Cheap Car Hire Bordeaux France
Welcome to Bordeaux: A Fine Wine City
Welcome to Bordeaux, the jewel of southwestern France, renowned for its world-class wine, stunning architecture, and rich history. With its UNESCO-listed historic centre, elegant squares, and vibrant riverfront, Bordeaux offers a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The city’s beautifully preserved buildings are a testament to its importance as a historic trading hub, while the waterfront along the Garonne River provides an excellent setting for relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re drawn to the city for its gastronomic delights, vineyards, or simply the pleasure of strolling along cobbled streets, Bordeaux offers endless opportunities for discovery. To make the most of your time here, consider booking a rental car on arrival at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), there are a number of rental car agencies in the airport’s hire car zone. Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital, boasts an illustrious heritage shaped by centuries of viticulture. Since Roman times, its fertile soils and maritime climate have birthed exceptional vintages, establishing Bordeaux wines as symbols of elegance. The city's neoclassical architecture, much of it funded by the wine trade, reflects this legacy. Iconic vineyards like Château Margaux and Pétrus attract connoisseurs worldwide, while the Cité du Vin museum immerses visitors in wine's rich history. Wine festivals and tastings weave through the city's vibrant tourism scene, blending culture and flavour. Bordeaux thrives as a global hub where wine shapes its identity, economy, and charm. The city is well-connected with the airport serving a number of major cities worldwide. Whether you’re arriving from historic London in the United Kingdom, the buzzing east coast city of New York in the United States of America, French capital city Paris, or dazzling UAE city Dubai, you’ll have the flexibility to explore the city and the surrounding countryside at your own pace with a hire car. And from the city of Bordeaux, you’re perfectly placed to explore the sun-drenched flower-filled meadows and vineyards of southwestern France.
Driving in Bordeaux
With your rental car, the world is at your doorstep! Bordeaux itself is a delight to explore, with iconic landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and the magnificent Bordeaux Wine Museum. The city, in the surrounding wine regions and quaint villages of Bordeaux are home to approximately 6,000 vineyards spread across about 111,000 hectares (274,000 acres) of vines. This extensive area makes it one of the largest wine-growing regions in France, producing a wide range of renowned wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, showcasing Bordeaux's extraordinary diversity and deep winemaking heritage. You’ll have the freedom to venture out into the world-famous vineyards of the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol, where scenic drives take you past sprawling vineyards and rustic châteaux. Imagine sipping Bordeaux’s finest wines, seated on wooden barrels in rustic cellars, to savour rich, complex flavours—smooth reds, crisp whites—immersed in the region's historic charm.
For a beach day trip and a seafood meal, head to Arcachon Bay, just under an hour’s drive away, for its sandy beaches, quaint towns, and oyster farms. Another wonderful excursion from Bordeaux is the Atlantic coast, where you can drive along the shoreline and explore charming towns like La Rochelle and Biarritz. A rental car allows you to reach these destinations comfortably and on your own schedule. Driving in the Bordeaux region offers a variety of scenic routes through coastal roads to quaint villages. For longer road trips, take a drive out to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture and exceptional wines. This fine wine estate is only 45 minutes away by car from Bordeaux and a visit here will introduce you to some of finest vintages in the whole of France. Yearning for windswept nature? Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, the Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune, standing at over 100 metres high. The views from the top are spectacular, making it a must-see natural wonder. A little further afield, Biarritz on the Atlantic coast is a beautiful beach town renowned for its surfing culture, sandy beaches, and chic atmosphere. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Bordeaux, perfect for a long weekend getaway.
Tips and FAQs
Exploring Bordeaux by car, you'll pass rolling vineyards in shades of green and gold, with vibrant roadside stalls offering local wines, cheeses, and fresh produce—inviting you to taste the region’s rich flavours.
Bordeaux, France
Population: Approximately 250,000 (Greater Bordeaux)
Annual Visitor Figures: Over 6 million international visitors
Average Summer Temperatures: 25°C (77°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 9°C (48°F)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) GMT +1 / Central European Summer Time (CEST) GMT +2
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