Your guide to Bordeaux
Bordeaux highlights
Explore the historic harbour
Begin your stay in Bordeaux by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage–listed harbour, ‘Port de la Lune’ (Port of the Moon). With 350 historic structures here, you’ll want to set aside a few hours to see them all. The ‘Miroir d’Eau’ (Water Mirror) makes the biggest splash. Covering an enormous footprint, the world’s largest reflecting pool can be walked right over and is the most photographed site in Bordeaux.
Go wine tasting
No trip to Bordeaux would be complete without visiting one of the region’s many vineyards. There are literally thousands of chateaux to choose from. Unsure where to start? Why not join a vineyard tour for sightseeing and wine tasting. The Graves region has been producing wine since the Middle Ages. Home to the iconic Chateau Pape Clement, it’s an unmissable stop for any wine connoisseur.
Surf the dunes
France’s premier wine region is also home to the biggest sand dune in Europe. Grab your sandboard and head to the Dune of Pilat. Surrounded by pine forest and the Bassin d’Arcachon tidal bay, it’s an impressive sight even from a distance. But the real thrill is strapping yourself to a board and sliding down its steep face.
Bordeaux: Know before you go
| Language | French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June - September |
| Low season | November - February |
Find the best time to go to Bordeaux
Weather in Bordeaux
March – May: Spring in the city often starts cool and rainy, with warm weather and more sunshine arriving towards the middle of May.
June – August: Bordeaux’s oceanic climate means rain and clouds throughout the year. But warm summers bring more clear, dry days, perfect for a beach trip or winery tour.
September – November: Expect drier and sunnier weather until October, when harvest season for the vineyards peaks. The chill kicks up fast once you get into November.
December – February: Though frosty nights are common, winter in Bordeaux is rarely accompanied by snow. Daytime temperatures are usually mild, but make sure to pack your raincoat.
Events in Bordeaux
Carnaval des Deux Rives (March): This popular carnival has festivities on both sides of the Garonne River. The weekend includes live music, performances, and events. And it ends with a colorful parade on the first Sunday in March.
Bordeaux Wine Festival (June): A tasting tour highlighting the delicious variety of Bordeaux wines is at the heart of this annual celebration. A prestigious regatta and choreographed drone shows bring added fun for families.
Fest’arts (August): Cheer on acrobats, dancers and musicians at this celebration of street arts, one of France’s largest arts festivals. Less than an hour from Bordeaux, the streets of Libourne are packed with performances and workshops from international troupes.
The best neighbourhoods in Bordeaux
Bordeaux city centre
The historic centre is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bordeaux for iconic sites like the Place de la Bourse, Grosse Cloche and Grand Theatre de Bordeaux. You’ll also have easy access to gastronomic highlights along the Rue des Remparts, Rue Des Trois Conils and Rue de la Vieille Tour.
Good for: Historic landmarks, dining, nightlife
Saint-Michel
Though it attracts fewer tourists than other districts, Saint-Michel might be the trendiest neighbourhood in the city. The daily market, Marche des Capucins, has been feeding local residents for centuries and will be buzzing by lunchtime. If you’re visiting between March and October, climb the gothic Basilica of Saint Michael’s bell tower for panoramic views of the city.
Good for: Cosmopolitan atmosphere, market, viewing point
Chartrons
Chartrons began as a wine merchants’ neighbourhood and continues that tradition today. This is where to stay in Bordeaux if you love to shop. The big trades here are in wine and antiques, but you’ll also find plenty of brand stores and chic boutiques. Chartrons is also home to Au Petrin Moissagais, the city’s oldest ‘boulangerie’ (bakery), which is still baking bread in its 18th-century oven.
Good for: Quaint streets, wine tasting, antiques
Things to do in Bordeaux
Family friendly things to do
For one of the best things to do with family in Bordeaux, pack a picnic and head to Jardin Public, the city’s biggest green space. In July and August, travel an hour to Biscarrosse, where AquaPark, one of the world’s biggest inflatable water parks, is guaranteed to exhaust the kids.
Shopping
In the heart of Bordeaux is Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. Here, you’ll find trinkets, high street brands and everything in between. Beyond the classic bottle of local red, stock up on cheese, chocolate and ‘canele’, a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla that was originally made by Bordeaux nuns.
Take in the culture
Learn about the ‘living heritage’ of wine at La Cite du Vin museum, then drink in more than the views in the rooftop bar. If art is more your thing, you have your pick of the Museum of Fine Arts, CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, and Les Bassins des Lumieres — the world’s largest digital art centre.
Nightlife
Some of the best nightlife in Bordeaux is located within the ‘Triangle d’Or’ (Golden Triangle), where you’ll find the trendiest clubs in the city. Elsewhere, The Base is a unique nightlife concept, with restaurants, bars and a dance floor all housed in a large former motorbike garage. Electronic club Iboat is located on a ferry in the Bassins a Flot district.
Places to eat
Pair your wine with an amazing meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in Bordeaux. Your first stop should be the Marche des Capucins, the biggest daily market in Bordeaux. Suck down the region’s famed oysters at Chez Jean-Mi. And whether you opt for duck, lamb or beef, always say “‘oui’” (“yes”) to the wine sauce.
Free things to do
One of the best free things to do in Bordeaux is to stroll along the banks of the Garonne River. Cross the picturesque Pont de Pierre before making your way to the Port de la Lune, where you’ll find the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas — one of Europe’s tallest lift bridges — illuminated against the night sky.
Get ready for Bordeaux
Budget
Even on a budget trip to Bordeaux, you can affordably visit a wine bar or the vineyards. Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for under 20 euros (€). A cappuccino will set you back less than €4. A short taxi ride costs around €8, but you can save even more by taking the tram or bus.
Day trips from Bordeaux
Head east to see Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its medieval architecture, vineyards and ‘macarons’ (almond meringue cookies), the village also hosts a jazz festival every July. In less than an hour’s drive, you can be in the seaside town of Arcachon, home to tranquil beaches, sand dune strolls and some of the best oysters in the region.
Getting around Bordeaux
Streamline your visit to Bordeaux by opting for a City Pass, which provides unlimited access to the tram, bus and ferry, along with key museums and a complimentary city tour. Opt for a pass good for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Bordeaux also has an extensive network of cycle routes. Borrow bikes from a VCUB bike station.
