Car Rental Bordeaux

A vibrant atmosphere hums through the food halls, restaurants and pavement cafes of Bordeaux. The Garonne river runs through the centre and out into the verdant countryside beyond. Follow the meandering waters to discover isolated estates tucked away in the folds of the hills, striped with sun-drenched grapevines.

You can base yourself in the bustling city, within easy reach of stores, hotels and restaurants. Alternatively, embrace the freedom of your rental car and spend the night in a rural chateau for the perfect romantic escape.

There are plenty of places to park in Bordeaux, including pay-and-display on-street parking in the centre. Further out, you’ll find good-value parking lots without time limits, which are within easy walking distance from the major sights.

The A630 is a major route which sweeps the outskirts of the city, granting access to every suburb and the central zone. The Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is only a 30-minute drive from the centre.

Escape the city for a day or two with a trip out into the rural lands, visiting the many medieval villages which sit on the city’s doorstep. Head east on the N230 and N89 to reach the winding streets of Saint-Emilion in under an hour.

There are a number of tolled highways leading from the city, including the A62 to Toulouse in the sunny south. Cross the country to Lyon, gateway to the snow-topped Alps mountain range, by following the A89.

Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. A-roads are France’s highways, known as autoroutes, and generally have a speed limit of 130km/h when it’s dry, and 110km/h when the road is wet. The network of N-roads – Route Nationale – are main roads, and usually have a limit of 90km/h, and roads in built-up areas are 50km/h. Note signs for ‘priorite a droite’, meaning vehicles approaching from the right have priority.

Bordeaux is a city fresh from rejuvenation. In recent years, the buildings have been scrubbed-up, revealing glowing golden stone beneath years of grime. Now it claims the largest urban area of UNESCO protection in the world.

Wander through historic streets

Drift along the banks of the Garonne river and witness a lifetime of architecture. Pause at Place de la Bourse to snap a perfect photo of the palatial 17^th-century buildings, with their reflections mirrored on the waters below.

The medieval Porte Cailhau makes a striking statement, set back between the regal 18th-century buildings which stand either side. This enchanting gatehouse, complete with fairytale turrets, was once the main entrance to the city. Walk underneath the archway into the warren of boutique restaurants and rustic cafes now occupying Bordeaux’s historic, old buildings.

Eat your way through the day

Les Marché des Capucins is a covered market packed with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, and cheese. It’s the perfect spot to pick up authentic, local ingredients if you’re in self-catered accommodation. On Sundays, the stalls spill out into the Place de la Victoire as farmers come from across the region to sell their produce 

Inside the market, grab a stool at La Maison du Pata Negra where an array of tapas-style ingredients are served atop miniature slices of toast. Tuck into bite-size treats including local ham, quail eggs and homemade foie gras while the bustling market carries on around you.

As you might expect in a major French city, you’re never too far from fine dining and Michelin stars. For a memorable feast, indulge at Le Prince Noir. Set in a magnificent chateau, the dining room offers spectacular views over the Bridge of Aquitaine. Enjoy culinary works of art bursting with flavour in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.

Book an idyllic escape

Outside the city, you’ll find a vast number of chateaux hidden in the folds of the green hills. Experience provincial France with a night at Château Grattequina on the banks of the Garonne river, a short drive from the centre of Bordeaux. This 19^th-century mansion overlooks the water and the surrounding vineyards.

Nestled in the countryside, just a 25-minute drive from both Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, enjoy some luxury at the 14^th-century Chateau Lamothe du Prince Noir. Find peace and quiet as you breakfast on the terrace and watch ducks and swans paddle in the spring-fed moat. Inside, lavish bedrooms – decorated like a stately home – invite a peaceful slumber.

Discover a medieval gem

Visit the commune of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ideal day trip destination from buzzing Bordeaux. You can explore the history of this picturesque place both above and below ground.

Under the market square, there’s a chasm of arched limestone, which is begging to be explored, while out in the sunshine you can wander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the monolithic church, carved out of a singular rock in the hillside.

Visit Bordeaux for a feast of gastronomy and enchanting architecture. To make the most of your time in France, rent a car and explore the medieval villages and vineyards for which this region is so well known.