the west. 

You can watch the sunset from Cité du Vin or along the Quai Lawton.

At other times, the view is obscured by surrounding buildings, so you’d have to go to one of the nearby rooftop bars if you want to watch the sunset.

7. Gina Bordeaux

  • 🗺️Location: Gina Bordeaux
  • 🌄When: Year-round!

If you’re a fan of rooftop bars and restaurants, you need to know about the iconic Gina Bordeaux. 

One of the first and most beautiful rooftop restaurants in Bordeaux, Gina offers incredible sunset views over the city.

As you’re in one of the highest buildings in the city center of Bordeaux, you get an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the historic houses of Old Town. 

The restaurant is very popular at dinnertime, so be sure to book your place in advance! France can be expensive, so be aware that this is kind of an upscale restaurant. 

8. Shasha sur le Toit

Another rooftop restaurant option is Shasha sur le Toit. This place is located just a short walk from Gina Restaurant towards the city center. 

It is one of the newer restaurants in the city, and it is especially popular in the summer. 

When you see the view you’ll quickly understand why!

Shasha is the perfect Apero spot to end your day in Bordeaux, as they specialize in sharing platters, light dishes, and cocktails. 

bordeaux river view from lormont
Let’s imagine I actually took a photo of the sunset here

9. Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine

Most of Bordeaux is flat, but Lormont and Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine offer beautiful elevated views.

The park is slightly outside the city center, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes by tram A from Porte de Bourgogne, but it is well worth a detour. Just follow Google Maps for the route, it works great!

There are two viewpoints in the park, and you want to go to the one that’s marked on Google Maps as Belvédère sur Bordeaux et la Garonne.

You’ll get a fantastic view of the city! You can try to find all the iconic landmarks like Cité du Vin, Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, or Église des Chartrons.

This was the cloudiest day ever!

10. Église Saint-Siméon de Bouliac

Finally, we have one of the best hidden gems in Bordeaux –  Église Saint-SimĂ©on in Bouliac.

This Church is situated on the top of the hill, and its viewing platform offers a stunning view of the river and Bordeaux city center. 

You have an unobstructed view over the right side of Bordeaux, so this sunset spot works year-round!

As it is quite far from the city center, tourists rarely go this far. However, you can easily visit it even if you’re traveling in France without a car!

I like cycling to Bouliac, but it is well connected by public transport, so you can also take a bus or drive if you have a car!

one of best bordeaux sunsets over pont de pierre with old fashioned street lights lining the bridge

FAQ: Bordeaux Sunset Spots

When is the sunset in Bordeaux?

Sunset time in Bordeaux changes throughout the year. In winter, sunset is around 5:30 – 6 PM, and in summer is around 9:30 – 10 PM. 

Where are the best sunset view bars in Bordeaux?

The best bars with sunset views in Bordeaux are The Central Pub, Le Siman, La Guinguette Chez Alriq, and L’Estacade in Bastide. Alternatively, some rooftop bars to consider are also Gina Bordeaux, Shasha sur le Toit, and Mama Shelter.

Final Thoughts: Bordeaux Sunset Spots

Bordeaux is one of the best towns in France for couples and sunset lovers are in for a treat, as the city has some of the most dramatic and vibrant sunsets I’ve ever seen!

Honestly, if your hotel room faces west, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in Bordeaux right from your own accommodation!

Despite the city being mostly flat, the river flowing through the city center provides ample space for picturesque views.

There are so many places to watch the sunset in Bordeaux, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!

Quai des Queyries and Pont de Pierre are my favorite spots to watch the sunset in Bordeaux, so make sure to add them to your Bordeaux itinerary!

Natali is the founder and content creator behind Plan a Trip to France. She moved to France in 2020 where she has been living ever since, exploring every region of this beautiful country. She created this France travel blog to share her favorite places in France and hidden gems to help you plan your trip!

Similar Posts