CAR HIRE BORDEAUX AIRPORT (BOD)

It might be the centre of the famed winemaking region, but Bordeaux has so much more to offer those looking for a journey packed with cultural wonder. From Gothic cathedrals and contemporary art museums, to beautiful boulevards and pristine public gardens, the port city boasts many unforgettable sights – within and beyond its borders.

Choosing a rental car at Bordeaux Merignac Airport (BOD) gives you greater flexibility whether you are visiting on business, on a short break or longer holiday and planning a drive through the west of France. The airport is close to the A630 motorway (the city's ring road, also known as the Rocade) and in your Avis hire car you can easily get to the A10 which connects to Paris and the A62 to Toulouse.

Our Avis Bordeaux Airport rental branch offers a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection service. Our friendly team are ready with local advice on your onward drive, including the best routes to plan your Bordeaux road trip.

Book direct with Avis for flexible, free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled arrival to rent a car at Bordeaux Airport.

How do I collect my hire car at Bordeaux airport?

When you land at Bordeaux Airport, head from the arrivals hall to our desk. One of our members of staff will process your booking, and then you may proceed to collect your vehicle at the Car Rental Centre.

Can I return a rental car to the airport?

If you've rented a car from the train station or a different Avis hub but wish to return it at Bordeaux Airport, then you must arrange your return prior to the commencement of your rental agreement. If you return your car to Bordeaux Airport without specifying in your rental contract, a fee will apply.

What is the city most famous for?

Bordeaux is the heart of France’s winemaking industry, and there are countless vineyards in the city and its surrounding regions. The pleasant climate and fertile soil allows grapes to grow easily, and they’re used to make prestigious wine that’s popular all over the world. Fine dining is another key part of Bordelaise culture.

In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Unique Country Driving Laws

• In built-up areas give way to traffic coming from the right “priorité a droite”
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• Traffic on a roundabout has right of way

Speed Limits

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 31 mph (50 km/h)
• Motorways: 80 mph (130 km/h)
• Rural areas: 50 mph (80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h)

Please be aware of changing speeds indicated by road signs and change of speed due to weather conditions (130 km/h is reduced to 110 km/h)

Child Safety / Seatbelt Laws

It is compulsory for all to wear a seatbelt inside the vehicle. Children under 10 must be seated in a child seat.

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

After you’ve landed and picked up your hire car in Bordeaux from our conveniently-located airport hub, it’s time to explore this iconic city. Its celebrated winemaking legacy makes it a quintessential French destination, and you should take the time to tour as many local vineyards and wine cellars as possible. Restaurants and cafes are also top notch, and the town’s history extends far beyond gastronomic pleasures – it can boast lavish 18th century architecture downtown, as well as some buildings that date back as far as Roman times. There’s also the stunning harbour, Port de La Lune (Port of the Moon), which has been a global trading hub for over 800 years.

Bordeaux offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, making it a cosy winter destination for all. Here are five ways you can enjoy the French city during the colder months. 

Get involved with the festivities 

Bordeaux goes all out for the festive season, with unmissable activities. One highlight is the Marché de Noël on Place des Quinconces. This Christmas market features wooden chalets full of artisanal gifts, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. You can also walk through giant glowing lantern sculptures and fairytale light displays at Parc Bordelais. 

Enjoy a range of local winter delicacies 

From oysters to raclette, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing hearty winter dishes. Bordeaux is home to many food hotspots, including covered markets where you can eat, drink, and shop without facing the inclement weather. 

Embrace your cultural side 

Experience culture everywhere you turn in Bordeaux. Enjoy a winter opera, ballet, or classical concert at the Grand Théâtre, or learn about wine history at La Cité du Vin museum. If art is more your thing, Bassins des Lumières is a former U-boat bunker that hosts large digital art projections reflected on the water. 

Book a spa break 

Plenty of spas in and around Bordeaux are great for relaxing while sheltering from the cold weather. Slow down and treat yourself to a massage, relax in a hot tub, or find your zen in a wellness class. 

Go skiing in the Pyrenees 

If you fancy driving a little further afield, you'll find a series of ski resorts about 3 to 4 hours away. Stations including Gourette and La Pierre Saint-Martin are great for skiing and snowboarding. It's also still worth the trip if you simply want to enjoy the stunning snowy landscapes.

Just outside the city limits, you have the vast region of Nouvelle Aquitaine to check out. The famous Bordeaux winemaking region extends well into the surrounding hillsides and valleys, with over 10,000 estates over 287,000 acres, and you’ll find some gorgeous rustic villages dotted across the fertile mountainous landscape.

With our convenient Bordeaux car hire available at the airport (or the city’s central railway station), you’re also under 2 hours’ drive away from the unique Basque region, which is located in the Pyrenees close to the border with Spain. This area can also boast some of the finest beaches and ports that the Atlantic coast has to offer.