Bordeaux old town: walking tour, bike tour or little train?
4 min read
The answer first
For most first visits, take the guided walk. The Bordeaux guided walking tour is run by the Bordeaux tourist office, lasts between 105 minutes and 2 hours, costs €14.50 and is rated 4.4/5 from 1,153 reviews. The bike tour covers more ground, and the little train is the easiest option for anyone who cannot walk far.
Walking tour
You meet your guide at the tourist office, 12 Cours du 30 Juillet. According to the page, the route runs from the Place des Quinconces to the Grand Théâtre, the narrow streets of Saint-Pierre and the reflecting pool at the Place de la Bourse. Note the language rule: the morning tour is bilingual French and English, while the afternoon tour, only on Saturdays, is in French only. Arrive 10 minutes early with your e-ticket; luggage and large bags are not allowed. Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance.
Little electric train
The little electric train tour takes 45 minutes, costs €14 and is rated 4.3/5 from 905 reviews. It leaves next to the tourist office on Allées de Tourny. Commentary comes in 8 languages, the page calls it suitable for families and people of all ages, and it is marked wheelchair accessible. Food and drinks are not allowed on board. One reviewer wished the train would slow down at each sight and called it a fine way to see the old town if walking is hard for you.
Bike tour
The old town and Chartrons bike tour lasts 3 hours and costs €36, rated 4.8/5 from 810 reviews. It starts at 16 Rue du Jardin Public. The page describes about 13 flat kilometres on city streets alongside traffic, from the Roman Palais Gallien to the cathedral and the Grosse Cloche, with a canelé tasting, a break at Darwin on the right bank and a ride back over the Chaban-Delmas bridge. Groups have at most 12 guests per guide, helmets are included, and you can choose a classic bike or an e-bike. Several groups are excluded: children under 12, pregnant women, people who cannot ride a bike, wheelchair users, people under 150 cm or over 118 kg, and people with a low level of fitness. Teenagers should check that height. Light rain does not stop the tour; heavy rain cancels it.
Which one
- Most first visits: the walking tour, with a guide from the tourist office.
- Short on time, limited mobility or small children: the little train, 45 minutes seated. If the weather turns, see our rainy-day guide.
- Fit visitors aged 12 and over who want the right bank too: the bike tour.
It suits less well anyone who wants to learn about wine. For that, visit the Cité du Vin. To see the riverfront from the water instead, compare the Garonne cruises.
Side by side
| Tour | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Guided walking tour | 105 minutes – 2 hours | €14.50 |
| Little electric train | 45 minutes | €14 |
| Old town and Chartrons bike tour | 3 hours | €36 |
Our recommendation
Start with the guided walking tour, then decide whether you need more. All guided walks are on our page for Bordeaux walking tours.
