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.
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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.
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
This 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
