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Bordeaux

Bordeaux travel guide

Prefecture and commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Flights from$960 round trip
Best time to visitAugust
Nearest airportBOD · 7 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population267,991

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city on the river Garonne in the Gironde department, southwestern France. A port city, it is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture of the Gironde department. Its inhabitants are called "Bordelais" (masculine) or "Bordelaises" (feminine). The term "Bordelais" may also refer to the city and its surrounding region.

Cheap flights to Bordeaux

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $960 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Airlines travellers compared most often: Turkish Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Bordeaux

  1. Place de la Bourse

    Place de la Bourse

    Landmark

    An elegant 18th-century square of classical facades facing the Garonne River. Visit at dusk when the shallow Water Mirror in front of it reflects the lit buildings, and walk the riverside quays afterward.

  2. Cité du Vin

    Cité du Vin

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    A museum dedicated to the history and culture of wine, with a distinctive curved design. Your ticket includes a tasting at the top-floor bar with city views.

  3. Bordeaux Cathedral

    Bordeaux Cathedral

    Religious

    A large Gothic cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew, with a separate 15th-century bell tower called the Pey-Berland Tower. Climb the tower's narrow stairs for wide views over the city's rooftops and river.

  4. Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

    Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

    Landmark

    A neoclassical opera house from the 1780s, fronted by a row of twelve columns topped with statues. Book a guided tour or attend a ballet or opera performance to see the richly decorated auditorium.

  5. Saint-Émilion

    Saint-Émilion

    Historic · 21 mi from centre

    A medieval wine village with a monolithic church carved into rock. It is about 40 km from Bordeaux, so plan a day trip with wine tastings.

  6. Dune of Pilat

    Dune of Pilat

    Nature · 35 mi from centre

    Europe's tallest sand dune, overlooking the Atlantic and the Arcachon Bay. Climb to the top for sunset, but bring water and avoid the midday heat.

  7. Jardin Public

    Park

    An 18th-century English-style park with lawns, a pond, a botanical garden and the city's natural history museum. It is a peaceful spot for a picnic, and easy to reach on foot from the city center.

Top experiences in Bordeaux

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 13 available.

See all things to do in Bordeaux

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Popular hotels in Bordeaux, out of 371 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Bordeaux

Best time to visit Bordeaux

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bordeaux is August, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 39° – 52° 14
Feb 42° – 56° 13
Mar 44° – 59° 13
Apr 48° – 66° 12
May 52° – 69° 15
Jun 60° – 79° 12
Jul 62° – 81° 9
Aug 63° – 84° 6
Sep 56° – 71° 13
Oct 52° – 67° 13
Nov 46° – 59° 12
Dec 41° – 52° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Bordeaux weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 67° 58° 65%
  • Thu 12 Nov 59° 50° 100%
  • Fri 13 Nov 52° 40° 78%
  • Sat 14 Nov 58° 37° 22%
  • Sun 15 Nov 62° 50° 33%
  • Mon 16 Nov 61° 53° 64%
  • Tue 17 Nov 63° 56° 90%

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
French
Calling code
+33
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/ParisUTC+1
Capital
Paris

Upcoming public holidays in France

  • Armistice DayArmistice 1918
  • Christmas DayNoël
  • New Year's DayJour de l'an
  • Easter MondayLundi de Pâques
  • Labour DayFête du Travail
  • Ascension DayAscension

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Bordeaux

These are the airports closest to central Bordeaux. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BOD Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Bordeaux

Bordeaux's centrepiece is the elegant riverfront and former port, where fine 18th-century buildings stretch for 3 km (2 mi) along the west bank of the Garonne, from Quinconces in the north to St Croix in the south. The old central districts of St Pierre and St Michel extend inland for about 1 km. Most city sights are in this area. The railway station is south, at the foot of Cours de la Marne. To the north, Quai des Chartrons has been redeveloped as the “City of Wine”, and has the wine museum.

On foot

Although Bordeaux is a big city, the sights of interest are fairly close together in the old centre, and much of it is pedestrianised. A car here would be a handicap.

By bus

All public transport information is posted on the TBM website. Maps and times can also be easily accessed with Google Maps, just select route "By public transport" when getting directions.

By tram

There are several tram routes ( A , B , C , D , E & F) crossing the city. Tickets and fares are the same as for the bus, with unlimited transfers within one hour. The three central crossing stops:

Bordeaux travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bordeaux is August, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Bordeaux?

August is usually the warmest month in Bordeaux, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 39°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 112 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Bordeaux?

Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Bordeaux.

How much are flights to Bordeaux?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Bordeaux in the last 30 days was $960 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec.

What currency is used in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Bordeaux in?

Bordeaux uses the Europe/Paris time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Bordeaux?

Bordeaux's centrepiece is the elegant riverfront and former port, where fine 18th-century buildings stretch for 3 km (2 mi) along the west bank of the Garonne, from Quinconces in the north to St Croix in the south. The old central districts of St Pierre and St Michel extend inland for about 1 km.

What are the best places to visit in Bordeaux?

Top sights in Bordeaux include Place de la Bourse, Cité du Vin, Bordeaux Cathedral and Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. An elegant 18th-century square of classical facades facing the Garonne River. Visit at dusk when the shallow Water Mirror in front of it reflects the lit buildings, and walk the riverside quays afterward.

What are the top things to do in Bordeaux?

Popular experiences you can book in Bordeaux include Afternoon Wine Tour Saint-Emilion, Explore Bordeaux Historical District and Market with Tasting - Small Group Tour and Explore Wine District Chartrons with Tasting - Small Group Tour. Destina Holidays offers 13 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Bordeaux?

Popular areas for hotels in Bordeaux include Bordeaux. Well-reviewed options include Best Western Premier Bordeaux Bayonne Etche Ona and Staycity Aparthotel Bordeaux City Center.

How many hotels can I book in Bordeaux?

Destina Holidays currently lists 371 properties in and around Bordeaux, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.