Bordeaux is a beautiful port city that rises around the Garonne River.Without a doubt, it is an extraordinary place that exudes French culture everywhere, famous for its architecture, its gardens and especially for its wines, which are valued among the best in the world.We will find in Bordeaux a lively and lively city, with an important music scene, but at the same time it keeps room for those guests who want to stop and relax… so it has everything they might need to spend a good holiday.
Without a doubt, the best area to stay in Bordeaux is the city centre, as it is where the most important and popular tourist attractions are located.From the centre you can walk to the Garonne River, which offers excellent views of the city, as well as a variety of boat trips and dock activities. The centre is also home to the liveliest and most vibrant nightlife, with traditional restaurants and pubs offering all kinds of food and entertainment.In this area you will also find the most varied offer of accommodation, for all kinds of pockets and needs.
If you are interested in knowing where to sleep in Bordeaux , you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Paris or where to stay in Lyon .
The centre, the best place to stay in Bordeaux
The centre is the place where many visitors and tourists stay.It is made up of 18th century stone buildings that completely envelop the environment, and the circulation of vehicles is prohibited – there are tram rails installed to facilitate the movement of citizens – so unlike other cities, the area is not at all claustrophobic. It is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic weekend, or to get to know a city with a lot of history behind it.It’s lively, the locals are charming, and you must admire their elegance, their wide streets, the buildings lined up from centuries ago… and of course, take a night walk along the banks of the Garonne River.
For lovers of architecture and buildings it’s the best area to settle in, and there are many tourist spots to visit. A short walk from the centre towards the river will take you to the elegant and well-known Place de la Bourse, one of the symbols of the city.The square has a medieval style and played a very important role in the development, trade and reputation of Bordeaux.It has seen many kings and queens get married, and is particularly impressive for its French Gothic architecture.just a few minutes away is the Palais Rohan, which was once the residence of the archbishops of Bordeaux, but now acts as the town hall.it is beautiful and worth a visit, as today it is possible to visit the palace and its various rooms.the oldest church is the Basilica of Saint-Seurin, which houses ancient and very well preserved tombs.
For those who are staying in the city looking for good shopping, the best place is Sainte Catherine Street, the main shopping area, and it’s also pedestrian, so ideal for a good walk, where you can find all the leading brands -Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Channel…-.If you want to rest for a while, in this same street you will find many traditional French cafes and restaurants surrounding the whole street. For more relaxation, the Botanical Garden is a place to take a break, a beautiful paradise for gardeners and plant lovers that cannot be missed.For eating and drinking, the rue de Saint Remi is known by gourmets as one of the best places in Bordeaux to dine and taste the world-famous local wine.
The centre is the best area for those looking for nightlife, although Bordeaux is a city of silence rather than partying.Respect for the calm of others is not contrasted with the friendliness of the people, who are always ready to please the tourist and share a drink and some anecdotes. For those who love shows, the Grand Théâtre offers opera performances and plays, and has been one of the most famous places in the city for over two centuries. There are performances most nights – and guided tours of the building in the mornings!
Accommodation is very diverse: the most luxurious hotels are located near Gambetta Square, but in the centre you can also find cheaper hotels and bed & breakfast and youth hostels with shared rooms.
Hotels in the Centre of Bordeaux
Other areas to stay
Chartrons
If you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Bordeaux we recommend you to stay in Chartrons, a beautiful quarter full of French influence, with many private residences from the 18th century surrounding the area.It is full of trees, French cafés and small parks where the locals often meet to play cards and share a drink. Many people choose to stay here for more peace and relaxation, and because the hotels are cheaper and more affordable – although not as luxurious.
This is usually the starting point for many art lovers, who travel to Bordeaux to enjoy the Museum of Contemporary Art, which has many exhibitions that change year after year and focus on some of the country’s most famous artists. There is also the Museum of Natural History, home to zoological, mineral and fossil collections.
Hotels in Chartrons
Gare Saint-Jean
The district is located next to Bordeaux’s main train station, and is therefore a well equipped area with a wide range of hotels, bars and restaurants that can meet the needs of all tourists.Not as expensive as the centre, but very close to it, it is a good place to consider as a base for accommodation.
