Bordeaux

Travel Guide

Bordeaux showing heritage elements and street scenes
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux showing food

Bordeaux Travel Guide Video

Cycle along the city’s network of bike paths as you taste local wines, look across the Garonne River or relax in one of the city’s many gardens and parks.

Known around the world for its high caliber of wines, a visit to this French city reveals far more than just grapes and cellar doors. Bordeaux is a city loved by its residents for its laid back approach to life, and a progressive community of musicians and artists. Spurred by a large student population from one of France’s largest universities, the city has a vivid nightlife centered on the historic La Victoire district. The Garonne River provides a stunning backdrop to the picturesque city, and visitors to the city will love the scenic Les Quais quarter.

Bordeaux is a particularly flat city and, with 580 kilometers (360 miles) of paved cycling routes, a bike is the ideal mode of transport for visitors. Hire a bike from one of the many vendors in the city center, or make use of the city’s bike sharing program, with stations at regular intervals throughout the city. Bordeaux’s mild winters mean that bikes are a great way to see the city year round, although bringing a raincoat couldn’t hurt, even in summer.

The city’s major attractions are focused around its historic attractions and cultural institutions. Head to Sainte-Catherine Street in the pedestrian center of the city for excellent shopping and views, or climb the more than 200 steps to reach the top of the Basilica of St Michel’s gothic spire. The Musee D’Art Contemporain is a must for anyone with an interest in art, while those more interested in the outdoors will love Bordeaux’s botanic garden.

Once you’ve explored the city it’s time to sample its wares, and the vineyards around the city are a great place to start. The area is a world renowned region for wine production, and tours of the most famous wineries are available from the city centre. 

Bordeaux is located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) inland from France’s southwest coast. Bus or train to the city from Barcelona, Marseille or Paris, or fly to Bordeaux’s international airport from further afield.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Place de la Bourse

Bordeaux City Centre

Spend some time visiting places like Place Gambetta while getting to know Bordeaux City Centre, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard the metro at Gambetta Tram Station or Grand Theatre Tram Station to see more of the area.

Bordeaux City Centre
Bordeaux

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces

If you're spending time in Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces, check out sights like Grand Theatre of Bordeaux or Place de la Comédie and hop on the metro to see more the city at Grand Theatre Tram Station or Gambetta Tram Station.

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces
Bordeaux Maritime

Le Lac

Lake views and bars are highlights of Le Lac. Make a stop by Matmut Atlantique Stadium or Bordeaux Stadium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Les Aubiers Tram Station to get around town.

Le Lac
Bastide

Bastide

Bastide is a destination travelers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Thiers - Benauge Tram Station or Galin Tram Station to explore sights like Darwin Eco-Système.

Bastide
Chartrons

Chartrons

Consider a visit to Quai des Marques and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Chartrons. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station.

Chartrons
Bordeaux Maritime

Quartier du Lac

Noted for its lake views and bars, there's plenty to explore in Quartier du Lac. Top attractions like Barriere Casino Theatre and Aushopping Bordeaux Lac are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Claveau Tram Station or Brandenburg Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Lac
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
4 out of 5
17 Allée de Rio, Bordeaux
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,225 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P4,225
P5,115 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (993 reviews)
Great hotel but difficult to find
"I arrived by car in the evening. The hotel is poorly signed and I had problems locating it. Otherwise nice location with pleasant staff and great rooms. For the number of rooms I find 2 elevators too little - too much waiting time."

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
Novotel Bordeaux Centre
Novotel Bordeaux Centre
4 out of 5
45 Cours du Marechal Juin, Bordeaux, Gironde
The price is P6,163 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
P6,163
P7,244 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (977 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2024

Novotel Bordeaux Centre
Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona - Bordeaux
Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona - Bordeaux
4 out of 5
4 Rue Martignac, 11 rue Mautrec, Bordeaux, Gironde
The price is P8,405 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
P8,405
P9,712 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (767 reviews)
Wonderful Bordeaux
"Excellent location in Bordeaux within walking distance of everything. Our first time in Bordeaux and will be one of many trips in the future. We've added a new city to our city breaks. Loved the hotel, spotless, rooms are excellent and staff very friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona - Bordeaux
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,171 reviews)
"Hotel pretty clean staff helpful , speak English, quite near tram"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2024

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
3 out of 5
45 Rue Leyteire, Bordeaux, Gironde
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (341 reviews)
"The Staycity is in a central location on a quiet street. Very walkable to the main areas of Bordeaux."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Residhome Bordeaux
Residhome Bordeaux
3 out of 5
87 Quai Bacalan, Bordeaux
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (621 reviews)
Revisiting hotel and Bordeaux
"This was our second visit to this hotel. Previously we came in a summer ,but this visit was on the last day of Bordeaux Xmas market. The hotel is situated on the tram line which you can buy tickets at the machine or on the app. To get into centre takes about ten mins. Across from hotel is the river ..."

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2025

Residhome Bordeaux
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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