Hourly Private Driver in Bordeaux, on your schedule
A Guide to Booking an Hourly Chauffeur Service in Bordeaux: a dedicated chauffeur booked by the hour or by the day, who stays with you from one appointment to the next. Learn how the hourly rate works (starting at €55/hour, minimum 4 hours, mileage included in the quote), what it covers, and how it differs from a standard fixed-price transfer.
Key Points at a Glance
- Hourly chauffeur service means booking an hourly driver in Bordeaux rather than a single trip from point A to point B: the chauffeur and vehicle stay with you and wait between stops.
- It is also known as an on-call chauffeur service, a day-rate chauffeur or a chauffeured car on standby: the same concept of a dedicated vehicle reserved for a set period, not a set distance.
- The rate is hourly: €55/hour for an economy car, €65/hour for a sedan, €70/hour for a van, €80/hour for a Mercedes van, with a minimum of 4 hours and the mileage specified in the quote included.
- The price is fixed, known and confirmed in writing before departure: no meter, no call-out fee and no surprise extras; the night surcharge is included in the advertised rate.
- This option is ideal for back-to-back business meetings, a day of shopping, a wine tour through the vineyards, an event or an evening out.
- A dedicated chauffeur removes the hassle of parking, waiting for another car at each stop and watching the clock: you step out, return when ready, and your vehicle is waiting.
- The difference from a fixed-price transfer is clear: a transfer covers one journey, while an hourly chauffeur service charges for time with a vehicle that remains at your disposal.
- Choose from four vehicle classes, from the Eco estate car to the premium Mercedes Van, all with a professional chauffeur, insurance, fuel and tolls included.
Hourly Drivers in Bordeaux: What Is It All About?
At 9 a.m., an executive arrives at Saint-Jean Station for a packed day: three meetings in the city, a business lunch in Mérignac, a signing at a notary’s office in Pessac, then dinner in the Golden Triangle before the last train. Whether travelling by taxi or booking a chauffeured transfer for each leg, every stop means requesting another car, waiting, moving his files again and dealing with parking between meetings. With a chauffeur on call, one driver accompanies him throughout the day: he waits outside each address, keeps the luggage and laptop on board, adapts the route as plans change and sets off as soon as the meeting ends. The price is agreed in advance, by the hour, and does not depend on traffic or the number of stops. That is precisely what an hourly chauffeur provides: reserved time, not a single journey.
Hiring a driver by the hour in Bordeaux is the “à la carte” version of a chauffeur service: instead of booking a specific journey, you reserve a chauffeur and vehicle for a set period, either by the hour or by the day. This is the principle behind an on-call chauffeur service: the vehicle remains dedicated to your itinerary, waits between stops and leaves when you decide, without requiring another booking. It may also be described as a chauffeured car on standby, a private chauffeur for the day or a car with a driver by the hour. The principle is the same: you pay for reserved time, not distance. This guide explains how the hourly rate works, what it includes, when this option makes the most sense and how it differs from a simple fixed-price transfer.
"By the hour" does not mean "on the meter"
“Booking by the hour” does not mean “paying by the meter”. This is the most common misunderstanding, and it is worth clearing up at once. For an on-call service, the hourly rate is agreed and confirmed in writing before departure. You know the hourly price, the reserved duration and therefore the total before you even step aboard. This is entirely different from a taxi meter, where the final fare is only known on arrival and increases in traffic or at red lights. Here, the chauffeur can wait outside a meeting venue for an hour without the bill escalating: you are paying for reserved time, not distance travelled. You begin with a clear hourly rate and a minimum of four hours, then tailor the duration to your actual schedule rather than a fixed itinerary.
A regulated professional chauffeur service
An hourly chauffeur service remains a strictly regulated passenger transport activity, which provides important reassurance for clients. The chauffeur holds a professional chauffeur licence, issued by the prefecture after an examination and valid for five years. The company is listed on the national register for chauffeured transport operators, and the vehicle displays the required red sticker. The car must meet the legal specifications: less than seven years old, at least 4.50 metres long and rated at 84 kW or more. The operator must also provide a financial guarantee and professional liability insurance covering passengers. This framework is set out in the French Transport Code and the Grandguillaume Act of 2016. To understand how a chauffeur service works in France and what distinguishes it from a taxi, our guide What is a chauffeur service and how does it work? provides the background; this page focuses specifically on hourly bookings.
What exactly is an hourly chauffeur service?
An hourly chauffeur service means booking a driver and vehicle for a period of time, not for a single journey. In practice, you set a duration, such as half a day, a full day or an evening, and the chauffeur remains at your service throughout: driving you from one address to the next, waiting nearby during appointments, keeping your belongings on board and leaving as soon as you are ready. The number of stops does not matter, and the itinerary can change along the way without altering the billing model. This is the fundamental difference from a standard transfer, which covers a specific journey from point A to point B. Here, you are booking availability: a dedicated vehicle, one point of contact and the freedom to organise the day as you wish.
By the hour or by the day: two pricing structures, the same principle
Whether booked by the hour or by the day, the principle remains the same; only the reserved duration changes. The hourly option suits short, busy schedules, such as several business meetings in the morning, an afternoon of shopping or an evening in the city. A minimum of four hours applies, as shorter periods rarely justify keeping a chauffeur and vehicle exclusively on standby. The daily option is designed for longer itineraries: a full-day wine tour in the Médoc or Saint-Émilion, a day of business development visits across several towns in the metropolitan area, a film shoot or an event running from morning to night. In both cases, the vehicle is exclusively yours from start to finish, and the price is calculated according to the number of hours. You simply select the duration that fits your schedule.
What an hourly chauffeur service is not
This service is neither self-drive car rental nor a transfer package under another name. It is not self-drive car rental: you do not drive, as a professional chauffeur takes care of the journey, which makes all the difference on a wine tour or an evening out. Nor is it simply a fixed-price journey: a transfer takes you from one point to another and ends there, whereas an on-call chauffeur stays with you between stops. Finally, it is not a metered taxi: the price is not based on distance travelled or time spent in traffic, but agreed in advance on an hourly basis. The key distinction is that you reserve a dedicated chauffeur for a set period at a rate known before departure.
| Formula | What You're Booking | Billing | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | a dedicated chauffeur for a specific period of time | per hour (min. 4 hours), mileage as specified in the estimate included | days with stops along the way, waiting between appointments |
| Flat-Rate Transfer | a trip from point A to point B | flat rate per trip | airport, train station, one-time drop-off |
| Metered taxi | a chauffeur service | variable counter, known upon arrival | immediate travel without advance booking |
| Self-drive car rental | a vehicle you are driving | per day, fuel not included | full independence, longer rentals |
How does the hourly rate work?
An on-call chauffeur service is billed by the hour at a fixed rate confirmed in writing before departure. You choose a vehicle class and a duration, and the price is simply the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours reserved. Our rates start at €55/hour for an economy car, €65/hour for a sedan, €70/hour for a van, and €80/hour for a Mercedes van, with a minimum of four hours; the mileage specified in the quote is included. A half-day in a sedan therefore costs 4 × €65, or a fixed €260, regardless of the number of stops or traffic conditions. The price remains unchanged if a meeting overruns within the reserved time slot, and there are no call-out fees or arrival surcharges. If your schedule runs late, you simply extend the service by the hour.
The grid by product line, with no hidden terms
Our rate card is deliberately simple, with one line per vehicle class and no fine print. The Eco, at €55/hour, is a comfortable estate car for one or two people with light luggage; the Sedan (Mercedes C-Class), at €65 per hour, adds the finish and space appreciated by business clients; the Van Eco, at 70 €/h, carries a group of up to seven passengers and their luggage; the Mercedes Van, at €80/hour, is the premium group transport option, complete with leather seats. All rates have a minimum booking of four hours, and the mileage specified in the quote is included in the hourly price. For groups, our guide to chauffeur-driven vans in Bordeaux explains capacity and the legal framework, while our page on the price of a van with a driver compares hourly service with a fixed price per journey.
Why the four-hour minimum and quoted mileage apply
The four-hour minimum and the inclusion of mileage in the quote are based on a simple principle that’s best understood before you book. Reserving a driver and a vehicle for your exclusive use incurs a cost starting from the very first hour: for trips shorter than four hours, a flat-rate transfer is almost always more cost-effective, and we’re telling you this rather than trying to sell you an unnecessary service. For trips of half a day or longer, however, the hourly rate becomes the most economical and flexible option. The quote specifies the route and mileage included for your itinerary; any trips to distant locations are priced before confirmation, with no hidden surcharges after the trip.
| Product Line | Vehicle | Hourly rate | Minimum (4 hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | Comfortable station wagon, 1–4 passengers | 55 €/h | starting at €220 |
| Sedan | Mercedes C-Class, 1–3 passengers | 65 €/h | starting at €260 |
| Van | Eco Van, up to 7 passengers | 70 €/h | starting at €280 |
| Mercedes Van | Premium V-Class, 7-passenger | 80 €/h | starting at €320 |
| Mileage | as specified in the estimate | included | Long-distance itinerary priced before approval |
When should you hire a chauffeur on call?
This service solves a recurring problem: a day made up of several stops, with waiting time between them, which makes booking each journey separately both tedious and expensive. Whenever an itinerary involves multiple addresses, requires waiting on site or takes place where parking is difficult, keeping a dedicated chauffeur becomes simpler and often less expensive than booking another car at every stop. Four situations arise time and again in Bordeaux, and the benefit is clear in each one. The common thread is always the same: you step out, do what you need to do and return to the same vehicle. It has waited for you, your belongings have remained on board, and you have not had to search for parking, call another driver or watch for a new car to arrive. That saves time and reduces mental strain.
A series of business meetings
For back-to-back business meetings, an executive chauffeur preserves what matters most on a business trip: time and peace of mind. An executive or sales representative can travel from one client to the next, whether in the business district, Euratlantique, Mérignac or Pessac, without worrying about parking or arranging another car between meetings. The vehicle becomes a mobile office between stops: you can review files, make calls and keep your laptop and luggage safely on board. If a meeting runs half an hour over, the chauffeur waits; if the order of visits changes, the itinerary is adapted without renegotiating the price. For corporate clients, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan at €65/hour provides the expected level of comfort, while a fixed hourly rate makes the entire day and its expense report fully predictable. To organise recurring journeys, see our guide to the business chauffeur account.
Shopping in the Golden Triangle
For a day of shopping, a dedicated chauffeur handles the main drawbacks of visiting the city centre: finding parking and carrying your purchases. Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle, bounded by the Cours de l’Intendance, the Allées de Tourny and the Cours Georges-Clemenceau, brings together leading fashion houses, designer boutiques and the Place des Grands-Hommes in a largely pedestrianised area where parking is scarce and expensive. With a chauffeur on call, you can place bags in the car as you shop, move easily from one address to the next, then continue to lunch or a spa without searching for a parking space. The car waits nearby and collects you when you are ready. This option also works well when accompanying a loved one, giving a day out as a gift or organising a group outing, with bags and boxes kept dry in a dedicated boot rather than carried all day.
Wine Tour Through the Vineyards
For a full-day wine tour, the strongest reason to book a chauffeur is practical and legal, not commercial: no one drives after the tastings. In France, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l or higher is an offence; when a professional chauffeur is the sole driver, the entire group avoids that risk. A typical day includes visits to two or three châteaux in the Médoc or Saint-Émilion, with lunch on site. The vehicle waits at each estate while you visit and taste. You return with your cases safely stored in the boot, without worrying about driving or timetables. The van, at €70/hour, suits a group of up to seven people; the full-day itinerary, with stops planned in advance, is booked by the hour at a fixed price guaranteed before departure, with visits and breaks accommodated within the reserved time.
Events, Parties, and Group Outings
For an evening out or an event, a personal chauffeur takes care of the night’s main challenges: the journey home and parking. Whether you are attending dinner, an opera at the Grand-Théâtre, a concert, a wedding, a bachelor or bachelorette party or a corporate event, the group stays together in one vehicle. The chauffeur manages each drop-off and pickup, so no one has to drive or find a parking space. This is especially valuable at night, when a metered taxi’s per-kilometre rate rises, while the chauffeur service retains its fixed hourly rate, with the night surcharge already included. We plan the pickup time, stops and finish time, and the car waits between venues for as long as required. For events with guests arriving from farther afield, this arrangement avoids coordinating several cars or improvising a carpool at the end of the evening.
- Business meetings: client visits, roadshows and business development days; the vehicle serves as a mobile office between stops.
- Shopping: Golden Triangle, Rue Sainte-Catherine and Place des Grands-Hommes; store purchases in the car and forget about parking.
- Wine tours: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves or Arcachon Bay, with tastings and no need for anyone in the group to drive.
- Events and evenings out: weddings, opera, concerts, dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties; a round-trip service that takes the worry out of getting home late.
- Tailored sightseeing: a day exploring Bordeaux and the surrounding area at your own pace, with a chauffeur who knows the city.
- Personal assistance: medical appointments, administrative errands or accompanying a loved one with reduced mobility throughout the day, with waiting time at each stop.
Hourly Chauffeur Service or Fixed-Price Transfer: Which Should You Choose?
Neither option is inherently better; each suits a different type of journey. A fixed-price transfer covers one trip from point A to point B at an agreed fare. It is the ideal choice for a straightforward journey to the airport, station or hotel, with no waiting or intermediate stops. An hourly chauffeur service, by contrast, is time-based and works best when your day includes several stops, waiting at each address or an itinerary that may change. The decision comes down to one simple question: do you need the chauffeur to wait for you? If so, choose the hourly rate; if not, choose the fixed fare. For a one-off journey between cities, our guide to long-distance chauffeur service from Bordeaux explains why a fixed price is usually more suitable than an hourly rate.
When a per-trip plan is a smarter choice
A fixed-price transfer is the smarter choice when you need only one journey with no waiting. A one-way trip to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, an arrival at Saint-Jean Station or a hotel drop-off after a flight does not require a chauffeur to remain on standby. Paying by the hour would reserve a vehicle unnecessarily. A fixed fare, calculated from the actual journey and confirmed in writing, is therefore the most economical option. The price is known in advance, including tolls and luggage, with no four-hour minimum. The same applies to a one-off journey between two cities, where a distance-based fixed price makes more sense than an hourly rate. In short, if you have one destination, no waiting and no immediate return planned, choose a fixed-price chauffeured transfer.
When the hourly rate pays off
The hourly rate is the best option whenever your day involves waiting or several stops in quick succession. Three business meetings in the morning, an afternoon of shopping, a wine tour or an evening at several venues would otherwise mean ordering a new ride at every stop, losing time and waiting for each car to arrive. A dedicated chauffeur removes all of that: he waits for you, looks after your belongings and sets off again when required. The hourly rate also remains fixed if traffic is heavy or a stop takes longer than expected. It is the only option that guarantees the return journey, even late at night, without an unexpected night surcharge. The rule of thumb is simple: if you would otherwise book two or more rides on the same day with waiting time between them, a dedicated chauffeur is almost always more economical and less stressful.
| Criterion | Chauffeur service (by the hour) | Transfer (flat rate) |
|---|---|---|
| What We Bill | available time | a route from A to B |
| Waiting on site | included: the chauffeur waits | not included |
| Number of stops | unlimited within the reserved time | one drop-off |
| Ideal for | business, shopping, wine tour, night out | airport, train station, one-time drop-off |
| Base Price | hourly, min. 4 hours; mileage specified in the quote included | flat rate based on distance |
| Guaranteed Return | Yes, including at night | must be reserved separately |
What is included in the price?
The hourly rate includes everything required for the service, with no additional charges at the end. It covers the vehicle and its professional chauffeur, fuel, insurance, any tolls, the mileage specified in the quote, waiting time between stops and the night surcharge already included in the quoted fare. No call-out fee is added to the chauffeur service. For taxis, the fare and any pickup fees depend on departmental regulations and must be disclosed before the ride, in accordance with the DGCCRF 2026 fact sheet on regulated fares. Nor are there baggage surcharges or hidden fees on arrival. The price confirmed in the quote is exactly what you pay, unless the reserved duration changes. This transparency is central to the service: before departure, you know what the day will cost, however it unfolds.
Options and possible extras
Some options must be requested when booking and, where applicable, are added to the basic hourly rate. A child seat or booster seat, required in France for children under ten, must be arranged in advance. Allow €15 per seat and request it when placing the booking, as it cannot be improvised on the day. Pet transport and a personalised welcome sign, useful for station or airport pickups, are also available at €15. Beyond the reserved time slot, any additional time is billed at the same hourly rate as the selected vehicle class, with no unpleasant surprises; the service is simply extended by the hour. Finally, for a day involving an unusual distance, such as a very extensive itinerary or a long round trip, a tailored fixed price is agreed in advance to keep the rate fair. Every item is clearly stated in the quote before departure.
Fixed price and flexible cancellation: our commitments
The advertised price is fixed, and our cancellation policy remains flexible. These are our two core commitments. The hourly rate confirmed in writing stays the same regardless of traffic, weather or time of day. The night surcharge (7 p.m.–6 a.m., weekends and public holidays) is already included in the listed price, so there are no surprise night-time extras, unlike a taxi whose per-kilometre rate increases at night. We charge no call-out fees within the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Cancellation is free up to 12 hours in advance, with no supporting documents required and no fee. For a fair comparison with a taxi meter, our page on the differences between taxis and chauffeur services explains how each model works. The key point here is simple: you know the total before you step aboard, and it does not change.
| Item | Included in the hourly rate | Optional / Separate |
|---|---|---|
| Driver, vehicle, fuel | yes | — |
| Insurance, tolls, and estimated mileage included in the quote | yes | — |
| Waiting time between stops | yes | — |
| Nighttime Surcharge (7:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m., weekends, and holidays) | included in the price | — |
| Call-out journey / call-out fees | €0 (never charged) | — |
| Child seat, pet, welcome sign | — | +15 € per option |
How do I book a driver by the hour in Bordeaux?
Booking a chauffeur in Bordeaux takes just a few minutes, and the principle is simple: everything is agreed in advance. You provide the date, pickup time, required duration, vehicle class and number of passengers, and we confirm a fixed hourly rate in writing, with no meter and no surprises on arrival. The more specific your itinerary, the more accurate the quote: share the approximate schedule, number of stops, neighbourhoods, estimated finish time and any options such as a child seat. You are not locked into a rigid route; the itinerary can be adjusted on the day, provided it remains within the reserved time slot. The following steps turn your plans into a confirmed executive car service with a price known before you step aboard.
- Describe your day: date, pickup time, estimated duration (at least 4 hours), neighbourhoods or stops, number of passengers and amount of luggage.
- Choose a vehicle class: economy car at €55/hour, sedan at €65/hour, van at €70/hour or Mercedes van at €80/hour, depending on your preferred comfort and group size.
- Add your options: child seat, pet transport or welcome sign (15 € each), to be specified when booking.
- Receive your written quote: a fixed hourly rate and total known in advance, confirmed within 30 minutes, with no call-out fee or hidden charges.
- Confirm the booking: you receive the chauffeur’s contact details and meeting point; cancellation remains free up to 12 hours before the journey.
- Enjoy the day: the chauffeur waits at each stop, keeps your belongings on board and adapts the itinerary to your pace.
Lead times, availability and extensions
Book as early as possible, especially during periods of high demand, because a dedicated chauffeur reserves a vehicle for the entire time slot. Availability is tighter during the high season from March to October, on wedding weekends, during major trade shows and on event nights. For a full-day service, it is best to book several days ahead; for a weekday half-day, a few hours may sometimes be sufficient, subject to availability. If your schedule overruns on the day, the extension is straightforward: each additional hour is charged at the same rate as the reserved vehicle class. Simply tell the chauffeur, and the fare is adjusted accordingly. If you finish early, the four-hour minimum remains the basis for billing. This clear framework, set out in the quote, avoids disagreement at the end of the day and gives everyone peace of mind.
How to book your day
Ready to plan your day? Request your hourly chauffeur quote online: specify the date, duration, vehicle class and itinerary, and receive a fixed hourly rate guaranteed in writing within 30 minutes, with no obligation. Rates start at €55/hour for an Eco vehicle, €65/hour for a Sedan, €70/hour for a Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, with a minimum of four hours; the mileage estimated in the quote is included. Whether you need transport for business meetings, a day of shopping, a wine tour or an evening out, a professional chauffeur remains at your service from start to finish. Still considering a simple transfer? Review the comparison above or explore our full range of chauffeur services in Bordeaux. We would rather guide you to the right option than sell you hours you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an on-call chauffeur service mean?
An on-call chauffeur service means reserving a driver and vehicle for a set period, by the hour or by the day, rather than for a single journey. The chauffeur is dedicated to your itinerary: he drives you from one address to the next, waits nearby during appointments, keeps your belongings on board and leaves when you decide. You pay for reserved time, not distance travelled. This is ideal for a day with several stops and waiting time between them, whereas a fixed-price transfer covers a single drop-off.
How much does a driver cost per hour in Bordeaux?
Our hourly chauffeur rate starts at €55/hour for the Eco model, €65/hour for the Sedan (Mercedes C-Class), €70/hour for a van and €80/hour for a premium Mercedes van, with a minimum of four hours and the mileage specified in the quote included. A half-day in a sedan therefore costs 4 × €65, or a fixed €260. The price is guaranteed in writing before departure: it does not change with traffic or the number of stops, and the night surcharge is already included. There are no call-out fees or baggage surcharges.
Why a minimum of 4 hours?
Reserving a chauffeur and vehicle exclusively for your use incurs a cost from the first hour. For bookings under four hours, a fixed-price transfer is almost always more economical, and we are happy to recommend it instead of selling you an unnecessary hourly service. From half a day onwards, the hourly rate becomes the most flexible and cost-effective option: the chauffeur waits between stops, the itinerary can change and the rate remains fixed. The four-hour minimum is therefore the point at which an on-call service truly makes sense.
How many kilometers are included in the hourly rate?
The quote specifies the scope and mileage included in your program; any long-distance trips are priced before approval, with no additional charges discovered after the trip.
What is the difference between an hourly chauffeur service and a fixed-price transfer?
A fixed-price transfer covers one journey from point A to point B at an agreed fare. It is ideal for a one-way drop-off at the airport, station or hotel, with no waiting. An on-call service, by contrast, is charged by the hour: the chauffeur stays with you and waits between stops. The rule is simple: do you need the chauffeur to wait? If so, choose the hourly rate; if not, the fixed fare is sufficient. For a day with several appointments, the hourly rate is more flexible and often less expensive than booking several separate journeys.
Can we book a driver for the day for a wine tour?
Yes, this is one of the most common uses of an on-call chauffeur service. The chauffeur stays with the group all day, and the vehicle waits at the châteaux in the Médoc, Saint-Émilion or Graves during visits and tastings. The advantage is both legal and practical: no one drives after tasting wine, as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l or higher is an offence. Allow €70 per hour for a van carrying a group of up to seven people; the itinerary and stops are agreed when booking, with a fixed price confirmed in writing.
Does the driver really wait on site between appointments?
Yes, that is the purpose of the service: waiting time is included in the hourly rate. The chauffeur waits near each address while you attend a meeting, shop or dine, then sets off as soon as you are ready. Your luggage, files or purchases remain safely on board. If an appointment overruns by a few minutes, there is no problem: you booked a time slot, not a distance. This is exactly what distinguishes an on-call chauffeur from a standard transfer, where every new stop requires another booking and another wait.
Are the rates higher at night or on weekends?
No. The advertised hourly rate is fixed and already includes the night surcharge. Our listed price includes the surcharge applicable at night (7 p.m.–6 a.m.), on weekends and on public holidays, so there are no unexpected night-time extras. This differs from a taxi, whose per-kilometre rate increases at night. An evening that ends late costs no more per hour than an afternoon outing. This is a genuine advantage of an on-call chauffeur for evenings, weddings and events: you know the total in advance, even when returning in the early morning.
Can we extend the booking for the same day?
Yes, extending the service is simple. If your schedule runs beyond the reserved time slot, tell the chauffeur and each additional hour is billed at the same rate as the vehicle class selected, with no unpleasant surprises. If you finish early, the four-hour minimum remains the basis for billing. These terms appear in the quote before departure, which prevents disputes at the end of the day. You retain flexibility: booking an estimated duration does not lock you in; it simply provides the starting point for the calculation.
Which car should you choose for an hourly chauffeur service?
It depends on the number of passengers and the level of comfort required. The Eco (€55/hour) is a comfortable estate car for one or two people; the Mercedes C-Class Sedan (€65/hour) adds the finish appreciated by business clients; the Van (€70/hour) accommodates a group of up to seven passengers with their luggage; and the Mercedes Van (€80/hour) is the premium version, complete with leather seats. The Sedan is the most common choice for business meetings, while the Van is ideal for a wine tour or group outing. All rates have a minimum of four hours, and the estimated mileage is included in the quote.
Are there any booking fees or hidden charges?
No call-out fee is added to the chauffeur service: the quote includes the vehicle, chauffeur, fuel, insurance, tolls, estimated mileage and waiting time. For taxis, the fare and any pickup fees depend on departmental regulations and must be disclosed before the ride, according to the DGCCRF 2026. Any chauffeur service options requested when booking are listed separately.
Can we get a child seat for the rental?
Yes, provided you request it when booking. A child seat or booster must be arranged in advance and cannot be improvised on the day. In France, children under the age of ten must travel in an approved restraint suited to their height and weight; failure to comply may result in a fine of €135 and penalty points on the driver’s licence. Allow €15 per seat. Please state the children’s ages when booking so that the correct equipment is ready on board at pickup.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
The sooner, the better, since a dedicated driver ties up a vehicle for the entire duration of the time slot. Availability is limited during peak season (March through October), on wedding weekends, during major trade shows, and on event nights. For a full-day booking, it’s best to plan several days in advance; for a half-day booking on a weekday, a few hours may sometimes be enough. You’ll receive a fixed quote confirmed in writing within 30 minutes, and the reservation is not finalized until you approve the quote. Cancellation is free of charge up to 12 hours before pickup.
Further Reading
- Book your day: request an hourly chauffeur quote; a fixed hourly rate guaranteed in writing within 30 minutes
- All our services: discover our chauffeur services in Bordeaux and the Gironde region
- Compare rates: our guide to affordable chauffeur service in Bordeaux, with 2026 prices and vehicle classes
- The alternative to a taxi: fixed price versus metered fare; see our page on the alternative to taxis in Bordeaux
- Where can we take you?: view all our destinations from Bordeaux
Sources and References
- Service-Public: becoming a professional chauffeur (form F31027); professional chauffeur licence (5 years), REVTC registration (€170), red sticker, €1,500 financial guarantee and professional liability insurance
- Légifrance: Order of March 26, 2015 (specifications for chauffeured transport vehicles); 4 doors, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 1.70 m, ≥ 84 kW; age limit reduced to less than 7 years
- Légifrance: French Transport Code, Article L3122-1 (chauffeured transport rules); rules revised by Grandguillaume Act No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016
- Service-Public: taxi fares in 2026 (A15396); metered taxi: initial fare, per-kilometre day/night rate and hourly waiting rate; final fare known on arrival
- French Road Safety: drink-driving; offence at a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l (0.25 mg/l in exhaled air), relevant to wine tours
- French Road Safety: transporting a child by car; approved child restraint required up to age 10 (fine: €135)
Article updated on July 21, 2026.
Your Chauffeur on Call in Bordeaux
A dedicated chauffeur by the hour or by the day for back-to-back business meetings, shopping in the Golden Triangle, a wine tour through the vineyards, an evening out or an event. The vehicle stays with you between stops; the fixed hourly rate is guaranteed in writing from €55/hour, with a minimum of 4 hours. Mileage is included in the quote, which is confirmed within 30 minutes.
