Where to Stay in Bordeaux [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Bordeaux is around 115,000 hectares making it one of France’s largest wine regions. It’s similar in size to South Africa’s entire wine region and it produces 500 million bottles of wine (mostly red) every year! You can imagine that means there are a lot of vineyards, a lot of wineries, and a lot of people that visit the region and are looking for where to stay in Bordeaux, France for their trip.

There are so many choices just within the borders of Bordeaux city. Sitting on the banks of the River Garonne, this city of around 250,000 residents has tons of 18th and 19th-century historic landmarks, and world-class restaurants.

It is home to the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux art museum. There are lots of city parks spread across the city and, of course, lots of wine bars and specialist stores selling local produce.

And there are also lots of amazing places in the wider Bordeaux wine region if you want to know the best places to stay near Bordeaux. There are 38 sub-regions in Bordeaux and each has lots of small towns. Some are more expensive than others and some offer a larger choice of accommodation in Bordeaux, France.

This extensive guide will list all the best places to stay in Bordeaux and where to stay near Bordeaux in the wider wine region. It will cover where you should stay on a budget, with family, and for your first-time visit.

It includes where to stay in Bordeaux France city centre for nightlife and culture, and for a couples’ city break to ensure you have an amazing time no matter what.

We will cover off all types of Bordeaux accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Bordeaux hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Bordeaux 2024, the best Bordeaux hotels, best places in Bordeaux to visit, the best places to stay in Bordeaux, hotels near Bordeaux attractions, Bordeaux neighborhood guide and many more.

Bordeaux Historic District – Ideal for First Timers

Bordeaux Historic District comprises the neighbourhoods of Saint Pierre, Saint Paul, Saint-Bruno – Saint-Victor, the museum district of Pey Berland and the architectural monuments of Le Triangle d’Or.

It’s also known as Downtown Bordeaux or Bordeaux city centre, depending on where you’re from. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bordeaux for first-timers, this is the best Bordeaux neighbourhood for you.

This is where you’ll find all of the city of Bordeaux’s top landmarks like Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, Bordeaux’s main Cathedral that dates back to the 11th century.

You’ll also find Place de la Bourse with the square’s famous water mirror/reflecting pool, the Grand Theatre, and Monument aux Girondins. Rue Sainte-Catherine is a pedestrianised shopping street and you’ll also find it in Bordeaux Historic District.

When you visit a new city, witnessing the city’s skyline from above is a smart way to get your bearings. Pey Berland Tower is a 15th-century gothic bell tower offering stunning views across Bordeaux and out to the wine regions. Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts and Musée d’Aquitaine, which is a historic antiquity museum, are close to the bell tower. 

You’ll also find lots of restaurants serving both international cuisine and traditional French fare. All the wine bars in Bordeaux have a lot of competition so it’s not uncommon to stumble across affordable bars like Le Bar à Vin or Tchin Tchin Wine Bar with 30+ vintages on their menus.

You shouldn’t have any problems figuring out where to stay in Bordeaux city centre because there are lots of choices. Whether you have a membership with a chain hotel or want to stay in an ‘aparthotel’, hostel, or boutique hotel, you will find the best accommodation in Bordeaux for your needs.

Places to Stay in Bordeaux Historic District

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bordeaux Historic District
Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre

Budget Hotels in Bordeaux Historic District
Hotel Churchill Bordeaux Centre
Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck
Hotel de L’Opera
Adagio Access Bordeaux Rodesse

Mid range Hotels in Bordeaux Historic District
The Originals Boutique, Hotel La Tour Intendance, Bordeaux
Hotel Gambetta
Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre
Best Western Grand Hotel Francais

Family Friendly Hotels in Bordeaux Historic District
Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
L’Hotel Particulier
Hotel des 4 Soeurs
Hotel Notre-Dame

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bordeaux Historic District
Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
Yndo Hotel
InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Konti

Capucins – Victoire – Best Bordeaux Neighbourhood for Culture Vultures

Unsurprisingly, Bordeaux’s downtown area is right in the centre of the city on the banks of the river. The Capucins – Victoire district is the next Bordeaux neighbourhood south down the river.

It’s much smaller but has lots of beautiful churches and fancy bars that you’ll find in the historic centre. For that reason, it’s the best Bordeaux neighbourhood if you love immersing yourself in culture when you travel.

If Saint André’s Cathedral is the most famous church in Bordeaux, Saint Michel Basilica is the second most famous and Église Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux is the third. You’ll find them both in the Capucins – Victoire neighbourhood.

The basilica dates back to the 14th century but much of the church was built in the 16th century, hence the overall Gothic architectural style. Sainte-Croix is a Romanesque abbey church with a historic 18th-century pipe organ.

Most of the wine and cocktail bars in Capucins – Victoire are just a few streets away from the river. Some favourites are Le Singe Vert and La Tencha.

If you’re not in Bordeaux for the wine (sacrilege!) then two of the best breweries and craft beer bars in this neighbourhood are Les Copains d’Abord and BALTHAZAR. You won’t have any trouble finding great restaurants serving lots of different cuisines and if you like museums, head to Bordeaux’s Ethnography Museum.

There aren’t many tram stops in this neighbourhood but it’s a really walkable part of the city. Most of the accommodations in this part of Bordeaux are mid-range hotels and guesthouses available from around €80 per night. These are perfect if you want to stay somewhere cosy and comfortable.

Places to Stay in Capucins – Victoire

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Capucins – Victoire
Bordeaux Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Capucins – Victoire
Koko & Baobab
Ténéo Apparthotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean
Appart’hôtel Victoria Garden Bordeaux
Les Halles et Hauteurs by Cocoonr

Mid range Hotels in Capucins – Victoire
B&B Bordeaux Saint Michel
Hotel La Zoologie
BDX Hôtel – Les Collectionneurs
Villa Segur

Family Friendly Hotels in Capucins – Victoire
SweetHomeBordeaux
Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
Hôtel Campanile Bordeaux Centre gare Saint Jean
Staycity Aparthotel Bordeaux City Centre

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Capucins – Victoire
Loft & Spa
Maison Fredon

Gare Saint Jean – Ideal on a Budget

Further south down the banks of the River Garonne is the Gare Saint Jean quarter. If you speak a little French, you’ll have already guessed that this is where you’ll find the city’s main train station.

Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean is an up-and-coming neighbourhood with lots of accommodation options, tram and bus stops, and warehouses that have been turned into shops and nightclubs. But since it’s ‘up-and-coming’ and hasn’t quite made its mark yet, it’s still the best place if you want to know where to stay in Bordeaux on a budget.

There are lots of supermarkets in the old warehouse district by the river if you prefer to stay in hostels and apartments and cook your own meals to save money.

But there are also lots of cheap restaurants, bakeries, and bars like Le Karadoc so you can go out and explore Bordeaux and not spend a lot. Some of the best free things to do in Bordeaux are in this neighbourhood like wandering around the Église du Sacré-Cœur Bordeaux and the Pourquoi Pas Café Culturel outdoor theatre.

There aren’t many hostels in Bordeaux but you will find one or two in the Gare Saint Jean district from around €40 per night (yes, that’s cheap for Bordeaux!). Or if you’d prefer to stay in a cheap hotel in Bordeaux, there are plenty of budget chain hotels and ‘aparthotels’ that are very affordable.

Best to Stay in Gare Saint Jean

Budget Hotels in Gare Saint Jean
Ibis Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean
Best Western Plus Hôtel Gare Saint-Jean
B&B HOTEL Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean
MEININGER Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean

Mid range Hotels in
 Gare Saint Jean
Student Factory Bordeaux Armagnac
Campanile Bordeaux Centre – Gare Saint-Jean
Golden Tulip Bordeaux Euratlantique
Josy Bordeaux

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Gare Saint Jean
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
ibis Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean Euratlantique
Saint-Jean Paradise
Hotel Regina Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean

Saint Seurin Fondaudège – Best Bordeaux Neighbourhood to Live Like a Local

There’s a convenient highway that borders Bordeaux city centre making it quick and easy to travel almost anywhere in the city. Saint Seurin Fondaudège district is tucked within this section just northwest of Downtown away from the river.

It’s a more residential neighbourhood where you are more likely to find locals than international tourists. If you’ve had enough of overcrowded landmarks then this is one of the most unique places to stay in Bordeaux where you can live like a local.

Instead of historic cathedrals and showstopping art galleries, you’ll find cosy independent cafes, butchers, bakeries, delis, specialist wine shops, and cheese shops.

You’ll find beautiful but quiet city parks like Jardin Public, Parc Rivière, and Square Georges Mandel. You can enjoy a picnic with delicacies you can buy from the butcher, baker, and cheesemaker or read a book whilst enjoying the sunny weather.

But there are one or two more obscure museums and historic sites if you do feel like soaking up a little bit of culture.

You can visit the Bordeaux Science and Nature Centre, watch a show at Salle des Fêtes Bordeaux Grand Parc, and check out the Basilique Saint-Seurin. And you can also check out Palais Gallien, the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre. 

Downtown is only a short walk away or you can hop on one of the trams running down Rue Fondaudège. There are lots of short-term rental apartments in this neighbourhood and lots of boutique hotels too.

Places to Stay in Saint Seurin Fondaudège

Budget Hotels in Saint Seurin Fondaudège
GuestReady – Beautiful and Bright Flat in Bordeaux
Le Clou de Louis
Le Clos Labottière – B&B
IKO Bordeaux Appartements

Mid range Hotels in Saint Seurin Fondaudège
B&B Maison Rosa
La Maison Odeia Bordeaux Centre
B&B L’Escapade Bordelaise – Côté Jardin
Les Séraphines Bordeaux

Family Friendly Hotels in Saint Seurin Fondaudège
Bordeaux centre, 5 chambres, piscine, parking gratuit
Hôtel La Maison Bord’eaux
Nice 70m with garden near the Palais Gallien
Wonderful family house in Bordeaux

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Saint Seurin Fondaudège
Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa
Yndo Hôtel
Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa Bordeaux
Le Boutique Hotel & Spa

Chartrons – Ideal for Couples

Further north of Saint Seurin Fondaudège and the historic centre of Bordeaux is Chartrons. It’s sandwiched between the River Garonne and the ring road around Bordeaux.

This hip neighbourhood boasts all the fanciest restaurants, vintage and antique stores, the best wine bars, and beautiful boutique hotels on the waterfront. It’s the best place for couples to stay in Bordeaux on a city break.

Two of the top things to do in this district are exhibitions about wine, so not the best place to stay if you have young kids! One is the Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux and the other is La Cité du Vin. Other top things to do include catching a concert at the Halle des Chartrons or an event at Hangar 14. 

Restaurant Mets Mots is one of the best eateries in the neighbourhood for a rotating tasting menu, and Chai Les Copains is perfect if you want to enjoy traditional French cuisine in an unfussy, unpretentious atmosphere. Some of the best wine bars in Bordeaux are by the river where you can enjoy a glass or merlot while gazing out at the water. Head to YARRA, Latitude20, or Les Furies Douces.

As previously mentioned, most of the hotels in Chartrons are cool, independent boutique hotels.

But there are also some more upmarket chain hotels if you have memberships or collect points and there are some mid-range options with room rates from €60 per night if you want to enjoy a city break with a friend or partner on the cheap. Two tram lines run through Chartrons so it’s easy to travel around the city from here.

Places to Stay in Chartrons

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Chartrons
Hostel 20 Bordeaux Centre

Budget Hotels in Chartrons
City Résidence Bordeaux Centre
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhome Bordeaux
studio cocoon BORDEAUX Chartrons/ Jardin Public

Mid range Hotels in Chartrons
Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons
Grand studio à Bordeaux chartrons
Seeko’o Hotel Bordeaux
Appartement Cité du vin bordeaux chartrons bacalan

Family Friendly Hotels in Chartrons
Une Chambre Chez Dupont
Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville
Appart’City Confort Bordeaux Chartrons

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Chartrons
Hotel Vatel Bordeaux
Cœur des Chartrons
Heym

Bacalan – Best Bordeaux Neighbourhood for Music Lovers

North of Chartrons along the River Garonne is another up-and-coming neighbourhood like Gare Saint Jean. But unlike Gare Saint Jean, Bacalan isn’t known for its cheap bars but rather for its music venues and clubs. If you are visiting Bordeaux for a music gig then you should stay in this neighbourhood.

This is where you’ll find the Bassins à Flot which is Bordeaux’s marina. You’ll also find a lot of maritime attractions here like the Base sous-marine WWII submarine which now houses an art gallery and museum and the Musée Mer Marine which is also an art museum.

Some of the best venues to watch live music shows are Blonde Venus, Le Theatro, Club l’Entrepôt, and Pop’art club. Most of the restaurants in this neighbourhood are cheap fast food.

One tram line runs through Bacalan near the river so you might want to stay somewhere near the river so it is quick and easy to travel to different parts of the city. But Bacalan is one of the smaller neighbourhoods in Bordeaux, so if you don’t have any accessibility issues, this won’t be a problem. 

There isn’t a huge range of accommodation in this neighbourhood, but you still have options. Bacalan has at least one hostel, some affordable ‘aparthotels’, and some cheaper hotels all near the Bassins à Flot.

Places to Stay in Bacalan

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bacalan
Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan – Hostel

Budget Hotels in Bacalan
Montempô Bordeaux Centre – Bassins à flot
Apparteo Bordeaux
Residhome Bordeaux
Appartements avec parking – Cite du Vin

Mid range Hotels in Bacalan
Le Bateau Ivre (unique accommodation)
Bâteau cocoon au bassin des lumières
Ténéo Apparthotel Bordeaux Maritime
Premiere Classe Bordeaux Nord – Lac

Family Friendly Hotels in Bacalan
Radisson Blu Hotel Bordeaux
L’EMBLEM – Incroyable vue sur la Cité du vin
Moxy Bordeaux
Appart-Hôtel Mer & Golf City Bordeaux

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bacalan
Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel
Hotel Vatel Bordeaux

Bordeaux-Lac – Ideal With Family

Heading further north still is the Bordeaux-Lac district. This neighbourhood also sits on the River Garonne and it is the most northerly part of Bordeaux. It has the most natural beauty out of all of Bordeaux’s neighbourhoods.

Okay, the lake that the neighbourhood is named after is man-made, but it’s still pretty. And Barails nature reserve which comprises around one-third of the district is stunningly beautiful. This peaceful and safe neighbourhood with lots of outdoor space is perfect if you want to know where to stay in Bordeaux with family. 

It’s a small neighbourhood, so most of the top things to do revolve around the lake, nature reserve, and small shopping district in Ginko. There is a small beach next to the lake called the Plage du Lac which has lifeguards and picnic areas. Near the nature reserve, there’s a golf course, a forest, and lots of narrow rivers. 

You’ll also find lots of public car parks here too. There are some tram stops which will allow you to travel to the Downtown area easily, but if you’re travelling with young kids then you may also be hiring a car.

Most of the accommodation options in Bordeaux-Lac are mid-range hotels, some ‘aparthotels’ and B&Bs. This district is close to a lot of residential areas like Le Tasta and Le Bouscat where you might prefer to stay in a short-term rental apartment, especially if you have a car.

Places to Stay in Bordeaux-Lac

Budget Hotels in Bordeaux-Lac
All Suites Appart Hôtel Bordeaux-Lac
Hôtel Première Classe Bordeaux Le Lac
ibis Bordeaux Lac

Mid range Hotels in Bordeaux-Lac
Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Lac
ibis budget Bordeaux Le Lac

Family Friendly Hotels in Bordeaux-Lac
Campanile Bordeaux Le Lac

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bordeaux-Lac
Château Grattequina
Pullman Bordeaux Lac

La Bastide – Ideal for Nightlife

La Bastide is the huge neighbourhood opposite the historic centre of Bordeaux directly across the River Garonne. It has a reputation for attracting a bohemian crowd with its many light night bars, clubs, music venues, and events venues hosting music festivals.

In the summer, there are lots of outdoor events and jazz concerts in its parks. It’s the best neighbourhood to stay in if you are heading to Bordeaux for the nightlife.

Some of the best bars in La Bastide are along the waterfront like ALAÏA, The Central Pub and Amnesia Bordeaux. Bordeaux Botanical Gardens is where you’ll find outdoor concerts in summer. 

You can easily cross the historic Stone Bridge from Downtown to La Bastide which was a bridge commissioned by Napoleon in the early 19th century.

It couldn’t look more different from the other most notable bridge that crossed the river, Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas. This 21st-century steel and concrete bridge is a brilliant feat of engineering as it stays parallel as it lifts to let ships through.

Most of the accommodation options in this neighbourhood are close to the river. You’ll find lots of mid-range hotels that will allow you to have more money to spend on entertainment during your time in Bordeaux.

There is one main tram line in this district that connects to downtown and luckily, most of the hotels in La Bastide are close by.

Places to Stay in La Bastide

Budget Hotels in La Bastide
Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide
ibis budget Bordeaux Centre Bastide
hotelF1 Bordeaux Ville
La Maison Bastide

Mid range Hotels in La Bastide
Hôtel des Voyageurs Centre Bastide
Villa La Bastidienne

Family Friendly Hotels in La Bastide
Chambres à Bord’O
Hotel Des Voyageurs Centre

Affordable Luxury Hotels in La Bastide
Le Clos des Queyries
Penthouse view Garonne with Jacuzzi
GuestReady – Charming house and garden

Saint Genes – Ideal Off-the-Beaten-Path in Bordeaux

Saint Genes is a small, obscure neighbourhood. It’s sandwiched between Bordeaux’s historic centre, the cultural Capucins – Victoire neighbourhood, Gare Saint Jean, and Bordeaux’s ring road is just behind.

It’s a great neighbourhood to stay in if you want to be close to the train station and all the best tourist attractions, but so few do.

That’s why it’s the best Bordeaux neighbourhood to stay off the beaten path. It’s still a beautiful neighbourhood but it has fewer accommodation options and therefore welcomes fewer travellers.

Varied architecture is the pride and joy of the Saint Genes district. As you stroll around the streets, you’ll spot the 18th-century Saint Nicholas Church which has both French and Italian Renaissance architectural influences.

Maison Saint Louis Beaulieu is a former 19th-century Diocesan convent turned into a hotel and there are tons of beautiful Art Deco buildings on Rue Duluc. 

There might be fewer restaurants in Saint Genes, but the ones you will find are excellent and much cheaper than what you’ll find Downtown. French restaurants like Restaurant Le Beau Lieu and Le Ségur II are winners.

It’s a well-connected district with three tram lines running right through, though you can walk from Saint Genes to the historic centre in around 15 minutes. You’ll find boutique hotels and homely guesthouses for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Bordeaux.

Places to Stay in Saint Genes

Budget Hotels in Saint Genes
Victoria Garden Bordeaux Centre
Studio Bordeaux centre ville
Hotel Saint Louis Beaulieu – Bordeaux
Maison Saint Louis Beaulieu

Mid range Hotels in Saint Genes
Nouveau! Studio Bordeaux
Bordeaux Cosy B&B
Les Chambres De Marie

Family Friendly Hotels in Saint Genes
Appartement fonctionnel cœur de Bordeaux
B&B Bordeaux Wine Lodge
Villa Sequoia Garden
Maison de Sébéa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Saint Genes
Grand Appartement Haussmanien de Standing avec Jacuzzi
Maison Marie-Astrid, Suite avec Balnéo privée

Where To Stay in Bordeaux Wine Region

You’ll find lots of delicious wine in the many shops, bars, and restaurants of Bordeaux. But if you are a true wine connoisseur, you should add a few days onto your trip and visit one of the towns in the Bordeaux wine region.

This guide will show you where to stay in Bordeaux region outside of the city and for wine tasting.

Saint-Émilion – Ideal Near Château Coutet

Saint-Émilion is an old medieval city (a small one, the population barely exceeds 2,000 people) around 47 km west of Bordeaux. It’s a 50-minute drive through beautiful green countryside across the River Dordogne to a town with no less than 800 (yes, 800!) wineries. But one of the most well-known is Château Coutet.

Their vineyards are 100% organic and they grow Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes. This is unique as most of the grapes grown in Bordeaux are Merlot.

They offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars and, of course, a wine tasting at the end. Some of the other top wineries in this region are Château Laniote, Château Cantenac, and Château La Gaffelière. 

Some other things to do in Saint-Émilion are to check out the 12th-century Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion and the old city ruins in the Villemaurine neighbourhood.

Most of the hotels in Bordeaux wine region are independent guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels converted from old abbeys or chateaus and Saint-Émilion is no different.

Places to Stay in Saint-Émilion

Budget Hotels in Saint-Émilion
Concept Appart St Emilion
Auberge de la Commanderie
Logis Andraud Studios
Les Chambres d’Ovaline

Mid range Hotels in Saint-Émilion
Au Logis des Remparts
Demeure des Girondins
Maison De La Tour
Hôtes de Saint-Emilion

Family Friendly Hotels in Saint-Émilion
Badon Boutique Hotel
Chambre Luxe au Coeur des Vignes à St Emilion
Clos des Jacobins (Grand Cru Classé)
La Gomerie Chambres d’Hotes

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Saint-Émilion
Logis de la Cadène
Hôtel de Pavie
Petit Monlot – Saint-Emilion
Château Hôtel Grand Barrail

Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse – Ideal Near Château de Pressac

Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse is a commune only a couple of kilometres southeast of Saint-Émilion. It has far fewer wineries (just over a dozen) and far fewer permanent residents (only 250!).

So it’s a fantastic choice if you want to stay somewhere a bit quieter than Saint-Émilion, while still being able to visit reputable wineries like Château de Pressac.

One of the main reasons to visit Château de Pressac isn’t even the wine. It’s the winery’s absolutely stunning fairytale-esque building with turrets and red window shutters. There is evidence that the winery dates back to the Middle Ages and had to be fortified on several occasions.

Their grapes are quintessential for the Bordeaux region because they grow 69% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Carménère and 1% Pressac. They host private tours and wine tastings.

Some other things to do in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse include climbing up to the Croix de Tourans observation deck and having a spa day as some of the hotels in this commune have their own pools. There are guesthouses and short-term rentals in this part of the wine region plus chateaus you can actually stay in!

Places to Stay in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse

Budget Hotels in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse
Les Ambèles
A L’ombre De La Treille

Mid range Hotels in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse
Logis de Valandraud

Family Friendly Hotels in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse
La Vigneraie de Laura

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse
Château du Palanquey & Spa

Graves – Ideal Near Château Bouscaut

Graves is one of the biggest out of the 38 sub-regions in the Bordeaux wine region. It’s only a few kilometres south of the city of Bordeaux along the River Garonne.

This is the best place to stay in the Bordeaux wine region if you want to be in the countryside but not too far away from the city. One of the best wineries in the Graves region is Château Bouscaut.

The wine estate of Château Bouscaut dates back to the 18th century where it grows 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 7% Malbec grapes. It is a sprawling estate with neat, manicured lawns and gardens.

They offer tastings of both wine and cheese pairings. Some estates nearby, like Château Bardins, also offer wine workshops which are perfect for beginners who don’t know the methods for tasting wine.

Most of the hotels in this region are luxurious chateaus or high-end short-term rentals. There are also one or two wineries that are B&Bs too.

Places to Stay in Graves

Mid range Hotels in Graves
Domaine de la Gravière
Gîte de Citon-Cénac

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Graves
Moulin de Canteloup

Margaux-Cantenac – Ideal Near Château Margaux

Around 30 km north of Bordeaux (a 50-minute drive) is the commune of Margaux-Cantenac. It’s on the edge of the beautiful Médoc Natural Regional Park and on the edge of the River Garonne.

There may only be around 10 or so wineries within the commune’s borders but there are lots just on the outskirts, and Château Margaux is such a renowned wine estate that it alone is worth a visit.

Château Margaux dates back to the 15th century but the current estate was built in the 18th century and is nicknamed “the Versailles of the Médoc.” It’s a rare example of Neo-Palladian architecture in France.

They were one of four wineries to achieve ‘first growth’ status in the Bordeaux wine regions in 1855 and their Pavillion Blanc wine, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is one of their best and most revered wines around the world.

Most of their grapes are Sauvignon Blanc (75%) with the rest being 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Some other wineries to visit in the region are Château Marquis de Terme Tourisme, Château Cantenac-Brown, and Château Palmer. There is a mix of guesthouses, villas, and gîtes which is the French name for rural vacation homes often built on the land of a larger home.

Places to Stay in Margaux-Cantenac

Budget Hotels in Margaux-Cantenac
Maison de caractère en plein cœur de Margaux
Tiny House mit Pool im Château-Park
Chambres d’Hotes La Mouline
Chalet du moulin

Mid range Hotels in Margaux-Cantenac
Le Pavillon de Margaux
La Maison Reverdi

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Margaux-Cantenac
Relais de Margaux – Hôtel & Spa

Pauillac – Ideal Near Château Lafite Rothschild

Around 20 km north of Margaux-Cantenac is Pauillac, another commune on the Gironde Estuary. This city is exactly midway between Bordeaux and Pointe de Grave which marks the furthest north you can travel up the west bank of the River Garonne before you reach the sea.

Whilst some of the other places near Bordeaux on this list are rural villages, Pauillac is a large town with a city square, shops, supermarkets, and other amenities. Château Lafite Rothschild is definitely one of the most notable wineries in the area.

The Lafite estate dates back to the 12th century and, like Margaux, was one of the ‘first growth’ wines in Bordeaux in 1855. Its quality and longevity are world-famous, so much so it was acquired by the wealthy Rothschild family in the 19th century.

Today, you can visit the Château Lafite Rothschild by appointment only and see their manufacturing process and taste their delicious wines. They grow 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Some other things you can do in Pauillac are to eat at the French restaurant Café Lavinal and take a walk along the harbour. There are lots of great five-star hotels in this city that are also chateaus, plus some apartment rentals.

Places to Stay in Pauillac

Mid range Hotels in Pauillac
Bed and Breakfast Le Coeur des Vignes
Hôtel de France & d’Angleterre

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Pauillac
Château Cordeillan-Bages
Château Pédesclaux

Pomerol – Ideal Near Château Beauregard

Pomerol is 45 km northeast of Bordeaux just outside of the city of Libourne, the wine-making capital of Northern Gironde.

There are around 140 wineries in this small commune and plenty more outside its boundaries. But one of the most notable wineries in Pomerol is Château Beauregard.

Château Beauregard started its journey in the 12th century when the Knights Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem first cultivated this land. Five centuries later, the current chateau was built and today it is a modern property with five luxury guest rooms.

They grow 66% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and their signature blend is named after the winery. Some of the other top wineries in the Pomerol region are Petrus, Château Tournefeuille, and Château Siaurac.

Most of the best accommodation options near Pomerol are in the city of Libourne. You can stay in chateaus and affordable hotels with room rates starting from around €60 per night.

Places to Stay in Pomerol

Mid range Hotels in Pomerol
Vineyards in Tournefeuille

Family Friendly Hotels in Pomerol
Château Belles-Graves

Saint-Estèphe – Ideal Near Château Lafon-Rochet

Saint-Estèphe is 61 km north of Bordeaux along the river (an 80-minute drive) just north of Pauillac. There are dozens of wineries in this commune but it is a quiet area overall and no matter which winery you visit, you’ll feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.

It is a great region to visit if you already know a little about vineyards and wine-tasting as the makers here do consider themselves superior to other regions in Bordeaux. And one of the best wineries in Saint-Estèphe has to be Château Lafon-Rochet.

Château Lafon-Rochet dates back to the 18th century but the whole estate was modernised at the beginning of the 21st century. You won’t soon forget their bright yellow stately home and enormous wine cellars with an endless row of barrels.

They are open to the public year-round to host tours and tastings. Château Lafon-Rochet produces two main wines, their signature namesake wine and the more affordable ‘Pilgrims of Lafon-Rochet.’ They grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes.

Other great wineries in Saint-Estèphe include Château Haut-Marbuzet, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Le Crock. There are more accommodation options than you would expect in such a quiet place, but there are plenty of short-term rental apartments and houses, as well as wineries that also have guest rooms.

Places to Stay in Saint-Estèphe

Budget Hotels in Saint-Estèphe
Chambres d’hôtes à St Estèphe au cœur des vignes

Mid range Hotels in Saint-Estèphe
Maison Jéroboam

Family Friendly Hotels in Saint-Estèphe
Château Papounan

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Saint-Estèphe
La Maison d’Estournel
Château Laffitte Carcasset

Pessac – Ideal Near Château Pape Clément

This is one of the closest towns or neighbourhoods to the city of Bordeaux. It borders the city to the southwest and is accessible by train, so it’s perfect if you’d prefer to not drive (which is difficult when you’re on a wine-drinking vacation!) or hire taxis all the time.

There are few more wineries in Pessac than you might think considering it’s such a built-up area and one of the best is Château Pape Clément.

Château Pape Clément is first and foremost a luxury hotel that just so happens to also have a gorgeous vineyard. It dates back to the 13th century but you’ll find a completely modern set-up in a fairytale-esque castle.

They offer an extensive range of tasting packages as well as the opportunity to bottle and label your own wine, try wine pairings with caviar or cheese, and even attempt a mystery taste test.

This winery grows a larger variety of grapes than most of the others which are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle

Some of the other excellent wineries in Pessac include Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Château Luchey-Halde, and Château Picque Caillou. Because this wine region is closer to Bordeaux, you’ll find more budget and mid-range hotels as well as apartments and guest houses.

Places to Stay in Pessac

Budget Hotels in Pessac
Hôtel Première Classe Bordeaux Pessac Bersol
Hôtel Première Classe Bordeaux Sud – Pessac Becquerel

Mid range Hotels in Pessac
Maison Lucilda
Crisalys Chambres d’Hôtes

Family Friendly Hotels in Pessac
ibis Bordeaux Pessac Route des Vins
Holiday Inn Bordeaux – Sud Pessac, an IHG Hotel
Les Suites d’Aliénor

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Pessac
Château Pape Clément

Added Extra: Areas To Avoid in Bordeaux 

Bordeaux is generally a safe city and ranks higher in safety than other big cities in France. Few violent crimes take place here but the most common criminal activities are theft and vandalism, which unfortunately can affect tourists.

Avoid Chantecrit and Grand Parc neighbourhoods in Bordeaux city at night where drug-related crimes can often take place. Don’t take your valuables out with you and don’t walk alone if you can help it.

If you want to know which areas to avoid in Bordeaux wine regions, safety isn’t the main issue. You might assume that every charming town in this part of the country has local wineries, but there are some that don’t.

For example, there are no wineries for miles in the villages of Bourg and Blaye and no one wants to drive to a winery. Don’t book a good hotel deal without checking what is in the local area first!

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