Weekend in Bordeaux
Where to stay and what to do in 48 hours?
Bordeaux is an easy city to get to know over a weekend. Much of the pleasure comes precisely from not needing to rush: you can go from Place de la Bourse to the little streets of Saint-Pierre, head up toward the Grand Théâtre, reach the riverbanks, and end the day at a good restaurant, all without turning the trip into a race against the clock.
The real choice is really between two ways of spending these two days: staying focused on Bordeaux, or setting aside half a day for the vineyards. This choice also affects where to stay. Appart'City has three addresses in the metropolitan area, each with a different logic: Bordeaux Centre for access to the tram and central districts, Chartrons for the northwest of the city, and Saint-Jean-d'Illac for the airport and trips west of the metro area.
Where to stay in Bordeaux?
Appart'City Classic Bordeaux Centre
In Bordeaux, the difference between the three Appart'City properties is easier to grasp than in Toulouse. One is designed to stay connected to the central districts, another for the Chartrons-Ravezies area, and the third for the airport and trips toward the west of the metropolitan area.
Appart'City Confort Bordeaux Chartrons
On Boulevard Godard, in the Ravezies area northwest of the city, this address suits those who prioritize the transport network over stepping straight out into the streets of Saint-Pierre. Breakfast, parking, and pets accepted are among the services offered, with end-of-stay cleaning included. A practical base for exploring the Chartrons district and northern Bordeaux at your own pace.
Appart'City Bordeaux Aéroport Saint-Jean-d'Illac
About 10 km from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, this property plays a different card: free parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, and family-friendly accommodations, for a stay that feels more like a holiday residence than a base in the city. The ideal address for arriving by plane, a road-trip weekend, or an extended getaway to the Bassin d'Arcachon and western Gironde.
Bordeaux in 48 hours: leave room for the unexpected
Two days are enough to see the essentials, provided you don't try to fit the Cité du Vin, the Bassins des Lumières, Saint-Émilion, Arcachon, and every museum in the center into the same trip. The best weekends are often the ones where you leave a bit of room for a terrace, a market, or a longer-than-planned stroll along the riverbanks.
Day 1 — Historic Bordeaux on foot and by tram
Start around Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'eau, then head into the Saint-Pierre district. This is the moment to walk without too rigid a route the little streets, squares, and façades are part of the experience. Then head up toward Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Grand Théâtre, and Saint-André Cathedral.
In the afternoon, choose one visit rather than two. The Musée d'Aquitaine works well if you want to understand the history of the city and the region; the Cité du Vin, further north, needs more time and deserves a genuine block of time in your day. End on the riverbanks or head back toward Saint-Michel and the Marché des Capucins for a more food-focused evening.
Day 2 — Bordeaux culture or a getaway to the vineyards
If you're staying in Bordeaux, the second day can take on a more contemporary tone with the Bassins des Lumières, Chartrons, or Darwin, followed by another walk along the Garonne. The Bordeaux CityPass can be worthwhile if your program includes several paid visits plus transport: the tourist office currently states that it includes, among other things, the Cité du Vin, the Bassins des Lumières, and unlimited transport for its period of validity.
If wine is part of the trip, it's better to dedicate the whole day or a large half-day to Saint-Émilion. Bordeaux's tourist office places the village at around 40 minutes from the city. Here too, it's best to choose: Saint-Émilion offers a genuine change of pace from the urban stay; trying to add the Bassin d'Arcachon on the same day would make the weekend unnecessarily packed.
Why choose an aparthotel for two or three nights in Bordeaux?
The appeal is mostly practical. An equipped kitchen lets you handle some meals without relying on restaurants morning, noon, and night; an apartment offers more flexibility when traveling with children or friends. On a short stay, this independence matters most at breakfast, for a quiet evening in, or when everyone isn't on the same schedule.
Services do vary by address, though. Breakfast, parking, housekeeping, or a pool shouldn't be assumed to be identical across the three properties. Choosing the aparthotel best suited to you comes down to weighing three criteria: location, apartment size, and genuinely useful services.
Frequently asked questions about a weekend in Bordeaux
Which Appart'City should I choose to visit Bordeaux?
For a stay centered on the city, Bordeaux Centre is the simplest thanks to nearby Tram A. Chartrons works well for the Ravezies area and the northwest of the central districts. Saint-Jean-d'Illac makes more sense for the airport, a stay with a car, or a getaway to western Gironde.
Do you need a car for a weekend in Bordeaux?
No, if you stay within Bordeaux: the center is easy to explore on foot and the tram serves the main areas. A car becomes mainly useful if you're staying at Saint-Jean-d'Illac or planning certain excursions outside the metropolitan area.
Can you visit Saint-Émilion during a two-day weekend?
Yes, but it needs to be the main focus of your second day. According to the tourist office, the village is located about 40 minutes from Bordeaux. To keep an enjoyable pace, it's best to avoid adding the Bassin d'Arcachon or several major visits on the same day.
How much does a weekend at Appart'City in Bordeaux cost?
There's no stable price valid year-round. Rates depend on dates, the property, the accommodation, and available offers. The only reliable information is the price shown for your exact travel dates at the time of booking.
Green Key Label