France · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Bordeaux travel guide

A golden riverside city with world-famous vineyards on its doorstep

Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror. Photo: Phillip Maiwald (Nikopol), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 30mflight from London

BODnearest main airport

22° in Julwarmest month

6° in Jancoolest month

Bordeaux has had a glow-up. Its honey-coloured 18th-century centre has been scrubbed clean, the riverfront turned into gardens and cycle paths, and it now ranks with Lyon as one of France's best city breaks.

Wine is the reason many people come. Saint-Émilion, the Médoc châteaux and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast are all within an hour.

Good forWineCity breaksFoodCycling

Top things to do in Bordeaux

1
The Water Mirror
A huge reflecting pool in front of the Place de la Bourse. Visit at dusk for the best reflections.
2
La Cité du Vin
An interactive wine museum shaped like a swirl in a glass, with a tasting at the top.
3
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, running through the old centre.
4
Saint-Émilion
A medieval wine village with an underground church, 35 minutes by train.
5
Marché des Capucins
The city's food market. Try oysters with a glass of white.
6
The riverfront by bike
Hire a bike and ride along the Garonne quays.

Tours and tickets in Bordeaux

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Saint-Pierre
The old town, close to the riverfront and restaurants.
Chartrons
The old wine merchants' quarter, with antique shops and brunch cafés.
Saint-Michel
Lively and cheaper, around a big flea market and basilica.

Find a hotel in Bordeaux

Best time to visit Bordeaux

Best value: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct. May, June and September: warm, sunny and the vineyards at their best. Late September is harvest time.

Best valueBusy and pricierQuietAverage temperature in Bordeaux, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 30m from London to BOD, and flights from most UK airports.

Trams cover the centre, and bike hire is everywhere. The airport shuttle takes about 30 minutes to the station. Hire a car or book a tour for the vineyards.

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