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Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Bordeaux

Bordeaux Cathedral, Bordeaux
Bordeaux Cathedral
Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux
Pont de Pierre

City guide

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux curves along a graceful crescent of the Garonne river in southwestern France. The historic wine capital of the world is a masterpiece of 18th-century urban enlightenment, boasting a monumental ensemble of pale limestone facades inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the wide landscaped quays of the river, the vast Miroir d'eau water mirror reflects the classical arches of the Place de la Bourse. Between medieval stone city gates, intimate wine bars in Saint-Pierre, and the swirling golden architecture of La Cite du Vin, Bordeaux balances French elegance with southwestern warmth.

Best time to go
May through October is the premier visiting season, offering dependable sunshine and comfortable temperatures between 21 and 26°C. September and October are magical as the grape harvest gets underway in the surrounding vineyards (Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves). Winters are mild (around 10°C) with minimal frost thanks to oceanic Atlantic breezes.
From the airport
Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD) is located 12 kilometres west of the city. Modern Tram Line A departs directly outside Terminal A, reaching central Place de la Bourse and the cathedral in about 35 minutes for a standard city transit ticket of roughly 1.80 euros. Taxis to downtown cost between 30 and 40 euros.
Getting around
The historic city centre is largely pedestrianized and best discovered on foot. The sleek 4-line tram network (TBM) operates using an overhead-wire-free ground power system in the historic core to protect architectural views. The Le Velo shared bike system is ideal along kilometres of riverside esplanades.

What to see in Bordeaux

  • Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'eauThe monumental 18th-century royal square reflected in the world's largest reflective pool, which alternates between a glass-like mirror and a cooling mist cloud.
  • La Cite du VinThe futuristic wine discovery museum curved like wine swirling in a glass, featuring immersive sensory exhibits and a top-floor tasting room with 360-degree views.
  • Bordeaux Cathedral and Pey-Berland TowerThe Gothic cathedral where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII, flanked by its freestanding 15th-century bell tower offering panoramic rooftop views.
  • Grand Theatre and Rue Sainte-CatherineThe neoclassical opera house fronted by twelve Corinthian columns on Place de la Comedie, opening onto Europe's longest pedestrian shopping boulevard.

Neighbourhoods

  • Saint-PierreThe cobblestone medieval heart of ancient gates, cafe-filled plazas like Place du Parlement, and lively traditional bistros.
  • ChartronsThe historic wine merchants' quarter along the river, now a bohemian village of antique shops, design boutiques, and cafes along Rue Notre-Dame.
  • Bassins a FlotThe revived former docklands home to La Cite du Vin and Les Bassins des Lumieres, a monumental digital art center set inside a World War II submarine base.

Food and drink

Treat yourself to a canele de Bordeaux: a caramelized fluted pastry with a crisp dark crust and a tender, custardy rum-and-vanilla interior. Savor entrecote a la bordelaise (pan-seared ribeye steak cooked in a rich red wine, shallot, and bone marrow reduction) or fresh Arcachon oysters paired with crisp white Entre-Deux-Mers wine.

Questions about Bordeaux

How easy is it to tour wine chateaux from Bordeaux?

Very easy. The central tourism office offers daily organized coach tours, or you can take a 35-minute regional train directly to the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion.

Can you visit the ocean beaches from Bordeaux?

Easily. Direct trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station reach the seaside resort of Arcachon and the towering Dune du Pilat sand dune in under an hour.

Month by month breakdown

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