Getting around Bordeaux

Public transport

Tbc (tel: +33 5 5757 8888; www.infotbc.com) runs an efficient network of buses that join up with three tram lines, connecting the city centre with the surrounding area of Bordeaux. The tram system also connects with car parks outside the centre, to avoid traffic jams and parking fares. A Tickarte (valid for one or seven days) allows unlimited travel on the network and access to the car parks outside the centre. The City Pass (one, two or three days) includes travel on buses and trams plus entry to more than 20 attractions.

Taxis

There are 24-hour taxi ranks at the railway station, on place Gambetta and in key locations all over Bordeaux, including the Grand Théâtre and the Hôtel de Ville. Reputable taxi companies in Bordeaux include Allo Taxis Girondins (tel: +33 5 5680 7037) and Aquitaine Taxi Radio (tel: +33 5 5686 8030).

Driving

If bringing your car to Bordeaux, it can be a good idea to take advantage of the car parks (parc-relais) next to outlying tram stations and then travel by tram into the city centre. Tbc has a list of car parks on its website (www.infotbc.com/le-reseau-tbc/parc-relais).

Car hire

The surroundings of Bordeaux, with some of the world's best vineyards, excellent beaches and gorgeous countryside, are perfect to explore by car. Car hire agencies with offices at the airport and/or the railway station include Avis (tel: +33 820 611 674; www.avis.fr), Europcar (tel: +33 825 004 246; www.europcar.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 5 5759 0595; www.hertz.fr).

If you'd rather not drive, Bordeaux Excursions (tel: +33 6 2488 2209; www.bordeaux-excursions.com) offers tours to two of the best-known vineyards in the area, Médoc and Saint-Emilion.

Bicycle hire

Bordeaux's bikeshare scheme is called VCub (tel: +33 9 6939 0303; www.vcub.fr). Bikes are available 24 hours a day from more than 160 stations across the city. You need to register in advance, then you can pay for access for 24 hours, seven days, a month or a year. The first 30 minutes are always free.

La Maison du Vélo, 69 cours Pasteur (tel: +33 5 5633 7375), rents out good bicycles for the day or longer.

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Featured Hotels

Hotel SeeKo'o

As trendy as its name suggests, and housed in a striking white building, this boutique hotel on Bordeaux's riverside offers 45 open-plan suites with swanky modern furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows give fantastic views of the river, and some rooms have round beds straight out of a 1960s film.

Hotel Yndo

This new addition to Bordeaux's roster of five-star hotels is a riot of innovative design – but done very discreetly so that comfort isn't sacrificed on the altar of style. It's in a classy 18th-century townhouse close to the Golden Triangle, and the courtyard garden is a tranquil place for breakfast.

Hotel de Tourny

There's a pleasing mix of traditional and modern in this stylish hotel, where streamlined rooms are enlivened by marble fireplaces and ornate gilt-framed mirrors. Housed in a handsome 18th-century townhouse, the hotel is in a prime location a few steps away from the Golden Triangle.

Hotel Continental

Set in an elegant 18th-century townhouse this classic hotel is in a pedestrianised street in the centre of Bordeaux. It offers a selection of spacious and comfortable rooms at good value for the location and the family room has its own terrace. Breakfast is included in the price.

Mama Shelter

Philippe Starck's budget hotels are packed full of style, and his Bordeaux outpost is no exception. Airy rooms include iMac TVs and free Wi-Fi, and the downstairs bar and restaurant are seriously funky. The star feature is the rooftop restaurant with great city views.

Le Boutique Hotel

You can't beat the location of this sophisticated hotel in an 18th-century townhouse just off the Golden Triangle. Individually designed rooms combine innovative decor with traditional touches. As a bonus, the hotel has one of the most sought-after wine bars in the city, with delicious tapas served in the courtyard garden.

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