Rainy day in Bordeaux: five indoor things that are worth the ticket

The answer first

If you only have one wet afternoon, go to the Bassins des Lumières, a former submarine base where art is projected on the walls and the water. Since 3 October its official site lists two programmes running side by side: Matisse with a short Frida Kahlo piece, and a dinosaur experience. GetYourGuide sells a Matisse ticket and a dinosaurs ticket, and the dinosaurs ticket lists the Matisse and Frida Kahlo programmes among its inclusions too, so compare the two before you book. Both pages mark the venue wheelchair accessible. The others below suit specific moods: wine, family fun, or sitting still.

The options

• Bassins des Lumières, Matisse ticket (€16), rated 4.6/5 from 418 reviews. Includes “Matisse, the Symphony of Colors” and the short programme “Frida Kahlo, en plein cœur”, at your own pace. The page says part of the experience has a French voiceover and that last admission is 1 hour 15 minutes before closing. Pets are not allowed, assistance dogs are. The page flags that it is likely to sell out.
• Bassins des Lumières, dinosaurs ticket (€16). “Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs”, subtitled in English and French, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes; the inclusions also name the Matisse and Frida Kahlo programmes and the contemporary piece “L’échappée des lignes”. The page says it is not suitable for people with epilepsy, advises against it for children under 2 and notes that strollers are allowed, though a baby carrier is recommended. It also warns that the building is cool in winter, so bring a layer.
• Museum of Illusions (€19). About 1 hour on the page, at 4 Rue Bonnaffé, described as suitable for all ages and marked wheelchair accessible. One reviewer found it pricey for roughly 30 minutes inside, so plan it as a short stop. Food and drinks are not allowed.
• Wine and Trade Museum with a tasting (€12). In the Chartrons at 41 Rue Borie: vaulted cellars from around 1720, a paper or audio guide, a presentation of the vineyards and two wines with canelés and chocolate-coated raisins. Groups are limited to 9.
• Cité du Vin. The wine museum on the Garonne; our guide to whether the Cité du Vin is worth it covers the ticket.

If you want to stay seated

The little electric train (€14) runs for 45 minutes, and the page lists it as a way to see the city sheltered from sun or rain. It is marked wheelchair accessible; food and drinks are not allowed on board. A reviewer wished it slowed down more at each stop. Compare it with the walking and bike options.

Side by side

Tour	Duration	Price per person
Bassins des Lumières, Matisse	at your own pace	€16
Bassins des Lumières, dinosaurs	1 to 1.25 hours	€16
Museum of Illusions	1 hour	€19
Wine and Trade Museum	at your own pace	€12
Little electric train	45 minutes	€14

Our recommendation

For most people, the Bassins des Lumières. If you want the dinosaurs as well as Matisse, or you are travelling with children over 2, take the dinosaurs ticket; if you only want Matisse, the Matisse ticket. Exhibitions change, so check which show is on for your date. See every option on our page for museums and indoor activities.