Bordeaux

Arriving at Bordeaux Airport

Bordeaux Airport is located around 12km west of Bordeaux and offers buses, train station shuttles, taxis and car rental options for your onwards travel.

The Airport shuttle bus will take you to Saint-Jean train station in 30 minutes. From here, you can take trains to locations all over the country. If you want to take the bus to your final destination, the Lianes 1 runs to the Airport and serves the city centres of Bordeaux and Mérignac, as well as the train station. It also offers connections to the city's tram lines. Both buses depart from Hall B.

If you desire a more direct mode of transport, taxis can be found outside Hall A.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Bordeaux

You won’t be long in Bordeaux before discovering that the whole centre – and half the entire city – is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The accolade is in recognition of the unity of its classical and neo-classical architecture and urban development. All of which should be enjoyed whilst sampling its exquisite food and drink.

The main language spoken in Bordeaux is French, but many locals speak English, so you shouldn’t have difficulty with communication.

Bordeaux’s climate is generally mild and temperate, but the city does see a great deal of rainfall, even in the driest months so we suggest packing a rain coat whenever you decide to visit.

Culture in Bordeaux

From charming public gardens to historic monuments, Bordeaux’s beautiful architecture is simply captivating. Must-visit sites include the Basilica of St. Michael and St. Andrew's Cathedral and the Esplanada des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe. Stroll along the Garonne River for some peace and quiet, and scenic views.

The city’s star attraction is the Cité du Vin, a museum giving an innovate and engrossing overview of the entire subject of wine, not just within Bordeaux, but across the planet. Of course, the city has some other very decent galleries and museums but, once you have done the Cité du Vin, the real appeal is the city itself.

Bordeaux is without a doubt a haven for foodies. With the Atlantic Ocean coastline, fish and shellfish are popular, but Bordeaux’s most celebrated dish is entrecôte marchand de vin, also called entrecote a la bordelaise; rib steak cooked in a rich gravy made from Bordeaux wine, butter, shallots, herbs and bone marrow.