Private Driver in Bordeaux: at your service
The Complete Guide to Professional Chauffeur Services in Bordeaux: what a chauffeured car service includes, the experience of travelling with a dedicated, punctual, and discreet chauffeur, who it suits (business travellers, event guests, tourists, and airport passengers), our Eco, Sedan, and Van fleets, how the service compares with taxis, and our fixed rates starting at €50.
Key Points at a Glance
A private chauffeur service in Bordeaux is booked in advance, with a specific vehicle selected and a fixed price agreed before departure. It covers individual journeys, transfers, and hourly chauffeur service. The Eco, Sedan, and Van categories suit different passenger capacities; the quote confirms the vehicle, options, and final price.
- A personal chauffeur in Bordeaux provides a comfortable car driven by a dedicated professional, booked in advance to take you door to door at a fixed price guaranteed in writing.
- "Chauffeur", "car with driver", "chauffeur service", and "private transport" all refer to the same service: personalised travel without a meter, charged per journey or by the hour.
- The experience rests on three pillars: punctuality (the driver waits for you, never the other way round), discretion, and, upon request, the same driver from the beginning to the end of your stay.
- Who is it for? Business travellers, event guests (weddings and parties), tourists and wine-tour groups, passengers needing airport and train station transfers, and clients booking hourly chauffeur service.
- Three vehicle categories are available: Eco starting at €30, Mercedes C-Class Sedan starting at €50, and Van starting at €70 for groups and luggage.
- The price is known and confirmed in writing before departure: no meter, the nighttime surcharge is already included, there is no pickup fee in Bordeaux, and tolls and luggage are included.
- A chauffeured car differs from a taxi because it is booked in advance at a fixed fare, whereas a taxi uses a meter and the final price is known only upon arrival.
- A sedan journey starts at €50, while hourly chauffeur service costs €65/hour in a sedan (€55/hour in the Eco category), including the vehicle and driver, with a minimum booking of 4 hours.
Driver in Bordeaux: What Is It All About?
The private chauffeur arranges a door-to-door trip booked in advance: the schedule, address, vehicle, and price are all set before pickup. In Bordeaux, the terms “executive car service” and “car with driver” refer to the same professional service, whether for a specific trip or for hire for several hours.
You step off the TGV at Bordeaux Saint-Jean on a Tuesday morning, with a client meeting in less than an hour, and you do not want to wait for a taxi at the station or drag your suitcase to the tram. At the drop-off area, a black sedan is already waiting, with your name on a discreet sign. The suited chauffeur takes your luggage, opens the door, and already knows the address: it was entered when you booked, together with the price, which was fixed and confirmed in writing the day before. There is no running meter, no route to explain, and no need to fumble with a payment terminal. You review your notes while travelling through the city. That is precisely what a professional chauffeur service provides: a journey planned around you, so you can focus on what brings you to Bordeaux.
A dedicated chauffeur provides a vehicle and professional driving time to take you where you need to go, when you need to be there. In Bordeaux, the service has several names: personal chauffeur, private chauffeur service, car with a driver, executive car service, or private transport. The principle remains the same: a comfortable door-to-door service, booked in advance, with one dedicated professional for the journey. This guide explains what the service includes, what the day-to-day experience feels like, who it is designed for, which vehicle options are available, and how it compares with a traditional taxi. You will also find our rates, with no fine print, and clear steps for booking a chauffeur-driven car in just a few minutes.
Do “private chauffeur”, “chauffeur service”, and “car with a driver” refer to the same service?
These terms describe the same core service, so it is worth clarifying the terminology at the outset. The French regulatory term is “voiture de transport avec chauffeur”, or chauffeur-driven transport. “Professional chauffeur” and “car with a driver” are familiar customer-facing expressions that emphasise the personal service: one professional dedicated solely to you for the journey. “Dedicated chauffeur” and “private transport” convey the same idea. In every case, the service consists of a vehicle booked in advance, a fixed rate quoted before departure, and a registered, insured, and verifiable professional who takes you where you need to go. Whether you search for an executive car service or a car with a driver in Bordeaux, this guide covers the process from definition to booking.
What does this guide guarantee regarding service and prices?
This guide distinguishes genuine service from empty promises from the outset. A reputable personal chauffeur is neither a taxi in disguise nor an anonymous app: they are a licensed professional whose rate is set and stated clearly before you enter the car. We therefore publish honest starting rates, Eco from €30, Sedan from €50, and Van from €70, instead of claiming an undefined “unbeatable price”. We also specify what is included (fuel, tolls, insurance, and the nighttime surcharge) and what is not, because a fixed price only has value when nothing unexpected is added on arrival. When a figure depends on your exact route, we refer you to a written quote instead of offering false precision. Transparency comes before sales language.
What is a driver in Bordeaux?
A private chauffeur is a professional who provides pre-booked chauffeured transport. They collect a client at the agreed place and time in an insured vehicle that meets all regulatory requirements. The price for the journey or service period is provided before departure and then confirmed in writing with the service terms.
A professional chauffeur in Bordeaux takes you in a comfortable vehicle booked in advance, for either a specific route or a chosen duration, at a fixed price agreed before departure. Unlike a taxi, there is no meter and no uncertainty over the fare: the journey is booked by phone or online, and the price is guaranteed in writing. The chauffeur knows your pickup point, destination, and schedule; they wait at the specified address, handle your luggage, and drop you directly at the door. Under French law, they hold a professional chauffeur card issued by the prefecture and drive a compliant, insured, and inspected vehicle. In short, a personal chauffeur combines the comfort of a dedicated car with the reassurance of having a professional manage the route, parking, and payment.
What does "dedicated driver" mean?
The word “private” is meaningful: the vehicle and chauffeur are reserved exclusively for you throughout the journey. You do not share the car, there are no detours to collect other passengers, and the cabin is yours, whether you want to make a call, work, rest, or talk. This exclusivity distinguishes the service from shared transport and taxi queues. The schedule and route adapt to you, and the chauffeur tailors the experience to your preferences, whether you prefer silence or conversation, a particular cabin temperature, or music. For a business trip or personal outing, this direct relationship with one professional makes the difference between a simple ride and a tailored service. That is the essence of a private chauffeur.
Why do you need to book a private chauffeur service in advance?
Advance booking is the second defining feature of a private chauffeur service. Whereas a taxi can be hailed in the street or taken from a rank, a chauffeur-driven car is booked for a specific time, from a few minutes to several weeks in advance. This planning directly affects the price: it is calculated at booking based on the route or duration, then guaranteed in writing. The amount does not change if traffic becomes heavier, a red light causes a delay, or the journey takes a few extra minutes. You therefore know exactly what you will pay before boarding, making the travel budget predictable. This combination of a dedicated chauffeur, advance booking, and a fixed rate is what appeals first to business clients and organised travellers.
Who is a chauffeur service in Bordeaux for?
The service is ideal for business travelers, families, groups, tourists, and event planners who want to have someone else handle the driving. It is particularly well-suited for planned trips, such as transfers from train stations or airports, back-to-back appointments, evening events, weddings, wine tours, or day trips. The type of vehicle and duration can be selected based on the itinerary.
A professional chauffeur suits anyone who wants to travel without driving, parking, or facing unexpected costs. In Bordeaux, five customer profiles appear most often. Business clients value punctuality and a quiet place to work between appointments. Event organisers want an elegant arrival and a reliable late-night return. Tourists and wine enthusiasts want to explore the city and vineyards without taking the wheel. Travellers on a schedule need a dependable airport or train station transfer. Finally, clients with a busy itinerary book an hourly car service, with a chauffeur waiting between stops. In each case, entrusting the driving to a professional saves time, brings peace of mind, and can reduce the overall cost. Here is how the service works for each profile.
Why book a dedicated chauffeur for a business trip?
For business travel, a personal chauffeur is first and foremost a productivity tool. Between the airport and a client’s office, or from one meeting to the next, the rear seat becomes a mobile workspace: you can review documents, make calls, and prepare for a meeting while a professional handles traffic and parking. Punctuality is essential, so the chauffeur builds in the necessary time buffer and waits at the agreed time; discretion is equally important. On longer journeys between cities or to an industrial site in the region, a chauffeured car removes the fatigue of driving and the difficulty of parking. Our Guide to Long-Distance Chauffeur Services from Bordeaux explains these intercity journeys in detail. A single fixed-price invoice, with no meter, also simplifies expense claims, an important advantage for executive assistants and frequent travellers.
How does a chauffeur make an event or wedding run more smoothly?
For any event, a driver ensures a smooth arrival and a safe return. A wedding, a gala evening, a birthday dinner, an awards ceremony: these are all occasions when you want to step out of a beautiful car, right on time, without having to spend twenty minutes looking for a parking spot or worrying about getting behind the wheel after a glass of champagne. The chauffeur drops guests off at the door, waits as long as needed, and handles transportation between the ceremony venue, the reception, and the hotels. For the bride and groom, it means one less logistical headache and a perfect arrival photo; for the guests, it guarantees a stress-free ride home late at night. When an entire group of guests needs to be transported in a single vehicle, the sedan gives way to a van, specifically designed for groups and event shuttles, with a separate cargo area for luggage and outfits.
How much does it cost to hire a private chauffeur to tour Bordeaux and its vineyards?
For a holiday, a professional chauffeur turns touring into a relaxed experience. Exploring the Port de la Lune, the Chartrons district, the Cité du Vin, or spending a day in the vineyards requires no road map, rental car, or search for parking in protected villages. The chauffeur adapts the pace to your preferences, waits during visits, and takes you from one site to the next. This is particularly valuable for wine tourism: after tastings, no one in the group has to drive. From Saint-Émilion and the Médoc to Arcachon Bay, a chauffeured car opens up the entire region; our map of all destinations from Bordeaux lists the most popular routes. International visitors also benefit from one point of contact who knows the roads and access routes to the wineries.
| Profile | Primary Need | Chauffeur Service |
|---|---|---|
| Business Customers | punctuality, discretion, time well spent | mobile office, driver on standby, fixed-price invoice |
| Events and Weddings | an elegant arrival and a late-night return | door-to-door drop-off and pickup, with no parking worries |
| Tourism and Wine Tourism | Explore without driving | tailored tours, waiting during visits, safe travel after tastings |
| Airport/Train Station Transfer | reliability and adherence to the schedule | direct pickup, fixed price, no call-out fee |
| Hourly service | a driver for the whole day | vehicle and chauffeur waiting between each stop |
Two services cut across these profiles: transfers and hourly bookings. Airport or train station transfers are the most common request. Pickup is timed to your flight or train, the chauffeur tracks the actual arrival time and waits in the event of a delay, and the fixed price includes the approach journey. Our page on Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport transfers explains the process. An hourly booking reserves both chauffeur and vehicle for several hours or for the day. It is ideal for an itinerary with several stops, a film shoot, a property tour, or a day of meetings, with the car remaining nearby between appointments. In both cases, you pay for a service defined in advance rather than an uncertain distance, making the cost entirely transparent.
The chauffeur experience: discretion, punctuality, and continuity
The experience is based on observable commitments: arriving at the agreed-upon location, a clean vehicle, handling of luggage, smooth driving, communication tailored to the passenger, and confidentiality. For a long trip, you may request the same driver when making your reservation; whether this is possible depends on the confirmed schedule.
Three concrete qualities distinguish a personal chauffeur from an ordinary transport service: punctuality, discretion, and continuity. These words appear in many sales messages, but they refer to actions that can be verified on every journey. Punctuality means arriving early and allowing for traffic delays. Discretion means a polished appearance, a clean cabin, conversation adapted to your mood, and complete confidentiality about anything said or done on board. Continuity means being able to request the same chauffeur for successive journeys, so that they come to understand your habits. Together, these qualities turn a ride into a relationship built on trust. Here is what each commitment means in practice in Bordeaux.
How does the driver ensure punctuality?
Punctuality is a chauffeur’s first commitment and the easiest to verify. The chauffeur arrives early at the meeting point and waits for you, rather than the other way round. You enter the vehicle when you are ready, without a meter running. For an airport or train station transfer, the chauffeur tracks your flight or train and adjusts the pickup time after a delay, without requiring you to call. For a business meeting, they allow a safety margin and account for rush-hour congestion across Bordeaux Métropole. This reliability removes the stress of missing a flight, train, or appointment and is made possible by advance booking. A taxi hailed in the street cannot provide the same planning guarantee.
How is discretion practiced on board?
Discretion is the second hallmark of a chauffeur, and it lies in the details. It begins with a polished appearance, often a suit, a vehicle that is clean inside and out, and unobtrusive service. It continues in the chauffeur’s manner: they adapt conversation to your preferences, offering complete silence if you need to work or rest, or a courteous exchange if you would like to talk, without ever becoming intrusive. Finally, discretion means confidentiality: what is said or read on board remains private, which is essential for business clients making calls or reviewing documents during the journey. This is precisely what an executive, public figure, or anyone seeking to unwind after a long day expects. A good private chauffeur is recognised by the quality of the service, not by the noise they make.
Can we have the same driver for the entire trip?
Continuity is the third advantage and perhaps the most underrated. Whether you book a car for one day or for a stay lasting several days, you can request the same chauffeur from start to finish. There is no need to repeat your addresses, preferences, or itinerary for every journey. Over time, the chauffeur learns your habits, such as your preferred departure time, cabin temperature, and route, and can anticipate your needs. For regular clients, seeing a familiar face behind the wheel builds a relationship of trust that anonymous transport services cannot offer. It also creates clear accountability through one identifiable, reachable point of contact committed to every journey. This continuity can be requested when booking, subject to availability.
Our vehicle lines: Eco, Sedan, Van
The Eco lineup is suitable for groups of one to four people with little luggage. The Mercedes C-Class Sedan offers greater comfort for one to four people. The Van accommodates groups and their luggage. The exact capacity, the assigned vehicle, and the price are confirmed in the quote.
A chauffeur service offers a range of vehicles selected according to passenger numbers, luggage, and the desired level of comfort. At VTC Bordeaux, we provide three clear options. The Eco category covers everyday travel at an accessible price, starting at €30. The Sedan, a Mercedes C-Class, is our benchmark for refined finishes, generous legroom, and premium service for business clients and special occasions, starting at €50. The Van carries groups of up to seven passengers and their luggage, starting at €70. Every vehicle is driven by a professional chauffeur and comes with the same written fixed-price guarantee. For groups or bulky luggage, our Complete Guide to Chauffeured Vans explains this category in detail. Here, we focus on choosing between the three levels, from the most economical to the most spacious.
How do I choose between the Eco, Sedan, and Van?
Choosing the right vehicle comes down to three questions: how many people are travelling, how much luggage are you carrying, and what level of comfort do you want? For one to four people with light luggage and a controlled budget, the Eco category is more than sufficient: a clean car driven by a professional chauffeur at an accessible price. For a business trip, a refined transfer, or a special occasion, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan provides the space, quiet ride, and finish expected by discerning clients; it is our most popular option. Once the group exceeds four passengers or luggage becomes substantial, the Van is the natural choice, accommodating up to seven people and their bags in one vehicle with a separate boot. No category is “better” in absolute terms; the right one is the one that suits your journey. The table below summarises capacity and starting rates.
| Product Line | Passengers | Ideal for | Starting at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | 1 to 4 | Daily commutes, budget under control | 30 € per ride |
| Sedan (Mercedes C-Class) | 1 to 4 | business travel, refined transfers, special occasions | €50 per journey |
| Eco Van | up to 8 (upon request) | groups, families, bulky luggage | €70 per journey |
| Mercedes Van | 7 | premium groups, weddings, wine tours | €80 per journey |
| Hourly service | depending on the product line | multi-stop day (minimum 4 hours) | €55/hour (Eco) · €65/hour (sedan) |
In addition to one-way journeys, every vehicle category is available by the hour. The chauffeur and vehicle remain at your disposal, and you pay for the duration rather than the distance. Rates are €55/hour for an Eco car, €65/hour for a Sedan, €70/hour for a Van, and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, with a minimum booking of four hours. This is ideal for multi-stop days, including sightseeing, back-to-back appointments, and wine tours, when you want a car waiting between stops. Optional extras must be requested when booking, such as a child seat, pet transport, or a personalised welcome sign at the train station or airport, and cost €15 each. To compare journey costs by model and distance, see our detailed guide to chauffeur service prices, with figures for each vehicle category.
Personal chauffeur or taxi: What's the difference?
Taxis can be hailed immediately at a taxi stand or on the street and charge a regulated meter rate. Any fees charged before the ride begins are regulated at the departmental level and must be disclosed. Private chauffeur services require advance reservations and confirm the price before the trip. See the Official DGCCRF fact sheet.
The clearest difference between a chauffeur and a taxi is the way the price is set. A taxi uses a meter, so the final amount is not known until arrival, whereas a chauffeur quotes a fixed fare before departure. In practice, a taxi fare combines an initial charge, a per-kilometre rate that varies by time and day, and time spent in traffic; in Gironde, rates rise at night, on Sundays, and on public holidays. A private chauffeur calculates the full price when you book and does not change it afterwards. Taxis retain one genuine advantage: immediate pickup at a rank or in the street, with no reservation. Chauffeur services offer greater price predictability and booking comfort. Our comprehensive comparison of taxis and chauffeur services examines each point; the table below summarises the essentials.
| Criterion | Professional chauffeur (Chauffeur service) | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | fixed-rate package, agreed upon before departure | meter, known upon arrival |
| Reservation | in advance, route, or time | immediate, at a rank or in the street |
| Call-out fee | none in Bordeaux Métropole | any applicable fee is regulated by department and disclosed before the journey |
| Night/Sunday Surcharge | already included in the advertised price | Metered fare varies depending on the time of day, distance, traffic, and surcharges, ask for an approximate estimate before the ride |
| Payment | Paid in advance, clear invoice | on board, final amount varies |
Neither option is “best” in every situation; the right choice depends on your needs. If you need to leave immediately without a reservation from a well-served station, a taxi remains the most convenient option. If you want a price confirmed in advance, pickup at your address, a chosen vehicle, and a chauffeur waiting for you, a chauffeured car is more suitable. For transparency, we do not claim to be “always cheaper” than a taxi because meter fares vary with time, distance, and traffic. We do guarantee a fixed price, with no call-out fee and no unexpected nighttime charge. For a journey-by-journey comparison, see our page on the alternative to taxis in Bordeaux, which explains both models and the actual Gironde meter system.
How much does a dedicated chauffeur cost in Bordeaux?
The cost depends on the vehicle class, route, schedule, stops, and requested options. A city trip starts at €30 for an Eco, €50 for a Sedan, and €70 for a Van; a charter service starts at €55/hour, with a minimum of four hours. Only a written quote will confirm the total cost.
A personal chauffeur in Bordeaux is paid at a fixed rate, which is known and confirmed in writing before departure: this is the rule that governs our entire pricing structure. The price is calculated at the time of booking, based on the route or duration, and then guaranteed in writing; it does not change, regardless of traffic conditions. There are two options. The one-way trip, from one point to another, billed at a flat rate: this includes transfers to and from the airport, train station, or hotel, as well as trips within the city. The chauffeur service, where the driver stays with you by the hour or by the day: this is the option for tours, days spent attending appointments, and wine tourism. In both cases, the quoted price is what you pay, with no meter and no last-minute surcharges. All that remains is to find out the starting rates, by vehicle class, and what they actually include.
What are the starting rates for private chauffeur services in Bordeaux?
Our rate schedule is deliberately simple, with no asterisks or fine print. A city journey starts at €30 in an Eco car, €50 in a Mercedes C-Class Sedan, and €70 in a Van, with the fixed price guaranteed in writing. Hourly service costs €55/hour for an Eco car, €65/hour for a Sedan, €70/hour for a Van, and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, with a minimum booking of four hours and both vehicle and chauffeur included. For a transfer to a specific destination, such as Saint-Émilion, the Médoc, or Arcachon Bay, the flat rate is calculated from the actual route and confirmed before departure. We do not publish rough destination estimates because the final price depends on the pickup point, schedule, and number of stops. Our comparison of chauffeur service rates in Bordeaux places these figures in the local market context.
Is the night surcharge included?
We address the nighttime surcharge clearly from the outset. The surcharge of approximately 30% (applicable from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., at weekends, and on public holidays) is already included in the advertised price: the flat rate confirmed when you book is what you pay, whether the journey takes place at noon or midnight. There is also no call-out fee for the chauffeur service in Bordeaux Métropole; tolls, VAT, and luggage are included in the flat rate. For taxis, any fee before pickup depends on departmental regulations and must be disclosed before the journey. No additional chauffeur service charge is added on arrival. This fixed-price policy is particularly valuable on intercity journeys because it removes the effect of nighttime pricing. Our guide to Arcachon Bay illustrates this on a popular route often travelled in the evening. The table summarises our starting rates and inclusions.
| Service | Base | Private Chauffeur Service Rates in Bordeaux | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco city journey | flat rate | starting at €30 | vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls |
| Sedan (C-Class) | flat rate | starting at €50 | premium service, including nighttime surcharge |
| Van journey | flat rate | starting at €70 | up to 7 passengers, separate trunk |
| Sedan hourly service | per hour (min. 4 hours) | 65 €/h | The driver stays with you |
| Child Seat / Pet / Sign Option | by option | €15 | Please ask when making your reservation |
How do you book a chauffeur in Bordeaux?
To make a reservation, please provide the departure point, destination, or duration, as well as the date, time, number of passengers, luggage, and any relevant options. You will then receive a quote for your approval. The confirmation will specify the price, vehicle, pickup location, and terms and conditions; a driver will be assigned before pickup.
How can I make a reservation in just a few minutes?
Booking a chauffeur in Bordeaux takes only a few minutes, and the principle is simple: everything is confirmed in writing. You provide the route or service required (transfer, city journey, or hourly service), the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, the date and time, and your preferred vehicle category. We send a fixed quote within 30 minutes, specifying the vehicle, total price, and terms. There is no meter and no surprise on arrival: the confirmed amount is exactly what you pay. Before confirming, review our criteria for checking a chauffeur service before booking. For business travel, provide the exact address and appointment time; for a transfer, provide the flight or train number so the chauffeur can track it. The steps below take you from the initial request to pickup. You can submit an online quote request at any time, with no obligation.
- Describe your route: departure point, destination, or duration; date, time, number of passengers, and number of pieces of luggage.
- Choose a vehicle category: Eco, Mercedes C-Class Sedan, or Van, depending on the comfort and capacity required.
- Get a written quote: a fixed, all-inclusive price confirmed within 30 minutes, with no obligation.
- Confirm the reservation: you will receive confirmation, the meeting point, and the chauffeur’s contact details before the journey.
- Step aboard: the chauffeur will be waiting at the agreed time, handle your luggage, and complete the journey for the confirmed price, without a meter.
What happens after confirmation?
Once the quote is approved, your journey is confirmed with the exact meeting point and, before departure, the chauffeur’s contact details. For full-day services, such as wine tours, business meetings, or weddings, we plan the itinerary and stops with you so the vehicle is waiting between locations. Cancellation is free up to 12 hours before pickup, with no fine print. We recommend booking early for high-demand dates, including the peak season from March to October, wedding weekends, and major trade shows, when availability is limited. If you are new to chauffeured car services, our article “ What is a chauffeur service, and how does it work? ” explains the basics step by step. The page Our chauffeur services presents every option available in Bordeaux and Gironde.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers summarize the definition of a private chauffeur service, how to book it, pricing, vehicles, waiting times, transfers, and options. For a specific trip, always check the quote: it is the document that confirms availability, capacity, terms and conditions, and the actual amount applicable to your request.
What exactly is a private chauffeur?
A professional chauffeur takes you in a comfortable vehicle reserved in advance, for a specific journey or a chosen duration, at a fixed price agreed before departure. The service is also described as a private chauffeur service, chauffeur-driven car, car with a chauffeur, or executive car service. Unlike a taxi, it does not use a meter and cannot be hailed in the street: the journey must be booked in advance and the fare is guaranteed in writing. The chauffeur holds the professional card required by the prefecture and drives a fully insured vehicle that meets all regulatory requirements.
What's the difference between a dedicated chauffeur and a taxi?
The main difference is the price. A taxi uses a meter, so the variable fare is known only on arrival; it includes the initial charge, the per-kilometre rate (which is higher at night and on Sundays), and time spent in traffic. A private chauffeur quotes a fixed rate before departure, and that rate does not change. You can take a taxi at a rank or hail one in the street without a reservation, whereas a chauffeur-driven car must be booked in advance. Taxis offer immediacy; chauffeur services offer price predictability, planned pickup, and a more tailored booking experience.
How much does a personal chauffeur cost in Bordeaux?
At VTC Bordeaux, an in-city journey starts at €30 in an Eco vehicle, €50 in a Mercedes C-Class Sedan, and €70 in a Van, with a fixed price guaranteed in writing. Hourly rates are €55/hour for the Eco option, €65/hour for a Sedan, €70/hour for a Van, and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, with a minimum booking of four hours and the vehicle and chauffeur included. For a transfer to a specific destination, the flat rate is based on the actual distance and confirmed before departure. The nighttime surcharge is already included in the quoted price, and there are no pickup fees in Bordeaux. Only the written quote constitutes a firm price.
Are “car with a driver” and “chauffeur” the same thing?
Yes. “Chauffeur”, “chauffeur-driven car”, “personal driver”, “private transport”, and “executive car service” all describe the same service: a comfortable vehicle driven by a dedicated professional, booked in advance at a fixed price. The French regulatory term is “voiture de transport avec chauffeur”; the other expressions emphasise the personal nature of the service. Whichever term you use, the principle is the same: one chauffeur dedicated to you for the journey, at a rate known in advance.
Is the fare for a private chauffeur a flat rate or metered?
Fixed. A private chauffeur service does not use a meter: the price is calculated at the time of booking, based on the route or duration, and then guaranteed in writing. It does not change if traffic is heavy or if the trip takes a few minutes longer. The rate applicable to the requested time slot is calculated according to the current rate schedule and is fully included in the written quote; only this quote constitutes the fixed price. There are no baggage surcharges or pick-up fees in Bordeaux. You confirm the quote before getting in the car: the amount shown is what you pay.
Is it possible to have the same driver for the entire trip?
Yes. This is frequently requested and can be arranged subject to availability. Whether you book a day-long service or a stay of several days, the same chauffeur can accompany you from start to finish. They become familiar with your itinerary, destinations, and preferences and can anticipate your needs. This continuity builds a relationship of trust that business clients and frequent travellers particularly value. Mention the request when booking so we can plan the schedule accordingly and confirm feasibility for your dates and times.
What kind of car should a professional chauffeur in Bordeaux drive?
We offer three vehicle categories. The Eco category carries 1 to 4 passengers on everyday journeys, starting at €30. The Mercedes C-Class Sedan carries 1 to 4 passengers and is our premium option for business travel and special occasions, starting at €50. The Van carries up to 7 passengers and their luggage, making it ideal for groups and families, starting at €70. Every category includes a professional chauffeur and the same written fixed-price guarantee. Your choice depends on passenger numbers, luggage, and the desired level of comfort.
Can a dedicated chauffeur wait for me between appointments?
Yes. That is the principle of hourly chauffeur service. The chauffeur and vehicle are reserved exclusively for you by the hour or by the day, and the car waits between stops. This option is ideal for days with several appointments, sightseeing tours, property viewings, or film shoots. You pay by the hour rather than by distance: €55/hour for an Eco car, €65/hour for a Sedan, and €70/hour for a Van, with a minimum booking of four hours. The itinerary and stops are finalised when you book, and the price is confirmed in writing.
A personal chauffeur to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, how does it work?
For an airport transfer, the chauffeur tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup time after a delay, without requiring you to call. They wait at the exit with a personalised sign upon request (optional €15), handle your luggage, and take you to your destination at a fixed price known in advance, with no call-out fee. For a departing flight, the chauffeur collects you from your address at the agreed time with the necessary safety margin. Our Bordeaux Airport transfer page explains schedules, meeting points, and rates by area.
Is the private chauffeur profession regulated?
Yes, the profession is strictly regulated. The chauffeur holds a professional card issued by the prefecture after an exam and valid for 5 years, and the company is registered in the National Register of Chauffeured Transport Operators (REVTC). The vehicle must be less than 7 years old, at least 4.50 m long, have a minimum power output of 84 kW, and display a distinctive red sticker. The operator must provide proof of a financial guarantee of at least €1,500 and professional liability insurance; non-compliance is punishable by a fine of up to €3,750. The framework is set by the French Transport Code and the Grandguillaume Act of 2016. A legal chauffeur service is therefore registered, insured, and subject to oversight.
Do I need to book well in advance?
It depends on the service. For a single journey, a few hours may be enough, subject to availability. For a full-day booking, wedding, or event, book several days or even several weeks ahead. Availability is limited during the peak season from March to October, on wedding weekends, and during major trade shows. You will receive a fixed quote confirmed in writing within 30 minutes, and the journey is confirmed once you approve it. Cancellation is free up to 12 hours before pickup.
Does the driver allow child seats and pets?
Yes, when requested at the time of booking. Child seats or booster seats, pet transport, and a welcome sign displaying the guest’s name are optional extras charged at €15 each. In France, children under 10 must travel in an approved restraint suitable for their height and weight. Please provide the children’s ages when booking so the chauffeur can prepare the correct equipment. These options must be arranged in advance and cannot be added on the day; include them in your quote request.
Is a private chauffeur only for business professionals?
No. Although business clients are a natural audience, a private chauffeur serves many needs: families requiring an airport transfer, wedding guests, tourists exploring the vineyards, people who prefer not to drive at night, and travellers who value a price known in advance and a vehicle waiting for them. The Eco and Sedan categories cover budgets and occasions ranging from everyday journeys to special events. A chauffeur-driven car is not a luxury reserved for a few; it is a service available from €30 per journey and booked whenever you need it.
Further Reading
After reading this guide, you can book a chauffeur service, compare it with a taxi, explore destinations, or choose a Van for a group. Before confirming, review the included services, vehicle capacity, available options, and quote terms. The links below lead to each resource and to the booking request form.
- Book your chauffeur: request a quote for a chauffeured car, with the fixed price guaranteed in writing within 30 minutes
- All our services: discover our chauffeur services in Bordeaux and Gironde
- Compare with a taxi: see our page on an alternative to taxis in Bordeaux, comparing a fixed price with a metered fare
- Where can we take you?: view the map of all our destinations from Bordeaux
- Group transport: read our guide to chauffeured Vans, for up to 7 passengers and their luggage
Sources and References
The references below cover the chauffeur’s professional status, vehicle specifications, the chauffeured transport register, and taxi fare structures. They support the general rules described here but do not replace a commercial quote, booking terms, or verification of the assigned chauffeur’s professional card.
- Service-Public.fr, Becoming a Chauffeur (Form F31027): professional card (valid for 5 years), REVTC registration (€170), red sticker, and financial guarantee of €1,500
- Service-Public.fr, Taxi Fares in 2026 (A15396): variable meter (pickup fee, day/night per-kilometre rate, and waiting time); passenger surcharge starting with the 5th passenger
- Légifrance, Order of March 26, 2015 (chauffeured vehicle specifications): 4 doors, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 1.70 m, ≥ 84 kW; age limit raised to less than 7 years
- Légifrance, Transport Code, Article R3122-1 (chauffeured transport vehicle): 4 to 9 seats, including the chauffeur
- Légifrance, Transport Code, Article L3122-1 (Grandguillaume Act): chauffeured transport regulations, as amended by Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016
Article updated on July 21, 2026.
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