Flight to Bordeaux (BOD)

Flying to Bordeaux: tips and information for your trip

Bordeaux is an incredible city with so much to discover that you’re sure to be left wanting more. From beaches to bike rides and wine to wildlife, tourism is carefully balanced with the authenticity of the city itself, making visitors want to return again and again. Located in the south-west region of France, there’s no end of things to do and there are few rivals that can compete with Bordeaux’s impressive gastronomy.

With so much on offer, you can be sure your holiday will be one to remember. Book your tickets to Bordeaux with Brussels Airlines today.

What to do in Bordeaux?

1. See the Miroir d’Eau. Located on the banks of the Garonne river, this is one of the city’s most popular attractions, especially in summer when tourists often go for a paddle. The large area of shallow water goes through cycles, acting not only as a mirror reflecting St. Michael’s Basilica, but also spraying streams of mist and jets of water into the air.
   
   
2. Go green at the parc bordelais or the jardin public. Both are great places to sit, walk and enjoy the fresh air. The parc bordelais is a little further out of town, but offers the opportunity to get off the beaten track. There is also a small menagerie of animals there, which visitors can observe from quite close up.
   
   
3. Head to Arcachon. Only a short train journey away, not only does Arcachon boast stunning beaches and cute sea-side vibes, it also has the famous Dune de Pilat, which visitors can climb and enjoy a spectacular view of the whole bay.
   
   
4. Explore the different neighbourhoods. The atmosphere in each varies enormously, and each has its own unique appeal. Saint-Michel, with its alluring cosmopolitan vibe, the Basilica and lots of cool bars and cafes, is a good place to start.
5. Make the most of Bordeaux’s nightlife. As well as lots of cool bars and pubs, there are so many great clubs in the city.
   
   
6. Visit the Bordeaux-Lac beach and lake, only a short tram ride away. With a playground, ping-pong tables, sailing and water activities, this is a great place for the whole family, whether you’re looking to just chill out or do something a little more active.
   
   
7. Go shopping on Rue Saint Catherine. As Europe’s longest shopping street, there are shops galore for all your retail therapy needs. Conveniently located just by the Grand Théâtre, you can take in the beautiful architecture of the city centre at the same time.
   
   
8. Catch a game at the Matmut Atlantique. The home of Bordeaux FC (or, to give them their proper name, FC Girondins de Bordeaux), this imposing stadium hosted matches at Euro 2016 and has a great atmosphere.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flies to and from Bordeaux-Merignac Airport, which is 10 km from the city centre. The easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city is via the number 1+ bus, although shuttle buses and taxis are also available.
• Currency: Euro. Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout the city.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: : +33. There are also a number of free Wi-Fi spots around the city.
• Electric sockets: Type C and E. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
• Travel Information: France is an EU member and has signed the Schengen agreement. Therefore, many travellers will only need a passport or appropriate ID card to enter the country and don’t require a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

Dos and Don’ts in Bordeaux

• Do consider getting a City Pass to see the very best that Bordeaux has to offer at a great price, and take the stress out of using the city’s public transport system.
• Do use public bikes and trams. Cheap, convenient, and wide-reaching, they make it simple to explore the city and make getting around a breeze.
• Do look out for the scallop seashell markers on the pavements around the city, which guide the way for pilgrims on the Saint James of Compostela trail.
• Do take a river ferry. Bordeaux is split in two by the river Garonne and the BAT³ river shuttle is a great way to get across the city.
• Do put some research into the restaurants you visit. Bordeaux has some amazing gastronomy places.
• Don’t judge a Bordeaux wine by its price tag. Despite red Bordeaux being world famous, it can be surprisingly easy to buy bottles for very little, especially in the supermarket. Ask for advice if you’re not sure; after all, where better to do so?
• Don’t forget that lots of places close on Sundays. This can be rather annoying if you’re not expecting it. Sites like Place de la Bourse or Place Quinconces are always good alternatives to visit, as are the many Sunday markets.
• Don’t think wine tasting has to cost a fortune. Many chateaux celebrate portes ouvertes, or open days during which they give tours of their facilities and offer free tasting. Explore the vineyards of nearby Saint Emilion, as well as the many wine-themed attractions in the city centre.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Whilst you do hear English on the streets in Bordeaux and many people will be happy to try and help, the city is just as popular to live and work in with the French as it is with tourists. Therefore, some key French phrases will help you feel at home with the locals:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Goodbye: Au revoir
• Thank you: Merci
• Please: S’il vous plaît
• Yes/no: Oui/non
• Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?
• I would like…: Je voudrais…
• Excuse me: Excusez-moi
• Sorry: Desolé

Cultural events

• Fête du Fleuve and Fête du Vin : the city alternates between celebrating these two events each year. Both have a lot to do with gastronomy; fête du fleuve focuses its celebrations around the river and boating, with hundreds of stalls along the quayside selling local delicacies and edible delights from the region. Fête du vin is a wine festival which showcases the city’s thriving wine tourism.
• Vinexpo: another biannual event which brings together wine producers, buyers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
• Fête de la musique : Held every summer, this is an evening packed with fun and excitement as bands, artists and DJs take over the entire city for the day and night. Expect dancing and parading in the street until the early hours.

When to go to Bordeaux?

Bordeaux can get quite a lot of rain so if you’re after good weather, summer is the best time to go. Temperatures in spring and autumn are generally pleasant. As there is so much to do in the city, it’s a very popular short-break destination all year round. Make sure to consider what cultural events and attractions you’d like to see before booking your flights.

What to eat and drink?

• Cannelés: dome-shaped spongy cakes that can be bought from the bakery or are often served alongside a coffee.
• Oysters are a local speciality and a firm favourite at farmers’ markets throughout the city. Best enjoyed with a glass of good white wine.
• Duck confit: another local dish which uses age-old methods of preserving the meat with salt and cooking it in its own fat for a flavoursome, satisfying dish.
• Bordeaux wine. Red wine may have put the Bordeaux region on the map, but there is also a lesser-known selection of whites and rosés that are equally delicious.