Where to Stay in Bordeaux: Guide to the best neighbourhoods and accommodations
A city of history and art de vivre, Bordeaux enchants visitors with its elegant façades, lively squares and gentle way of life. But with so many charming neighbourhoods, where should you stay in Bordeaux to make the most of your trip?
From the historic centre to the bohemian streets of the Chartrons, from the peaceful banks of La Bastide to the contemporary hotels of Bacalan, each district offers its own distinctive atmosphere.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or for business, your choice of area and accommodation will shape your experience. This guide helps you find the perfect place to stay, combining comfort, charm and authenticity.
In short:
Bordeaux offers a wide range of neighbourhoods to stay in, from the lively historic centre to the bohemian Chartrons, the quieter La Bastide or modern Bacalan near the Cité du Vin.
Your choice will depend on budget, travel style and how close you want to be to major attractions. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels to serviced apartments, with prices varying significantly by season and location.
The Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Bordeaux
The City Centre (Saint-Pierre, Triangle d’Or, Pey Berland)
This is the beating heart of historic Bordeaux. Its cobbled streets, 18th-century façades and elegant squares embody the city’s charm. The Saint-Pierre district, around Place de la Bourse and Saint-André Cathedral, attracts heritage lovers and food enthusiasts.
Just nearby, the Triangle d’Or concentrates some of the city’s finest addresses, ideal for a romantic or cultural getaway. Staying in a hotel in central Bordeaux allows you to walk everywhere: monuments, museums, boutiques and restaurants. Prices are higher here, but the experience is incomparable.
Les Chartrons: Bohemian & Arty
Once the haunt of wine merchants, Les Chartrons has become one of the most desirable areas to live, both chic and relaxed. Between galleries, cafés and antique shops, the neighbourhood radiates a warm, creative atmosphere.
Charming hotels and renovated apartments offer an excellent balance between tranquillity, authenticity and proximity to the centre. Just steps from the Garonne and the Jardin Public, it’s a favourite among couples, design lovers and art enthusiasts.
La Bastide: Peaceful Right Bank Escape
Facing the city centre, La Bastide appeals with its tranquillity and panoramic views of the left bank. Accessible via the Pont de Pierre, this residential district offers spacious and affordable accommodation.
It’s a great choice for travellers seeking greenery while staying close to main attractions. Modern hotels and riverside residences provide real comfort, just minutes from the historic heart via the tramway.
Mériadeck: Practical and Functional
Modern and well located, Mériadeck is particularly appealing to business travellers and visitors looking for convenience. Close to the city hall and the main shopping centre, it’s easy to get around with the tramway.
Its modern hotels often include parking and spacious rooms. Ideal for business trips or travellers looking for well-connected accommodation at reasonable prices.
Bacalan & the Cité du Vin: A Modern Stay on the Waterfront
In the northern part of the city, Bacalan has been transformed into a cultural and trendy district. Around the Cité du Vin, visitors discover a modern Bordeaux focused on gastronomy, architecture and leisure.
Contemporary hotels in the area offer comfort and superb views of the Garonne. Perfect for a unique weekend or a getaway with friends.
Near Gare Saint-Jean: Ideal for Travellers in Transit
The Saint-Jean station district is undergoing major renewal. With excellent transport links, it offers a wide range of modern hotels and serviced apartments.
This is the most practical choice for travellers passing through or business stays. Some establishments, such as Hôtel La Zoologie, combine heritage and modern comfort—an old scientific institute transformed into a stylish and elegant urban retreat.
How to Choose the Right Accommodation in Bordeaux?
Key Criteria Before Booking
Your choice of accommodation depends primarily on your priorities.
- For a cultural stay, choose central neighbourhoods (Saint-Pierre, Pey Berland, Chartrons).
- For more peace, La Bastide and Mériadeck offer comfortable options at softer prices.
Check for parking, proximity to tram lines and services important to you: spa, terrace, restaurant or rooftop.
Finally, watch seasonal pricing: a hotel in the Triangle d’Or will usually be more expensive than one in the Chartrons or on the right bank.
Main Types of Accommodation in Bordeaux
The city offers a rich and diverse range:
- Boutique hotels and charming hotels for a personalised, premium atmosphere.
- Serviced apartments ideal for families or longer stays.
- Youth hostels and budget residences for travellers seeking affordable options.
- Some hotels focus on unique experiences, such as Hôtel La Zoologie, combining history, nature and contemporary design in a science-inspired décor.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux Based on Your Traveller Profile?
For Couples: Charming Hotels & Romantic Escapes
For a romantic weekend, Bordeaux is an ideal destination. The Chartrons and the historic centre offer dreamy strolls through cobbled streets, terraces and antique shops.
Charming hotels offer elegant rooms, intimate patios and refined breakfasts. For a unique experience, consider an unusual hotel in Bordeaux like La Zoologie, where heritage and modernity blend beautifully.
For Families: Spacious Stays & Peaceful Neighbourhoods
Families often prefer La Bastide or Mériadeck for their accessibility and quiet environment. These districts offer serviced residences and family apartments, sometimes with kitchen facilities and parking.
Close to parks and green spaces, they offer welcome comfort after a day of sightseeing. Tram lines make it easy to reach top attractions.
Solo Travellers or Small Budgets: Hostels & Smart Choices
Bordeaux also welcomes solo travellers. Youth hostels and budget hotels are concentrated around Saint-Michel and Gare Saint-Jean.
Modern, friendly and well located, they offer excellent options for staying in Bordeaux on a budget without sacrificing comfort. Booking early remains the best way to get good deals, especially in summer.
Business Trips: Near Transport Hubs
For business travel, Mériadeck and Gare Saint-Jean are the most strategic. Business hotels offer equipped rooms, fast service and great connectivity to the airport and centre.
Some hotels, including La Zoologie, combine style and practicality—ideal for productive yet relaxing stays.
How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Bordeaux?
Price Ranges by Neighbourhood
Prices vary depending on season and location.
- City centre: €150–€250 per night for 3–4 star hotels
- Les Chartrons: €100–€180
- La Bastide / Mériadeck: €80–€130
- Near Gare Saint-Jean: from €70 for modern hotels
Ideal for short or business stays.
Tips to Find the Best Deals
- Book early—ideally one month ahead.
- Prices drop in autumn and winter, outside major events.
- Hotel websites often offer exclusive deals (free breakfast, parking).
Staying slightly outside the centre—Chartrons or La Bastide—allows for comfort at a reasonable price.
Practical Tips for a Successful Stay in Bordeaux
When to Book for the Best Rates?
January to March and November to December are the most affordable periods.
Spring and summer are peak tourist seasons with many events.
Book early during the Wine Festival, River Festival or Heritage Days—hotels fill up quickly.
Getting Around Easily from Your Accommodation
The tram network connects all main districts. Most central hotels are served by lines A, B or C.
Cyclists will enjoy the V3 bike service and riverside paths.
Drivers can use park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic in the historic centre.
Events & Seasons to Know Before Visiting
Bordeaux celebrates its art de vivre all year long.
- Spring: Foire aux Plaisirs
- Summer: concerts, markets, festivals on the quays
- Autumn: Wine Festival & harvest season
- Winter: Christmas markets
Choosing your dates accordingly lets you discover Bordeaux in different atmospheres.
FAQ
What is the average budget for accommodation in Bordeaux?
Expect €100–€130 for a 3-star hotel, €150–€200 for 4-star, and more for luxury hotels.
Which are the safest neighbourhoods in Bordeaux?
The historic centre, Chartrons, Pey Berland and La Bastide are among the calmest and most pleasant.
Which side of the river should you stay on?
Left bank = lively, historic, full of attractions. Right bank = quieter, more residential, great views.
Where to stay to be close to Bordeaux’s main attractions?
The city centre and Saint-Pierre allow walking access to Place de la Bourse, the Grand Théâtre and Rue Sainte-Catherine.
Best neighbourhood for a weekend as a couple?
Les Chartrons and the Triangle d’Or. For something more unique: Hôtel La Zoologie.
How to find accommodation with parking in Bordeaux?
Mériadeck, Gare Saint-Jean and La Bastide offer many options. In the centre, choose hotels with partnerships with secure car parks.
