How to plan a trip to Bordeaux

Are you ready to start preparing your next trip to Bordeaux? If the answer is yes, congratulations! Because you’re in the right place. At Passporter we know that organizing a trip can be a complicated task, especially when you’re travelin? far away. You have to take into account so many details, accommodation, transportation, budget, meals… that sometimes we forget that we are on vacation and that the main objective was to rest. That is why we have set out to help you plan your trip to Bordeaux.

Dive into this post and discover the best travel tips to make sure everything will go smoothly. Below you can read about why spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Bordeaux, how you can save on your reservations or the most delicious traditional dishes of the region. Don’t think twice and join us on this adventure.

1. Prepare your documents for traveling to Bordeaux

Visa processing costs €80, although this may vary depending on the duration or purpose of the trip. It is recommended to apply for it a little more than a month in advance as it usually takes between 10 and 15 working days to be granted. We encourage you to save your visa in the Passporter App so that you always have it located and at hand.

The documentation required for travel to France will depend on your country of origin:

• Schengen Area: As a citizen of the European Union you will be able to travel to France by land without having to present any documents. In the case of going by train or plane, you will be asked to show your ID card or passport, which must be valid.
• Other visa-exempt countries: These countries listed below are also exempt from applying for a visa to travel to France: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, the Vatican City, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
• Rest countries: the visa can be applied for either in person at the embassy or consulate of your country, or online. To apply for a visa to France, you must submit an application form specific to your visa type, along with two recent passport-style photographs. Make sure your passport is valid, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your stay, and submit copies of previous visas if you have them. Travel medical insurance covering Schengen territory with a minimum of 30,000 euros is a must. You will need to demonstrate how you will finance yourself during your stay, detail your complete itinerary, including accommodation, and submit a criminal record certificate and proof of payment of the visa fee.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a very pleasant city to visit all year round. Although each season has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your travel preferences. In general we recommend to go between April and October, when the days are longer, the temperatures are more pleasant, the cultural offer is wider and you can enjoy the outdoor spaces.

Summer, July and August, is usually the favorite time for tourists to visit the city. This implies that during these months accommodation prices increase due to demand and that the city will be crowded. On the positive side, there is plenty of life in the streets and all tourist attractions are 100% operational.

Although Bordeaux is not a very rainy city, during autumn and winter you risk the occasional downpour, as well as during the summer. Before leaving on vacation we encourage you to check the weather forecast so you can be prepared.

3. Find out how to get to Bordeaux

You will see when organizing your trip to Bordeaux that it is very easy to get there and there are several ways to choose from depending on your starting point or the type of trip you are going to make. If you are going to make a route through France, moving by car is certainly the best option. However, if you are going to spend a few days in the city, we recommend going by train or plane.

These are all the options you will have available to you during your trip:

• Train: is one of the best ways to get around France. Regional trains are somewhat slow, but the TGC will get you from Paris to Bordeaux in less than 2h. Once at Bordeaux station you can get to your accommodation by cab or public transport. And if you are traveling from neighboring countries such as Spain or Germany, you can also use this option, although you may have to do some transferring.
• Airplane: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport receives flights from French and European cities operated by airlines such as EasyJet, Vueling and Ryanair. International travelers may consider a connection through Paris for direct flights to Bordeaux. As always we recommend you book your flights in advance and check out the best options on the Passporter App with Skyscanner.
• Car: As mentioned above, a car is a great option for touring France, but not so much for getting around Bordeaux. You can bring your own car or rent one upon arrival at the airport. Remember to check if your driver’s license is valid in the country.
• Bus: There are several bus companies that operate between other French and European cities on a frequent basis. In the cheapest option, but also the slowest. Some companies offering this service are FlixBus and Eurolines.

Once in Bordeaux you can get around on foot or by bicycle, as the city has bike paths. The public transport network, bus and streetcar, operates efficiently between 5:00 and 12:30 at night. The ticket price is €1.8 at the vending machine or €2 on the bus, but there are also 10-trip passes for €15.6.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Bordeaux

In Bordeaux, each neighborhood has its own identity and offers a unique travel experience. So even if you choose to stay in one area, we encourage you to visit the other neighborhoods and discover their charms. Here is a list of the best areas to look for accommodation in Bordeaux according to your interests. Whether you are looking to be close to the center, to the party or to save money, here you will surely find your neighborhood:

• Central Bordeaux: this is the historic heart of the city, ideal for those who want to explore on foot. Here you will find impressive squares, such as the Place de la Bourse, and the majestic Saint-André Cathedral. It’s perfect for first-timers and history buffs.
• Chartrons: traditionally the wine merchants’ neighborhood, today it is known for its antique stores, art galleries and the Museum of Wine and Commerce. It offers a laid-back atmosphere with an artsy vibe.
• Saint-Pierre: located in the historic center, it is famous for its narrow streets and nightlife. With a large selection of bars and restaurants, it is ideal for those looking for entertainment and gastronomy.
• La Bastide: on the right bank of the Garonne River, this neighborhood is less touristy and offers beautiful views of the city. Its recent development includes green spaces and is ideal for those looking for a quiet environment.
• Saint-Michel: known for its basilica and flea market, this vibrant, multicultural neighborhood is perfect for urban adventurers interested in discovering a mix of cultures and tasting foods from around the world at a good price.

We remind you that if you want to make the process of finding accommodation easier, through Booking in the free Passporter App you can compare and choose the best option.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Bordeaux

To visit Bordeaux three days are more than enough to soak up the local culture and enjoy the gastronomy and wines of the region. In this post you can read more about the city and its main tourist attractions: What to see and do in Bordeaux France.

But we’ll give you a quick rundown of the must-sees:

1. Place de la Bourse: this iconic square is famous for its 18th century architecture and the Water Mirror, the largest reflective water surface in the world, which creates a beautiful visual effect with the buildings.
2. La Cité du Vin: is a modern museum dedicated to wine, offering an immersive experience in the culture and history of wine worldwide, with interactive exhibits and tastings.
3. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: majestic 18th century building that houses the Bordeaux National Opera and the Bordeaux National Ballet. Its impressive facade and luxurious interior make it a must-see. The entrance fee is 22€ and you can also hire separate tastings.
4. St. Andrew’s Cathedral: this impressive Gothic building is known for its free-standing bell tower, the Pey-Berland Tower, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
5. The Stone Bridge: the first bridge built over the Garonne River in Bordeaux, it offers picturesque views of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset.
6. The Capuchin Market: this is the largest market in Bordeaux, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and experience the daily life of Bordeaux’s inhabitants.
7. The Museum of Aquitaine: this museum offers a deep dive into the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region, from prehistoric times to the present day, through its extensive collections.
8. The Basilica of St. Michael: Famous for its impressive flamboyant Gothic bell tower, this basilica is an iconic site that offers breathtaking views from its tower.
9. The Public Garden: a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll, with a small lake, a botanical garden and children’s play areas.
10. La Rue Sainte-Catherine: Europe’s longest pedestrian street, lined with stores, cafes and restaurants, ideal for shopaholics and those looking to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.

6. Where and what to eat in Bordeaux

France is the birthplace of haute cuisine and every city in the country has a long culinary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Bordeaux is no exception, in fact, it is an ideal culinary destination for lovers of good food. The region is also known worldwide for its high-quality, world-renowned wines.

Here’s a list of the must-try dishes to try during your visit to Bordeaux

• Entrecote à la Bordelaise: grilled beef fillet topped with a Bordeaux red wine sauce, shallots and marrow
• Lamproie à la Bordelaise: lamprey cooked in a rich red wine sauce, traditionally served with slices of fried bread.
• Canelés de Bordeaux: small caramelized cakes with a soft and tender interior, flavored with vanilla and rum.
• Huîtres d’Arcachon: fresh oysters from the bay of Arcachon, known for their sweet and delicate flavor.
• Pâté de Campagne Bordelais: rustic pâté made with pork meat and spices, a classic from the Bordeaux countryside.
• Salade Landaise: mixed salad including duck breast, gésiers (duck gizzards), and foie gras, among other southwestern ingredients.
• Gâteau Basque: traditional pastry of the region, although more associated with the Basque Country, it is often found in Bordeaux, filled with pastry cream or black cherries.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Bordeaux

Whether you’re traveling with friends, your partner or family, when planning a trip to Bordeaux or any other destination it’s important to bring everyone’s interests to the table to design a trip together that suits the expectations of everyone in the group.

It is normal that when there are several people in the group, small conflicts arise as a result of coexistence or different ways of traveling. Therefore, our recommendation, which generally applies to any aspect of the trip, is to plan in advance and jointly agree on every detail, such as budget, schedules, meals or accommodation.

A good way to organize your trip with friends is through the Passporter App, with which you can create a common travel route and share your experience through images and comments with other travelers. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Bordeaux

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to travel to Bordeaux is in spring and autumn.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in Bordeaux is drinkable.
• Bordeaux is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep our belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as for example the one by Mondo.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Bordeaux travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to plan what to see on your trip to Bordeaux

Download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Bordeaux.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Bordeaux