Holiday rentals in Bordeaux

Three iconic places to discover in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to a wealth of sites that embody several centuries of history and culture. From classical architecture to contemporary designs, these three places offer unique insights into the city and reflect its evolution. A stay in a holiday rental allows you to explore them at your own pace, at a leisurely stroll.

1. Place de la Bourse

This 18th-century square is one of the finest examples of French classicism. Its harmonious facades, built of pale stone, frame a space that the people of Bordeaux have turned into a favourite spot for a stroll. The Miroir d’eau, which has occupied the entire southern half of the square since 2006, recreates a striking illusion every day. Covering 3,450 m², it is one of the largest in the world. Children and adults alike splash about there in summer, whilst the reflections of the sky and the buildings dance across the surface. The spectacle changes with the time of day and the light: magnificent at sunset, serene in the morning.

2. Saint-André Cathedral, Bordeaux

This cathedral has dominated the historic centre for over four centuries. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles to form an imposing structure. UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site, recognising it as a major stop on the Way of St James. The Pey-Berland Tower, set apart from the chancel, rises to a height of 66 metres and remains a landmark visible from across the city. Inside, the stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings invite visitors to pause and reflect. The adjoining gardens make it a peaceful haven in the heart of the bustling city.

3. Cité du Vin

Opened in 2016, this museum recognises the importance of wine in both Bordeaux’s and global civilisation. The building, designed by architects Legendre and Desmazières, stands out for its bold silhouette and fluid spaces. The interior offers a sensory journey across the floors, combining exhibitions, tastings and interactive installations. The viewing platform on the top floor offers a panoramic view of the city and the Gironde estuary. Welcoming over 500,000 visitors each year, the Cité du Vin has become an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand Bordeaux’s wine heritage.

These three sites embody the soul of Bordeaux: its urban sophistication, its rich history and its openness to the world. Exploring them on foot from your holiday rental will enrich every day of your stay.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday let in Bordeaux

Each season transforms the character of Bordeaux and its surroundings. This wine-growing city reveals different facets depending on whether you’re exploring it in the spring sunshine, the summer heat, the golden hues of autumn or the mild winter weather.

Spring offers ideal conditions for exploring Bordeaux on foot or by bike. Mild temperatures and longer days invite you to stroll along the Garonne and visit the museums and surrounding châteaux without worrying about the cold or excessive heat. The city’s gardens come to life, and the terraces reopen. A holiday rental allows you to enjoy this pleasant weather in complete freedom, without having to stick to hotel timetables.

Summer attracts large numbers of visitors. The days are long and hot, perfect for excursions to the Bordeaux vineyards or the villages of the nearby Dordogne. Museums often hold late-night openings, and life in Bordeaux takes place outdoors. A holiday let then becomes a real air-conditioned retreat after your day’s exploring, with the option to prepare your own meals as you please.

Autumn paints the vineyards in warm hues: gold, russet and crimson. The grape harvest brings the vineyards to life, and temperatures become pleasant once more for sightseeing. The crowds thin out, and restaurants return to their normal pace. It’s an excellent time to stay, with holiday accommodation offering you the flexibility to explore the region’s heritage at your own pace.

In winter, Bordeaux is decked out in festive lights. Temperatures remain mild for a coastal region, rarely freezing. Museums and galleries become havens of culture, and holiday let prices drop significantly. Well-heated holiday homes and flats provide a comfortable base from which to explore the city whatever the season.

Whatever the time of year, renting a holiday home in Bordeaux gives you the flexibility to tailor your stay to your own pace: cook, relax as you please, and explore without being tied to a timetable. Every season has its own charms.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Bordeaux

A holiday in a holiday let in Bordeaux is the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind and discover the most authentic aspects of the city and its region. Between the river, the vineyards and the traditional markets, three experiences embody the spirit of Bordeaux and are well worth experiencing during your stay.

1. A cruise on the Garonne

Cruising along the Garonne offers a fresh perspective on Bordeaux. From the quays, the river unfolds its vistas: the 18th-century façades are reflected in the water, the Pont de Pierre looms on the horizon, and the landscaped riverbanks give way to landscapes stretching towards the vineyards. Depending on the season, the cruise sometimes follows the current and sometimes explores the river’s meanders.

Address: Quais de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux.

2. Wine tasting in the Médoc cellars

The Médoc fascinates wine lovers and the curious alike. In the cellars, you get a glimpse behind the scenes: rows of barrels, the scent of wood and ageing wine, and the explanations of the winegrowers as they speak passionately about their terroirs. A guided tasting allows you to sample different vintages and understand why these wines are enjoyed all over the world. It’s a lesson in history, geography and expertise, all packed into a few hours.

Address: Route des Châteaux, 33250 Pauillac.

3. A visit to the Capucins Market

The Capucins Market pulsates to the rhythm of the seasons. The stalls are overflowing with colourful fruit and vegetables, regional cheeses, charcuterie and flowers. It’s a lively place where the people of Bordeaux come to do their shopping, where local producers chat with their customers, and where the smells and colours tell the story of the region. A visit in the morning, when the market is at its liveliest, is better than a stroll in the late afternoon.

Address: Place des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Bordeaux

The comfort of a holiday rental goes far beyond the setting or proximity to tourist attractions. Travellers who choose holiday accommodation in Bordeaux place great importance on the practical facilities that make their daily lives there easier. A functional kitchen, effective air conditioning or easy parking make the difference between an ordinary stay and a truly relaxing break. Here are the facilities that our hosts offer most frequently and that visitors appreciate the most.

• Air conditioning: essential in summer, it allows you to relax in comfort despite the hot temperatures in Bordeaux and the surrounding area.
• Fully equipped kitchen: a cooker, fridge, dishwasher and basic utensils to prepare meals and sample local produce.
• Wi-Fi: stay connected effortlessly, check restaurant reviews or download tourist guides.
• Washing machine: particularly appreciated for long stays and families with children.
• Car park or garage: in the centre of Bordeaux, having a secure parking space saves a lot of hassle.
• Heating: essential in autumn and winter for optimal comfort in the historic buildings of the city centre.
• Outdoor space: a balcony, terrace or small garden for a peaceful lunch or to relax after a day of sightseeing.
• High-quality bedding: a restful night’s sleep is key to the quality of your entire stay.
• Television: for quieter evenings or days when the weather’s bad.
• Welcome amenities: soap, shampoo, coffee or tea for those first moments after arrival.

Choosing a holiday rental in Bordeaux also means selecting accommodation that suits the type of holiday you have in mind: as a couple, with family, with friends, or on your own. The number of people, your budget and the length of your stay will naturally guide you towards the option that best meets your needs.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Bordeaux?

Prices for holiday rentals in Bordeaux vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 60 and 100 euros per night. A three- or four-room flat or house costs between 100 and 180 euros per night. More spacious or upmarket properties, particularly those located in sought-after neighbourhoods such as Old Bordeaux or along the Garonne, rent for between 180 and 300 euros per night or more.

Several factors cause these rates to vary. Location plays a major role: accommodation in the city centre or near historic monuments costs more than accommodation on the outskirts. The length of stay also affects the price. Landlords often offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly stays, making a longer stay significantly more economical than a series of short nights. Facilities and services (car park, air conditioning, terrace, fully equipped kitchen) also affect the cost.

Seasonal factors have a significant impact on prices in Bordeaux. The summer months, school holidays and events such as the Bordeaux Festival lead to a noticeable rise in rates. Outside peak season, in autumn or winter, prices fall and availability increases. Before booking, compare several offers, read reviews from previous guests and check the cancellation policy. Booking in advance often allows you to benefit from better rates.