Bordeaux, France: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Bordeaux, France? If you're planning to go to Bordeaux, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bordeaux, France

Based on the climate and weather in Bordeaux, France, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bordeaux, France

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bordeaux, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bordeaux, France by month

January

In January, Bordeaux can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bordeaux, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Bordeaux in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Bordeaux is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to find the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Bordeaux in April, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Bordeaux is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you pick the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Bordeaux is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you visit Bordeaux during July, you are likely to find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Bordeaux in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Bordeaux is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Bordeaux in October, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the right type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Bordeaux is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bordeaux, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Bordeaux during December, you may notice that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    France has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bordeaux. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you see the Musée des Beaux-Arts, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, located in the southwestern part of France, is known as the world capital of wine, but this city is much more than just vineyards and wineries. It is a charming, elegant and dynamic city that attracts tourists from all over the world. Full of history, architecture, and cultural attractions, Bordeaux is a destination worth exploring. In this article, we will discuss the top tourist attractions in Bordeaux, France.

1. The Cité du Vin - A modern museum dedicated to the world of wine. Here, visitors can learn about the history of wine, its production, trade, and cultural significance. The building is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the shape of the wineglass. Tourists can also take wine-tasting workshops and enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine on the rooftop terrace while admiring the panoramic view of the city.

2. Place de la Bourse - A landmark of Bordeaux, this square is a perfect representation of the 18th-century classical architecture. The most impressive part of the square is the Water Mirror, which acts as both a pool and a mirror reflecting the Palace of the Bourse. In summer, the water mirror provides a refreshing spot for tourists to cool down.

3. La Grosse Cloche - A medieval bell tower that was once part of the city's ramparts, this tower is now a museum dedicated to the history of the city. Visitors can climb up the 231 steps to the top of the tower to get a bird's eye view of the city.

4. Saint-Émilion - Located just a short drive from Bordeaux, this charming village is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its vineyards and wine production. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets and see the medieval architecture and Romanesque churches.

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts - This fine arts museum houses works by famous artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Renoir. Its collections range from ancient to modern art, and it is located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion.

6. Jardin Public - A vast public park in the heart of the city, the Jardin Public is home to a multitude of botanical species, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. It is a popular destination for joggers, walkers, and picnickers.

7. Basilique Saint-Michel - A stunning 14th-century gothic church located in the historic Saint-Michel district of Bordeaux. It has a remarkable tower that visitors can climb for a stunning view of the city.

8. La Victoire - A lively student neighborhood with an array of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is perfect for experiencing the laid-back culture of the city.

In conclusion, Bordeaux is an attractive French city to tourists, mainly because of its history, charming architecture, wine, gastronomy, and cultural diversity. With so many amazing attractions, there is something for everyone in Bordeaux. A visit to this city will undoubtedly leave visitors inspired and enchanted by its beauty and charm.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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