Car Rental Bordeaux Airport

From Bordeaux Airport, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the city by car. The main tourist attractions are located in the heart of the city, which is accessible via the A630, heading south when you leave the airport.

Take the Avenue Francois Mitterrand exit to arrive in the city centre, where you’ll find most of the landmark sights located on the west bank of the river.

On the east bank of the city, you’ll find the Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux gardens. Take the Pont de Pierre route for the quickest way to reach the historical gardens, where you’ll find over 3000 different plant species with exotic varieties originating from China, Japan and North America.

Beyond the city itself, meanwhile, you’ll find much to savour in the surrounding Gironde countryside.

In France, there are a network of highways named the Autoroutes of France. Around 76% of the highways are toll roads, which are always signalled with the word péage to inform drivers, with autoroute destinations signposted in blue. The speed limit in France is generally 130 km/h on the highways, dropping to 110 km/h on carriageways and non-tolled stretches. However, it’s important to always check the speed limits of the road you’re on as these can vary.

In towns and cities, the speed limit is usually 50km/h unless signposted otherwise, which starts when you see a sign bearing the town’s name. In bad weather this is reduced by 10km/h. As in most areas of continental Europe, the French drive on the right side of the road, with overtaking taking place on the left.

Finding on-street parking in the centre of Bordeaux can be challenging as it is often limited, but most of the car parks cost around €2 per hour. Every first Sunday of each month is a Journée sans voiture (car-free day), where vehicles are not permitted in the city centre between 10:00 and 18:00 from November to February, and 10:00 and 19:00 from March to October. This does not apply in August however.

Graceful, lively and with a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest wine, Bordeaux is a city which boasts many attractions. From the treasures of the historical centre, to the beauty of the surrounding areas, there’s so much to explore.

Endless vineyards

Situated in the Gironde region, Bordeaux is awash with more than 120,000 hectares of vineyards. As the largest grape growing area in France, Bordeaux wine is the city’s biggest export - and once sampled, it’s easy to see why.

In the La Cité du Vin museum, you’ll find exhibits that cover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the wine making process. From what happens in the grape cultivation stage, to production and facts about the ancient wine trade, this decanter-shaped building holds all the answers.

The Gironde Region

Heading outside of Bordeaux in your rental car, there’s plenty to discover in the wider Gironde region. The neighbouring towns of Saint-Emillion and Libourne are particularly popular, offering sightseeing opportunities aplenty.

To truly experience the charms of the Gironde wine region, visit the quaint town of Saint-Emillion, where you’ll find a delightful mix of wine, food and potentially a bed for the night in a glorious chateau. Home to both the Château Beau-Séjour Bécot and Château Haut-Sarpe, there’s quality local produce and an underground church to visit. In the town of Saint-Emilion you’ll also find traditional French wash houses and cloisters.

Libourne is often overlooked by its better-known neighbours, but thanks to its 13th-century origins it’s well worth a visit. Featuring many 16^th-centrury grand merchant houses, traditional arcades and a lively town square which is bustling on market days, it’s quant and has a traditional French feel. Take a trip to the impressive Medieval town hall - which was remodeled in the 19^th-century, and is impressively grand on the inside. It features a magnificent staircase and a beautiful indoor garden.

Gastronomic delights

Gourmet food tours are one of the main reasons so many food and wine connoisseurs flock to Bordeaux each year. Boasting a plethora of restaurants, from buzzing brassieres to chic wine bars, Bordeaux is a city jam-packed with edible delights.

Those who prefer to do their own exploring may like to seek out a few special restaurants to visit, with the La Dame being a culinary icon of the city.

Sat on the river, this restaurant is a boat docked in the harbour with a club in the basement of the ship - which opens on a Friday and Saturday evening for those looking to dance the night away. The Julien Cruege restaurant is also a highlight, offering traditional French gourmet cooking with a charming garden area for those interested in some alfresco dining.

Fantastic facades

Nestled in the city is the stunningCathédrale St-André, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to 1096, it features exceptional masonry carvings and was mainly constructed in the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

The real star of the city however has to be the Palais de la Bourse. Situated on the river front, and looking stunning when lit up in the evenings, the illuminated buildings and inky night sky make for a fascinating backdrop. The Palais is Bordeaux’s most popular square and took more than 20 years to complete. The end result was certainly worth the wait.

Be sure to take your camera to capture the grandeur of the fountain known as the ‘Three Graces’,which dominates the centre of the square. It is’ truly one of the city’s most remarkable sights, and a perfect example of 18^th-century Bordeaux architecture - built to replace a statue of Louis XV on horseback, which was destroyed during the French revolution.

Steeped in French culture, the Palais was originally built as a royal square for Louis XV and designed by the famous French architect, Ange-Jaques Gabriel. Head across the street to find the largest water-mirror in the world, a feature which was added in 2006. It’s a popular hotspot in the summer months with children and adults alike, when locals and visitors are looking to cool off.

Car rental at Bordeaux Airport with Hertz will allow you to enjoy all these incredible areas of the city, and visit the stunning Gironde region on your French vacation.