So, to make things easier for you, Invisible Bordeaux has been looking closely at what’s on offer in the city and here is a small selection of some of the more unusual and eye-catching visits... while the full list of venues and visits - in Bordeaux and beyond - can be found on the official event website.
Chapelle et cloître du CROUS
CROUS is the structure set up to support and guide students in their quest for accommodation, grants and work. Surprisingly, the organisation is housed in premises which also feature a “neogothic” cloister and chapel that formed part of a convent and later a seminary. The visit is a new and welcome addition to this year’s Journées du Patrimoine programme!
- 18 rue du Hamel, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th September, 14:00-22:00 [Full information]
Parc Rivière
Parc Rivière, which the blog explored a few months ago, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The municipal park, which used to be the grounds of a mansion, is well worth a visit all year round, but Journées du Patrimoine events include a tour of its remarkable trees and a very eco-friendly children’s treasure hunt.
- Rue Mandron, Bordeaux
- « Toi, moi, nous, les abeilles et la planète » children’s treasure hunt, Saturday 19th September, 14 :00 [Full information]
- À la découverte des arbres du parc Rivière, Saturday 19th September, 14:00 [Full information]
- Place de la Victoire, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 [Full information]
- 15 rue du Professeur Demons, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th September, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 [Full information]
La Bastide – patrimoine en héritage
The right-bank La Bastide quarter is one of the most fascinating of the Bordeaux neighbourhoods. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the district becoming part of the city, the association Histoire(s) de la Bastide is putting on a major exhibition of postcards and photos culled from various private collections.
- Maison Cantonale, 20 rue de Chateauneuf, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th September, 09:00-12:30 and 13:00-16:30 [Full information]
This 18th-century mansion, which now operates as a luxury hotel, is rarely accessible to the general public but its doors do open during the Heritage Days weekend, the guided tour taking in parts of the building as well as the inner courtyard and gardens.
- 13 rue Saint-Laurent, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th, 15:00-17:00 [Full information]
L’église Sacré CœurMany are familiar with the twin spires of église Sacré Cœur, which lies between Saint-Jean railway station and the Nansouty district. But the church is well worth a visit, and not just to admire its unusual 24-hour clock! Doors will be open over the heritage days weekend and a guided tour will be provided by parishioners on the Sunday afternoon.
- 117 Rue Billaudel, Bordeaux
- Open 09:00-19:30 on both days, guided tour Sunday 20th, 15:00 [Full information]
Cimetière israélite des AvignonnaisThe tiny cemetery for Jews from Avignon, which ceased welcoming the deceased in 1805, is tucked away between tall buildings, and it will be possible to wander freely there on Sunday 20th. Be sure to first check out the troubled history of the cemetery and its 100 residents.
- 47 rue Sauteyron, Bordeaux
- Sunday 20th, 09:00-17:00 [Full information]
Usine JockInvisible Bordeaux favourites Jock, purveyors of fine crèmes and readymade cake mixes, will be organising factory tours on both days. It will be a chance to learn about the company’s history, sample their products and learn more about the manufacturing process.
- 190 Quai de Brazza, Bordeaux
- Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, 10:00-12:30, 13:00-18:00 [Full information]
Balade à vélo entre Jalles et Médoc
Finally, if you're looking for a way of combining local heritage with some serious pedalling (and the pleasant feeling of wind in your hair), why not sign up for a day-long guided bike ride through the outskirts of Bordeaux? Little information is available about the no doubt interesting itinerary, but it does sound tempting!
- Saturday 19th, 10:00-17:00
- Register by calling 05 24 57 53 14 [Full information]