About Car Hire at Bordeaux International Airport
Bordeaux is famous around the world for its spectacular wine produce. From the cheapest to the most expensive wines, you can find it all here. Of course, there are many reasons to visit Bordeaux, apart from wine. This town holds the record for the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. Moreover, it also contains the second-highest number of protected buildings in the country, one spot behind Paris. With pristine coastlines, pine forests, and sand dunes, Bordeaux also has plenty of natural beauty to offer its visitors. Undoubtedly, the best way to take in the delights of wine country is by a hired car.
The primary gateway to Bordeaux is the Bordeaux International Airport (BOD), which serves the town of Bordeaux and southwestern France. The town is located approximately 12 km (7.5 m) from the airport. The highest number of passengers carried through this airport was roughly 7.7 million in 2019. Over 20 major airlines use this airport. Some of them are Ryanair, British Airways, Air Algerie, KLM, Brussels Airlines, and Luxair. Flights to Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Budapest, Amsterdam, Algeria, and Dublin are among the most popular destinations people visit from Bordeaux.
Bordeaux International Airport comprises of two terminals. Terminal 1 is for international flights, and Terminal 2 is for domestic flights. Regardless of which terminal you arrive in, make your way to the terminal exit, where you will find the major car agencies just beside the car park. The biggest car hire companies in Bordeaux are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Enterprise, Loca Malin, Sixt and Hertz. Depending on your budget and needs, you can hire any vehicle ranging from small family cars, sports cars, luxury sedans and even luxury SUVs. Do note that most cars in France are available in stick-shift mode. Hence, if you cannot drive it and require an automatic, do reserve your car ahead of time to avoid any disappointments.
Downtown Car Hire in Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s public transportation system comprises of buses and trams, which can be quite reliable in and around the city to a limited extent. However, it does not reach every part of the country. Moreover, if you are visiting for an important meeting or a honeymoon, you do not want to depend on public transport and possibly get stuck. Do not worry if you do not hire your car at the airport. Hiring a car in the city may even save you some money. Besides, you might even have extra vehicle models to choose from as the airport’s parking space is usually very limited. If you are a group of two to four, a compact family car or a sedan will suffice. However, if you are carrying lots of luggage, it is best to hire a mid- or full-size SUV so that all of you and your belongings fit comfortably. The car hire companies will always have vehicles to bring you comfort and peace of mind.
Driving in Bordeaux
Driving out of Bordeaux on the back roads can be quite eventful and scenic, with plenty to see. Here are some driving tips to consider so that you can make the most out of your road trip without trouble from the law:
· In France, people drive on the right side of the road.
· Passengers in the front, as well as the back, must wear seatbelts. Children under 10 cannot sit in the front seats unless the rear has no seatbelts.
· You must carry your driving licence and vehicle documents with you at all times. If you are driving a hired car, do carry the rental agreement as well.
· Driving and talking on a mobile phone is a criminal offence. However, using a hands-free kit is permitted.
· Drink driving is a severe criminal offence that can lead to loss of license or even time in prison. The legal blood alcohol limit in France is 0.05%. If the police become doubtful, they may conduct saliva tests to check for drugs too.
· The speed limits in city areas range from 50–80 km/h.
· The speed limits on the highways have an upper limit of 110 km/h.
Car Hire Agencies in Bordeaux
There are many car hire companies in Bordeaux that have plenty of vehicle models to choose from, based on what you require them for. It can be for a group tour, a business trip, and maybe even a honeymoon! Avis, Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Enterprise, Loca Malin, Sixt, and Hertz are among the most reliable car hire companies in Bordeaux. The most popular car hire brands in Bordeaux are Peugeot, Renault, Citroen, Alpine, and Volkswagen.
Top Road Trips from Bordeaux
Road trips in your own vehicle are the best way to explore Bordeaux and nearby regions. From dreamy beaches to majestic castles and wine tastings, there is plenty to check out on a road trip. Here are destinations we recommend:
1. Drive to St. Emilion, which is located approximately 40 km from Bordeaux. This whole town is a highlight because of its wine produce and its 13th century buildings. Moreover, it has a very Romanesque city wall, and the majestic Eglise monolith, which is nothing less than a feast to admire. This monolith is special as it was carved from limestone in the 12th century, and it still stands tall today. Other activities to do in St. Emilion include horse riding or just walking around.
2. Located approximately 3 hours from Bordeaux is the pink town of Toulouse. With most of the buildings in this city made of red bricks, it even carries the nickname of ‘La Ville Rose’ or ‘Pink City’. Visit the Pont Neuf bridge for sunset, which is the oldest bridge of its kind today. If you are in Toulouse earlier, you may even have time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica St-Sernin de Toulouse. When you get hungry, go for a Cassoulet. It is the most popular dish in the region, prepared with white beans and meat.
