Bordeaux holidays

Like the wine it’s known for, Bordeaux is aged to perfection. Add sleek new hotels, avant-garde art spaces and a food scene that’s one of the best in Europe for the perfect blend. On your holiday to Bordeaux, drink in the majesty of the historic city before venturing out to its legendary vineyards and chateaux, where you’ll savour the bucolic beauty one sip at a time.

Bordeaux holiday highlights

Bordeaux
Bordeaux Tourism Media

Explore the historic harbour

Begin your holiday to Bordeaux by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage–listed harbour, ‘Port de la Lune’ (Port of the Moon). With 350 historic structures here, you’ll want to set aside a few hours to see them all. The ‘Miroir d’Eau’ (Water Mirror) makes the biggest splash. Covering an enormous footprint, the world’s largest reflecting pool can be walked right over and is the most photographed site in Bordeaux.

Go wine tasting

No holiday to Bordeaux would be complete without visiting one of the region’s many vineyards. There are literally thousands of chateaux to choose from. Unsure where to start? Why not join a vineyard tour for sightseeing and wine tasting. The Graves region has been producing wine since the Middle Ages. Home to the iconic Chateau Pape Clement, it’s an unmissable stop for any wine connoisseur.

Surf the dunes

France’s premier wine region is also home to the biggest sand dune in Europe. Grab your sandboard and head to the Dune of Pilat. Surrounded by pine forest and the Bassin d’Arcachon tidal bay, it’s an impressive sight even from a distance. But the real thrill is strapping yourself to a board and sliding down its steep face.

Bordeaux: Know before you go

Language

French

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

June – September

Low season

November – February

Find the best time to go to Bordeaux

Weather in Bordeaux

March – May: Spring in the city often starts cool and rainy, with warm weather and more sunshine arriving towards the middle of May.

June – August: Bordeaux’s oceanic climate means rain and clouds throughout the year. But warm summers bring more clear, dry days, perfect for a beach trip or winery tour.

September – November: Expect drier and sunnier weather until October, when harvest season for the vineyards peaks. The chill kicks up fast once you get into November.

December – February: Though frosty nights are common, winter in Bordeaux is rarely accompanied by snow. Daytime temperatures are usually mild, but make sure to pack your raincoat.

Events in Bordeaux

Carnaval des Deux Rives (March): This popular carnival has festivities on both sides of the Garonne River. The weekend includes live music, performances, and events. And it ends with a colorful parade on the first Sunday in March.

Bordeaux Wine Festival (June): A tasting tour highlighting the delicious variety of Bordeaux wines is at the heart of this annual celebration. A prestigious regatta and choreographed drone shows bring added fun for families.

Fest’arts (August): Cheer on acrobats, dancers and musicians at this celebration of street arts, one of France’s largest arts festivals. Less than an hour from Bordeaux, the streets of Libourne are packed with performances and workshops from international troupes.

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The best neighbourhoods in Bordeaux

Bordeaux city centre

The historic centre is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bordeaux for iconic sites like the Place de la Bourse, Grosse Cloche and Grand Theatre de Bordeaux. You’ll also have easy access to gastronomic highlights along the Rue des Remparts, Rue Des Trois Conils and Rue de la Vieille Tour.

Good for: Historic landmarks, dining, nightlife

Saint-Michel

Though it attracts fewer tourists than other districts, Saint-Michel might be the trendiest neighbourhood in the city. The daily market, Marche des Capucins, has been feeding local residents for centuries and will be buzzing by lunchtime. If you’re visiting between March and October, climb the gothic Basilica of Saint Michael’s bell tower for panoramic views of the city.

Good for: Cosmopolitan atmosphere, market, viewing point

Chartrons

Chartrons began as a wine merchants’ neighbourhood and continues that tradition today. This is where to stay in Bordeaux if you love to shop. The big trades here are in wine and antiques, but you’ll also find plenty of brand stores and chic boutiques. Chartrons is also home to Au Petrin Moissagais, the city’s oldest ‘boulangerie’ (bakery), which is still baking bread in its 18th-century oven.

Good for: Quaint streets, wine tasting, antiques

Things to do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux
Bordeaux Tourism Media

Family friendly things to do

For one of the best things to do with family in Bordeaux, pack a picnic and head to Jardin Public, the city’s biggest green space. In July and August, travel an hour to Biscarrosse, where AquaPark, one of the world’s biggest inflatable water parks, is guaranteed to exhaust the kids.

Shopping

In the heart of Bordeaux is Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. Here, you’ll find trinkets, high street brands and everything in between. Beyond the classic bottle of local red, stock up on cheese, chocolate and ‘canele’, a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla that was originally made by Bordeaux nuns.

Take in the culture

Learn about the ‘living heritage’ of wine at La Cite du Vin museum, then drink in more than the views in the rooftop bar. If art is more your thing, you have your pick of the Museum of Fine Arts, CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, and Les Bassins des Lumieres — the world’s largest digital art centre.

Nightlife

Some of the best nightlife in Bordeaux is located within the ‘Triangle d’Or’ (Golden Triangle), where you’ll find the trendiest clubs in the city. Elsewhere, The Base is a unique nightlife concept, with restaurants, bars and a dance floor all housed in a large former motorbike garage. Electronic club Iboat is located on a ferry in the Bassins a Flot district.

Places to eat

Pair your wine with an amazing meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in Bordeaux. Your first stop should be the Marche des Capucins, the biggest daily market in Bordeaux. Suck down the region’s famed oysters at Chez Jean-Mi. And whether you opt for duck, lamb or beef, always

Free things to do

One of the best free things to do in Bordeaux is to stroll along the banks of the Garonne River. Cross the picturesque Pont de Pierre before making your way to the Port de la Lune, where you’ll find the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas — one of Europe’s tallest lift bridges — illuminated against the night sky.

Plan your holiday to Bordeaux

Budget

Even on a cheap holiday in Bordeaux, you can make space in your budget to visit a wine bar or the vineyards. Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for under 20 euros (€). A cappuccino will set you back less than €4. A short taxi ride costs around €8, but you can save even more by taking the tram or bus.

Day trips from Bordeaux

Head east to see Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its medieval architecture, vineyards and ‘macarons’ (almond meringue cookies), the village also hosts a jazz festival every July. In less than an hour’s drive, you can be in the seaside town of Arcachon, home to tranquil beaches, sand dune strolls and some of the best oysters in the region.

Getting around Bordeaux

Streamline your Bordeaux holiday by opting for a City Pass, which provides unlimited access to the tram, bus and ferry, along with key museums and a complimentary city tour. Opt for a pass good for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Bordeaux also has an extensive network of cycle routes. Borrow bikes from a VCUB bike station.

FAQs about Bordeaux holidays

Chances are, you'll be hearing plenty of French. Brushing up on some local expressions can be a good way to break the ice and make connections during your city break in Bordeaux.
A low crime rate makes Bordeaux generally safe to visit. Remember to take the same precautions you would in any major city.
With around 10 cm of rainfall, November is the rainiest month. If you're going on your Bordeaux holiday then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Dine at one of the best spots in town, unwind in a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 31ºC (88ºF), August is the warmest month in Bordeaux.
Three to five days is enough for a trip to Bordeaux if you're only a quick drive or flight away. Consider booking for a week or more if you're travelling from farther afield. You'll be able to discover all of the leading attractions and see more of the region while you're there.
January brings the coolest conditions. Organise your Bordeaux trip then and you can anticipate lows of 1ºC (34ºF).
The euro (EUR) is what you'll be spending on everyday purchases and outings during your trip to Bordeaux.
Get more holiday for your cash when you reserve your Bordeaux flights and hotels in June. This is one of the cheapest times of year to go to Bordeaux and when airfares are at their most affordable.
Whether you're a go-big-or-go-home traveller or a wherever-the-road-leads explorer, the cost of your city break in Bordeaux will depend on the kind of experiences you're after. Factor in everything from entry fees to guided tours, along with your Bordeaux flights and hotels.
Place de la Bourse and Musee d'Aquitaine are just the beginning of what this city has in store. Explore the list of things to do in Bordeaux and find out why it should be your next stop.
You’ll be understood if you speak English, though you’ll make more friends by mastering the basics of French ahead of your Bordeaux holiday. “‘Merci beaucoup’” (“Thank you very much”).
You can comfortably fit all the sights into a short break to Bordeaux and still have time for a vineyard excursion. Look for special deals on cheap holidays to Bordeaux.