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When you arrive at Bordeaux Airport, you'll find our collection point just outside the main terminal building. Our team will show you to your hire car as quickly as possible, so you can get on the road and start enjoying your time away.
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Sat on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a city that’s full of surprises. It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a region renowned for its world-class vineyards. As a veritable hub of culture and sophistication, Bordeaux is an ideal place to visit, whatever your tastes.
Bordeaux Airport lies just under 12km to the west of the city centre, in the commune of Mérignac. Whether you’re arriving to the city on business or leisure, we can help you get the most out of your trip.
Hiring a car at Bordeaux Airport is fast and simple, and not only allows you to access the city but also gives you the ability to explore the wider Gironde region.
Drop by our pick-up location at the airport and we’ll get you on your way to the perfect holiday in southwest France in no time.
Bordeaux city centre is around a 30-minute drive from the airport. If you’re planning to head right into the heart of the city when you arrive, you’ll find the easiest route is via the A630 south from the airport. You’ll then need to take the exit onto the Avenue Francois Mitterrand, which will bring you directly into the town centre.
The bulk of the attractions are on the west bank, but should you want to head over to the east bank – perhaps for the Botanical Gardens – the easiest route to take is via the Pont de Pierre.
The historical district of Bordeaux is pedestrian only, however there are plenty of parking within the city centre. This costs around €2 an hour Monday-Saturday with Sundays and public holidays being free of charge.
Note that some motorways in France carry a toll. The speed limit on tolled motorways is 130km/h (80mph), whereas for duel carriageways and non-tolled motorways it’s 110km/h (68mph). Be sure to check the speed limits of whatever road you’re on as these can change – especially when entering the local cities and towns.
A sign with the town name indicates when the 50km/h (31mph) limit starts, and a sign with the town name crossed out indicates when it ceases. In wet weather, all four limits are reduced by 10km/h (6mph).
As with most European countries, in France you are required to drive on the right hand side of the road, and you must overtake on the left. You should carry your licence and passport at all times (failing to do so carries a fine), and children under ten must be seated in the back of the car.
Drivers in France are also required to carry a warning triangle and fluorescent vest to be used in the event of a breakdown.
The British Collection brings a touch of class to your journey. Relax in a comfortable Land Rover while travelling cross-country, or enjoy the freedom of cruising through the city streets in an ultimately British Jaguar.
Available at Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Marble Arch and Manchester Airport. Book now.
Bordeaux is a city with many faces. The magnificent architecture has meant the city has become a UNESCO world heritage site, while the contemporary buildings mean it’s a modern city with plenty to offer visitors.
Bordeaux is known as the wine capital of the world. As such, it would almost be a travesty not to visit one of the regions many beautiful vineyards. Park up your hire car for the evening if you’re planning on sampling any produce from the vineyards.
The town of Saint-Emilion lies around 40 minutes away from Bordeaux city centre by car. It is surrounded by 5,500 hectares of vines and is home to some of the most recognisable chateaux in the world, including Château Beau-Séjour Bécot and Château Haut-Sarpe. These castles usually offer tours to members of the public and several offer both food and accommodation.
The town itself is also well worth a visit. Check out the underground church, as well as the hermitage where Emilion – the monk who gave the town its name – lived. Take a wander through the town’s streets, and discover the cloisters, wash houses and small squares, amongst many other treasures.
Bordeaux is a gastronomic treasure trove, with a plethora of bars and restaurants to cater for every culinary need. One popular pastime for visitors to Bordeaux is to embark of one of the city’s many gourmet tours. Companies such as Miam and Insol’eat offer incredible pedestrian tours of the city centre, where you can sample some of Bordeaux’s many edible delights.
If a tour doesn’t sound up your street, then why not just visit one of the city’s many restaurants, from purveyor of traditional fayre, Café Lavinal, to the more modern La Dame – an amazing restaurant on a boat docked in the harbour.
The Place de la Bourse is a public square on the banks of the Garonne. Its story begins back in the early part of the 18th century, when city intendant Claude Boucher instructed Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV's ‘First Architect’, to design and build the square, as well as the surrounding buildings. An architectural masterpiece, Place de la Bourse took an eye watering twenty years to complete.
You’ll want to bring your camera with you, as the square, the fountains, the three graces statue, and the two hotels - Hôtel des Fermes and Hôtel de la Bourse - are all remarkable sights. The statue of Louis XV on horseback, an original feature of Place de la Bourse, was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Car hire from Bordeaux airport will get you out and exploring the city and surrounding areas in no time. Whether it’s touring the vineyards and Chateaux of Saint Emilion, or eating in one of the city’s incredible restaurants, car rental from Hertz will get you where you want to be in this stunning French city.