Where to stay in Bordeaux: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay in the Saint-Pierre area, at the heart of the historic centre. For comfort and shopping, the Golden Triangle; for local life, Chartrons; on a tighter budget, Saint-Michel or the area around Saint-Jean station. Bordeaux is best explored on foot and by tram: there’s no need for a car in the city.

Understanding Bordeaux in two minutes

Bordeaux stretches along the Garonne. On the left bank, the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs from Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror to the Saint-Pierre area, with the Golden Triangle (Grand Théâtre, Allées de Tourny) and Chartrons to the north, then the Bassins à Flot and the Cité du Vin. To the south lie Saint-Michel and Saint-Jean station. On the right bank, La Bastide has the best view of the riverside façades. Four tram lines link it all.

The right area for your trip

First visit: Saint-Pierre and the historic centre

Pedestrian lanes, lively squares and terraces: Saint-Pierre is the heart of old Bordeaux, steps from Place de la Bourse, the Water Mirror and the quays. Everything is on foot, and Rue Sainte-Catherine, the big shopping street, is close by.

Comfort and shopping: the Golden Triangle

Around the Grand Théâtre, Allées de Tourny and Cours de l’Intendance, the Golden Triangle is Bordeaux’s elegant district: boutiques, handsome 18th-century façades and upscale hotels.

Local life: Chartrons

The former wine merchants’ quarter, Chartrons charms with its antique shops, cafés and Sunday market. Quieter than the centre, ideal for couples and families, with the tram nearby. Further north, the Bassins à Flot and the Cité du Vin form a modern district.

Budget and local buzz: Saint-Michel

Around the basilica and its spire, Saint-Michel is lively and multicultural, with a flea market and restaurants from all over the world. Accommodation is often more affordable, a few minutes’ walk from the centre.

Arriving by train: Saint-Jean station

Handy for a short stay, a train arrival or a vineyard trip. The area is changing, but it is less charming than the centre; the tram reaches the riverside in minutes.

Calm and views: La Bastide

On the right bank, La Bastide offers a magnificent view of the riverside façades, gardens along the Garonne and the Darwin eco-site, an alternative creative hub. The Pont de Pierre leads to the centre on foot or by tram.

Getting to Bordeaux

• By train: Saint-Jean station is about two hours from Paris by TGV; the tram runs to the centre.
• By air: from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, the tram and a shuttle bus run to the centre. For timetables and fares, check the official websites.
• By car: parking is scarce and paid in the centre; choose a hotel with parking or a park-and-ride on the outskirts.

Our booking tips

1. Book early for major events (the Wine Festival, conventions, matches) and summer.
2. Check the nearest tram stop, especially if you stay outside the centre.
3. Allow for the tourist tax, charged per person per night; the amount is shown when you book.
4. For the vineyards, combine a few nights in town with a night in a château or guesthouse.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Bordeaux. The areas and useful services are on our Bordeaux page.