Where to Stay in Bordeaux: Best Areas & Districts

In this blog, I will help you to find Where to stay in Bordeaux first time, the best areas to stay in Bordeaux (with a map and video) and the best hotels in Bordeaux for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).

Located in southwest of France, two hours by high-speed train from Paris, Bordeaux is the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The namesake city of a region world-famous for its high-quality wines, Bordeaux is a mecca for wine lovers. From wine and food to stunning historical architecture, Bordeaux has something to suit every taste.

Wine lovers will find wonderful wine bars throughout the city, and the mighty Cite du Vin museum, filled with exhibitions and tasting rooms. The museum also helps to organize tours to vineyards outside of the city.

🎬 You can watch this very short video (only 1 minute) about the best areas in Bordeaux, and continue reading:

Where to stay in Bordeaux first time?

The best areas to stay in Bordeaux for tourists are Downtown Bordeaux, Saint Pierre, Chartrons, Gare Saint-Jean, Bastide, Saint-Michel. These are popular and safe neighborhoods for tourists that offer a wide range of attractions and amenities.

Downtown Bordeaux is the overall best area for first-time visitors due to its proximity to major attractions, and historic center of Bordeaux – Saint Pierre and Saint Paul. Downtown is packed full of things to see and do, as well as a widest range of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.

If you want to stay near to transport links, Bordeaux airport is in the suburb of Merignac, whilst Gare St Jean is the best place to stay near main train station because it is home to the major Bordeaux St John train station.

To book the hotel, I recommend spending at least 3-5 days to explore this Sleeping Beauty, which is enough to get the sense of history, culture, architecture, natures, and gastronomy of Bordeaux. Downtown is walkable, with pedestrian-only areas and squares, you can easily explore on foot.

There is excellent public transport with rental bike stations, tram and bus network. You can rent a car to visit charming towns like St. Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, and Médoc or explore the Atlantic Ocean coast.

Where did I stay in Bordeaux?

When I first visited Bordeaux, I stayed for 3 nights at the Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta. It was located in the heart of Bordeaux, with easy access to Gambetta Tram Stop and Rue Sainte Catherine shopping street. I had a spacious room with a comfy bed. Loved the view of the park and rooftops.

💖 Best Area for first-timers:Downtown Bordeaux
💎 Best luxury hotel:InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
🏨 Best mid-range hotel:Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
💰 Best budget hotel:Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre

Map of areas and districts in Bordeaux:

The Best areas to stay in Bordeaux for tourists are:

1. Downtown Bordeaux

Downtown, best area to stay in Bordeaux for first time tourists

Downtown is the best overall area to stay in Bordeaux for first-timers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of everything. Packed with contemporary shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and trendy entertainment venues, Downtown is the perfect blend of historical city and modern metropolis.

The district is home to the city’s Old Town, where you will find most of what remains of the old medieval architecture and grand buildings, such as the towering Bordeaux Cathedral.

Place de la Bourse is a beautiful 18th-century palace, a resplendent example of the architecture of its period. It is now a major attraction for budding photographers, thanks to the mirror pool installation added to the grounds out front. When viewed from the right angle you can see the whole palace reflected in the water, creating a magical illusion.

The area along the riverside is lined with leafy urban parks leading to the Quinconces Square, one of the largest public squares in France, which regularly hosts fairs, markets, and seasonal events.

For a particularly relaxed tour of the city, hop on one of the river cruises, which are available to board near the square. On sunny afternoons, a trip out on the water is both beautiful and refreshing.

You can take a break from sightseeing at Jardin Public, a network of beautifully landscaped gardens set around a large lake. If you head to the west of the park, you will find a pretty botanical garden and Bordeaux Science and Nature Museum. Meanwhile, young children can enjoy the shows performed at the puppet theatre in the east wing of the park. 

Shortly southwest of the park is the remains of Palais Gallien, a 3rd-century Roman amphitheater. 

Bordeaux is famous for its fine wine and it is surrounded by countryside and vineyards. There are plenty of wine bars in the downtown. Le Wine Bar boasts some great local wines.

Downtown offers wide range of accommodation options that suit all budget travelers ranging from budget guest houses, b&b, to luxury 5-star hotels.

Stay in Bordeaux Downtown if you are visiting Bordeaux for the first time and staying for a shorter visit; you want a convenient location close to major attractions; you want to be able to comfortably explore the city on foot; you travel without a car;

Best places to stay In Bordeaux city center for first-timers:

luxury ($$$): InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, an IHG Hotel This 5-star hotel is in the heart of the historic center of Bordeaux. It offers a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, hammam, a sauna, and an on-site restaurant. The Wine Concierge Service will help arrange excursions to some of the best wine châteaux in the region.

mid-range ($$): Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre This modern hotel is located on the banks of the Garonne. The rooms are spacious and bright, with some offering beautiful views over the river. Located close proximity to main sights such as Stone Bridge, Saint-Michel Basilica, Great Bell Bordeaux, Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station, and Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine MÉCA.

budget ($): Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre Set in a 19th-century building, this affordable hotel is at the heart of the city, offering a range of accommodation options, from compact single rooms to spacious suites.

🔍BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN

2. Saint Pierre and Saint Paul

Saint Pierre and Saint Paul, Bordeaux Historic District

Bordeaux Historic District including Saint Pierre and Saint Paul are the best areas in Bordeaux fro first timers because it is the historic heart of city and it is located in close proximity to top tourist attraction. If you stay here, you will be located right in the middle of action!

Bordeaux Historic District is bounded by the Garonne river to the east; Grand Theatre, Bordeaux’s opera house to the north; Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest pedestrian shopping area in all of Europe to the west; and Cr Victor Hugo to the South.

The historic district is packed with charming narrow streets with historic buildings, charming monuments, and squares giving you the chance to take a stroll back through time. Some of the most famous monuments are la Grosse Cloche (the bell tower), the Gothic-styled Saint Pierre church, and Port Cailhau which is the ancient gate to the city and entrance to downtown Bordeaux.

Saint Pierre and Saint Paul are also the gastronomic center of Bordeaux. Throughout you will also find a number of the best bars, hip cafes, and restaurants, especially around the Place du Palais, Place du Parlement, and Place Fernand Lafargue.

Being located on the left bank of the Garonne river, it also has a lovely promenade where to can take a pleasant stroll, and stop at the largest reflecting pool in the world, Miroir d’eau in front of the Place de la Bourse.

Many old building in the historic district have been converted into trendy cultural spaces. The art building, Espace Saint Rémi, formerly a church is well worth a visit. It has free exhibitions of local and international artists.

While admittedly one of the more expensive parts of the city, it is well worth it for all it offers. Accommodations are varied, there is always something for all budget travelers.

Stay in Bordeaux Historic District if you want in a central location; you are a fan of history; you love shopping, drinking, and dining in fine establishments.

Best places to stay in Bordeaux Historic District:

🔍BEST HOTELS IN BORDEAUX

3. Pey Berland and Meriadeck

Pey Berland and Meriadeck, where to stay in Bordeaux for museums

Located on the border of Bordeaux’s historic center, Pey Berland and Meriadeck contain some of the most iconic locations in the city. Bordeaux Cathedral and Bordeaux City Hall are both found here, as are multiple art and history museums, which earned the area the nickname the museum district.

The Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Musée d’Aquitaine are worth visiting!

Bordeaux Cathedral, or Cathedrale Saint André, is located in Place Bey Berland. it’s a Roman Catholic church that was first built in the 11th century. Be sure to climb the 160-foot bell tower, Tour Pey Berland, for some of the sweeping views of the city.

While these attractions and the ease of access to the oldest parts of the city make it a great stop for history buffs, Pey Berland and Meriadeck have plenty more to offer as well.

With a selection of hip cafes, shops and galleries, younger visitors will also find this a fabulous place to come and have a cool, relaxing break.

Stay in Pey Berland & Meriadeck if you are interested in history, you want to see the more “hip” side of the city, you want to visit museums and some of Bordeaux’s most iconic locations.

Best places to stay in Bordeaux in Meriadeck:

🔍FIND BEST HOTELS IN MERIADECK

4. Quinconces and Triangle D’Or

Monument Aux Girondins
Monument Aux Girondins @Matt Kieffer

Quinconces and Triangle D’Or make up a small area in the north of Downtown Bordeaux. Situated on the western bank of the Garonne river and featuring attractions like Quinconces Square and Monument Aux Girondins, it is a fabulous destination for both natural and man-made beauty.

Place des Quinconces Square was built on the site of Château Trompette between 1810 and 1828. It is now one of the largest city squares in Europe at the edge of river Garonne. It is a transport hub that also hosts numerous fairs, circuses, sporting events, and artistic events during the year.

It is abundant with some of the biggest parks in the city center like Jardin Public and the buildings are dominated by 18th-century architecture, which now houses a variety of luxury boutiques, markets, and some of the finest chocolatiers in the city.

Surrounded by Bordeaux’s iconic Historic District and one of its trendiest, most stylish areas, Chartrons, this is a great choice of location for anyone seeking a sophisticated getaway, filled with class and culture.

In front of the Grand Théâtre, you will find a beautiful wine shop, L’intendant. It has a collection of more than 15,000 bottles on walls which encircle a 12m high spiral staircase.

Golden Triangle is the most prestigious district of Bordeaux, offers a privileged access to the assets of all the nearby neighborhoods including the lively evenings of the Victory Square, Esplanade des Quinconces, quays of the Garonne, and Saint-Pierre district.

Stay in Golden Triangle if you prefer more upper-class neighborhoods, you want to be right on the banks of the river, you want to visit some of Bordeaux’s most iconic sights;

Best places to stay in Bordeaux in Quinconces And Triangle D’Or:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN QUINCONCES

See more:

5. Victoire, Saint Croix, and Saint Michel Basilica

Saint Michel, Saint Croix, and Victoire are the neighborhoods directly south of the Downtown area. Close to the river and the city center but with some lower rates for accommodation than Downtown, Capucins – Victoire is particularly popular with students and artists.

They bring with them a thriving nightlife scene, featuring bars and clubs that keep the streets active until well into the early morning.

The area is well known as a hub of restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines, thanks to the thriving immigrant population. The foodie culture of the district is further present in the number of farmers’ markets and small independent butchers and bakeries, where you can pick up some local delicacies and ingredients.

Bordering the Old Town to the north, the area contains many older buildings and examples of the city’s historical architecture. At the border between Capucins – Victoire and the Downtown area stands the mighty Gate of Burgundy.

The imposing stone arch was erected in the 1700s to mark the entrance to the city. Bordeaux has expanded well beyond the old city gates, but the arch remains a popular tourist attraction.

Close to the river is the gothic Basilica of Saint Michel, a grand 15th-century church and UNESCO World Heritage site. The church, with its towering spire and gorgeous architecture, is worthy of a visit just to appreciate its history and aesthetics, but on the weekends the grounds host a bustling market, full of antique vendors and food stalls. It’s a wonderful spot to pick up some bargains and quirky souvenirs.

Stay in Saint-Michel if you want an active nightlife scene, you love historical buildings and beautiful architecture, you want an area with an eclectic mix of restaurants, you want to visit Musée des Beaux Arts.

Best places to stay in Bordeaux around Saint Michel:

🔍FIND BEST HOTELS IN ST-MICHEL

6. Chartrons

Chartrons, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Bordeaux

Directly north of the Downtown area, Chartrons is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Bordeaux. It has a village-like vibe that is centered around the Eglise St Louis. Full of trendy restaurants, contemporary shopping streets, and hip bars, the district is unerringly popular with the city’s younger crowd.

With lots of lots of antique shops, Chartrons district is a very popular place for antiques traders. The main street of Chartrons is the rue des Notre dame.

This posh street is packed with coffee shops, boutiques, antique shops. Stroll along, enjoy the beautiful architecture, tiny balconies with planters full of colorful flowers. It is a great splot for Instagrammers. Stop by Paul’s Place for a meal.

A short walk from Chartrons’ main street, you will find Place Du Marché Des Chartrons, formerly 19th century market. It is now a cultural center, a market day with lots of restaurants and cafes.

The Quai des Chartrons runs along the waterfront, lined with an eclectic variety of boutiques and restaurants. The Bordeaux Village Shopping Centre, right up against the riverbank, houses even more shops and cafes, with many offering terrace dining right by the water.

The riverside Colbert Skatepark draws skaters of all ages and abilities and is an entertaining spot to spend your lunch break watching them execute some impressive tricks.

There are several museums and galleries to visit:

  • The CAPC Contemporary Art Museum hosts a frequently changing array of exhibitions and performances.
  • The Cap Sciences museum hosts one major exhibition each year, giving visitors plenty of time to visit and benefit from the educational programs on offer.

If you are visiting with children, the Junior Workshops are aimed at encouraging kids aged between 8 and 14 to take an interest in STEM fields. For younger children, the Arthur Workshops teaches 6- to 11-year-olds the basics of cooking and food safety.

For those who have come to Bordeaux for the wine, the Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux, or Wine & Trade Museum is definitely worth stopping by. The museum displays exhibit documenting the history of wine production going back thousands of years.

In addition to offering tastings and vineyard tours, the museum hosts a unique wine-based escape room challenge that rewards victors with wine upon completion.

Other places of interest in the neighborhood is the Statue Of Liberty In Place Picard, Slave Trade Plaque, Marché Des Quais, and Cours Xavier Arnozan.

Stay in Chartrons if You want to stay in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Bordeaux, Shopping is an important part of your trip, A wine-based escape room sounds like great fun.

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux Chartrons:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN CHARTRONS

7. Gare Saint Jean

Gare St Jean is one of the edgier neighborhoods of Bordeaux. Historically known as Bordeaux’s red light district, it has been transformed into an trendy area. There are numerous of nightclubs, bistros, restaurant and markets, as well as apartments and offices in the neighborhood.

The influx of youth culture to the area has brought with it a burgeoning arts scene. The riverside La Meca arts and cultural center is a hub of modern experimental exhibition art. With multiple stages, projection rooms, exhibition halls, and artist residencies, the center aims to support and present local emerging artists.

The biggest feature of Gare St Jean is the major Bordeaux St-Jean train station, the city’s main train terminal, which gave the region its name. Trains travel between St Jean and locations across France, making this an ideal place to stay for anyone heading in or out of the city by train, particularly if you are staying for a shorter visit, as less time will be spent traveling between the station and your hotel.

Gare St Jean is served by Tram Line C and six bus lines. You can also easily reach the city’s main attractions, its cathedral and primary art museum in a least a 25 minute walk.

Being slightly removed from the city center, and bordered by mostly residential and industrial neighborhoods, prices for accommodation in Gare St Jean are typically more affordable than the typical tourist-centric districts in Downtown Bordeaux.

You will find lots of accommodations here ranging from 4-star branch hotels to budget guest houses with very good reviews. If you are on a budget but don’t want to stay too far out from the center of town, this may be a good location for you.

Stay in Gare St Jean if you want to stay near the train station, you want to enjoy the city’s edgier nightlife scene.

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux Gare St Jean for first-timers:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN GARE ST JEAN

8. La Bastide

La Bastide, on the other side of the Garonne River

La Bastide is a vast neighborhood on the right bank of the Garonne River. Whilst slightly removed from the city center itself, the district is graced with particularly beautiful views of the Old Town and iconic structures across the water.

Once a busy warehouse district, La Bastide has since converted many of its buildings into chic entertainment venues. The region now draws crowds for its prominent arts culture, with film festivals and a host of live music venues. 

A central feature of the neighborhood is the Botanical Garden. Comprised of six sections and including a beautiful water garden housing aquatic plants, the gardens are a charming escape from the bustle of the city. The garden boasts a year-round calendar of events and exhibitions, aimed at educating visitors about plants and natural science.

The European University of Management, Quai des Quayries, Eglise Saint Marie de la Bastide, Place Stalingrad, and the Parc des Berges are also in the neighborhood!

La Bastide has its own very distinct atmosphere whilst being just minutes away from Downtown Bordeaux, well connected to the rest of the city by a series of bridges. These bridges themselves are a great representation of the historical development of Bordeaux. 

In the south is the beautiful lamp-lined, red-brick Pont de Pierre, commissioned by Napoleon and an elegant example of classic French design. Meanwhile, in the north, is the concrete and steel Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge, a mechanical marvel whose middle sections rise up its towering columns like an elevator, to allow ships to pass beneath.

There are numerous of cafés and restaurants in this side of the river. You can enjoy traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood such as oysters at one of its eateries, called L’Estacade.

Stay in La Bastide if you want some amazing views of the Old Town, you want a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood with an active social scene, you want a to visit the Botanical Gardens.

Best Places to Stay in Bordeaux La Bastide:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN LA BASTIDE

9. Bacalan/Bassins a Flot

Located next to Chartons, 30 minute walk fro city center, Bacalan was once an industrial district, the region has undergone extensive renovation and now its networks of warehouses have been transformed into a trendy neighborhood of chic restaurants, artsy boutiques, and popular music venues.

The area also developed a thriving art scene. The walls of many of the old warehouses are now canvases for local street artists, whilst out on the river a UFO sculpture hovers over the water.

A German WWII bunker has been converted into a contemporary art gallery, La Base Sous Marine. If you enjoy music, the I.boat is a permanently moored ferry that has been converted into a concert venue promoting emerging artists.

The focal point of the neighborhood is the Bassins a flot where you can find lots of restaurants, bars, huge pools. There is also new covered market, Les Halles de Bacalan, just in front of the wine museum.

The former German submarine base in Bordeaux, Bassins de Lumières is one of the newer features of the area, but already it is a major draw for the area. The ground-breaking, digital art centre boasts multiple exhibition spaces entirely dedicated to the medium of light and projections. It’s an immersive experience that is definitely not to be missed if you have the opportunity to visit.

One of the shining stars of Bacalan, and a major attraction of the city, is the La Cité du Vin museum of wine. The building itself is a stunning example of postmodern architecture, a futuristic work of art set against the banks of the Garonne River. Inside you will find exhibitions and interactive displays on all aspects of wine production and history.

Most importantly, there are several tasting rooms, where you can sample and learn about a wide variety of wines, with demonstrations that play on all of your senses for an immersive experience. If you are interested in exploring the vineyards and farmlands surrounding Bordeaux City, there is a service in the museum that helps connect you to local tours.

Stay in Bacalan if you love street art, you want to stay in a quirky, artsy suburb, you want to visit the La Cité du Vin wine museum.

Best places to stay near Bacalan:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN BORDEAUX

10. Bordeaux Lac

Bordeaux Lac, where to stay in Bordeaux for a quiet holiday
Bordeaux – Stade Matmut Atlantique

Bordeaux Lac is a recreational area for the family that is easily accessible by tram. A leafy, residential neighborhood, Bordeaux Lac is perfect for anyone looking for a quieter district outside of the city center. It has cheaper hotel price compare with the city center.

Bordeaux-Lac is home to Quartier du Lac, a four-star international camp site in Bordeaux-Bruges, a golf course, stadium, a sailing and rowing club, a fitness trail, as well as a casino.

The Bordeaux Lac Casino, Casino Barrière, is one of the most important in France. There are a huge number of slot machines, blackjack, roulet, poker, a restaurant and auditorium.

The area is named after the large lake, that takes up a significant portion of its southern half. A public beach on the southern shore, with its sectioned-off bathing area, it is a popular destination for locals to cool off during the summer. 

On the northern shore of the lake is the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux convention center, which hosts a varied calendar of events and fairs throughout the year. There is a cluster of Bordeaux hotels nearby to accommodate visitors attending shows at the center, with several overlooking the lake.

In the north of Bordeaux Lac is the nature reserve. Containing a mix of preserved wildland for protected plants and animals, as well as landscaped gardens and picnic areas, the reserve makes for a great day out for the whole family. The reserve also boasts a botanical garden, which hosts exhibits to educate visitors of all ages on ecology and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

In the west of the park is the Bordeaux National Forest, which is a beautiful place to take a walk around its winding lakes.

Being so close to the edge of the city and the surrounding farmland, Bordeaux Lac is the perfect place to stay if you are intending to visit and explore the nearby vineyards. Make sure to check availability before you head out, but most vineyards and wineries in the area offer tours and tastings to visitors.

Stay in Bordeaux Lac if you travel as a family; you are attending an event at the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux convention center; you love shopping.

Best placecs to stay in Bordeaux Lac:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN BORDEAUX LAC

11. Nansouty and St Genes

Nansouty and St Genes are two adjacent neighborhoods, just south of the city centre. The neighborhoods themselves are largely unremarkable, primarily residential with little in the way of tourist attractions

However, being so low-key is actually part of the advantage of staying in these neighborhoods. They have conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Downtown and some of the major attractions of the city, but without the higher rates for accommodation found in the more tourist-heavy districts.

All that said, they are not entirely without their own charm. The districts border pretty Capucins – Victoire and the classical architecture spills over into some of Nansouty and St Genes’ northern streets.

They are also less crowded, with few major roads and less rowdy nightlife. If getting a quiet night’s sleep is a concern for you when staying in a busy city, booking a hotel in Nansouty or St Genes will ease that particular worry.

The neighborhoods are well connected to the city’s tram lines, making it incredibly easy to access the rest of the city quickly and efficiently.

Directly to the east, you have Gare St-Jean, with its major train station, providing convenient transportation to other parts of France. Ideal if you are traveling through multiple cities on a tour.

Stay in Nansouty and St Genes if You are on a budget but still want to stay close to the city center, You want a quieter neighborhood with few other tourists, Staying close to the Bordeaux St-Jean train station is convenient.

Best places to stay in Nansouty and St Genes:

🔍FIND BEST HOTELS IN NANSOUTY AND ST GENES

12. Caudéran

Cauderan is a residential neighborhood directly to the west of Downtown Bordeaux. The neighborhood is not typically considered a hotspot for tourists, but it is known for being a charming, chic neighborhood, that has retained much of its traditional local town vibe.

If you are looking for a slice of day-to-day French community life, in the heart of busy Bordeaux, this may be the perfect spot for you. The region mostly consists of pretty houses, old shops, and lush parks. 

Thanks to the lack of tourist hype for the area, crowds are few, and prices for accommodation are low.  This is in spite of the fact that the main hub of the city centre is just a few minutes away on the other side of the Boulevard du President Wilson road.

In the northeast of the district is the large Bordelais Park, popular with families, particularly those with young children. The park is set around a large lake and contains several play areas, a puppet theatre, and an animal park that is home to peacocks.

Closer to the border with Downtown Bordeaux, the administrative district boasts some of Bordeaux’s first skyscrapers. The juxtaposition of building styles between traditional domestic and modern business is a striking demonstration of Bordeaux’s growth and development as a city.

Stay in Caudéran if you are looking for a chic but understated neighborhood close to the city center, you prefer a quiet district with a strong local vibe, you are traveling with family or young children.

Best places to stay in Bordeaux Caudéran:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN CAUDERAN

13. Merignac

Merignac is the largest suburb in the city of Bordeaux and home to the city’s closest airport. If you are looking to stay close to the airport, this quiet residential neighborhood is the perfect location. Whilst the region may be further out from the busy city center and the most famous tourist attractions, Merignac is not without sights of its own.

Bordeaux International Airport, also known as Bordeaux-Merignac Airport, is the main international airport serving Bordeaux. it is 12 km from Bordeaux city centre. To get to the downtown Bordeaux, there is public bus, airport shuttle, UBER, and taxi, and car rental. If you plan to use Bordeaux public transport, consider the Bordeaux City Pass for unlimited use of trams and buses.

The area is home to several castles, parks, and entertainment venues. In the south is Tour de Veyrines, once the gate to the castle’s dungeon, it is now all that remains of the mighty fort that once housed the ruling family of the area in medieval times.

The Old St Vincent Church in the center of the district may not look all that impressive, especially compared to the grand gothic structures in the town center. But, built in the 12th century, it is the oldest church in the entire city of Bordeaux. Having served a number of different functions and survived many fires, the church now acts as an arts center, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and talks by renowned artists.

In the east of the neighborhood is the sprawling Parc de Bourran, once the private grounds of the Grand Chateaux of the same name. The Park consists of an expanse of manicured lawns and gardens, set around a large lake with an artificial waterfall, and houses species of rare, imported trees. 

Stay in Merignac if you want to stay near the airport, you prefer to stay in a quieter outer city suburb;

Best places to stay in Bordeaux near airport:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN MERIGNAC

14. Saint Augustin

Saint Augustin, family-friendly neighborhood in Bordeaux
Saint Augustin @loreat

Saint Augustin is located on the outskirts of the city, in its southwestern corner. A largely quiet, residential neighborhood, it is ideal for families, those looking for a slower pace, or anyone who wants to get an authentic feel of life in Bordeaux.

The town center features small, family-run shops and restaurants, as well as weekly markets, helping solidify the traditional feel. There is even a pair of beautiful parks to help you enjoy the natural environment of the area.

Saint Agustin is also home to the Carreire Campus of Bordeaux University, making it a fabulous place for anyone visiting or studying at the university.

Stay in Saint Augustin if you are, or are visiting someone who is, studying at the Bordeaux University Carreire Campus, you prefer a quieter, more residential area, with a more authentic feel, you want a choice of beautiful parks, you don’t mind being detached from the city center.

Best places to stay in Saint Augustin:

🔍MORE HOTELS IN SAINT AUGUSTIN

Where should I stay in Bordeaux for the first time?

Downtown Bordeaux is the best area to stay in Bordeaux for first-timers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of everything, within easy access to major sights, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.

What are the best areas to stay in Bordeaux?

Downtown Bordeaux, Saint Pierre & Saint Paul, Chartrons, Gare Saint-Jean, Bastide, Bordeaux-Lac, Saint-Michel, and Bassins à Flot are the best areas to stay in Bordeaux because they are the most popular neighborhoods for tourists that offer a wide range of attractions and amenities.

🎬 You can watch the full video about the best areas in Bordeaux in my youtube channel.

See Also:

In conclusion, Downtown Bordeaux, Saint Pierre, Chartrons, Gare Saint-Jean, Bastide, and Saint-Michel are some of the best places to stay in Bordeaux for tourists. They offers plenty of things to do and see for all visitors, including solo travelers, couples, and familes with kids.

Overall, Downtown is the best area to stay in Bordeaux for first-timers due to its central location and wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. If you book a hotel here, you will be located in the middle of action, within walking distance to wine bars, museums, and sights.

When most people hear mention of Bordeaux, their minds immediately turn to the wines that are the area’s most famous export. But there is so much more to the city than just wine. Whatever you are looking for from your time in France, it is well worth checking to see if there is an area of Bordeaux that can provide it. It is highly likely that you can find your dream destination here.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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