September is set to go off, with Bordeaux hosting five international games for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Teams including Ireland and South Africa shall face off in their pool against other teams from all corners of the globe. Fans are due to flock to France’s prestigious wine capital in the hundreds and thousands, and there is much to see and do in Bordeaux before, during and after the games. Bordeaux Wine Trails has got you covered, from food to wine, to the best hot spots in town!
Where to watch games in Bordeaux during the Rugby World Cup?
Whether you have tickets to any of the big matches at Matmut Atlantic Stadium, or simply want to soak up the beer driven ambiance of one of Bordeaux’s local pubs, there are plenty of places to enjoy the games. If you like big crowds, head to The Rugby Village in Saint-Michel’s Sports Park, where matches will be shown on large screens and food/drinks will be served on site. If you prefer a smaller group of supporters but still a lot of atmosphere, head to The Dog and Duck pub and sports bar; a friendly spot on the main strip facing the Garonne river, and nestled beside a bevvy of restaurants and bars to choose from for the third half! A few other great places include The Frog & Rosbif and Sweeney Todd’s, both great pubs known for good food and passionate locals. My only advice: get in fast before all the seats are taken. Have some time to spare and feel like exploring? Why not try a wine tour in nearby Saint-Emilion on our E-bike tour. We’ll drive you there and back in time for the game, and in high spirits!
Where to eat in Bordeaux during the Rugby World Cup?
In Bordeaux, there is always a new eatery opening its doors. But it’s hard to know which ones follow through with both style and substance. If you’re headed out for breakfast in the heart of the city, check out The Breakfast Club for a classic London style brunch or lunch, or Suzzi Kafe if you’re keen for a local favorite that is sweetly satisfying. Not sure how to keep everyone happy? Cèdre et Vous offers a unique approach, offering Lebanese style dishes, or more traditional French inspired pancakes, eggs and a daily selection of house-made cakes and viennoiseries. Need something solid to prepare you for the rugby matches? A good lunch isn’t hard to find in Bordeaux! Yes, you can plan to eat at the pub before settling in for the match, but what if you want something a bit more gastronomic? The Halles de Bacalan offer a variety of cuisine, including the region’s famous oysters direct from Arcachon Bay. However, this year’s World Cup isn’t an excuse for showing the rugby, as national games are shown on large screens throughout the season. One of Bordeaux Wine Trails authentic favorites? La Tupina is big on steak and south west cuisine!
What to do in Bordeaux during the Rugby World Cup?
Bordeaux isn’t called the wine capital of France for nothing, with a myriad of wine bars and cellars to choose from. Bordeaux Wine Trails offers private tasting tours, including its infamous Wine Bar Crawl, ideal for when you need to stay locally but need some guidance on the best wine bars in Bordeaux. Sauntering from one street to another can be overwhelming, so getting out of the city and into the countryside between games can help. Why not try our half day tour to Saint-Emilion and discover why Bordeaux is so renowned in France and abroad. It would be a shame to stay sitting in a dark pub and miss out on a taste of the real French lifestyle!
Where to keep the party going in Bordeaux during the Rugby World Cup?
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Whether your team won or lost, there are a few hot spots in and around Bordeaux which help ensure celebrations continue, or some much needed consolation can be found. September is typically still warm, with night life buzzing with locals, tourists and of course this year, rugby fans. Tucked away in the old port area (near the Halles de Bacalan no less), is the IBOAT, a literal boat moored to the hip of Bordeaux. Eclectic music events, a smashing drinks list and a fun-loving crowd is promised. Fancy something a bit more open air? La Guinguette Chez Alriq is a the place to be, with live music from around the world, delicious food, cocktails, and a real festive vibe.
Bordeaux might normally be the mega mecca for wine and culture lovers all year round, but the Rugby World Cup in France is taking the excitement and atmosphere of our city to a whole new level. With plenty of things to do, eat, see and explore, Bordeaux will not disappoint – and hopefully your team’s results don’t either! We’d love to see you on one of our Bordeaux wine tours, so don’t hesitate to get in touch to see how we can make your trip to Bordeaux extra special. And in any case, good luck and allez les bleus!
