Speed limits in Bordeaux are typically 50 km/h within the city limits, with lower limits of 30 km/h in the central areas to ensure pedestrian safety.

The speed limit on the A630 motorway (also called "Bordeaux rocade") is 90 km/h under normal conditions. This is a specific exception to France’s usual 110 km/h limit on motorways.

Autoroute A630, the Bordeaux rocade, also known as the bypass, is a motorway that circles the entire Bordeaux metropolitan area.

Quais (Riverside Quays), are a network of riverside quays along the Garonne River that flanks the western side of Bordeaux city centre. These scenic roads offer beautiful views of the river and historic architecture.

Autoroute 62 takes you to Toulouse and the walled city of Carcassonne.

Expect congestion on the A63 (west ring road), the N10 (north-south route), and the Quais (riverside quays) during peak hours.

There are three low-emission zones in Bordeaux, all vehicles require a valid French environmental sticker to enter these.

Peak hours: Traffic is heaviest in the mornings (7:30 am - 9:30 am) and evenings (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm).

With a car rental in Bordeaux, France, it will take you just over an hour to get to Arcachon, an idyllic seaside town famous for its oysters.

• Take the A63 west towards Arcachon.
• Then, merge onto the A660 and continue following signs for Arcachon.

For a more scenic, but slower route (1.5 hours) take Avenue F. Mitterrand then the D106, D5, and D650.

Bordeaux is more than a mecca for oenophiles, its architectural heritage has earned Bordeaux a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. Consider a car hire in Bordeaux to truly explore and appreciate this remarkable destination. Here are some attractions we would recommend:

• Place de la Bourse is Bordeaux’s most iconic, and widely photographed attraction. The main draw of this spectacular square is the Miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, where the grand structures surrounding the square cast a shimmering reflection in the water. The stunning visual effect is mesmerising, particularly when lit up at night. 
• Cité du Vin, located at 134 Quai de Bacalan (parking at 2 rue de Gironde), is an architectural marvel. The building is designed to look like a wine decanter and houses a museum that offers a multi-sensory journey through the world of wines. Head to the top floor for a wine-tasting session while taking in the panoramic views of Bordeaux.
• Among Bordeaux’s modern attractions is the Bassins des Lumières, the world's largest digital art centre. Housed within a transformed WWII submarine base, it showcases captivating, immersive digital art exhibitions of greats like Klee, Monet, and Klimt. Parking is available at the Indigo Parking Les Bassins.

• Hire a car in Bordeaux, France, and go on a wine-tasting tour through the world-renowned wine-growing regions of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac. Head to Chateau Pontet Canet, one of the largest wine estates in the country.

• Boat cruises on the river Garrone are a wonderful way to explore the surrounding area. Drift past what was once a major 18th-century port of Europe, enjoy panoramic views of Bordeaux’s historic architecture, and travel on to the Gironde estuary. Most cruises also include wine tasting and a meal.

• With your car rental in Bordeaux, venturing beyond the city is easy. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. Get to the top of the dune for incredible views of the Atlantic coastline. The more adventurous travellers can paraglide off the top of the dune.

• Stroll along the Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe's longest and fully pedestrianised shopping street, stretching over 1.2 km. International brands rub shoulders with bohemian outfitters along this shopper's paradise. Park your car rental in Bordeaux at the Porte de Bordeaux parking lot.

• Known as the “belly of Bordeaux,” Marché des Capucins, the city’s largest market started in 1749. Shop for Bordeaux specialties like custard-y canelés, fresh oysters, and other local produce. Leave your car rental in Bordeaux at the Parking des Capucins.

• For a suitably French tradition, browse through the flea market at the Quai des Salinières. Bargain hunt for antiques, trinkets, crockery, clothes, books, and even furniture.

Bordeaux is nicknamed the 'La Belle Endormie' or Sleeping Beauty, but there is nothing sleepy about this city in the south of France.

• Get yourself tickets to enjoy a performance by the Bordeaux National Opera, in The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. The building is an architectural masterpiece, built by Victor Louis in 1780. Park your car rental in Bordeaux at the Grand Théâtre parking lot, on 5 rue Guillaume Brochon, or at the Comédie parking lot.
• Sample some of the glorious wines this region is famous for at La Brasserie Bordelaise, on 50 Rue Saint- Rémi. Accompany the Bordeaux reds with a selection of charcuterie boards, home-cured hams, and succulent steaks.