Car Hire Bordeaux

A quick guide to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city that has come into its own in recent years. The pleasures of the past are still here to be sampled – this is wine country, after all – but there has been a number of new developments too, both in terms of architecture, transport and business. It all adds to the sense of an exciting city that is still set on surprising visitors.

View to a vintage

As soon as you mention Bordeaux it conjures up images of vineyards alongside rolling hills and that certainly holds true. The area is known for creating some of the best wine in the world, so a chance to explore the area can’t be missed.

Take a scenic drive across the region and arrive at Chateau Pontet Canet, one of the largest wine estates in the country. The vineyards are picturesque and embrace organic growing methods.

Les Sources de Caudalie is also within easy reach. It’s less wine estate and more wine resort – you’ll find a beautiful hotel and spa on the grounds.

An architectural spectacle

Bordeaux is simply a stunning city in itself. One of the most iconic attractions has to be Place de la Bourse, a square that epitomizes Gallic elegance. The expansive square is dominated by the Palais de la Bourse and now features the Mirroir d’eau - a reflecting pool (the world’s largest) that creates a spellbinding sight that will stay with you long after you leave. Vapour is fired into the square every 23 minutes to add to the spectacle.

It’s of a piece with La Cité du Vin, an upturned wine decanter that also plays with light and catches the sun – an essential visit for oenophiles. You should also make time for a building of a decidedly older vintage, the Cathedrale St. Andre. Largely from the 13^th and 14^th centuries, the city’s church does have 11^th century elements and brilliant gargoyles gazing down upon the city.

Bordeaux’s beautiful beaches

Of course, a visit to the port city of Bordeaux wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach, and this part of France has stunning beaches in plentiful supply.

Leave the city on the A63 and travel around one hour to arrive on the coast in Arcachon - a popular seaside town with soft, sandy beaches and crystal clear water, famed for oyster-harvesting. Spend the day wandering through the town with its retro architecture or take a helicopter tour for a truly iconic view.

If you want to venture a little further, the coastal city of La Rochelle can be reached via the A10. As well as more beaches, you’ll also find a whole host of different attractions to enjoy in the city, such as Aquarium La Rochelle, a large aquarium with a whole host of sea life that will be sure to entertain the children.

With car hire in Bordeaux, there’s no limit to what you can discover in this corner of France, weaving past the vineyards to make your trip truly memorable.

Driving in and around Bordeaux

Driving through Bordeaux is a real pleasure. There are a number of one-way systems to be aware of but the well-maintained roads and fascinating architecture make it all worthwhile. If you’re looking to get from one end of the city to the other, you’ll find the beltway which circles the city the perfect route. It also makes leaving the city and setting off to the farther reaches of France easy.

Head beyond the city and you can’t help but be blown away by the scenic views that await you. Travel by car in just under one hour to Margaux - considered to be one of the must-visit places for wine enthusiasts. This former commune may look like a small and unassuming town, but explore the local area and you’ll find Château Margaux, a world-renowned wine estate set in a picturesque location.

France is well connected via autoroutes - free-flowing motorways that link the major cities. You do incur tolls for travelling on autoroutes in France, so it’s worth checking the rate before you travel, or taking the smaller roads to avoid some tolls and take in some amazing views.

Speed limits vary by area and type of road and will be clearly signposted. The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts at all time, and mobile phone use while driving is illegal. If you have any queries or questions about driving in Bordeaux or France, the teams at our branches will be delighted to help you. Your best option for parking in the city is in car parks, although there is some pay-and-display parking too. The very centre of the town is pedestrian only, so it’s best to park up here and proceed on foot – many of the main parking areas are well situated just for this.