6 (Really) Great Areas to Stay in Bordeaux + Hotels
By Sam Lee, 2025. Wondering where to crash for the most fun in Bordeaux? I've got covered.
I’ve spent loads of time in Bordeaux (even lived there for a bit), and there’s plenty to do and lots of great neighborhoods to explore. Read on for my top five spots to stay in Bordeaux with a few hotel suggestions thrown in. Enjoy my tips and have a fabulous time!
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01—
Chartrons
Perfect for travelers seeking local vibes.
Travel Bliss is all about genuine travel experiences and immersing yourself in local vibes. That’s why I’m placing the Chartrons district firmly as number one on my list: It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a safe, chill, local aesthetic with easy tram access to the old town.
Back in the day, Chartrons was the wine merchants' district, and you can still see traces of this history. It’s filled with wine bars, cellars, and wine shops along with antique shops, art galleries— and, of course, the La Cité du Vin wine museum is not far away.
The Quai des Chartrons (the quays along the Garonne River) boasts a nice riverside feel, scenic views, and the chance to relax in one of the riverside cafes. Place du Marché des Chartrons is a cool spot in this area with a weekly market on Sundays where you can find fresh produce, local products, and lots of artisanal items.
Top places to stay in Chartrons Bordeaux
Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
Premium spot with spa, indoor pool, and a lush garden. $$$
Seeko'o Hotel Bordeaux
Super-modern hotel with river views close to the Cité du Vin. $$
02—
Downtown Bordeaux
Great for first-time visitors to Bordeaux.
Downtown Bordeaux is the practical spot for first-time visitors to crash. It’s essentially the historic heart of the city and includes the districts of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul. You’ve got iconic landmarks like the Place de la Bourse, Place des Quinconces, the Opera House, Bordeaux Cathedral, and the Grosse Cloche all nearby.
If you're into history, there are a bunch of museums like the Musée d’Aquitaine and the CAPC Contemporary Art Museum. The area’s got tons of shops, from fancy boutiques to local markets. Rue Sainte-Catherine, a pedestrian shopping street, is one of the longest in Europe and perfect for a shopping spree.
Downtown Bordeaux is also packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars, and the nightlife is pretty lively. And, of course, it’s got all the public transport links you need.
Top places to stay in downtown Bordeaux
Hôtel Majestic
Central, elegant, charming, modern hotel with helpful staff. $$$
Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre
Well-liked 3-star hotel in central Bordeaux in a lively district. $$
Villa Reale
Lovely boutique hotel and a guest house on Parliament Square. $$$$
03—
Saint-Michel
Ideal if you want to be close to the action.
Saint-Michel is a lively, multicultural, and diverse neighborhood conveniently squished between the main train station and the old town.
This area is famous for its buzzing atmosphere and impressive Basilica of Saint-Michel — a Gothic church known for its stunning architecture (and those panoramic city views from its tower that everyone raves about).
Place Saint-Michel, the square in front of the Basilica, is the central hangout spot, hosting events, markets, and surrounded by cafes and shops. It’s especially busy on weekends because, you know, people love crowds.
The Marché des Capucins, one of Bordeaux’s most famous markets, is located in Saint-Michel (but it can be a bit dodgy at night when it's closed). This market is a foodie paradise, offering fresh produce, seafood, cheese, and a variety of local delicacies, making it an awesome place to dive into the local food scene.
The area also has Parc des Sports Saint-Michel, a green space perfect for chilling and outdoor activities, making it a great spot for a walk or a picnic.
Top places to stay in Saint-Michel Bordeaux
Staycity Aparthotels City Centre
A good value hotel on a quiet street near buzzing restaurants. $$
Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
5-star, 18th-century hotel in a quiet, central area + outdoor pool. $$$$
Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa
A super-fancy, boutique hotel with a spa experience. $$$$
04—
Bastide
Great if you love a chill vibe away from crowds.
Bastide is on the right bank of the Garonne River, right across from the city center. It’s a charming and less touristy neighborhood that offers a more local vibe and a mix of upmarket and budget-friendly stays.
Great places to check out here include the uber-cool Darwin Ecosystem center, Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux, and the Church of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Bastide.
Think you’re too far from the city centre? Nope. The Bastide’s got an active tram system that will whip you across the river in no time.
Top places to stay in La Bastide Bordeaux
Le Clos des Queyries Chambres
Charming B&B suites with parking + close to trams. $$$
Chambres à Bord'O
B&B in Bastide, only a 2-min walk to the tram and 15 minutes to the river. $$
05—
Bordeaux-Lac
Ideal for blending nature and city activities.
Bordeaux's lake district is like a natural escape right in the city, yet it is only a 15-minute tram ride to the city.
There are lush parks, woodlands, trails, and sports grounds all around the lake. Bordeaux-Lac is great for families with its lakefront beach and fun activities like sailing, kayaking, rowing, and mini-golf.
There’s also an exhibition and convention center and a casino. Best time to go? Spring and summer, when there are supervised activities.
A lot of the accommodations are on the pricier side, but it also features a nice international camping site.
Top places to stay in Bordeaux-Lac
Pullman Bordeaux Lac
Contemporary, good all-rounder hotel suitable for families. $$$
Sure Hotel by Best Western
Next to the lake, a modern hotel and friendly staff. $$$
Live Hotels Bordeaux Lac
A good family hotel with a fitness centre and pool. $$$
06—
Saint Augustin
Great for families and longer stays in Bordeaux.
Saint Augustin is a quiet and charming residential area, perfect if you have kiddies in tow or want to stay longer in Bordeaux. It’s like a village within the city, with good tram connections that will whisk you into the city centre. It’s also packed with parks, cafes, and little food markets on the weekends.
Accommodation options? There aren’t many hotels in this area, so you’ll probably have to rent privately.
That’s a wrap!
Bordeaux is an amazing city that offers something for every type of traveler. I hope my travel ideas and tips help you make the most of your trip! Happy travels.
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