Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.
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 elegant French cities 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.
Bordeaux is one of the host cities of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and the Summer Olympics 2024, so it’s the perfect excuse to discover or re-discover the city.
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
- Cité du Vin Entry Ticket
- 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 our favorite hotels in Bordeaux
Don’t leave for Bordeaux without travel insurance!
Compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master, a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers.
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.
Bordeaux Main Train Stations: Gare Bordeaux Saint-Jean. Find the latest deals on train tickets
Bordeaux Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD). Find the latest deals on flight tickets
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.
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.
A 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 for 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 & the Summer Olympics 2024
Bordeaux will be one of the host cities of the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. In particular, Bordeaux will host some of the football matches at the Bordeaux Stadium.
Here are the dates of the football matches in Bordeaux – Bordeaux Stadium for the Summer Olympics 2024. For all the Summer Olympics dates and competitions, check out the Paris 2024 schedule.
- Wednesday 24 July 2024, 7 pm (men)
- Thursday 25 July 2024, 7 pm (women)
- Saturday 27 July 2024, 3 pm and 9 pm (men)
- Tuesday 30 July 2024, 3 pm (men)
- Wednesday 31 July 2024, 5 pm (women)
- Friday 2 August 2024, 9 pm (men)
The teams that will play these matches are not known yet; keep clicking for the latest updates!
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 our suggestions for your stay in Bordeaux.
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 our 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 our best tips for renting a car in France.