Hotels in Bordeaux

Located near the European Atlantic Coast, the port city of Bordeaux sits on the River Garonne in the department of Gironde of South-West France. Among its various important historical notes, Bordeaux hails as the wine capital of the world. The city boasts amazing castles and ripe vineyards throughout the town. The city is also the world's largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site, with an area covering around 18 sq. km. Its mixture of history, impressive art, fine architecture and unique wine culture makes Bordeaux an incredibly popular tourist destination.

No matter your budget or the number of people you're travelling with, Bordeaux guarantees you'll find an ideal room in a great location. The town has every type of accommodation type available, with options to satisfy all your needs, wants and requirements. It’s even easy to find cheap hotels in Bordeaux, too.

Neighbourhoods of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city boasting several distinct neighbourhoods. Some of the most popular and interesting districts to explore include:

• Vieux Bordeaux: The Old Town — or World Heritage Site — is also referred to as St. Paul and St. Pierre. The area is full of beautifully preserved architecture, including charming squares and narrow streets. Home to some of the city’s most important monuments and museums, you'll also find plenty of trendy shops, characterful bars and tasty eateries.
• Downtown: This lively central district is next to the historic centre and offers plenty of things to see, do, eat and drink.
• Quinconces and Triangle d’Or: Much of this area dates back to the 18th-century. Its contrast to the Old City is visible in its expansive boulevards and elegant facades. The huge Esplanade des Quinconces square is a prominent gathering place and hosts many events, including the Christmas Market.
• Gare Saint-Jean: This the place to head for nightlife and parties. The evenings buzz from dusk ‘til dawn, especially near Quai de Paludate.

What to see and do in Bordeaux

Since there is so much to see and do in Bordeaux, you'll undoubtedly have an itinerary brimming with amazing plans. Things to put on your to-see and to-do list when visiting this perfect holiday destination include:

• Place de la Course is a landmark square with a giant reflecting pool.
• Museums are found all across the town, including the La Cité du Vin, which dedicates itself to the city’s wine history. Musée de la Mer et de la Marine exhibits the city’s maritime history, while Musée National des Douanes showcases its ethnographical roots.
• Fine architecture is a prominent attraction and highlights several significant sights, including the 11th-century Bordeaux Cathedral. The Grand Theatre de Bordeaux has been staging opera performances since 1780. The fantastic Pey Berland Tower is a gothic bell tower that provides stunning panoramic city views.
• Green spaces are popular in Bordeaux. One of the most popular city parks is Jardin Public, which also houses the Botanical Gardens.
• Wine tours and are a must when visiting Bordeaux. Leave the confines of the city and enjoy tasty vineyard tours.

What to eat in Bordeaux

If you are looking to sample some delicious cuisine while travelling through this lovely area, Bordeaux will not disappoint. The region's signature dishes are very classically French. Some of the best must-try specialities include:

• Magret de canard grille; a grilled duck breast.
• Les cepes en persillade; a dish of porcini mushrooms in parsley.
• L'épaule d'agneau de Pauillac; a roasted shoulder of milk-fed lamb seasoned with garlic.
• Cap Ferrat Oysters; a rarely exported must-try that's locally grown in the Bassin of Arcachon.
• Foie gras de canard; a world-famous duck liver pate.
• Local wines; an obvious must-have when visiting Bordeaux.

Typical events and festivals in Bordeaux

The lively city of Bordeaux hosts many different festivals and events every year. Some of the most popular and highly attended celebrations include:

• La Fete Patronole d’Arcachon; a feasting day in honour of the city’s patron saint.
• The Bordeaux Fete le Vin; one of the region's most celebrated wine festivals held every other June.
• The Jazz O Lac; a series of concerts that takes place every July.
• Reggae Sun Ska Festival; a traditional three-day Caribbean musical event held yearly in August.

How to move around in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has an extensive public transport network. The most predominant is its large bus network, which operates over 70 lines and serves hundreds of stops throughout the city. The town connects with other regions in France by road, rail and air. Trams are available, as are taxis and car hire firms. There are also ferries to convey you along scenic river routes.

The climate in Bordeaux

The climate in Bordeaux is sub-oceanic with key Mediterranean influences. The winters are relatively mild but quite rainy, too. Summers are much warmer and pleasurable, thanks to predominantly sunny weather. The warmest months between late spring and summer are between May and September. You can expect pleasant temperatures of around 20° to 24° C around this time of year. In the winter, the weather gets relatively cold, often falling to single-digit temperatures.