We are heading to Bordeaux tomorrow and the weather is supposed to be in the 90sF. Ugh. We already have sweated through Paris so looking for activities indoors (think Air Conditioning!). Suggestions please! Bordeaux gets no mention in RS guidebook. Sons et Lumiere? Musee Acquitane? Also what is the difference between Cite du vin and the Musee du vin? Which is better? Air conditioned restaurant recs also gratefully accepted! It was surprising how many Paris restaurants still don't have AC even with global warming. Thank you!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6769 posts
We loved Musee d'Aquitaine, but I have no recollection of whether or not it was air conditioned. We were there in September.
I did post a trip report; perhaps this will give you some ideas. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/a-short-stay-in-bordeaux-september-18-21-2023
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
409 posts
Unfortunately AC is not a widely available in France as the US. However, some sites that do have AC include: Cité du Vin , Musée d'Aquitaine, Galleries Lafayette (if you're in to shopping), Grand Hommes (another shopping mall in town), and I think the Bassin des Lumières has AC but not entirely certain on that one (never been on a hot day.) The churches are always cool even in a heatwave, and are stunning. I'm not sure but am guessing (we've only been in the autumn) the Musée du Vin et du Négoce does not as it's in a very old building though it's underground so might be cooler...
For restaurants, the restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel has AC, Le Bar à Vin has AC, many higher end restos have AC. Everywhere else, you'd need to ask. And, even if they do, it's usually not on very high at all.
As for why they don't have AC, many French feel AC is bad for your health and the byproducts of AC only add to the global warming problem (as explained to me by almost all of my French friends.) Buy one of the hand fans (not the battery operated ones but the wood or paper fans) as they work remarkably well to keep one cool.
Posted by
Chicagoland
640 posts
Some ideas from the Tourist Board.
Several of the museums in town have AC.
Are there any wineries with tours of the cave or cellar?
It's very difficult and expensive to add AC to older buildings in Europe.
Posted by
France Southwest
2876 posts
It was surprising how many Paris restaurants still don't have AC even
with global warming
AC is one of the problematic factors exacerbating global warming, causing temperatures in cities to rise due to the hot air it releases.
The more AC there is, the hotter it will be.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
7138 posts
We didn't spend a lot of time in Bordeaux, but we did go to Bar a Vin, twice. Reasonable prices, excellent staff. I believe they are affiliated with a wine school, but do not quote me. Both times we visited, we asked the wait staff to construct a tasting for us. I'm certain it is air conditioned.
Posted by
49 posts
I've been through a couple of heat waves in France. They can be uncomfortable.
Cite du Vin is air conditioned and is a great museum to visit. Bassins des Lumieres is in a dark concrete u-boat base, it should be ok.
I would recommend you visit a few wineries. They will be kept at a comfortable temperature. There are two in city, Chateau Pape Clement and Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion. This website is very helpful: https://sauvistication.com/planning-chateaux-visits/
Safe Travels!