Bordeaux travel guide

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Introduction to Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux, the thriving capital of South West France, famous for its exceptional wines and beautiful architecture. Nestled along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is steeped in rich history. It also thrives with a modern cultural scene, making it a fantastic destination for any traveler.

Bordeaux is renowned for its wine, with numerous vineyards offering tours and tastings. A visit to the Cite du Vin is a must for an immersive wine experience. Meanwhile, celebrations like the Bordeaux Wine Festival allow you to appreciate the city’s diverse wine offerings.

When you’re not learning about Bordeaux’s wine, dive into the city’s long history and art scene by visiting the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Musee d'Aquitaine. Explore Bordeaux's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 18th-century mansions, the Gothic Saint-Andre Cathedral, and the Place de la Bourse. See the city's modern side in the rejuvenated Bassins a Flot district, packed with sleek architecture, trendy museums, and buzzing cultural spots. Enjoy local treats like caneles and seafood at Bordeaux's bustling markets, especially Marche des Capucins.

Bordeaux stands out for its perfect blend of old-world charm and modern innovation, reflected in its well-preserved landmarks and contemporary urban development. For more info on local events and attractions, visit Bordeaux's official website. Enjoy discovering Bordeaux and its many treasures!

Top services in Bordeaux

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Bordeaux, France. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Bordeaux, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to France. Check out the best things to do in Bordeaux by browsing over 306 top-rated tours available to you in the city. Compare the rates and services of the stays and 11 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Bordeaux with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Bordeaux from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Bordeaux with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Bordeaux travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Bordeaux!

Local culture and customs in Bordeaux

Bordeaux, in the heart of the Aquitaine region, is renowned for its rich wine culture. The city boasts more than 100,000 vineyards, and wine tasting is an integral part of the local lifestyle. Don't miss the opportunity to visit a wine château, where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the world's finest wines.

Bordeaux's gastronomy is another highlight of its culture. Dinner is a leisurely affair, often lasting several hours, and it's customary to enjoy a variety of locally sourced foods. Try the famous canelés, a local sweet delicacy, or oysters from Arcachon Bay. Remember, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in France.

Bordeaux locals, or Bordelais, are known for their warm hospitality. However, they also value politeness. It's customary to greet shopkeepers, waitstaff, and other locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good day). Try to learn a few basic French phrases before your trip; it's a sign of respect to attempt the local language, even if you're not fluent.

Bordeaux is also a city of arts and culture. Its many museums, galleries, and live music venues reflect the local passion for art, history, and music. While exploring, take your time to appreciate the city's stunning architecture, such as the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André and the Palais Rohan.

Currency information for travelers in Bordeaux

The official currency in Bordeaux, like the rest of France, is the Euro (€). ATMs, or distributeurs automatiques, are readily available throughout the city and are a convenient way to withdraw cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in Bordeaux, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, small businesses or cafés may have a minimum purchase requirement for card payments. Contactless payment is also common. Keep in mind that tipping is not obligatory, as service charge is usually included in your bill, but it's customary to leave small change. Budgeting depends largely on your personal spending habits, but as a rule, Bordeaux can be slightly cheaper than Paris, yet more expensive than rural areas of France.

Language tips for travelers in Bordeaux

French is the official language in Bordeaux, so learning a few basic phrases can greatly enhance your experience. Though many locals speak English, particularly in tourist areas, they appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak French. Start with simple greetings like 'Bonjour' (Hello), 'Merci' (Thank you), and 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me). When ordering food or wine, remember to say 's'il vous plaît' (please) and 'je voudrais' (I would like).

Bordeaux has its own distinct dialect, so some words may sound different from standard French. Additionally, keep in mind that French culture values polite and formal communication. Always use 'Monsieur' (sir) or 'Madame' (madam) when addressing someone you don't know. Finally, don't be afraid to use a translation app or phrasebook for more complex conversations.

Best time to visit Bordeaux

The best time to explore Bordeaux, France is between June and August. During these summer months, the weather is pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F), perfect for wine tours and outdoor activities. This period hosts several festivals such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival and the River Festival, adding to the lively atmosphere. However, these months also see the highest tourist influx, so be prepared for crowded attractions. For those seeking milder temperatures and fewer tourists, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) provide an appealing alternative. The autumnal grape harvest is a particularly special time in Bordeaux, offering unique wine-related experiences. Whichever period you choose, ensure to book accommodations in advance to secure good deals. Remember, the best time to visit Bordeaux also depends on your personal preferences, whether it's warm summer days, vibrant festivals, or tranquil vineyard visits in the fall.

Local tip for visiting Bordeaux

Bordeaux, known for its world-class vineyards, also has a hidden gem that locals often recommend to visitors. An insider tip if you're planning to visit is to explore the 'Capucins Market,' or 'Marché des Capucins.' This lively market is a staple for locals and is often overlooked by tourists. It's the perfect place to get a real taste of Bordeaux's gastronomic culture, with countless stalls offering local products, fresh seafood, cheeses, meats, and pastries. Don't miss out on the opportunity to try local dishes like 'caneles' or 'oysters from Arcachon.' The market is open every day except Monday. Arriving early (around 7-8 AM) is recommended to avoid the lunchtime crowds and to get the freshest produce. This insider tip can significantly enhance your Bordeaux experience, immersing you in the local culture and cuisine.

Learn more about France

With destinations such as Bordeaux, a trip to France needs no further explanation. Spanning over 643,801 square kilometers, France is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, France has something to enchant every traveler.

In Bordeaux alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Place de la Bourse, Miroir d'eau, and Jardin Public. Thus, a trip to France becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, France offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in France. Click or tap the link below to discover more about France and its offers.

What to see in Bordeaux

Photo of Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, France.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Bordeaux, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Bordeaux offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Bordeaux travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

Top attractions in Bordeaux

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Bordeaux is more than just a wonderful city in France. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into France's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Bordeaux is the unforgettable Place de la Bourse. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Bordeaux.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Bordeaux, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Bordeaux, including the fascinating Place de la Bourse, Miroir d'eau, Jardin Public, Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, and Monument aux Girondins.

Map of attractions

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Bordeaux.

Things to do in Bordeaux

Photo of Chateau and vineyard in Margaux, Bordeaux, France.

You've explored Bordeaux's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Bordeaux. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Bordeaux, or learning more about the city's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the city below.

Most popular experiences in Bordeaux

A visit to Bordeaux gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the city is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Wine Tasting Experiences, Historical Tours, Bus Tours, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Bordeaux, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant city. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Bordeaux. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Bordeaux offers and let your adventures begin!

Top tours & tickets starting in Bordeaux

In Bordeaux, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 22 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. But among this sea of options, one category reigns supreme: Trips & Excursions.

Trips & Excursions offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Bordeaux. For example, the fantastic Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar.

Bordeaux also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. Bordeaux Data eSIM 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days, for example, is the cheapest Half-day Tour option in the city. This experience costs around 3 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Bordeaux adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the city. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Bordeaux right below.

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All Experiences in Bordeaux

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Search for things to do in Bordeaux

Discover the best things to do in Bordeaux. Choose from 306 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Bordeaux. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Bordeaux.

What to eat in Bordeaux

Bordeaux, a culinary hotspot in southern France, is a gastronomic delight for food lovers. The city's dining districts, from the rustic Saint Pierre to the chic Chartrons, offer a range of food experiences. As you set out to explore the best places to eat in Bordeaux, brace yourself for a gastronomic adventure. The city's street food, including the cannelés, a local specialty pastry, and fresh seafood like oysters from the nearby Arcachon Bay, are a must-try. For a more upscale experience, head to the Michelin-starred Le Pressoir d'Argent, offering innovative dishes that blend local ingredients and global flavors. Traditional Bordeaux cuisine is a hearty mix of duck confit, entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak in a rich wine sauce), and lamprey à la Bordelaise. Pair these dishes with world-renowned Bordeaux wines for an ultimate dining experience. As the city is popular among tourists, it is advisable to book tables in advance, especially in high-end restaurants. Do not miss the chance to visit local markets, like the Marché des Capucins, to see where chefs source their ingredients. Whether you're a foodie or a casual diner, Bordeaux will not disappoint.

Best free things to do in Bordeaux

Discover the best free things to do in Bordeaux, a city that offers an abundant blend of history, culture, and architecture without breaking the bank. Start your journey at the Miroir d'Eau, the world's largest reflecting pool. Here, you can marvel at the grandeur of Place de la Bourse reflected in the water, a truly breathtaking sight to behold. Next, stroll through the lush greenery of Jardin Public, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the city's rich history by visiting the Grosse Cloche, a bell tower that is one of Bordeaux's most iconic landmarks. Wander through the Saint-Michel district and its bustling flea market, where you can soak up local color and culture. Finally, no visit to Bordeaux would be complete without exploring its renowned vineyards. While wine tastings may not always be free, many vineyards offer free tours of their grounds. With such a variety of free activities on offer, Bordeaux promises a rich and fulfilling travel experience without the need for extravagant spending.

How to get to Bordeaux

International travelers can fly to Bordeaux by booking flights with Volotea, easyJet, Air France, HiSky Europe, and Transavia France, offering flights to Bordeaux–Mérignac, and Bordeaux?M?rignac. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Bordeaux.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Bordeaux, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Bordeaux. Go to this page to compare all flights to Bordeaux.

Find cheap flights to Bordeaux

Photo of Bordeaux France, by Niki Nagy-bordeaux

Booking budget-friendly flights to Bordeaux is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Bordeaux. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Bordeaux, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search" and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Bordeaux even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book" and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Bordeaux both affordable and unforgettable.

Popular flights to Bordeaux

Travelers visiting Bordeaux can easily access the city via Bordeaux–Mérignac, and Bordeaux?M?rignac, offering direct connection to 392 destinations worldwide. To streamline your travel planning process, explore the most popular flights to Bordeaux below. Discover direct routes from major international hubs and convenient connections tailored to suit your travel preferences. Click to delve into the diverse array of flights available to Bordeaux and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Car rentals in Bordeaux

Photo of vineyards of Saint Emilion village in Bordeaux region, France.

To navigate Bordeaux effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 11 car rental companies in Bordeaux, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Bordeaux start at 28 EUR per day or 198 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Nissan Micra. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Bordeaux, starting at 24 EUR per day or 169 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Fiat Panda.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Bordeaux, France below.

Popular types of cars for rent in Bordeaux

Renting a car in Bordeaux is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Bordeaux, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Bordeaux for your upcoming adventures in France below. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Search for car rentals in Bordeaux

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Bordeaux. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Bordeaux, France, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Bordeaux

Photo of colored trees and footbridge of the Jardin Public park in Autumn in Bordeaux, France.

The city of Bordeaux is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in France. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that France has it all.

Each destination in France offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in France that are as magical as the city of Bordeaux. The most popular travel destinations in France are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in France

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in France. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Bordeaux

Photo of woman enjoying Saint Emilion village in green vineyard, Bordeaux in France.

Experience the authentic charm of France by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Bordeaux. Explore other destinations around France with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Bordeaux to other amazing locations in France, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in France for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Bordeaux.

Popular domestic flights from Bordeaux

Travelers in France can catch flights to domestic airports in Nice, Nantes, Marseille, Lyon, and Strasbourg. Domestic flights in France are operated by 6 airlines, including Volotea, easyJet, Air France, Ryanair, and Chalair. There are around 15 scheduled flight routes operating to Bordeaux on a weekly basis.

From Bordeaux, travelers can book scheduled flights to 14 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Bordeaux depart to many top-rated destinations in France and are offered by Volotea, easyJet, and Air France.

Search domestic flights from Bordeaux

Traveling to another city or region in France? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Bordeaux to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in France on the selected dates.

Transportation in Bordeaux

Bordeaux, a vibrant city in France, offers a variety of transportation options for visitors and locals alike. The city boasts an extensive public transit system, including trams, buses, and river shuttles managed by TBM (Transport Bordeaux Métropole). The tram network, consisting of three lines, is a convenient and popular way to navigate the city, with frequent services connecting many major attractions.

Additionally, taxis are widely available throughout Bordeaux, offering a reliable and convenient mode of transportation. There are also numerous car rental companies, including major international chains, providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

For a unique local experience, consider renting a bicycle from VCub, the city's public bike-sharing scheme. With hundreds of stations across Bordeaux, it offers a fun and environmentally friendly way to discover the city. Alternatively, consider a boat trip on the Garonne River for a picturesque view of Bordeaux's iconic waterfront.

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