Where to stay in Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits on the river Garonne in southwestern France, a port city whose historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Port of the Moon. Its identity is bound up with wine, gastronomy and a long trading history, and much of the architecture you will walk past in the centre dates from the 18th century.
For a visitor, the practical geography is fairly simple. The railway station, Gare Saint-Jean, anchors the eastern edge of the centre, with a cluster of chain hotels immediately around it. The historic heart, the river quays and the main squares lie to the west and north of the station, and the city's tram and bus network links these together. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as places to base yourself, and what each one is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in Bordeaux
1. Around Gare Saint-Jean
This is the arrival point for most visitors coming by train, and the area immediately west of the station has the densest concentration of accommodation in the city. You will find budget and mid-range chain hotels here, including several basic and mid-tier options within a short walk of the platforms, plus the city's only hostel, about 300 metres west of the station.
It suits budget travellers and anyone prioritising an easy arrival and departure over proximity to the historic centre. The trade-off is that you are a tram or bus ride from the main sights rather than in the middle of them, and some streets around the station can be noisy.
2. Around the Grand Théâtre and Triangle d'Or
This is the central, elegant part of Bordeaux, close to the Grand Théâtre and the Triangle d'Or. It is where you find charming older buildings converted into places to stay, with fine furnishings and a location that puts you within walking distance of the historic centre and the main squares.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the city's architecture and dining without relying on transport. Expect higher rates than around the station, and expect to pay for the central position.
3. Around Place des Quinconces
The area by the Place des Quinconces offers comfortable accommodation with views over the square, and a location on the western side of the historic centre. It is a quieter, more residential-feeling base than the station area while still being walkable to the centre.
It suits travellers who want comfort and a central-ish position with a bit more calm. As with the Triangle d'Or, this is a mid-range to upper mid-range area rather than a budget one.
4. The river quays and Chartrons
The quays along the Garonne, including the Chartrons district, have smart hotels near the congress centre and the river. There is also newer accommodation near Quai de Paludate, close to the river and with a food court nearby, though it is roughly a 30-minute walk from the historic city centre.
It suits business travellers, congress attendees and anyone who wants to be by the water. If your priority is walking to the historic sights, note that parts of this area put you a fair distance from them.
5. Near the universities and Victoire
This area, served by Tram B and Bus 9, has smaller guesthouse-style accommodation, including a 19th-century house with a garden. It sits near the universities and the Victoire district.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter, more local-feeling base and do not mind using public transport to reach the centre. It is a good option if you want somewhere friendly and small rather than a large chain property.
6. Bordeaux lake
Out by the lake there is comfortable accommodation with a pool, next to the Convention centre. This is a purpose-built, out-of-centre location.
It suits visitors attending events at the convention centre or those who specifically want a pool and quieter surroundings. It is not a base for walking to the historic centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: the city's hostel near the railway station, with shared dormitory rooms and some private rooms available. Note that room access is closed for part of the afternoon.
- Mid-range: chain hotels clustered around Gare Saint-Jean, plus smaller guesthouses in the university and Victoire area, and comfortable older properties in the central Triangle d'Or and by Place des Quinconces.
- Splurge: five-star and smart business hotels in the central area by the opera house and along the quays near the congress centre, and a comfortable option with a pool out by the lake.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around the Grand Théâtre and Triangle d'Or. It puts you within walking distance of the historic centre and the main squares, in the middle of the 18th-century architecture the city is known for. You will pay more than around the station, but you save the daily commute to the sights.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
The area just west of Gare Saint-Jean has the largest concentration of hotels, including budget and mid-range chains, and the city's only hostel is about 300 metres from the station.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the main sights?
The central area around the Grand Théâtre and the Triangle d'Or, and the area by Place des Quinconces, keep you within walking distance of the historic centre. The river quays and the area near Quai de Paludate are further out, with one option there about a 30-minute walk from the historic centre.
Is there anywhere to stay on a tight budget?
Yes. The hostel near the railway station offers shared rooms and some private rooms, and the chain hotels around the station are the other main budget and lower mid-range option.
Can I stay somewhere with a pool?
Yes, there is comfortable accommodation with a pool out by Bordeaux lake, next to the Convention centre. It is away from the historic centre, so it suits visitors attending events there rather than sightseers.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.