Villas in Bordeaux

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a villa in Bordeaux?
• Villas in Bordeaux: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Bordeaux: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Bordeaux?

• Space and privacy: Bordeaux villas come with private pools, gardens and terraces, ideal for families, couples and groups.
• Where to stay: In the elegant city centre for culture, or amid the vineyards and countryside just outside.
• What guests love: World-famous wine, a UNESCO-listed centre, riverside squares and a private pool to return to.
• Where to eat: Superb south-west French cooking and, of course, exceptional local wine.
• Things to do: Admire the Place de la Bourse, tour the Cité du Vin, taste in the vineyards and stroll the old town.

Villas in Bordeaux blend French elegance with easy, sunny living, from contemporary homes with pools on the city's leafy fringes to characterful properties set among the surrounding vineyards. They range from romantic retreats for couples to spacious houses for a group, many with gardens, terraces and space for children to play. Whether you want to be close to the culture or out among the vines, there is a self-catering villa to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• A private swimming pool with a sunny terrace
• A garden or courtyard for outdoor dining
• Space and comfort for families and groups
• Wi-Fi, parking and a fully equipped kitchen
• Easy access to the city and the wine country

Wherever you base yourself, a vineyard, a square or a riverside café is rarely far away. Weighing up your options? You can also compare apartments in Bordeaux and B&Bs, browse all holiday lettings across Bordeaux, or look wider to the Dordogne, Biarritz and La Rochelle.

What are the best areas to stay in Bordeaux?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the city centre is best for culture, while the outskirts suit vineyards and calm. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking villas in Bordeaux through Holidu often highlight the comfort of a private pool after a day of sightseeing or wine tasting, the beauty of the UNESCO-listed centre and the ease of reaching both the city and the vineyards. Many mention the food, the wine and the elegant riverside squares, and return for the rare mix of world-class culture, gastronomy and relaxing countryside.

The elegant capital of south-west France's Gironde, Bordeaux is world-famous as a wine capital, but it is also a stunning city of grand 18th-century architecture, riverside squares and lively culture. Its UNESCO-listed centre, the "Port of the Moon", curves along the Garonne, from the mirror-like reflecting pool of the Place de la Bourse to the great Cité du Vin. Refined yet welcoming, and surrounded by legendary vineyards, it makes a superb base for a villa holiday.

🥗Where to eat in Bordeaux?

According to local reviews, La Tupina is one of the best rated restaurants in Bordeaux. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Marta and James recommend a traditional bouchon in the Saint-Pierre quarter: a cosy spot for entrecôte à la bordelaise and a glass of local red beneath the old stone arches.

1. Admire the Place de la Bourse
2. Tour the Cité du Vin
3. Taste in the vineyards
4. Wander the old town
5. Climb the Pey-Berland tower
6. Stroll the Garonne quays
7. Day-trip to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat

1. Admire the Place de la Bourse

   The magnificent Place de la Bourse is the emblem of Bordeaux, a sweep of elegant 18th-century façades facing the Garonne. In front lies the famous Miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, which mirrors the buildings and shrouds them in mist on the hour. Especially magical at dusk, it is the city's most photographed spot and a wonderful place to begin exploring.

2. Tour the Cité du Vin

   A striking modern landmark on the riverside, the Cité du Vin is a world-class museum dedicated to wine and its cultures. Its interactive exhibitions bring the story of viticulture to life across the ages and around the globe, ending with a tasting in the panoramic Belvédère high above the city. Fascinating for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it is a must for any visit to the wine capital.

3. Taste in the vineyards

   Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the world's most celebrated vineyards, from Saint-Émilion and the Médoc to Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes. Take a tour of a historic château, learn how the great wines are made and enjoy a tasting amid the vines. Many estates are a short drive from the city, making a day among the vineyards an unmissable and delicious highlight of a Bordeaux holiday.

4. Wander the old town

   Bordeaux's old town is a delight of narrow medieval lanes, hidden squares and lively cafés, centred on the Saint-Pierre quarter. Pass beneath the grand Porte Cailhau, browse the shops along the vast Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, and pause for a coffee on a sunlit terrace. Full of atmosphere and history, it is perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploring on foot.

5. Climb the Pey-Berland tower

   Beside the Gothic Saint-André Cathedral, the free-standing Pey-Berland tower rewards those who climb its spiral stair with sweeping views over the rooftops of Bordeaux. Admire the cathedral's soaring architecture below and pick out the city's landmarks and the winding Garonne beyond. It is a wonderful way to appreciate the scale and elegance of the UNESCO-listed centre from above.

6. Stroll the Garonne quays

   The revitalised quays of the Garonne are the city's favourite promenade, a long, leafy riverside stretch perfect for walking, cycling and people-watching. Enjoy the gardens, the weekend markets and the views across to the reflecting pool and grand façades. As the sun sets, the quays come alive with locals and visitors alike, making a relaxed and scenic way to end the day.

7. Day-trip to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat

   Less than an hour from the city, the seaside resort of Arcachon and the towering Dune du Pilat make a superb day out. Climb Europe's tallest sand dune for breathtaking views over the bay and forest, sample fresh oysters from the basin, and relax on the beach. A refreshing coastal contrast to the city and vineyards, it is a favourite escape for Bordeaux villa guests.