Major city · France
Bordeaux
Give Bordeaux 2–3 nights: one full day for the old town and riverfront, one for wine, and a half-day for Saint-Émilion or Arcachon.
Bordeaux is France's fifth-largest city, on the Garonne in the Gironde. Its 18th-century riverfront and old town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding vineyards are the reason many people come. The centre is compact and walkable; most trips use it as a 2–3 night base with one wine day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, busy), Nov–Feb (wet, grey)
- Airport
- BOD
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bordeaux112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bordeaux, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyBordeaux is generally safe by day and busy at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOD Bordeaux-Mérignac (15 km (9.3 mi) west of the centre; Tram F to the city, about 35 min).BOD Bordeaux-Mérignac (9.3 mi (15 km) west of the centre; Tram F to the city, about 35 min).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable and largely pedestrianised.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café counter€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person€25–40 (≈ US$30–50)
- Metro or bus rideTram or bus single ticket€1.80 (≈ US$3) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€5–14 (≈ US$6–17)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€260 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €75 (≈ US$90) · Mid €140 (≈ US$170) · High €260 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOD Bordeaux-Mérignac (15 km (9.3 mi) west of the centre; Tram F to the city, about 35 min)BOD Bordeaux-Mérignac (9.3 mi (15 km) west of the centre; Tram F to the city, about 35 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
Feb
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
Nov
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Feb (4°C (38°F)38°F (4°C) low), wettest Nov (13 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bordeaux: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (38°F)38°F (4°C)
11 rd
Mar
16°C (60°F)60°F (16°C)
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
11 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
May
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
11°C (53°F)53°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (58°F)58°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Sep
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C)
9 rd
Oct
20°C (67°F)67°F (20°C)
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
11 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C)
13 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (40°F)40°F (4°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable and largely pedestrianised. Trams and buses (TBM) cover the rest: single ticket €1.80, ten tickets €15.70, day pass €5.50 (2026 estimate). Tram C links Gare Saint-Jean to the centre. The Batcub river bus is part of the same network.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Saint-Émilion
goDoor to door: About 1 h
TER train from Gare Saint-Jean, about 35–45 min, then walk uphill
Book a cellar visit ahead; the village itself is small and steep.
Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
TER train to Arcachon, about 50 min, then bus 1 to the dune
A full day; climb the dune early before the crowds and heat.
Médoc châteaux
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Train to Margaux or Pauillac, then taxi or bike between estates
Estates are far apart and many need booked tastings; a tour or driver is easier.
Soulac-sur-Mer
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
TER train via Pointe de Grave, about 2 h
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Saint-Pierre / old town
Pedestrian lanes, restaurants and riverfront on foot; noisier at night.
Chartrons
Quiet riverbank district north of the centre, near the Cité du Vin; good for longer stays.
Gare Saint-Jean
Cheapest beds and direct trams and trains; 20–25 min walk from the sights.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €110–170 (≈ US$130–200) excl. bed
- High
- €200 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star hotel1 × 3 nights × €140 | €420 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × €140 | €840 |
| Tram from BOD to the centre, one way2 × €2 · check | €4 |
| TBM day pass, one day2 × €6 · check | €11 |
| Cité du Vin entry2 × €22 · check | €44 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €135 |
| Trip total≈ €247 per person per day, bed included | €1,484≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and wine tours excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café counter | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Lunch menu (plat du jour) | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Glass of Bordeaux wine | €5–9 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | €25–40 (≈ US$30–50) |
| Tram or bus single ticket | €1.80 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| Museum entry | €5–14 (≈ US$6–17) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Pickpockets work the tram lines and around Gare Saint-Jean; keep bags zipped in front.
- Some bars near Place de la Victoire post no prices: ask the total before ordering.
- Summer afternoons hit 30 °C (86 °F)+ with little shade on the quays; plan indoor stops.Summer afternoons hit 86 °F (30 °C)+ with little shade on the quays; plan indoor stops.
- The A630 beltway jams at rush hour; don't plan to drive into the centre.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
- By text, deaf callers
- 114
Pocket card
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BordeauxBordeaux
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Bordeaux (check the address); most other countries: consulates in Bordeaux or embassies in Paris.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BOD airport → centre, Tram F: €1.80 (≈ US$3), about 35 min (check)
- TBM day pass: €5.50 (≈ US$7) (check)
- TGV Bordeaux → Paris Montparnasse: about 2 h 10 min, from about €40 (≈ US$50) if booked early (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Où est l'arrêt de tram ? — Where is the tram stop? (oo ay la-REH duh tram)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bordeaux. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, busy), Nov–Feb (wet, grey) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BOD: Tram F times field-checked, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Quinconces, Place de la Bourse, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Michel.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Cité du Vin, Musée d'Aquitaine, Bassins des Lumières) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wine-day fixtures: Saint-Émilion and Médoc transport, tasting bookings, return-train cutoffs.
Sources
- officialBordeaux Métropole tourist office
- officialBordeaux city
- officialBordeaux-Mérignac Airport
- officialTBM public transport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bordeaux, revision 5328023 (CC BY-SA 4.0)