Is Bordeaux safe? The Essential Safety Travel Guide [year]
Last updated on April 13th, 2024 at 09:06 am
Wondering if Bordeaux is a safe place to visit?
If you’re travelling to Bordeaux for a vacation and want to know more about the city, you’re in the right place.
I live not far from Bordeaux and have spent a lot of time there, so you’re in good hands.
By the end of this article, you’ll no longer be wondering if Bordeaux is safe.
You’ll know everything there is to know about staying in Bordeaux and the safest areas to spend your time.
After all, Bordeaux is one of the most popular cities in France after Paris, Nice, Provence and Lyon.
It’s safe and easy to get around and has an abundance of fantastic day trips to choose from. It is, after all, the city of wine.
Ready to dive in? Let’s start with the biggest question, is Bordeaux safe?
Is Bordeaux safe as a city?
For a major city in France, Bordeaux is ranked highly for safety and has a very low crime rate.
However, in the same way, as you would in any city, you need to be wary of pickpockets.
Keep an eye on your valuables, and don’t leave your luggage unattended, all pretty standard stuff really.
Is Bordeaux safe at night?
If you stick to well-lit areas within the city centre, then Bordeaux is safe at night. The public transport system is good, and there are trams running till quite late, making it easy to get around safely.
Having said that, always remember that when alcohol comes into things, then the level of safety at night goes down.
So avoid accepting drinks from people you don’t know and get a cab back to your hotel or wherever you’re staying rather than walking.
Is Bordeaux safe for solo travellers?
Whenever I’ve spent time in Bordeaux on my own I’ve always felt safe. As I mentioned earlier, the public transport system is excellent and very safe to travel on by yourself.
Everything you’ll want to see in the city centre is within easy walking distance, and people are friendly and helpful.
Remember though the same sensible safety precautions apply in Bordeaux as in any other big city when travelling on your own.
? TOP 3 SAFETY TRAVEL ITEMS ?
As someone who has travelled solo quite a bit, there are a few things I won’t travel without when I’m on my own.
? Birdie Personal Safety Alarm for Women – with a loud siren style alarm and a flashing light in a range of colours it’s a great little gadget to help you feel safe at night.
? Packsafe Travel Bag – this ‘portable safe’ backpack comes in a variety of sizes and is the best way to travel with your valuables.
⚠️ European Travel Kit – in France, you MUST have these items in your car when you travel in case of a breakdown.
Places to avoid in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a bourgeois city full of life and hustle and bustle, but it still has areas you might want to avoid as a traveller.
Better to be safe than sorry, so my advice would be to avoid the neighbourhoods of Les Aubiers, Grand Parc, and Le quartier Chantecrit.
Is Bordeaux safer than Paris?
Paris, as the capital city of France, is like any other capital city, big. This means there are a larger number of less salubrious areas in Paris and a lot more people.
For example, Paris has 20 universities compared to just one in Bordeaux. So at certain times of the year, Paris will have many more people due to the number of students studying in the capital.
According to the Numbeo Ranking, which ranks cities based on internet user feedback, Paris has a safety index rating of 42.9 versus Bordeaux which is 52.1, making Bordeaux safer in the eyes of the public.
Safety tips for travelling in Bordeaux
The biggest safety tip I can give you is to simply be aware and sensible. Make sure you lock your car and don’t leave your valuables on show.
Use the paid underground car parks rather than the unpaid ones as they tend to be safer.
And don’t go into large empty public parks at night.
Keep your purse or wallet close so it isn’t easy to pickpocket. If you’re carrying a handbag, make sure it’s zipped up rather than open and keep it close to your body.
Simple things like this will keep you safe.
Useful phrases for staying safe in Bordeaux
Excuse me, please – Excusez-moi, s’il vous plaît
Help! – À l’aide !
Please go away! – Laissez-moi tranquille!
Let go! – Lâchez-moi!
Stop! Thief! – Arrêtez! Au voleur!
Call the police! – Appelez la police!
Get a doctor! – Appelez un médecin!
Where is the tourist information office? – Où se trouve l’office du tourisme?
I don’t speak French – Je ne parle pas français
I don’t understand – Je ne comprends pas
Can you tell me – Vous pouvez me dire
Where is the town centre? – Où se trouve le centre-ville?
Where is the train station? – Où se trouve la gare?
How do I get to…? – Pour aller à…?
I’m looking for… – Je cherche…
I’m lost – Je suis perdu/perdue
How far is the market? – À quelle distance se trouve le marché?
Can I park here? – Je peux me garer ici?
Where can I buy a ticket? – Où peut-on acheter des billets?
How much is a ticket to…? – Combien coûte un billet pour…?
I’d like to book a table… – Je voudrais réserver une table…
The safest places to stay in Bordeaux
⭐️ MY TOP PICK ⭐️
Bordeaux City Centre – Hôtel de Tourny
Being in the city centre is a safe place to be and it’s also within easy walking distance of all the major attractions. It’s within what’s known as the Golden Triangle.
Hôtel de Tourny is a boutique hotel oozing charm and set in an 18th-century building. I’d highly recommend it.
NO 2 PICK – Chartron District – Hotel Mercure Bordeaux Cite Mondiale
The Mecure Bordeaux is sat right in the heart of the Chartron district, you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river and finish the day with a cocktail on the rooftop bar.
NO 3 PICK – Jardin Public – Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa
Villas Foch is a five-star all the way combining luxury with elegance. The grand staircase will make you feel like you’re in the movies. And, of course, you’re still in downtown Bordeaux.
NO 4 PICK – Saint-Seurin – Yndo Hotel
Yndo Hotel is another luxury five-star hotel, but with a wonderfully contemporary design, which is so different from the more traditional style of French hotels. The building is an old converted private 19th-century mansion.
How to get around in Bordeaux
Once you’re in Bordeaux itself getting around is pretty easy, but I highly recommend getting a Bordeaux City Pass.
Not only does it allow you unlimited access to public transport, and the tram system is great in Bordeaux, but you also have access to 15 museums and monuments, including City du Vin and Bassin des Lumières.
Public transport in Bordeaux is safe, clean and easy to use.
Getting from the airport to the centre of Bordeaux
The safest, quickest and easiest way to get from Bordeaux-Merignac Airport to Bordeaux city centre is by private airport shuttle
The trip from the airport to the city centre is only 13 km and takes about 25 minutes, so an airport shuttle or private car transfer is the safest and most economical option.
Is there Uber in Bordeaux?
Yes. Uber is available in Bordeaux and most of the major cities in France. However, you won’t find them in the smaller towns, and it can be a very expensive way of travelling.
Should I get Bordeaux Travel Insurance?
It’s always wise to get travel insurance as you just never know what’s going to happen. For peace of mind, it’s definitely worth it.
SAFETY WING – Travel Insurance US & Canada I use Safety Wing.
GLOBELINK – Travel Insurance UK and Europe I use Globelink.
Visiting Bordeaux: FAQS
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
It’s such a difficult question to answer because I honestly don’t think there is a bad time to visit this city.
If you love wine, then going between August and October is when the grape harvesting happens, so lots going on with plenty of wine tasting.
If you love a good market then any time of year will be good, especially in December with the Christmas market.
For visiting wineries and exploring the city on foot then April – November is good.
Is Bordeaux expensive?
For a major city, Bordeaux isn’t as expensive as places like Paris or Nice. However, some things are more expensive than in the more rural areas.
There are plenty of options for both accommodation and restaurants in Bordeaux that cover all budgets, it depends on what you’re after.
If you’re looking for a luxurious chateau stay in and around Bordeaux, then it will be more expensive compared to a more standard hotel.
What is the weather like in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux enjoys a good climate most of the year, with over 2,250 hours of sunshine. It can get very hot and humid in July and August, so make sure you have plenty of sunscreen.
How good is the wine in Bordeaux?
In one word – fabulous! The only way to find out more is to go on one of the many wine tours on offer in and near Bordeaux. There are six wine appellations in Bordeaux, so something for every pallet.
Are the restaurants good in Bordeaux?
Yes. Bordeaux is known as a foodie destination, and you are spoilt for choice. Every time I go to this city, I try a different restaurant to add to my repertoire.
Is Bordeaux worth visiting compared to Paris?
Absolutely. As a smaller city than Paris, there aren’t as many people, but there are still plenty of great attractions. And as a UNESCO world heritage site need I say more?
Final Thoughts: Is Bordeaux safe?
For a big city, Bordeaux is a safe place to enjoy a vacation and absolutely worth going to.
With a low crime rate compared to other major cities in Europe, and great public transport, you’ll feel safe provided you use common sense and general travel precautions.
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