Plage du Lac (Bordeaux-Lac) - Image 1
1 / 10

Plage du Lac Bordeaux-Lac

4
·3k reviews·Bruges, France

A free, lifeguarded urban beach on a lake, perfect for swimming, picnics, and water sports in Bordeaux.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Plage du Lac (Bordeaux-Lac) - Image 1

Plage du Lac Bordeaux-Lac

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, lifeguarded urban beach on a lake, perfect for swimming, picnics, and water sports in Bordeaux.

4
(3k reviews)

"Lovely mini beach, clean, free and not too busy. A great couple of hours on a very hot day!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike to the Beach

Easy to reach by bike with good parking. Bordeaux cares for its citizens! :bike:

☂️ Bring Your Own Umbrella

Shaded spots are limited and popular. Essential for comfort on sunny days. :umbrella:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Designated Swimming Area

Designated Swimming Area

Main beach

Safe, lifeguarded zone with warmer, shallower water perfect for families and casual swimmers.

Pine Forest Picnic Spots

Pine Forest Picnic Spots

Surrounding forest

Shaded, tranquil areas ideal for a relaxing picnic away from the main beach bustle.

Water Sports Rentals

Water Sports Rentals

Beachfront

Rent kayaks and SUPs for some fun on the lake, adding an active element to your beach day.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Beat the Crowds

While the beach is accessible by bike and has good parking, it can get very busy on hot days. Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid the largest crowds. Public transport options exist, but can be time-consuming.

Sun Protection is Key

Shaded areas are limited and can get crowded quickly. Bringing your own beach umbrella is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months when the sun is intense.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Sun is less intense
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fy #fyp #brugge #bruges #belfort
@warre_aelter
9M likes • 47M views

🚲 Bike to the Beach

Easy to reach by bike with good parking. Bordeaux cares for its citizens! :bike:

☂️ Bring Your Own Umbrella

Shaded spots are limited and popular. Essential for comfort on sunny days. :umbrella:

Bruges, I love you 💌 #bruges #brugge #belgium #europe #autumn #travel #traveltiktok #tiktoktravel #travellife #europetiktok #vacation #cottagecore
@seenbynina
255.6K likes • 1.6M views
Bruges during Christmas time is something else 🎄✨🫶 #bruges #christmascountdown #christmasineurope #belgium
@takemyhearteverywhere
237.8K likes • 4.2M views

🍦 Grab an Ice Cream

A pink ice cream van is a popular treat, perfect for a hot day. :icecream:

💧 Rinse Off Sand

Foot showers are available to wash off sand before heading home. :shower:

where are my chocolate lovers at?? 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ my favorite thing about Belgium was all the chocolate everywhere 😍😍 #bruges #belgiumchocolate
@amandacherietravels
135K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike to the Beach

Easy to reach by bike with good parking. Bordeaux cares for its citizens! :bike:

☂️ Bring Your Own Umbrella

Shaded spots are limited and popular. Essential for comfort on sunny days. :umbrella:

🍦 Grab an Ice Cream

A pink ice cream van is a popular treat, perfect for a hot day. :icecream:

💧 Rinse Off Sand

Foot showers are available to wash off sand before heading home. :shower:

🚰 Public Facilities

Clean public showers and toilets are available for visitor convenience. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Plage du Lac Bordeaux is a well-loved, free urban beach offering a clean and safe swimming experience with lifeguards. Visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby amenities, water sports rentals, and the tranquil picnic spots in the surrounding pine forest. While it can get very busy during peak times, it's considered a great local spot for a refreshing escape.

"Lovely mini beach, clean, free and not too busy. We took a beach umbrella, which was good as the shaded part was busier. Water looked clean. Kayaks, SUPs available. Lovely ice-cream stand. A great couple of hours on a very hot day!"

Karen Batty

"Easy going place on outskirts of Bordeaux centre: place to be by manmade beech if you cannot face the 1hr plus drive to ARCACHON or Cap Ferret. Easy parking and free water sorts - paddle boarding / Kayaks. Clean, maintained, well staffed and pink ice cream van. Spent couple hours meditating."

Abdul Uddin

"Good city beach area. Guarded, with a shower to wash the sand off your feet. Ice cream and drinks stall, first aid post and during summer holidays activities for kids. The guards are strict, no swimming allowed outside the indicated area. The lake is deep and cold, the part with the sandy beach is much warmer and of course more shallow. It can get very busy on hot days. Very multicultural population, which makes it nice to look around and see everyone enjoy the water and swimming in their way and their dresscode. Nice that a place like this exists and is supported by the city council. Bordeaux cares for its citizens. Easy to get here by bike and good bike parking area."

Christy Duijvelaar

What People Like

Free entry and amenities
Clean water and guarded swimming
Picnic areas in forest

What People Dislike

Can get very busy
Limited shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

While buses might not go all the way, consider checking transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr for public transport options. Cycling is also a popular and easy way to reach the beach, with good bike parking available. Some visitors have found BlaBlaCar to be an option, but research thoroughly. Reddit

Yes, there is easy parking available at the beach, which is convenient for those driving. However, on hot days, it can get very busy.

Absolutely! Cycling is a great way to get to Plage du Lac Bordeaux, and there's good bike parking available. It's a popular choice for locals.

Public transport can be time-consuming. It's recommended to check the local transport authority's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Reddit

Roadworks can sometimes affect access, especially during peak construction seasons. It's advisable to check local traffic updates before your journey.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plage du Lac Bordeaux is a free public beach, making it an accessible option for everyone.

The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Lifeguards are typically present from midday during the summer holidays.

No, as it's a public beach, no advance booking or tickets are required.

Lifeguards are strict about swimming only within the designated and guarded area for safety reasons.

While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, public beaches often have some level of accessibility. It's best to check on-site or with local authorities for detailed information.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The water is generally described as clean and transparent. The lake is deep and can be cold, but the sandy beach area is warmer and shallower.

Yes, lifeguards are present, especially during the summer holidays, and they are strict about swimming within the indicated area for safety. Reddit

You can rent kayaks and SUPs for water sports. During summer holidays, there are also activities for kids.

Yes, there are lovely pine forest areas surrounding the beach perfect for picnics. Some locals even share or sell food in these areas. Reddit

The designated swimming area with lifeguards is safe. The lake itself can be deep and cold, so sticking to the guarded zone is recommended. Lifeguards have been observed saving people who were drowning. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's an ice-cream stand and a drinks stall available. Additionally, locals sometimes bring food to share or sell in the nearby forest areas. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is common, especially for picnics in the surrounding forest areas. Reddit

Primarily ice cream and drinks are sold at the beach stalls. For more variety, consider bringing your own picnic.

While there are stalls at the beach, for a wider selection of restaurants, you would likely need to travel back towards Bordeaux city center.

Prices for ice cream and drinks are generally reasonable, typical for a beachside vendor.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of families enjoying the water, the serene pine forests, and the unique multicultural vibe of the beachgoers. The contrast between the urban setting and the natural lake is also photogenic.

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquility. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light. Weekends are lively but can be challenging for unobstructed shots.

Focus on the designated swimming area with its clear water, the surrounding pine trees offering natural framing, and the general buzz of activity on a warm day.

Drone usage is often restricted in public areas, especially near populated beaches and parks. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wider scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the lake and forest. Protect your gear from sand and water.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plage du Lac Bordeaux is a fantastic choice for families. The guarded swimming area offers peace of mind, with warmer, shallower waters perfect for little ones. Lifeguards are vigilant, and there are often activities for children during the summer holidays. The pine forest picnic spots are ideal for a relaxed family meal, and public facilities like toilets and showers are readily available. Remember to bring your own beach umbrella as shaded areas are limited and popular. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors

For those who love to be active, Plage du Lac Bordeaux offers kayak and SUP rentals for exploring the lake. The easy cycling access makes it a great destination for a bike ride, with ample parking for your bicycle. You can also enjoy walking and picnicking in the surrounding pine forests, combining a bit of nature with your visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This beach is a gem for budget travelers as it's completely free to enter. You can save money by packing your own picnic and drinks, as there are lovely forest areas to enjoy them in. While there are paid rentals for water sports, simply enjoying the sun, sand, and swimming is a cost-free activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Bordeaux's Urban Oasis

Plage du Lac Bordeaux offers a unique urban beach experience, a welcome escape for city dwellers. It's a man-made beach on a lake, providing a convenient alternative to the longer drives to coastal resorts like Arcachon. The beach is well-maintained, with lifeguards ensuring safety, and public facilities like showers and toilets add to the convenience. Visitors often appreciate the clean water and the pleasant atmosphere, noting the multicultural diversity of the people enjoying the space. Reddit

The surrounding pine forests provide a natural, shaded environment perfect for picnics and relaxation. This blend of urban accessibility and natural respite makes it a popular spot, especially during hot weather. While it can get very busy, the presence of amenities and the overall cleanliness contribute to a positive visitor experience. The city council's support for this public space is also highlighted as a positive aspect. Reddit

Family Fun and Safety at the Lake

For families, Plage du Lac Bordeaux is a great option due to its guarded swimming area. The water here is warmer and shallower than in the main lake, making it ideal for children. Lifeguards are present and attentive, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and play. Reddit

Beyond swimming, there are often activities organized for kids during the summer holidays. The picnic areas in the pine forest offer a relaxed setting for family meals. While the beach can become crowded, especially on hot days, the availability of foot showers and public toilets adds to the practicality for families. It's a place where children can enjoy the water safely under supervision. Reddit

Active Pursuits: Water Sports and Beyond

Plage du Lac Bordeaux isn't just for sunbathing; it's also a hub for water sports. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to explore the lake. This offers a fun way to get some exercise and see the surroundings from a different perspective. TikTok

Even if you're not participating in water sports, the beach offers opportunities for light activity. Walking along the shore, playing in the sand, or enjoying a picnic in the adjacent forest are all popular ways to spend time. The ease of access by bike also encourages an active approach to visiting the beach. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2