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Bordeaux is a compact, elegant city famed for wine, 18th‑century architecture, and riverside life. Plan for wine-focused activities, comfortable walking, and a relaxed pace; prepare for seasonal crowds and occasional rain.
Visa & entry requirements
- Schengen Area: Bordeaux is in France; entry follows Schengen rules. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only an ID card. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa—check the French embassy website for current rules and any ETIAS requirements (for visa‑exempt visitors from 2024+ when applicable).
- Passport validity: generally at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Confirm with your embassy.
- Proof of onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds may be requested at entry.
Best time to visit
- Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October): mild weather, vineyard activity, fewer tourists than July–August.
- Summer (July–August): warm to hot, busiest tourist season and higher prices.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): cooler, quieter, some wineries close but great for city museums and good deals.
Safety tips
- Bordeaux is generally safe; typical European city precautions suffice.
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, trams, and tourist sites (Place de la Bourse, Saint‑Pierre). Keep valuables secure.
- At night, stick to well‑lit streets. Avoid poorly lit parks alone.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (EU emergency), 17 (police), 15 (medical).
Local customs & etiquette
- Basic French greetings matter: say “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” when entering shops or small businesses; use “Merci” and “S’il vous plaît.”
- Dining: meals are paced; lunch often 12:00–14:00, dinner after 19:00. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up or leave ~5–10% for good service.
- Wine culture: tasting etiquette is relaxed—smell, sip, and ask questions. If visiting châteaux, book appointments; many require advance reservations for tours and tastings.
Currency & payments
- Currency: euro (EUR). Cash widely accepted but cards (chip & contactless) are common.
- Notify your bank of travel; check foreign transaction fees. ATMs widely available; choose bank ATMs to reduce fees.
Transportation
- Getting there: Bordeaux‑Mérignac Airport (code BOD) ~12 km from city center; good rail links via Bordeaux Saint‑Jean station (TGV to Paris ~2 hours).
- Getting around: compact center ideal for walking. Efficient tram network, buses, regional trains to wine regions (Médoc, Saint‑Émilion) and bike‑share (V³) and electric scooters available.
- Driving: not necessary in central Bordeaux; narrow streets and limited parking. If visiting vineyards, consider a driver/tour, train + taxi, or book tastings with transport.
Must‑know tips & local insights
- Wine visits: Book château visits and tastings in advance, especially in Saint‑Émilion and Médoc. Consider a guided wine tour to learn appellation rules and avoid driving.
- Markets & food: Try Marché des Capucins for regional produce, canelés (local pastry), and fresh seafood. Reserve popular restaurants on weekends.
- Sights: Place de la Bourse & Miroir d’Eau, Grand Théâtre, Cité du Vin (book ahead), Saint‑Émilion medieval village (day trip), Garonne riverbanks.
- Museum passes: check combined tickets or timed entries for busy attractions.
- Language: French is standard; English is common in tourist areas but learning a few phrases helps.
- Day trips: Saint‑Émilion, Médoc (château route), Arcachon Bay (dune of Pilat) and coastal beaches are all reachable as day trips.
- Climate & packing: layers for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Practical checklist
- Book Château visits and Cité du Vin tickets in advance.
- Reserve restaurants for dinner and popular brunch spots.
- Bring an international power adapter and EU‑compatible plug.
- Carry a card and some euros; enable contactless payments.
- Plan vineyard transport—don’t drive after tastings.
Enjoy Bordeaux’s architecture, food scene and world‑class wines—pace your tastings, respect local customs, and book key experiences early for the best trip.