Rental Car in Bordeaux

Sitting astride the Garonne river, Bordeaux is an old trade hub with a vibrant atmosphere humming through the food-halls, restaurants and pavement cafés. The city is surrounded by some of France’s best vineyards. Discover every sprawling estate and breathtaking chateau with car rental from Bordeaux.

There is pay and display on-street parking in the city center, but spaces are limited. Several parking lots are within easy walking distance of all the major sights of Bordeaux, however, making it perfect to explore by car. A number of streets in the center have been pedestrianized, so keep an eye out for signs.

The A630 is a major road that sweeps the outskirts of the city, granting access to every suburb and area of the center. Take the A631 and follow the river to reach the heart of Bordeaux. If you’re coming in from the airport it’s a 30-minute drive along the A630, following Avenue Francois Mitterand into the center.

Escape the city for a day with a trip out to one of the many medieval villages on the city’s doorstep. Head east on the N230 and N89 to reach St-Émilion in under an hour. Enjoy the freedom of stopping off at beautiful chateaux and estates along the way. Hit the highlights of France on a road-trip from Bordeaux with a number of toll-roads (freeways) leading from the city. The A62 leads to Toulouse in the sunny south of France. Cross the country to , gateway to the Alps, by following the A89.

France is a lovely country to drive in, but it’s wise to brush up on the rules of the road before arriving. As at home, you’ll drive on the right and overtake on the left. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal, and the driver and all passengers must use a seatbelt at all time. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, cities and villages, increasing to 110 km/h on secondary roads and 130 km/h on the French equivalent of freeways.

Bordeaux has come a long way since its days as an edgy port-city. The buildings have literally been scrubbed-up, revealing glowing golden stone. Now this revived city has UNESCO sites, great restaurants and oozes with Gallic flair.

Admire the historic streets

Of all the incredible buildings in Bordeaux, the Grand-Théâtre takes the top spot as one of the most beautiful, both inside and out. The imposing, columned façade is perfectly offset by the rich red curtains and ornate boxed seating in the main auditorium. Spend an evening at the ballet, classical concert or opera to get the full experience.

Wander along the banks of the Garonne River and witness a lifetime of architecture. In between the regal 18th-century buildings, the medieval Porte Cailhau makes a striking statement. This dramatic gate-house with fairy-tale turrets was once the main entrance to the city. Walk underneath and discover the warren of restaurants and cafés now occupying the old buildings in the heart of the city.

Make for the mirror

Further along the river, Place de la Bourse is a focal point for Bordeaux. Golden-stoned 17th century buildings look out over the river. Their reflection shimmers on the ground in front as a vast, s innovative fountain creates a mirror. The couple of inches of water are as smooth as glass. On a hot day, dip your toes in, while children splash amongst the shooting jets.

Heaven for Gourmets

Les Marché des Capucins is Bordeaux’s answer to Les Halles. This covered market is full of stalls overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables, charcuterie and local cheese. It’s the perfect spot to shop for ingredients if you’re in self-catered accommodation or planning a picnic. On Sundays, stalls spill out into the Place de la Victoire as farmers come from across the region to sell their produce.

Inside the market, grab a stool at La Maison du Pata Negra, where an array of tapas-style ingredients are served on mini slices of toast. Tuck into bite-size treats like local ham and quail’s eggs while a bustling market carries on all around you.

As you’d expect from a major French city, you’re never too far from fine dining and Michelin stars. Indulge in a meal at Hâ restaurant, tucked down a narrow street near the center and you can watch culinary works of art be created in the open kitchen.

Visit this fine corner of France for a full range of gastronomic experiences and get out and explore the medieval villages and vineyards of the south-west with Bordeaux car rental.