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Bordeaux : Travel Guide

Discover Bordeaux, winegrowing elegance and exhilarating history in the heart of southwestern France

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General information

Bordeaux, located in southwestern France, is a city rich in history, culture and wine. Famous for its world-renowned vineyards, Bordeaux offers visitors a unique experience where elegant 18th-century architecture blends harmoniously with a lively contemporary atmosphere. Stroll along the quays of the Garonne, explore its picturesque streets, taste exquisite wines and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage.

POPULATION

The people of Bordeaux are warm and welcoming. You'll be seduced by the conviviality of the locals, who enjoy sharing their passion for wine, gastronomy and their region. Bordeaux is a dynamic city with a diverse population, reflecting a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modernity.

CLIMATE

Bordeaux enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for visiting the city. Bring light clothing in summer and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (EUR).

LANGUAGE

The official language is French.

A bit of history

Bordeaux, the jewel of southwestern France, has roots stretching back thousands of years. Founded in Roman times as Burdigala, the city prospered thanks to its strategic location on river trade routes.

In the Middle Ages, Bordeaux became a vital port for trade with England, consolidating its international influence.

The 18th century was a period of splendor, when the town was magnificently redeveloped, giving way to the elegant architecture that can still be admired today.

Today, Bordeaux shines as a must-see destination, offering visitors a skilful blend of past and present in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Bordeaux France

What to visit in Bordeaux

Bordeaux offers a multitude of activities and attractions for visitors from all walks of life. Whether you're a lover of wine, history, gastronomy or art, this city has something to offer you.

the Cité du Vin

Place de la Bourse

Pey-Berland Tower

Lth Grand Theater

When to visit Bordeaux

The best time to visit Bordeaux is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).

During these shoulder seasons, the climate is pleasant, temperatures are mild, and the city is less crowded than in summer. It's also when the vineyards are most active, offering great opportunities for tastings and guided tours.

 

What to do around Bordeaux

Around Bordeaux, a myriad of captivating experiences await curious travelers. From picturesque wine châteaux to charming medieval villages, the region offers a diversity of enriching discoveries.

Saint Emilion

Arcachon Basin

The Pilat Dune

Our selection of accommodation in Bordeaux

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Our selection of Restaurants in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is bursting with culinary delights! Discover our selection of restaurants that will help you discover the unique flavors of the region.

The Gabriel

La Tupina

Events not to be missed in Bordeaux

Life in Bordeaux is punctuated by unique events that allow you to discover the soul of the city. Here are two not-to-be-missed events:

 

Wine Festival

Every two years, the Fête du Vin attracts wine lovers from all over the world. You can taste exceptional Bordeaux wines, meet passionate winemakers and enjoy concerts and other entertainment.

Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve

Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve

This event showcases the Garonne and its rich river heritage. The program includes regattas, concerts, shows and fireworks for all to enjoy.

Transportation in Bordeaux

Car

If you want to explore the wine regions or the sights around Bordeaux, car rental is a practical option.

Bus

Extensive network covering Bordeaux and the surrounding area, offering convenient options for reaching distant destinations.

Streetcar

 Well-developed network linking the neighborhoods, ideal for getting around the city quickly and affordably.

Bike

Bordeaux is ideal for cycling, with well-developed paths and an easily accessible bike rental system.

Walking

Getting around Bordeaux on foot is a pleasure, especially in the historic city center. It allows you to take full advantage of the architecture, picturesque cobbled streets and lively squares.

Taxi

Bordeaux offers reliable cab services, available throughout the city. They offer a quick way to get straight to your destination, ideal for hassle-free journeys, especially late at night.

The cost of living in Bordeaux

0
Average salary in Bordeaux
Average cost of living 65%

Bordeaux is generally considered an affordable city compared to other major French cities. However, costs can vary according to lifestyle and location.

 

Accommodation

Housing prices in Bordeaux depend on location and type. The city center and popular neighborhoods can be more expensive, while the suburbs offer more affordable options. Renting an apartment or shared room is common for students and travelers on a budget.

Food

Local cuisine is available at a range of prices. Upscale restaurants can be expensive, but daily menus and bistros offer affordable meals. Farmers' markets are ideal for buying fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Transportation

 Streetcar, bus and bike-share fares are affordable. One ticket can be used for several streetcar or bus journeys. Car rental can be more expensive, especially with parking charges.

Activities

Prices for cultural events and outings vary. Municipal museums often offer reduced or free admission for EU residents under 26. Festivals and seasonal events can be an affordable entertainment option.

Things to do in Bordeaux

Practical information

Bordeaux is a safe city for travelers, but it's always important to take certain precautions. Be sure to keep your valuables safe, and be vigilant in crowded places. In case of emergency.

Before you leave for Bordeaux, make sure you have a map of the city and a tourist guide to help you find your way around its lively streets. Don't hesitate to ask locals for advice, as they're often happy to share their best addresses and tips for making the most of your stay. Make the most of your trip to Bordeaux and discover all it has to offer in terms of culture, history and gastronomy! 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Bordeaux

Travel insurance is especially important when planning a trip to Paris or any other destination in France.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

During your trip to France, it's important to consider banking fees to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest and recommended way is to open the following bank account: Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

Bordeaux is packed with must-see sights. Among them are:

  • Place de la Bourse: Magnificent square lined with 18th-century buildings and famous for its spectacular water mirror.
  • Cité du Vin: An interactive museum dedicated to the culture of wine, with captivating exhibits and a panoramic view of the city from the Belvedere.
  • Cathédrale Saint-André: An impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, renowned for its richly sculpted portal and Pey-Berland tower.

To reach the city center from the airport, you can take tramway line A. Shuttle buses also serve the city center at regular intervals. Cabs are readily available in front of the terminal for a quick, personalized ride.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal times to visit Bordeaux. The climate is mild and pleasant, ideal for strolling the lively streets and visiting the sights.

Bordeaux offers a variety of transport options: the practical, environmentally-friendly tramway, a comprehensive bus network, VCub bike sharing, cabs for personalized journeys, and car rentals for exploring the surrounding area.

Don't miss the cannelé, a Bordeaux pastry that's crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and the entrecôte bordelaise, a delicious beef steak with a red wine sauce.

One of Bordeaux's must-see events, the Fête du Vin returns every two years, attracting wine lovers from all over the world to sample the region's finest wines. Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve celebrates the Garonne River with regattas, concerts and fireworks.

Enjoy day trips to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion to discover its cellars and taste prestigious wines. The Arcachon Basin offers an escape to the beach and sand dunes. The Château de Cazeneuve, a beautiful excursion in the countryside, allows you to discover the history and architecture of the region.

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