When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Bordeaux?
The peak season in Bordeaux is between June and August, so to avoid paying higher prices, try to avoid this time of year. You’ll most likely find the cheapest Bordeaux flights during the autumn and winter when the temperatures start to fall, and there are fewer tourists Be aware that although autumn may prove a cheap time to visit, this is the harvest period for the vineyards, so some will be closed to tourists.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Bordeaux?
Book your return flights a couple of months before departure if you’re looking for cheap flights to Bordeaux and want to secure your desired departure dates and times. However, there’s often a great deal to be had on last-minute flights if you can be more flexible. For the wine enthusiast, make sure to visit during June and spend the day enjoying the Fête de Printemps (Spring Festival) in the gorgeous town of Saint-Émilion. Located only an hour away from Bordeaux by car, this festival is a celebration of spring and wine, two of the country’s favourite things!
Flying to Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is an international airport in southwest France, just west of the city of Bordeaux. Handling over six million passengers annually, BOD is the sixth-busiest airport in the country.
It is extremely easy to find direct Bordeaux flights from the United Kingdom (UK) as there are several airlines that operate such routes. British Airways departs from London Gatwick as does easyJet, which also flies from London Luton, London Southend and Bristol all year. EasyJet also offers seasonal return flights from Glasgow, Belfast and Liverpool. Finally, Flybe flies seasonally from Birmingham and Southampton. If you wish to travel from other UK airports, then keep in mind that your journey will likely contain at least one connection.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
When you land at Bordeaux-Mérignac, you’ll enter one of three terminals at BOD: Terminal A, which handles mostly international flights, Terminal B, mainly used for flights between Bordeaux and Paris, or Terminal Billi, BOD’s terminal for low-cost airlines. All terminals are fully equipped with a selection of eateries, shops and the necessary financial facilities like ATMs and bureaus de change. Access to free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and the arrivals hall is home to several car hire companies for your onward travel needs.
Getting to the City from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Situated approximately 12 kilometres west of Bordeaux, there are a lot of transport methods to choose from to get to and from BOD. Car hires and taxis are available upon arrival and will get you to Bordeaux in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Also available to passengers is the 30 Direct, a shuttle bus that runs between Terminal B and the central train station in the city centre. In addition to the shuttle, there are local bus routes that run to Bordeaux via Mérignac. This journey takes longer, but it is the cheapest option for airport transportation.
Why Visit Bordeaux?
As one of the many gateways to wine in southern France, Bordeaux and the surrounding region are an ever-popular holiday destination for wine lovers around the world. Located in southwest France, the city is known worldwide for its wine, which is produced in the luscious countryside by thousands of vineyards.
Named a ‘City of Art and History’, Bordeaux features stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, some of which dates back to the eighteenth century. The historic part of Bordeaux is classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take the time to wander through the meandering streets; it’s a real treat for any passing traveller. Take in the grandeur of the Church of Notre-Dame before visiting the largest square in all of France, the Place des Quinconces. Grab some lunch and relax in Le Jardin Public, the city’s central park, and be sure to catch a glimpse of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, the longest vertical-lift bridge in Europe.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel. However, if you’re a non-EU national residing in the UK, you may need a visa depending on your country of origin. Bordeaux, France uses the euro (€) as its principal currency. This can be exchanged either in the UK or when you arrive, although it is likely you’ll get the best rates before you depart.
