Things to Do in Bordeaux: The City by Retro Motorcycle Sidecar
Looking for a fun and unforgettable way to explore Bordeaux? Hop into a retro sidecar tour in Bordeaux, where history, style, and local culture meet. On my recent trip, I joined Alex, a local guide, for a ride through the city in a vintage Ural motorcycle sidecar. What followed was a nostalgic journey through Bordeaux’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Why Take a Retro Sidecar Tour in Bordeaux?
Touring Bordeaux by retro sidecar isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about the experience. The sidecar I rode in was modeled after the original Soviet M72, a motorcycle dating back to the 1940s. These stylish machines have made a comeback recently, even attracting celebrity fans like Steven Tyler and Brad Pitt.
As Alex, my guide, put it: “Everybody’s happy with a sidecar.” He was right. Riding through Bordeaux’s streets in such a head-turning vehicle brought smiles from passersby and gave me a perspective of the city unlike any other.
Top Bordeaux Landmarks by Sidecar
Cailhau Gate
We kicked off the tour by riding through the Cailhau Gate, a 15th-century monument that once served as the city’s main defensive entrance. It’s one of the many medieval treasures that give Bordeaux its timeless feel.
Darley Newman and guide Alex end the retro sidecar tour of Bordeaux at a locals bar for wine
Place de la Bourse & the Water Mirror
Next, we stopped at Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux’s grand royal square built during Louis XV’s reign. Once crowned with a statue of the king—later destroyed during the French Revolution—the square remains one of the city’s most beautiful open spaces.
Just across the street sits the famous Water Mirror (Miroir d’eau), the largest reflecting pool in the world. At less than an inch deep, it mirrors the skyline and clouds above, offering a magical place for photos, relaxation, or even a splash on a hot day.
Discovering Bordeaux’s Hidden Streets
One of the best parts of exploring Bordeaux by sidecar is being able to access places that cars and buses can’t. Alex guided us into narrow cobblestone streets lined with vintage shops, local boutiques, and hidden cafés.
His favorite street, tucked near a basilica, was quiet and filled with old-world charm. With wrought-iron balconies casting morning shadows across the stone facades, it felt like stepping into a postcard from another era—an experience most tourists miss.
Market Square: Where Locals Go After Work
We ended the tour in Market Square (Place du Marché), which Alex affectionately calls the “after-work square.” From around 5:00 PM until midnight, locals gather here for drinks, food, and socializing. It’s the kind of authentic spot where you can soak up the city’s lively, friendly spirit—away from the more touristy areas.
The Best Way to See Bordeaux
If you’re searching for unique things to do in Bordeaux, a retro sidecar tour should be at the top of your list. It combines sightseeing with storytelling, comfort with adventure, and history with modern-day charm.
With a guide like Alex, you not only see Bordeaux’s highlights but also discover the city’s hidden corners and local traditions. It’s stylish, fun, and unforgettable—just like Bordeaux itself.
How to Book the Retro Sidecar Tour
I booked this tour while on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise of Bordeaux as an excursion through Retro Tour, who also runs these sidecar tours or Paris, Las Vegas and beyond.