car hire bordeaux
Pick up your hire at Bordeaux airport and enter the beating heart of France's wine country. Book car hire bordeaux now
the 60-second guide to Bordeaux
in its own head
"Look at us, we're the best in the world at producing amazing wines, and a completely beautiful port city too!"
but more realistically
Yes, Bordeaux has been making wine since the 8th century so they do actually know what they're doing. Until recently it also seemed stuck in the past, but a huge regeneration programme has breathed new life into the city.
the vibe
Bordeaux is a vibrant city, one of gothic cathedrals, large airy squares, 18th century mansions and a real joie de vive.
the natives
Being at the heart of wine country, tourists are expected in Bordeaux and given as warm a reception as the locals can muster.
the weather
During the summer months it sits warmly in the mid-20s, while in winter expect temperatures of around seven degrees.
the local speciality
Wine, wine, wine. And then perhaps some more wine. Once you've parked the hire car up for the night kick back with a classic bottle of Margaux, Yquem or Chateau Petrus.
the celebrity
King Richard II of England was born in Bordeaux. Some would argue that that made him French.
did you know?
The ridiculously expensive Lafite Rothschild wine is made in the vineyards near Bordeaux. A bottle from 1982 would set you back over £2000.
they say
"Everything about modern Bordeaux is imbued with grandeur, like Versailles, and everything about old Bordeaux recounts its history, like Anvers." - poet and novelist Victor Hugo
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place de la Bourse
- 2. Rue Ste Catherine
- 3. Notre Dame Church
- 4. Baptiste St Jean
- 5. Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
As squares go, this one is particularly beautiful, with great examples of late 18th-century architecture. 'La Bourse' in the title refers to the magnificent Stock Exchange building that dominates it.
where to park?
Use the Place de la Bourse car park, adjacent to the square.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place de la Bourse
- 2. Rue Ste Catherine
- 3. Notre Dame Church
- 4. Baptiste St Jean
- 5. Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
This busy high street is the main shopping area, where you can stock up on all of the latest French fashions. At nearly a mile long, you won't be short of choice.
where to park?
The street itself is pedestrianised, so if you are at the Grand Theatre end use either the Jean Jaures or the Place de la Bourse car park. If you are at the opposite end, then use the Victory car park in Place de la Victoire.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place de la Bourse
- 2. Rue Ste Catherine
- 3. Notre Dame Church
- 4. Baptiste St Jean
- 5. Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
The Notre Dame Church may not be as grand as its namesake in Paris, but it is equally ornate and well worth a visit.
where to park?
Try the underground car park called Tourney, on the Allees de Tourney.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place de la Bourse
- 2. Rue Ste Catherine
- 3. Notre Dame Church
- 4. Baptiste St Jean
- 5. Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
You've spent days stocking up on wine, now it's time to unwind in this excellent museum and art gallery.
where to park?
The nearest car park is the Societe Civile Immobiliere Mazarin in Rue Mazarin.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Place de la Bourse
- 2. Rue Ste Catherine
- 3. Notre Dame Church
- 4. Baptiste St Jean
- 5. Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
As botanical gardens go, this place has got it all - green houses, a water garden and big impressive fields full of grain.
where to park?
Use the Jean Jaures or the Place de la Bourse car park.
and 4 to drive to...
This famous wine area is home to some around 1,500 vineyards. There are also some attractive beaches , such as the pretty resort of Soulac-sur-Mer.
how to get there?
To reach the north-west tip of Medoc take the D1 then the D1215 out of Bordeaux. It should take around an hour and 45 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
A beautiful town set on the Dordogne river, Bergerac boasts medieval streets, great food and some pretty impressive wine of its own.
how to get there?
It's about an hour and 20 minutes to Bergerac. Take the N89/A89 east.
and 4 to drive to...
A trip to La Rochelle is like a journey back in time - and we don't mean to your French GCSE lessons. The seaside town has preserved its 17th and 18th century centre to great effect.
how to get there?
Head north out of Bordeaux on the E06/A10. It will take about two hours to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
If fancy a change from sightseeing, why not try cycling, walking, horse-riding or canoeing in the wide open space of this impressive park.
how to get there?
It only takes around 40 minutes to reach the edge of the park. Take the A63 south-west out of Bordeaux.
ask a Bordeaux cabbie!
Local taxi driver Emmanuelle David on car hire in Bordeaux: "Many of the tourist hotspots like Rue Ste Catherine are pedestrian-only, but you will find car parks at both ends of the busy shopping street. Also, the first Sunday of every month - except in summer - is designated traffic-free with restrictions on where you can drive. On days when the bans are in place, drop your hire car at the nearest car park and walk to your destination. Public transport is limited on the outskirts of Bordeaux - this is where a hire car comes in very useful."