Article written by Elisa
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Introducing Bordeaux, France
All about Bordeaux travel: how to travel to Bordeaux, where to stay, the best things to do in the city, and the best places to visit near Bordeaux on day trips.
Where is Bordeaux, France? What is Bordeaux famous for? Bordeaux, in Western France, is the capital of the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine and one of the most beautiful cities in France to visit. Most of all, Bordeaux is the capital of one of the best wine regions in France and worldwide!
With superb architecture inherited from the 18th century, great wines, and a successful urban and cultural renewal, it’s no wonder Bordeaux is one of the favorite weekend getaways from Paris.
Nestled around the Garonne River, Bordeaux has retained its theater décor from the golden days. The Old Town reveals itself as a jewel of chiseled, armorial, and serrated stones in the grand style of the 18th century. But there are also narrow streets with a medieval layout where it is a pleasure to get lost.
Bordeaux is an excellent city for a cultural and gastronomic weekend. With more time available, there are lovely places to visit around Bordeaux on day trips.
Are you planning a Bordeaux trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Bordeaux tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your flight tickets to Bordeaux (BOD); Book your train tickets to Bordeaux.
- Book your transfer from Bordeaux Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups
Looking to travel around Bordeaux independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Bordeaux.
Top Experiences and Tours in Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Guided Bike Tour
- Garonne River Cruise with a Glass of Wine
- Day Trip to Saint-Emilion Wine Region
- Day Trip to the Médoc Wine Region
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Bordeaux? Get your hands on a Bordeaux City Pass!
Top Bordeaux Accommodation and Lodging
- InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel (historical 5-star hotel in the Old Town)
- Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa (lovely and central boutique hotel with seasonal pool)
- Meininger Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean (budget hotel ideal for long stays)
- Check the full list of best hotels in Bordeaux
Don’t leave for Bordeaux without travel insurance!
Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Bordeaux France in a Nutshell
Population: 250,809 (2020)
Department: Gironde
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Western France
Average temperatures (max /min): January – 10,5 C /3,7 C; April – 18 C / 8 C; July – 27,1 C / 16,2 C; October – 19,6 C / 10,7 C.
Main attractions: Port de la Lune, La Cité du Vin, Théâtre du Capitole, Porte Cailhau, Cathédrale Saint-André.
Check out how to get to Bordeaux from Paris, France, and abroad.
What to Do in Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is a history and food lovers paradise. Learn more about its wines at the wine museums or on day trips, visit the city’s museums and galleries, or simply wander around the Old Town, and soon you’ll fall in love with this beautiful city.
Don’t miss The Cité du Vin, a unique cultural facility dedicated to wine as a universal and living cultural heritage. It offers a spectacular journey around the world and its cultures through the wines. The Bassins des Lumières is another of the Bordeaux tourist attractions that I recommend. This is one of the world’s largest digital art museums, and it is located in a former submarine base.
After visiting Paris, you may hesitate between Lyon and Bordeaux. Where to go? To make up your mind, check out this article that compares Lyon vs. Bordeaux.
More Bordeaux Things to Do
Bordeaux – Paradise for Food and Wine Lovers
Bordeaux is world-renowned for its prestigious wine production and centuries-old recipes and products you won’t find almost anywhere else. It is also a gastronomic paradise. Check out what to eat in Bordeaux: famous Bordeaux dishes, appetizers, cheeses, and desserts.
This Bordeaux food tour with a local guide is a great culinary introduction to the city and an excellent way to learn about the local specialties.
You will certainly know that Bordeaux is the epicenter of wine in France, if not Europe. And unless you have absolutely zero interest in wine, then a couple of Bordeaux wine tours with tastings are a must of Bordeaux. As the Médoc and Saint-Emilion vineyards are located close to Bordeaux, you must spend some time in a winery to meet local winemakers. Before exploring the Bordeaux wine regions, you can start with this introduction to the Bordeaux wines workshop.
Bordeaux Food & Wine Tours and Articles
How to Visit the Châteaux of Medoc
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
For your trip to Bordeaux, you will want to find a lovely place to sleep. Whether you use Bordeaux as your base for exploring the wine region or are visiting for a holiday, check out these suggestions for your stay in Bordeaux.
Didn’t you find what you are looking for on the links above? Find the right accommodation in Bordeaux – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. I have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.
A Great Stop on Your French Road Trip
The beautiful city of Bordeaux is the starting point or one of the stops of some of my favorite French road trips. If this is your first time in France by car, check out our quick guide to driving in France.
If you don’t have a car in France, click here for the best car rentals in Bordeaux and check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
Road trip itineraries that visit Bordeaux: