What's Bordeaux famous for?

Bordeaux is best known for being one of the most famous wine regions in the world, home to some of the world's best wineries. The city also boasts a thriving food scene -- you can easily find oysters, caviar, and foie gras from nearby Arcachon and the Aquitaine, or try unique local dishes like Bordeaux-style steak, the stew Lamprey a la Bordelaise, and small, sweet cannele cakes. Yet you can do a lot more than just wine and dine here: a trip to Bordeaux also makes for an ideal city break. Active travellers may enjoy its bike-friendly lanes, while shopaholics will love the Rue Sainte-Catherine, among the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Bringing kids? Book them for an interactive puppet show at the Guignol Guérin . And if you're travelling with your partner, Bordeaux's romantic atmosphere rivals that of Paris. You can stroll along the Garonne River, watch a show at the Op é ra National de Bordeaux, or unwind with a couple's massage at the Escale D é tente.

Which UK cities fly to Bordeaux?

You have a few options depending on where you're coming from. Those from Northern Ireland can fly directly to Bordeaux from Belfast , while Glasgow offers flights out of Scotland. If you're coming from England, you can fly out from Bristol , London Luton , London Gatwick or Manchester .

Where do you fly into for Bordeaux?

You'll be touching down at Bordeaux-M é rignac Airport. Located roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre, it's the closest to Bordeaux.

How do you pronounce Bordeaux?

Don't be discouraged by the complexities of French pronunciation. You can easily pronounce Bordeaux using two common English words: 'bore' (as in 'boredom') and 'dough.' Pronounce the first syllable quickly and put more emphasis on the second: bore-dough.

Does Bordeaux have a beach?

Though there aren't any beaches adjacent to the city, Bordeaux is close enough to a few lakes (and, of course, the Atlantic) that you can travel to some great spots in an hour or less. The most accessible by far is Plage du Lac, a small lake-facing beach a mere 10- to 12-minute tram ride from the city centre. A few kilometres away in Arcachon, the Plage des Arbousiers offers vast stretches of golden sand and a lovely promenade, making it one of the most popular beaches near Bordeaux during peak season. There are also more secluded options you can try. One is Le Porge-Oc é an. It's serene enough for you to unwind, but the nearby old town boasts ample restaurants where you can relax after your time on the water.

How many days in Bordeaux is enough?

Three days is a solid amount of time to get acquainted with the Pearl of Aquitaine. Spend your first 24 hours exploring the heart of Bordeaux, stopping by attractions like the historic de la Place la Bourse, which took more than 40 years to build, and the world's largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d'Eau. Of course, no trip to Bordeaux is complete without an entire day dedicated to exploring wine, which is why easyJet holiday experiences include half-day excursions of the Medoc, or morning tasting classes and a skip-the-line ticket to the interactive wine museum Cit é du Vin. Round everything off on your third day with day trips from Bordeaux to the surrounding countryside, such as a trip to the prehistoric caves of the Dordogne region. If you want to immerse yourself in Bordeaux even further, extend your trip to up to five days. From here, you can explore the Atlantic coastlines near the city and discover other attractions close by, such as the Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe.

What does the French word Bordeaux mean?

In line with its history of wine production, modern French uses the word Bordeaux for the colour that the English call maroon - a deep purplish red reminiscent of the wines of the region. Yet there's a bigger story behind the name. The roots of the word 'Bordeaux' come from the French phrase 'au bord de l'eau' or 'at the water's edge,' referring to how the rivers Garonne and Dordogne run through the larger Bordeaux region.

Is Bordeaux a large city?

Kind of! It's among the ten largest cities in France. Bordeaux is also the largest urban area to ever be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site at over 57,000 acres. Around half of that is dedicated to wine production. That said, you'll definitely need a good amount of time to explore the city.

How do you get to Bordeaux from the airport?

You can get to Bordeaux from the airport by tram, bus, or taxi. The Line A tramway is the cheapest option. Trams leave every 10 minutes and will get you to the city in half an hour. If you're on a family holiday, you may want to get tickets for the hourly bus, as seats are free of charge for children under 5. And if you'd prefer to go straight to your accommodations rather than the city centre, taxis are readily available right outside the terminal.

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Why fly to Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world. But when you book a low-cost flight to Bordeaux, you'll realize that it's about more than just its exports. It's a place bursting with sights and beautiful architecture, with fascinating French history lurking around every corner.

With our direct flights to Bordeaux, get a taste of the gastronomy and the culture of France's city of wine.

Things to do in Bordeaux France

The city of Bordeaux spans both sides of the Garonne River, with each side connected by the now pedestrianized Stone Bridge. The bridge features 17 arches in total. Legend has it they represent the 17 letters in the name 'Napoleon Bonaparte', who ordered the construction of the bridge. With cheap flights to Bordeaux, you can explore both sides of the river on a budget-friendly getaway.

Most of Bordeaux's main attractions are on the western bank, where the UNESCO-listed old town and the Neoclassical waterfront are located. Highlights here include the 11th-century Bordeaux Cathedral, and the iconic Place de la Bourse, built in the 18th century. Opposite the Place de la Bourse is the famous Bordeaux 'Water Mirror': the largest reflecting pool in the world at 3450 sqm.

Over on the east side, some may say that the biggest attraction is the botanical garden. The garden is divided into six different areas, each with something different. Every section is worth a visit, but if you could only pick two, choose the water garden, filled with unusual aquatic plants, and the local Bordeaux plot. It's packed with plants and flowers that are endemic to southwestern France.

The botanical garden is just one of many natural attractions dotted around Bordeaux. If you love nature, be sure to stop by Lake Bordeaux, with its super fine sand and clear water for swimming. In the summer, local families bring a picnic, spending all day at the lake playing games and having fun.

Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

But of course, you can't book a Bordeaux flight without hearing about its reputation as the wine capital of France. Bordeaux is renowned for its medium and full-bodied wines. Most of them are made from a blend of the 'Bordeaux Big 3': Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The Bordeaux wine-growing region stretches for about 80 miles beyond the main city limits. Many of the most notable wine-growing villages, like Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, are located on the eastern side of the river.

The best place to learn more about Bordeaux wine is at the Cite du Vin museum. There are exhibitions, movies, and all sorts of displays telling the story of local wine. There's even a special tour for children, so if you're traveling with kids, you're welcome to bring them along for the experience!

Bordeaux's Cuisine

If you want to try some specialties from southwest France, Bordeaux is the place to go for lots of restaurants offering traditional dishes. For the main course, try the entrecote a la Bordelaise: Bordeaux-style steak with a red wine sauce. For dessert, it's got to be Caneles de Bordeaux: a custard-based French pastry with rum and vanilla flavoring. It's like rum baba, and egg custard all rolled into one.

Bordeaux Flight and Hotel Packages

Uncork the perfect holiday to Bordeaux with easyJet holidays. Book your flights and the perfect hotel together in one easy package. Whether your thing is a charming boutique hotel nestled among vineyards, or an ultra-convenient city center bolthole, we have the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Cheers to that!

Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Bordeaux flights page.

Not sure where to go? Compare more great value flights the easy way using our Low Fare Finder.

When's the best time to go?

Hottest month

August

Coldest month

January

Best time to visit

Bordeaux is at its hottest between June and August which are optimal months to visit the city. This is also when the city comes alive with oodles of events such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival, Dansons sur les Quais, Bastille Day and a host of music festivals. Late August, in particular, is a really popular time to fly to Bordeaux as it signals the start of the grape harvest.

Avoid the crowds

To experience Bordeaux at a gentler, quieter pace, fly in during spring (April to May) when the majority of tourists have not yet left home. You'll have a good chance of bagging competitive shoulder season prices if you visit during these months. September and October are also tranquil times to explore the city but double check if you're planning on visiting a winery as some establishments don't allow visitors during harvest.

Your Bordeaux Questions Answered

: Bordeaux is best known for being one of the most famous wine regions in the world, home to some of the world's best wineries. The city also boasts a thriving food scene -- you can easily find oysters, caviar, and foie gras from nearby Arcachon and the Aquitaine, or try unique local dishes like Bordeaux-style steak, the stew Lamprey a la Bordelaise, and small, sweet cannele cakes.

Yet you can do a lot more than just wine and dine here: a trip to Bordeaux also makes for an ideal city break. Active travellers may enjoy its bike-friendly lanes, while shopaholics will love the Rue Sainte-Catherine, among the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Bringing kids? Book them for an interactive puppet show at the Guignol Guérin. And if you're travelling with your partner, Bordeaux's romantic atmosphere rivals that of Paris. You can stroll along the Garonne River, watch a show at the Opéra National de Bordeaux, or unwind with a couple's massage at the Escale Détente.