Last updated on January 02nd, 2023
Bordeaux France is a city that combines the cultural richness of the French region with an amazing history and great landscapes. It is a wine lovers’ paradise, having the biggest wine appellation in the world. There are acres upon acres of amazing grapevines and lush mountainous landscapes in the background. Bordeaux was built around River Garonne and is the fifth largest city in France.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for Parc des Expositions (Trade Fairs) & Palais des Congrès, or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Bordeaux France.
Quick Overview – Contents
What is the Best Area to Stay in Bordeaux France?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Historic City Centre (Saint Pierre, Saint Paul, Pey Berland districts)
The historic city centre, also called the old town covers both St Paul and St Pierre districts. You will enjoy sleeping by the river if you pick one of the apartments facing River Garonne. Otherwise, there are nice narrow streets with magnificent architecture facing you in all directions. This awesome space is less noisy than most of the metropolis. Plenty of accommodation can be found here and in the surrounding areas. You will also find Miroird’eau, the world’s most reflecting pool here.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Bordeaux
InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel • Hotel des Quinconces - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona • Best Western Grand Hotel Francais - Best Cheap Hotels in Bordeaux
Hôtel Notre Dame • Acanthe Hôtel Bordeaux Centre - Best Bed & Breakfast in Bordeaux
La Maison Fernand • T3 luxe hyper centre - Best Budget Hostels in Bordeaux
Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre • Hostel20
Best Areas to Stay in Bordeaux
Best area to stay in Bordeaux for romantic stay (trip)? Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, Small Boutique Hotel
Most of the small boutique hotels around Bordeaux are unusually hospitable with an environment to fire up your love. The average cost per night is about 150 euro. You can choose hotels overlooking historical sites or the river. Some hotels offer self-catering facilities to visitors. If your romantic trip is on a budget, stay at a B&B. Their average rates are about 100 euro a night. Most B&Bs have wide breakfast choices, WiFi connectivity and amazing flatbeds.
Best neighborhood in Bordeaux for Parc des Expositions (Trade Fairs) & Palais des Congrès? Bordeaux-Lac
Bordeaux-Lac packs everything that you need from a sandy beach to historic cathedrals. In addition, it hosts exhibition centres, casinos and lake view resorts. Most of the trade fairs happen at Bordeaux Exhibition Center (Parc des Expositions) with the outdoor events happening at MatmutAtlantique Stadium. There is also Place des Quinconces, the biggest plaza in France which host fairs, festivals and concerts. While here, visit some iconic monuments and enjoy wine and food sampling tours in various parts of the town. Major conventions are held at Bordeaux Congress Centre (Le palais des Congrès).
Stay in one of Bordeaux’s most interesting districts : Maritime Bordeaux (Bacalan, Bassins a Flot), home of La Cité du Vin
La Cite Du Vin is an exhibition and festival museum that host wine themes. There are concerts, live plays and lots of wine cultures. Bassins A Flot is also a wine’s lover’s capital in Bordeaux with cultural centres around. Bacalan overlooks the river and is a place for clubbing and enjoying nice food. There are several wine-related events, tasting and cultures. There is so much more to explore in this area. Accommodation cost varies in any of the districts, but you will find options at various price tags.
Where to stay in Bordeaux on a budget? Gare St Jean, Saint-Michel district
Gare St-Jean is an upcoming neighbourhood. It is quiet and the cost of accommodation is relatively low. Nevertheless, there are lots of party hotspots, eateries and restaurants. The area around St Michel gothic cathedral is also an interesting historic district close to various prime historical locations in Bordeaux. Accommodation is available on budget with lots of great eateries dotted in the area. The location is quiet and of the beaten path.
The 5 Best Neighbourhoods in Bordeaux for Tourists
When you land in France, there is so much to see and do such that you may get confused along the way. There are several trendy neighbourhoods, each with its unique offering to its locals and visitors.
Saint Pierre has come up as one of the trendiest areas in the city. Here, you will find the latest fashion, jewellery, camper mugs and anything else. There are several thrift stores around too and amazing terrace pubs where you can relax with your favourite drink.
Right Bank is a place to stay for all nature lovers. Enjoy a walk under trees, relax in the botanical garden or eat in the open. There are lots of organic shops, vegetable gardens to see and a skate park. Enjoy amazing street art as you go.
Bassin À Flot neighbourhood hosts La Cite du Vin, which is a wine lover’s paradise. You should also visit Base Sous-Marine a Send World War Banker, which is now a cultural hub. There are several awesome and trendy restaurants around and outdoor parks.
Saint-Michel takes you on a culinary trip around the world. You can sample Moroccan breakfast, a Hungarian dinner, British brunch and biting from Vietnam, all in in the old town. There are several outdoor food vendors that you will be spoilt for choice.
If you are looking for the fine things that France has to offer Les GrandsHommes is the place to be. Impressive monuments surround the place and many leading luxury brands such as Hermes and Louis Vuitton were established here. Enjoy a cheese tasting and fine dining too from this neighbourhood.
1. Historic City Centre
The historic city centre allows you to experience Bordeaux’s rich history. It covers part of St Paul and St Pierre districts which is over 150 hectares. The area is best known for lots of monuments, 16th to 19th-century architecture with several open area parks. UNESCO listed this area as a World Heritage Centre in 2007. There are museums and exciting resorts around the area that you would love to explore.
- Best Hotels: InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel • Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre • Hôtel Notre Dame
2. Chartrons
Chartrons is a leafy district that is home to some of the largest number of antique shops. It is also home to the Museum of wine and trade. You will also enjoy exploring Place Du Marche Des Chartron, an 1869 market hall.
Other historical sites include CAPC Muséed’ArtContemporain De Bordeaux and 1672 Slave Trade Plaque. There are several interesting historic buildings and a local market where you enjoy fresh fruits and traditional French breakfast.
- Best Hotels: Hostellerie de Plaisance • La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: The Originals City, Hôtel Corintel, Bordeaux Est • Hôtel des Voyageurs Centre Bastide
3. Bastide (Other side of the river)
Bastide was originally an industrial part of the town. Today, it is a re-invented cultural centre on the other side of River Girronne. It is home to Le Jardin botanical garden, Pont de Pierre, post-French Revolution stone bridge.
Tourists also enjoy cuisines from around the world from various restaurants in the area. There are also several live music venues starting with Le Caillou.
- Best Accommodation: La Maison Bastide (B&B) • Chambres à Bord’O (Bed & Breakfast)
- Best Cheap Hotels: ibis budget Bordeaux Centre Bastide • Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide
4. St Jean Train Station District
TTis area was known as Bordeaux Red Light District for a long period. It is home to several clubs, live performances, night clubs and bistros, among others. The train terminal had been expanded in 2017 and the area is fast growing into a business district.
Here, you enjoy shopping, traditional French cuisine and buy antique items for your trip back home. There are various historical sites around the district with some buildings dating as early as the 17th century.
- Best Hotels: Best Western Plus Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean • Golden Tulip Bordeaux Euratlantique
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: ibis Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean Euratlantique • BDX Hôtel Gare Saint-Jean
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