What is the best area to stay in Bordeaux City?
By Jane Chapman. Jan 09, 2022
Strategically perched on the Garonne, Bordeaux is steeped in history, it’s cobbled streets and friendly atmosphere will make you fall in love with this city. Famous for its vineyards, café culture, historic monuments, gastronomy, and its vibrant nightlife, this destination has something for everyone, from families to backpackers. The international airport means that the city is easy to get to and well worth a visit. One of the best things to do in this city is stroll around the old town, dotted with Unesco World Heritage sites, before settling down to a delicious “café au lait” in a quintessentially French square and watching the world go by.
The Historic District is our recommended area to stay, from the airport you’re a short drive away, but you can also get there by public transport or taxi. Staying in this area means you will be close to all the city’s monuments and tourist areas. You’ll wake up and be able to potter outside and pick up some fresh pastries to start your day and enjoy the ambience without having to use extra means of transport. Another benefit is being close to all the best restaurants, nightlife and music venues, so you’ll quickly be able to get home once the public transport system finishes in the evening.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Bordeaux, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Bordeaux, you may also be interested in where to stay in Nice, where to stay in Strasbourg and where to stay in Cannes.
Historic District, the best area to stay in Bordeaux City
City Centre / Tourists / Restaurants
With the most stunning narrow streets, decorated with flowers, gorgeous boutiques, and cafés, you will feel like you are in a fairy tale. You can marvel at the many monuments and enjoy the quaint squares. A great spot is the “Miroir D’eau”, a shallow water feature that reflects the impressive architecture. Walk up Rue Saint-Rémi and Rue Sainte Catherine and enjoy the city’s best restaurants, souvenir shops, artisan, and luxury boutiques. A must-see monument is the Place des Quinqonces, located close to the theatre, amongst the largest squares of Europe, with its huge 21-meter columns towering over you.
Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic view from the cathedral’s bell tower, Pey Berland. If you work up an appetite whilst walking around, you can always pop into one of the many restaurants that offer a 3-course set menu at competitive prices, and why not wash it down with a bottle of Bordeaux.
Hotels in Bordeaux Historic District
Other areas to stay in Bordeaux City
Chartrons
Couples / Restaurants / Sightseeing
Located just north of the historical district is the beautiful neighbourhood of Chartrons. From Place de la Bourse and the historic centre, you can either walk along the Garonne for 30 minutes, catch a quick tram, or even better jump on a boat! The public transport system in Bordeaux includes boat trips, that will take you to Chartrons in about 10 minutes. This area is quintessentially French, dotted with cafés, restaurants and beautiful alleyways covered in flowers. It’s less hectic than the centre, making it perfect for couples who want a romantic getaway.
There’s plenty to do, from museums to antique boutiques and close enough to the centre to pop in for a spot of sightseeing. There’s less nightlife than in the historic centre, but you can still find some great cocktail bars there for a nightcap, there also some amazing restaurants in this district.
Gare Saint-Jean
Railway Station / Cheap Hotels / Backpackers
Just south of the city centre is the Gare Saint Jean district, close to the main train station, this neighbourhood is about a 40-minute walk from the centre. The tram connects this area with Place des Quinqonces in 15 minutes. This district has plenty of cheap hotels, making it a great option for backpackers or travellers who are watching their pennies. It is also conveniently placed if you need to catch a train to your next destination.
There is also a shuttle that stops at the station that takes you straight to the airport in just over half an hour. You really get a taste of the local lifestyle; take a stroll around the Capucins market, walk around the Saint Michel Basilica, or enjoy the many bars in the evening. This area is easily car accessible compared to the historic centre, for example. Overall, it’s a practical neighbourhood, slightly less picturesque but with plenty other benefits.
Bordeaux-Lac
Families / Relax / Nature
North of Bordeaux, lies the city’s beautiful lake, used by tourists and locals alike. You can reach this area by tram from the city center, or if you’re feeling active, by bike. It takes about 15 minutes to get there, split into a 10-minute tram ride followed by a 5-minute walk. This is a perfect escape from the city during the hot summer months, with temperatures often reaching 35ºC. There are a wide range of water activities on the lake such as windsurfing and various swimming areas. There are numerous picnic areas there too, meaning you can enjoy the surroundings in a relaxed manner.
This area is great for families with small children, with lots of different hotel and camping options… it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The proximity to the centre by public transport means that you don’t have to miss out on the sightseeing and busier atmosphere of the city centre.
Bastide
Young Crowd / Nightlife / Bars
From the city centre, if you cross the “pont de pierre”, the stone bridge originally built at the beginning of the 1800s under Napoleon the 1st, you reach the area of La Bastide. Over the last few years this area has become the trendy hot spot for students, hipsters, and artists. It never used to be popular with the locals, as it was more of an industrial area, but that’s now a thing of the past. You’ll find some very cool bars, restaurants, coffee shops and art exhibitions.
There are a few “guinguettes”, river side bars, on the Garonne bank, with fabulous views over Chartrons and the city centre, with regular live music nights. There is also a love botanical garden to stroll around. Hotels in this area are cheaper than in the historical district, yet you’re just a short tram journey from the main tourist areas.
Our recommended hotels in Bordeaux
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in BordeauxNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
