SouthWest Travel
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Celebrating wine, gastronomy, arts and culture, Bordeaux is a city that represents the very essence of the French spirit. Its heartbeat hums in cobblestone streets, sunlit quays, and the hum of cafés alive with conversation. Here, centuries-old châteaux meet avant-garde galleries, while the Garonne flows steadily under graceful bridges. Bordeaux invites you to savour life slowly—sip, wander, and lose yourself in layers of flavour, history, and quiet elegance that linger long after you leave.
The City
Bordeaux has deep roots in trade, wine, and architecture—once a busy port city, now known for its classical façades and sharp mix of old and new. The grand 18th-century buildings, built to impress, now frame a city that's grown more confident and lively in recent years. Trams glide past old stone squares, riverbanks have been cleaned up for walking and cycling, and cafés spill onto the streets. It’s a place where history still shapes daily life, but the pace feels modern. And yes, the wine is still very much the real deal.
Do & See
Bordeaux's squares, like Place de la Bourse and Place de la Victoire, are where life unfolds slowly, with cafés spilling onto the streets and the river just a short walk away. Classic stone façades stand alongside sleek, modern spots, while the city’s deep connection to wine is everywhere—from bustling markets to cosy wine bars. Whether you’re wandering through elegant streets or tasting local dishes, Bordeaux offers a blend of history, flavour, and quiet rhythm that stays with you.
Dining
Bordeaux’s cuisine is as rich and layered as its wines. Local specialities are built around high-quality regional ingredients—from the briny oysters of Arcachon Bay to the prized Pauillac lamb and melt-in-your-mouth Entrecôte à la Bordelaise, typically served in a red wine and shallot sauce.
Cafés
Whether you want to take a break in between visits or you feel you might have indulged too much in French wine the night before, there is no bad excuse for a coffee break in Bordeaux.
Although you will be spoiled for choice with all the beautiful and tasty French pastries on offer, there is one local speciality you shouldn't leave without trying: the canelé, a small pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla with a soft custard centre and a dark caramelised crust.
Bars & Nightlife
It's not all about wine tasting in Bordeaux. Although this experience you should definitely not miss out on while in the city, Bordeaux, despite its size, does offer vibrant nightlife. Most bars and clubs are concentrated in walkable areas, mostly along the river. Check out the areas around the Place du Parlement, Rue Sainte-Catherine, and the University of Bordeaux for more options.
Shopping
Bordeaux offers a little bit of everything for shoppers — from lively markets and food stores to big-name brands and designer boutiques. The city’s main shopping street, Rue Sainte-Catherine, is a bustling pedestrian-only stretch packed with over 250 shops, perfect for a day of browsing and grabbing a bite. For luxury shopping, head to the 'golden triangle' district between Cours de l’Intendance, Cours Georges Clemenceau, and Allées de Tourny. Markets here are also great spots to soak up local flavours, and second-hand shops have a strong following too.
Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bordeaux is in spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October), when the weather is comfortable, the city isn’t packed with tourists, and there’s plenty to do. In June, you’ve got Fête de la Musique filling the streets with live music, and every other year, Bordeaux Fête le Vin sets up along the river with wine tastings and food stalls.
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Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is located about 12 km west of the city centre, with the journey taking between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the mode of transport. Travellers can take tram line A directly from the airport to central Bordeaux in around 35 minutes. The 30’Direct shuttle runs between the airport and Gare Saint-Jean train station in about 30 minutes. The Liane 1+ bus is a cheaper option, reaching the city in roughly 45 minutes. Taxis and ride-shares are also available outside the airport.
Address: Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
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Website: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en
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Passport/Visa
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter France, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling.
For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle Eastern, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
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Public Transport
Getting around Bordeaux is pretty straightforward thanks to the TBM network, which runs the city’s trams, buses, and even a river shuttle called the Bat³. The tram system is easy to use, with four lines that cover most major areas, while buses fill in the rest. The Bat³ offers a scenic ride along the Garonne, and if you're up for cycling, the city’s V3 self-service bikes are everywhere. Tickets work across all modes and come in single rides, day passes, or weekly options.
For visitors, the Bordeaux CityPass is worth considering—it includes unlimited public transport plus free entry to museums and other perks. You can buy tickets at machines, in shops, or on the TBM app—just don’t forget to validate them before boarding.
For information on routes, timetables and fares, visit TBM's official website.
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Website: www.infotbm.com/en
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Taxi
Taxis in Bordeaux are easy to find, especially at taxi ranks or by hailing them on the street; they’re usually black or dark blue with a roof light indicating availability. You can also book ahead using the local app Taxi Couleurs Bordeaux. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt also operate in the city.
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Post
In Bordeaux, most post offices are open Monday to Friday from around 9 am to noon, then again from 2 pm to 5 or 6 pm. Many also open on Saturday mornings. They handle everything from regular mail and international parcels to registered letters and basic banking through La Banque Postale. For simple things like stamps, it’s often easier to pop into a nearby 'bureau de tabac'. As for posting, just drop your letter into one of the yellow and blue mailboxes around town.
Address: 9 Allées de Tourny, Bordeaux
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Website: www.laposte.fr
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Pharmacy
Pharmacies in Bordeaux are easily identified by the green cross, often illuminated, on their exteriors. Most staff speak at least some English, especially in central locations, and they can often help with minor ailments, travel-related issues, or replacement prescriptions.
Many pharmacies also carry toiletries, basic first-aid items, and travel essentials. Opening hours typically follow shop times (roughly 9 am to 7 pm), but a rota of pharmacies de garde ensures there’s always one open after hours or on Sundays—check online or ask at any pharmacy for the nearest one.
Address: Grande Pharmacie Sainte-Catherine - 94-96 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux
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Phone: +33 5 56 44 63 97
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Telephone
Country code: + 33
Area code: 5
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Electricity
In France, the electrical system operates on a voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. The country uses two main types of plugs: type C, which has two round pins, and type E, which also has two round pins along with an additional hole for the grounding pin.
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