Bordeaux, France - Travel Guide

Bordeaux is the undisputed wine capital of the world, with over 7,300 wineries producing legendary vintages across renowned appellations. The UNESCO-listed city itself is a gem of 18th-century architecture, with the stunning Place de la Bourse and revitalized waterfront. The medieval village of Saint-Émilion and grand châteaux of the Médoc complete an unforgettable wine and culture experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$80/day

Mid-range$160/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

bordeauxfrancewinewine_regionunescosaint_emilionmedocchateauxgastronomycite_du_vingaronnearchitectureplace_de_la_boursevineyardswine_tastingleft_bankright_bankpomerolmargauxfrench_cuisine

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian

Phone Code+33

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
Greet people with "Bonjour"
Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
Be aware of varying rules for drones
Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)

YesOui (WEE)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Oceanic climate with mild winters (5-10°C) and warm summers (20-28°C). Rainfall distributed throughout year with slightly wetter winters. Sunny summers but occasional heat waves. Autumn harvest season has pleasant weather. Atlantic influence moderates temperatures.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time: April
October
Harvest Season: September
October (magical)
Primeur Tastings: November (for wine professionals)
Fête le Vin: June (every 2 years)

Getting There

Bordeaux
Mérignac Airport (BOD) has flights from many European cities and some seasonal long
haul routes
TGV high
speed train from Paris in just 2 hours (Gare Saint
Jean)
Excellent train connections to French cities
Airport 12km from city center with shuttle service

Getting Around

The city is very walkable with excellent tram network (3 lines)
Bike
share (V3) is popular along the riverside
Day trips to wine regions require rental car or organized tours
Taxi and Uber available
Trains to Saint
Émilion station (though town is walk from station)

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
European health standards
EHIC/GHIC for EU citizens
Excellent medical facilities
French healthcare excellent

Staying Connected

French carriers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues)
Excellent 4G/5G throughout
eSIM works perfectly
EU roaming applies
WiFi at cafes and hotels

Local Cuisine

Entrecôte Bordelaise must_try

Ribeye steak with the famous Bordelaise sauce made with red wine, shallots, bone marrow, and butter. The signature dish of the region.

Canelés must_try

Iconic Bordeaux pastry with soft, custardy interior and dark caramelized crust flavored with rum and vanilla. Perfect with coffee or as souvenir.

Arcachon Bay Oysters must_try

Fresh Atlantic oysters from the famous bay, served raw with lemon or shallot vinaigrette. Pair with Entre-Deux-Mers white wine.

Lamproie à la Bordelaise local_favorite

Lamprey eel cooked in red wine with leeks - a traditional delicacy. Acquired taste but deeply traditional to the region.

Duck & Foie Gras must_try

Bordeaux is in the heart of duck country. Confit de canard, magret, and foie gras are regional staples. Often paired with local reds.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Famous Château Visits (First Growths) tour_or_activity

Book 1-6 months in advance

Top estates like Margaux, Lafite, Latour have very limited visitor slots. Some only accept trade/press.

Médoc Marathon tour_or_activity

Book 3-12 months in advance

Iconic event sells out quickly. Wine tastings at aid stations!

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Top Restaurants Dining

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Michelin-starred and popular restaurants book up especially weekends.

Fun Facts

1. Bordeaux produces over 700 million bottles of wine annually - enough to fill 350 Olympic swimming pools.
2. The city's 18th-century architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status with more protected buildings than any French city except Paris.
3. The Miroir d'Eau is the world's largest reflecting pool, spanning 3,450 square meters.
4. Bordeaux was France's capital three times during wars when Paris was threatened.

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