Bordeaux Hôtels

Bordeaux is a wine-filled treasure chest of France. While this fascinating city is known for its world-famous wines, it also captivates visitors with its historical riches, dazzling architecture, and friendly people. While the aroma of history envelops you as you wander through the ancient streets, transporting you back to ancient times, modern wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants invite you to savor today's flavors. In addition to being a paradise for wine lovers, Bordeaux fascinates everyone with its historical heritage and rich cultural life.

You can join the famous Wine Festival that attracts thousands of visitors passionate about wine and food, or you can explore the stunning architecture and deep-rooted history of the city. Whatever you choose, Bordeaux will enchant you with its fairytale atmosphere.

Things To Know Before Going To Bordeaux

• Affordable Wines: Not all good Bordeaux wines are expensive. Many excellent, reasonably priced options are available.
• Sunday Closures: Many restaurants close on Sundays, even in tourist areas. Check ahead to avoid surprises.
• Walkable City: Bordeaux is compact, with most attractions accessible on foot from central neighborhoods.
• Top Day Trips: Don’t miss day trips to Archachon, Dune du Pilat, and Saint-Emilion.
• Best Visiting Times: Ideal months to visit are May and June. Avoid January, the first week of April, and August when wineries are often closed.
• Winery Visits: Appointments are essential for winery visits. Most wineries lack dedicated tasting rooms and close for lunch (noon to 2 p.m.) and on weekends.

Bordeaux Tips From Locals

• Private Tours: Book a private tour with Bordeaux Tours or Driver Service Agency for a better experience and insider access to wineries. Book early for September.
• Sauternes: Visit Chateau d'Yquem, Chateau Suduiraut, and Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey for great tastings and beautiful tours.
• Saint-Emilion: Explore the village early to avoid crowds, then visit its wineries.
• Day Trips: Combine Dune du Pilat with Arcachon for oysters.
• La Cité du Vin: Visit the wine museum and enjoy a rooftop drink at sunset.
• Dining: Try steak tartare at Petit Mignon on Rue Saint-Rémi.

Where To Stay In Bordeaux?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Bordeaux are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Bordeaux  

Book your perfect trip and find all Bordeaux hotels here!

Places To Visit In Bordeaux

Here’s the list of some top Bordeaux attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

• Place de la Bourse and its water mirror (Miroir d'eau): A historical monument and iconic place in Bordeaux, offering a stunning reflection of the square and the quays of Bordeaux in the water mirror.
• The Pont de Pierre: One of the most famous bridges in Bordeaux, built in the 19th century by Napoleon Bonaparte, providing a picturesque view of the city and a popular spot for walks and bike rides.
• The Grand Théâtre: A historic monument in Bordeaux located on Place de la Comédie, known for its neoclassical architecture and prestigious theatrical and lyrical performances.
• The Musée d’Aquitaine: One of the largest history museums in France, situated between Place de la Victoire and Place Pey-Berland, offering insights into the history and culture of the Aquitaine region.
• The Place des Quinconces: One of the largest city squares in Europe, featuring impressive statues, fountains, and green spaces, providing a relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy.
• The Porte Cailhau: A historical monument in Bordeaux, known for its ornate architecture and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
• The Grosse Cloche: A notable landmark in Bordeaux, known for its impressive bell tower and historical importance, attracting visitors interested in the city's heritage.
• The Pey-Berland Tower and the Saint-Andre Cathedral: The Pey-Berland tower is a prominent structure next to the Saint-Andre cathedral, offering panoramic views of Bordeaux and showcasing stunning architecture.
• The Public Garden: A beautiful green space in Bordeaux, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors with its lush gardens, walking paths, and serene atmosphere.
• Sainte-Catherine street: One of the longest shopping streets in Europe, lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques, offering a vibrant and bustling atmosphere for shopping and leisure.

Where is Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, near the European Atlantic coast in southwestern France. The city lies along the Garonne River. It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Gironde department.

Is Bordeaux Safe?

Bordeaux is generally considered safe, with theft and vandalism being more common than violent crime. While no destination is entirely free of risks, Bordeaux ranks as a safer city compared to other major cities in France. Visitors are advised to take precautions such as avoiding certain areas at night, securing belongings, and being cautious in specific neighborhoods.

Is Bordeaux Expensive To Visit?

Bordeaux can be considered relatively expensive to visit compared to some other European cities. The average daily cost for a trip to Bordeaux ranges from $57 to $246 for budget travelers, $130 to $492 for mid-range travelers, and $246 to $492 for luxury travelers.

Bordeaux Currency

In Bordeaux, France, as in much of Europe, the Euro (€) serves as the official currency. This simplifies transactions for travelers coming from other Eurozone countries, which include 17 European Union states.

Bordeaux Language

French is the official language spoken in Bordeaux. English is also commonly spoken, especially in areas frequented by tourists, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. 

How Many Days To Visit Bordeaux?

According to The Bordeaux Concierge, you should stay in Bordeaux for at least 5 days to fully experience the city. However, spending 6 or 7 days would be better to explore the city properly.

What To Do in Bordeaux?

• Spend a day in Cap Ferret: Take a boat to the peninsula, enjoy the bay, watch surfers, and indulge in fresh oysters.
• Picnic in the Jardin Public: Relax in the Romantic-style English park with a waterlily pond, botanical garden, carousel, and play park.
• Attend the Fête le Vin: Join the four-day wine and food festival with wine tastings, barrel-rolling contests, banquets, music, sailing ships, and fireworks.
• Visit La Cité du Vin: Explore the wine museum with unique architecture and a deep dive into the world of wine.
• Explore Bordeaux's Monuments: Visit Saint-André Cathedral, the Cailhau Gate, and the Grand Theatre.
• Experience Immersive Art at Bassins des Lumières: Enjoy immersive exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists.
• Enjoy Performances at the National Opera of Bordeaux: Attend performances at the grand theatre.
• Cycle Around Bordeaux: Explore the city by bike through parks, gardens, vineyards, and to the ocean.
• Discover Bordeaux's Museums: Visit museums like Musée d’Aquitaine, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
• Dine at Fine Restaurants: Indulge in a fancy meal at top restaurants like le Quatrième Mur, Bo Tanique, or Lauza.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Bordeaux?

The best time to stay in Bordeaux is between May and November, particularly in late summer and early autumn. The pleasant weather during this period is ideal for exploring vineyards, participating in the grape harvest, and enjoying outdoor activities. Late August through October is the recommended time to visit Bordeaux to experience the grape harvest, a major event in the region.

What To Pack For Your Visit To Bordeaux?

Summer (June to August):

• Lightweight outfits suitable for warm weather.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and vineyards.
• Sunglasses and a hat to protect from the sun.
• Casual and chic clothing items for daytime and evening outings.
• Sandals for beach visits or casual outings.
• A water bottle and hand sanitizer for convenience.
• A power bank for charging devices on the go.

Autumn (September to November):

• Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
• Scarves and a jacket for cooler evenings.
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.
• An umbrella for occasional rain.
• A mix of clothing suitable for outdoor activities and vineyard visits.

Winter (December to February):

• Warm clothing like sweaters, coats, and scarves.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket for rainy days.
• Boots or closed-toe shoes for colder weather.
• Gloves and a hat to stay warm.
• Layered clothing for indoor and outdoor activities.

Spring (March to May):

• Light layers for changing temperatures.
• Rain jacket or umbrella for occasional showers.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days.
• Casual and versatile clothing items for various activities.

Bordeaux Food

Bordeaux has a very unique cuisine with delicious traditional dishes and world-renowned Bordeaux wines. Here are some of the must-try foods in Bordeaux:

• Marpets aux Cèpes et aux Marrons: Magrets aux cèpes et aux marrons is a scrumptious dish that combines succulent duck breast, earthy porcini mushrooms, and delightful chestnuts. 
• Cannele: A classic pastry from Bordeaux, canelés are small, caramelized cakes with a custardy interior and a dark, caramelized crust. They're usually flavored with vanilla and rum.
• Confit de Canard: Confit de Canard is a classic French dish of duck leg that has been salted and slowly cooked in its own fat until tender. It results in a flavorful and succulent meat with crispy skin, a popular dish in French cuisine.
• Lamproie à la Bordelaise: Lamproie à la Bordelaise is a traditional dish from Bordeaux made with lamprey, a type of eel-like fish. It is cooked in a rich sauce made with red wine, shallots, garlic, and spices, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Cabecou and Ossau-Iraty: Cabécou is a small goat cheese from the Aquitaine region, often served as a starter or snack. Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Pyrenees region, known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Both cheeses are popular in Bordeaux and the surrounding areas.
• Bordeaux wine: Bordeaux is renowned for its wine production, particularly red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

Bordeaux Nightlife

The nightlife in Bordeaux is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of options for locals and visitors to enjoy. From bars and clubs to live music venues, Bordeaux's nightlife scene caters to various tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best places to spend your night in Bordeaux:

• Le Frog & Rosbif: A popular British-style pub located near Place de la Victoire, known for its friendly atmosphere and wide selection of beers.
• Mama Shelter Rooftop: This trendy rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Bordeaux and serves delicious cocktails. It's located in the Saint-Jean district.
• La Tencha: A hip bar and cultural space in the Saint-Michel neighborhood, featuring live music, DJ sets, and art exhibitions.
• iBOAT: A unique venue located on a converted ferry boat docked on the Garonne River. iBOAT hosts concerts, club nights, and other cultural events.
• Le Caillou du Jardin Botanique: A cozy wine bar situated in the Botanical Garden of Bordeaux, offering a serene setting to enjoy a glass of wine.
• La Guinguette Chez Alriq: A riverside venue with a laid-back atmosphere, offering live music, dance events, and outdoor seating along the Garonne River.
• The Blackstone Pub: A lively Irish pub in the city center, known for its friendly staff, pub grub, and live sports screenings.
• Le Bootleg Bar: A rock-themed bar with a diverse selection of beers and cocktails, located near Place Pey Berland.