Around the guesthouse
Le Parc Bordelais
Two minutes from Les Pénates, Le Parc Bordelais offers a nature break between heritage, family activities and remarkable biodiversity. Here is everything you need before you wander through it.
5-minute walk from the house
1888 by landscape architect Eugène Bühler
28 hectares of lawns, woodland and a lake
A brief history
Le Parc Bordelais was gifted to the city by wine merchant Camille Godard and designed by Eugène Bühler in the spirit of English landscaped gardens. What used to be vineyards and farmland has become Bordeaux’s green lung.
Inaugurated in 1888 by President Sadi Carnot, the park has remained a favourite with locals. After the 1999 storm destroyed nearly 700 trees, major restoration works were carried out to reopen the park in a more accessible and natural way.
Today, centuries-old trees, broad lawns and winding paths combine romantic charm with contemporary uses. A stroll through the park still feels like the haven of peace it was meant to be when it opened.
What to do in the park
For families
Carousels, pedal go-karts, a miniature train and the historic Guignol Guérin puppet theatre delight children all year round.
Sport & leisure
Go for a morning run, enjoy shaded walks or plan a picnic on the lawns. The park is the city’s perfect outdoor playground.
Culture moments
Educational workshops, seasonal events and outdoor performances regularly animate the park.
Family attractions abound: the miniature traffic circuit teaches road safety, while the lake is perfect for spotting ducks and swans. Joggers and walkers enjoy shaded paths that wind between water, lawns and groves.
In summer, benches and picnic tables welcome lazy lunches. Cultural and educational events are scheduled throughout the year. For a calmer experience, settle by the lake, observe the birds and simply breathe.
Flora and fauna
The park is home to more than 1,400 trees, including rare species such as giant sequoias, bald cypress, gingko biloba and magnolias. These majestic specimens mingle with colourful flowerbeds and wilder areas that preserve biodiversity.
The lake shelters ducks, swans, moorhens and geese. With a bit of luck you might glimpse a hedgehog or squirrel. Children will love the small animal area with goats, hens and sheep.
Every visit feels unique: admire a centenary sequoia, watch a swan glide on the water, or let the kids run free while you enjoy the calm.