Located in south-western France, in the heart of the wine-growing region, Bordeaux is a city of beauty and heritage. The city’s neo-classical architecture stands side by side with more modern and daring infrastructures, such as the astonishing Cité du Vin, inaugurated in 2016. For a moment, forget the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and admire the impressive 18th and 19th century manor houses, be entertained by the flea markets and antiques of the Village Notre-Dame, or marvel at the singularity of the water mirror on Place de la Bourse… Let’s discover together where to stay in Bordeaux to discover the city and its secrets.
While Bordeaux is full of things to do, there’s also plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the different districts of La Belle Endormie, their individual characteristics and several examples of where to stay to suit your needs and budget.
Key information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting your accommodation in Bordeaux, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Bordeaux:
- $ this hotel, offers affordable accommodation close to amenities.
- $$ this hotel, offers atypical accommodation in two 18th-century houses.
- $$$ this luxury establishment, and refined for a stay in total comfort.
Map of different areas of Bordeaux where to stay
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Bordeaux, you’ll find on the map below all the Bordeaux accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Bordeaux.
Journey to the Bordeaux of yesteryear: staying at Saint-Pierre
The historic heart of Bordeaux, Saint-Pierre is home to as many pages of Bordeaux history as monuments that pay tribute to it. Situated between the famous Miroir d'Eau, the Grosse Cloche and theOpera, the area known as Old Bordeaux invites you to stroll its cobbled streets while admiring the neo-classical facades for which it is famous (that, and the wine!).
Staying in this area is a strategic choice: most of Bordeaux's highlights are within walking distance, including Saint-André Cathedral, the Place des Quinconces, reputed to be the largest square in Europe, the Musée d'Art Contemporain, the Place de la Bourse, and the Porte Calhau. To stay in Saint-Pierre is to stay in an architecturally stunning district on the banks of the Garonne.
Although buses and streetcars don't run through the area, they're still just a few minutes' walk away, and serve the rest of the city without hindrance. There is a wide range of accommodation, some of which is as unusual as it isauthentic.
You'll need to budget for accommodation in this area, but the views and practicality are well worth the cost.
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Less than 500m from Place Pey Berland and Rue Sainte-Catherine, this 3-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Bordeaux's historic center. It's the ideal place to stay, just a stone's throw from the sights. You'll have easy access to public transport, which is less than two minutes' walk away.
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In the heart of Bordeaux'sGolden Triangle, the Best Western Premier HBEO offers you the opportunity to stay in two 18th-century houses for a truly authentic experience. Just a 15-minute drive from the Saint-Jean train station, the hotel is located in the center of Bordeaux, less than 500m from Saint-André Cathedral and the Garonne River.
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Experience luxury at this 5-star hotel facing the Grand Théâtre. You'll be able to stay in top-quality rooms and admire the view of Old Bordeaux from your windows, while being only a few steps away from the most beautiful monuments.
Choose a bohemian stay: stay at Les Chartrons
Although this district owes its name to the Carthusian monks who took refuge here during the 100 Years' War, it's not for its churches that it's renowned. In Chartrons, you can stroll around in a bohemian atmosphere, alternating between bars and chic restaurants after an afternoon visiting the various antique shops that flourish here and there.
Antiques are part of the pride and joy of this little village in the city, where you'll find the Village Notre-Dame, an antiques gallery housed in a former industrial building. Along the quays and in the streets, second-hand dealers display their finds, perpetuating this very special atmosphere.
The area also brings together art lovers through numerous galleries and around the Place Avisseau.
It's easy to get around thanks to a public transport network that serves the rest of the city, making it a particularly pleasant place to stay. In fact, you're sure to appreciate the calm and serenity of the area, allowing you to stay in peace without compromising on proximity to activities. What's more, accommodation prices are quite reasonable.
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The ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the city center without breaking the bank. Just a 5-minute walk from the center, this hotel is served by several tramway stations and is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
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Mercure invites you to stay at its 4-star establishment, straddling Bordeaux's historic Chartrons district. It's an ideal location for staying close to all points of interest and amenities.
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If your list of places to visit during your stay in Bordeaux includes the CAPC (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Chaban-Delmas Bridge or the Cité du Vin, this 5-star hotel is the ideal place to stay. You'll enjoy impeccable service in the most refined surroundings, all within easy reach of your places of interest.
Staying green: the La Bastide district
To the east of the Garonne, this area of industrial origin is attracting more and more families thanks to its large green spaces. The Jardin Botanique, the Parc des Berges and the Parc aux Angéliques offer a change of scene from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the banks of the Garonne, you can see the neo-classical facades of Saint-Pierre, contrasting with this little corner of nature and peace.
Just cross the Pont de Pierre to reach the historic heart and enjoy the city's festive atmosphere.
In the middle of this haven of peace stands the Darwin, a timeless place where you can work, eat, admire street art and enjoy a wide range of activities. Nestled in a disused former military barracks, the place favors exchange, organic food and an eco-system that supports the planet and the locals.
Although well served by public transport, there is little in the way of accommodation. At Bastide, we live more than we stay. But don't worry, we've managed to find you some great places to stay while you experience the area's unique character.
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At the foot of the Botanical Gardens, this accommodation offers very affordable rooms close to transport links. Located on the east bank, the Eklo is set back from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close to all amenities. The Chaban-Delmas bridge is 3.6km away, the Basilique Saint-Michel 3.7km, and the Grosse Cloche 4.4km.
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Discover a charming place to stay close to transport links and just 900m from the Place de la Bourse. Just 2.3km from the Saint-Jean train station, this establishment plunges you into a bucolic setting right in the heart of Bordeaux.
Discover the cosmopolitan district of Saint-Michel
Amidst the typical stone houses of the region lies a small haven of peace, appreciated by walkers for its authenticity and tranquility. Here you'll find the medieval spirit of Bordeaux, the famous Basilique Saint-Michel and its Flèche, as well as numerous shops that attest to the cosmopolitan aspect of this place.
Here, you can stroll through flea markets and thrift shops, stroll through the Capucins market, then stop for refreshments in a tea room or bar.
Just a few minutes' walk from the historic center and the quays of the Garonne, the Saint-Michel has excellent transport links, with the Saint-Jean train station just 20 minutes away.
However, accommodation in this area is not plentiful. Their strategic location and proximity to amenities pushes up prices, with nightly rates comparable to those in the Saint-Pierre. There are a few establishments close to the quays, but most of the accommodation is concentrated on the much more touristy Saint-Pierre side. In fact, Saint-Michel is more populated by Bordeaux residents than seasonal rentals.
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Ideally located near the Grosse Cloche, Basilique Saint-Michel and Musée d'Aquitaine, this establishment offers fully-equipped accommodation just a stone's throw from the city center.
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At LOLA Boutique Hôtel, you can stay in a charming little hotel in the center of Bordeaux, just a few minutes' walk from the Place de la Bourse, theOpéra National and the Basilique Saint-Michel.
Between modernity and traces of the past: welcome to Mériadeck
Here, the business district blends with places steeped in history. Amidst themodern architecture and office blocks, you'll find neo-classical architectural treasures such as Saint-Jean Cathedral, the impressive Palais Rohan and the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée d'Aquitaine.
There are also a few places to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, notably theesplanade Charles de Gaulle, a haven of greenery amidst all this 20th-century urban architecture.
There's very little accommodation in Mériadeck, which is mainly a place where Bordeaux residents go to work. The few rooms available are a short distance from places of interest and public transport, requiring extra walking for those wishing to stay there. For this reason, we advise you to check when booking that the place where you want to stay is not too far from the rest of the sites of activity.
If you're planning to travel to Bordeaux by car, or rent one on the spot, you should know that there are 3 parking lots around the Prefecture, but they become scarce as you move further away. So it's worth checking whether the hotel you're staying at has its own parking lot.
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Close to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and theHôtel de Ville, this Ibis is the ideal place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, while still being easily accessible by public transport.
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Just 700m from Saint-André Cathedral, this 4-star establishment offers accommodation close to the center of Bordeaux , so you can visit the city on foot and stay in peace and quiet in the business district.
Get away from it all and stay at Bassins à Flot
Also known as the "Bassins à flot", Bacalan is a cosmopolitan area that bears witness to its past as a commercial port and industrial hub. The Musée Mer Maritime and Halles Gourmandes bear witness to this long-standing past.
Wine lovers will also find the Cité du Vin, a cultural center dedicated to the region's emblematic beverage. Last but not least, this suburb offers an extra touch of culture, as it is home to the Bassins des Lumières, which attract many curious visitors every year.
Due to its off-center nature, there are very few places to stay. In the midst of a major redevelopment project, the area is mainly home to accommodation for Bordeaux residents wishing to invest in real estate. However, more and more restaurants are popping up on street corners, making the experience more pleasant for visitors.
Here, streetcars only serve the main roads, so it may be useful to bring a car or budget for cab fares. If you have a car, the proximity of the Rocade makes it much easier to get to and from Bordeaux, to the sea, the estuary or the many estates for which this region is famous.
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The 3-star B&B Hôtel is located 1.6km from the Cité du Vin and 3.7km from the Stade Matmut Atlantique. Parking is also available, making it easy to get around. It's the ideal place to stay if you want to be close to Bordeaux and the surrounding area.
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If you're planning to dedicate your stay to wine discovery, you can stay at this charming 3-star hotel just 300m from the Cité du Vin. This establishment has its own parking lot, making it easy for you to get to the various wineries in the area.
Summary
Cradle of France’s finest wines and with history around every corner, Bordeaux appeals to lovers of gastronomy and culture. With its distinctive neighborhoods, La Belle Endormie offers as many activities as it has facets. Browse the museums, breathe in the fresh air, meditate in the churches and cathedrals or learn at the Cité du Vin, there’s never a dull moment in Bordeaux.
Accommodation is plentiful, especially close to the city center, and usually within easy reach of transport and amenities. Now you know where to stay in Bordeaux to suit your taste and budget. We hope you enjoy your stay in Gironde.