Chauffeured Van in Bordeaux for your group
The Complete Guide to Chauffeur-Driven Vans in Bordeaux: our vans for up to 7 passengers (8 upon request, for an additional fee) and their luggage; the legal requirements (Class B driving licence and vans less than 7 years old); fixed rates starting at €70; and an honest comparison of chauffeur services, taxi vans, and shuttles.
Key Points at a Glance
- A van with a driver in Bordeaux is a spacious vehicle driven by a professional chauffeur, carrying up to 7 passengers (8 upon request, for an additional fee) and their luggage in one vehicle at a fixed price guaranteed in writing.
- Two categories: the Mercedes van (Class V, 7 passengers) is our flagship van in the premium trim level; the eco van (up to 8 seats) is less common and must be reserved in advance upon request, for an additional fee, subject to availability.
- A Class B driving licence is sufficient for a vehicle with 9 seats (8 passengers + the driver). Beyond that, the service falls under public passenger transport and requires a Class D licence.
- A chauffeur service vehicle must be under 7 years old (not “under 6 years old”), measure at least 4.50 m, and produce at least 84 kW.
- At VTC Bordeaux, a Van journey starts at €70, while hourly service costs €70/hour for an Eco Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van.
- The price is known and confirmed in writing before departure: no meter, no luggage fees, and no unexpected surcharge on arrival.
- Group transport by Van is ideal for transfers, wine tours, weddings, seminars, and large families.
- One Van for the whole group replaces a convoy of 2 sedans: one meeting point, one drop-off, and no coordination between drivers.
Chauffeur-driven van in Bordeaux: What is this all about?
A van with a driver transports the group and their luggage in a single vehicle, with a chauffeur service rate confirmed before departure. For a taxi, the price depends on the local fare schedule, the time of day, waiting time, and any pick-up fees announced before the ride: ask for an estimate when you book. Source: DGCCRF, “Taxis: Understanding Regulated Fares,” updated 2026.
A van with a driver is the group-transport version of a chauffeur service: a spacious vehicle driven by a professional and booked in advance for one journey or an entire day. In Bordeaux, we operate two types of vans: the premium Mercedes Van, our standard model for up to 7 passengers, and the less common Eco Van for up to 8 passengers, available upon request for an additional fee. Both can be driven with a standard Class B driving licence. Related terms include van rental with a driver, taxi van, and minibus with a driver. The services are not identical, but they address the same need: a spacious passenger cabin, luggage storage, and one point of contact for the group. This guide explains what our service includes, how it is regulated, and when it is more suitable than a traditional taxi or shuttle.
"7-seater" does not mean "7 passengers plus the driver"
A “7-seat van” does not mean “7 passengers plus the driver”. This is the most common misunderstanding and can cause problems when booking. Depending on the model, a Van accommodates up to 7 passengers as standard, with the driver in addition: seven passengers in the premium Mercedes Van, our flagship model. An eighth passenger is possible only upon request, for an additional fee, in a less common Eco Van. The law sets the limit at 9 seats in total, including the driver, for a maximum of 8 passengers. A larger group falls outside the chauffeur service category. This distinction determines both the vehicle to reserve and the licence required by the driver. The next section explains the official thresholds, as seat count is the main source of confusion in group transport.
What this guide verifies, and what it refuses to make up
This guide distinguishes verified information from common misconceptions. You may still read that “a chauffeur service vehicle must be less than 6 years old”, but this has not been true since December 2023, when the regulatory threshold increased to under 7 years old. A taxi van’s capacity alone does not determine its price: the fare depends on the department, time of day, waiting time, and any surcharges or fees disclosed before the journey. Ask for an estimate when booking, as recommended by the DGCCRF. Every regulatory figure cited here comes from the French Transport Code, Highway Code, current administrative orders, and Service-Public.fr fact sheets listed at the end of the article. When information cannot be verified, we say so clearly.
Van, minibus, coach: What are the differences?
The 9-seat rule: Class B license for up to 8 passengers
The difference between a van, minibus, and coach comes down to the number of seats. A Class B licence allows the holder to drive a passenger vehicle with a maximum of eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. That means nine seats in total, including the driver, and a maximum authorised weight not exceeding 3.5 metric tons (Highway Code, Article R221-4). In practical terms, a 9-seat Van carrying 8 passengers plus the driver can be operated with a standard Class B licence. This is the upper limit for the profession: our Vans, designed for up to 7 passengers (8 upon request, for an additional fee), carry the group comfortably with a professional at the wheel. A Van in this category does not require a heavy-vehicle licence.
More than 8 passengers: minibus, tour bus, and Class D driver's license
With more than eight passengers, the regulatory framework changes completely. A vehicle carrying more than eight people in addition to the driver falls under public passenger transport and requires a Class D driving licence. This includes minibuses (D1 licence, up to 16 passengers plus the driver, vehicles up to 8 metres long, minimum age 21) and coaches (D licence, with no passenger-capacity limit), together with FIMO or FCO passenger-transport training. This is no longer a chauffeur service. A Van with a driver and a coach with a driver are therefore not simply two sizes of the same product: they operate under distinct legal frameworks with different licences, obligations, and insurance requirements. Confusing the two can lead to unsuitable or illegal service.
For travellers, the practical question is simple: how many people can travel without changing vehicle category or licence class? A van with a driver covers groups of 1 to 8 passengers, depending on the model. It is a flexible door-to-door option that can be booked per journey or by the day. A minibus or coach becomes necessary for nine or more passengers, requiring another provider, a D1 or D licence, and a different price structure, typically between €600 and €1,800 (excluding tax) per day for a minibus. The table below summarises these thresholds. The rule is straightforward: for seven or eight people, a chauffeur-driven Van is often the fastest and most economical solution; above eight passengers, use a coach operator, which we can recommend without trying to replace.
| Vehicle Type | Seats (including the driver) | License Required | Legal Framework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Minivan Chauffeur Service | 4 to 5 passengers | Class B Driving Licence | chauffeur service (private transport) |
| Van with a driver | up to 7 (8 upon request) | Class B Driving Licence | chauffeur service (private transport) |
| 9-seat van | up to 8 passengers | Class B Driving Licence | chauffeur service (premium) |
| Minibus | 9 to 16 passengers | D1 Licence | Public passenger transport |
| Coach | 17 or more passengers | Class D Licence | Public passenger transport |
Our vans: eco-friendly or Mercedes, seating up to 7 passengers
How many passengers can fit in a van with a driver?
A van with a driver carries up to 7 passengers as standard, plus the driver. The Mercedes V-Class is our standard model; an eighth passenger is possible upon request, for an additional fee, subject to the availability of less common 8-passenger Vans. The legal limit for a chauffeur-driven vehicle is 9 seats in total, including the driver, or a maximum of 8 passengers (Highway Code, Article R221-4). Beyond that, the journey falls under public passenger transport, with a Class D licence and a different provider. In practice, our Vans carry groups of up to seven people, or eight upon request: one vehicle, one driver, and one meeting point. For five to eight passengers with luggage, this is usually simpler and more economical than coordinating two sedans and two separate journeys.
Eco Van or Mercedes van: two levels of comfort
We offer two types of Vans. Our benchmark is the Mercedes Van (V-Class), which carries 7 passengers in premium comfort, with leather seats, generous legroom, and a refined cabin popular with business travellers, wedding guests, and wine-tour groups. The Eco Van, such as a Peugeot Traveller or Ford Transit, can carry up to 8 passengers, but these vehicles are less common and must be requested in advance for an additional fee, subject to availability. Both can be driven with a standard Class B licence and are operated by a professional chauffeur. The Mercedes Van sits one price level above the Eco category, but both rates are fixed and provided in writing before departure. Choose according to the comfort required and your budget.
Enough room for the group and all the luggage
Space is a Van’s main advantage. Where a sedan feels cramped with five people and may leave passengers holding bags on their laps, a spacious Van carries the entire group and their luggage in one vehicle, with a boot separate from the passenger cabin. Carry-on and checked luggage, pushchairs, golf bags, or cases of wine from a tasting day travel in the rear without taking up seating space. The seats can be reconfigured according to passenger numbers and luggage volume, allowing the interior to suit the journey. This is what an overloaded conventional car cannot offer and why the Van is the benchmark for group transport: everyone and their belongings travel together without needing a second vehicle.
A Van is also surprisingly manoeuvrable for its size. With a turning radius of about 11.8 metres in a Mercedes V-Class, an experienced driver can navigate the narrow streets of historic Bordeaux and the lanes of a vineyard château, dropping the group close to the door. You do not have to carry luggage for hundreds of metres or search for scarce, expensive parking in the city centre. That is the value of door-to-door service: the vehicle comes to you, adapts to your schedule, and waits between stops if required. Rows of seats mounted on sliding rails can be repositioned to adjust legroom and luggage space. For a group, this flexibility is often worth the modest difference compared with public transport while carrying your own bags.
| Category | Passengers | Luggage | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Van (Peugeot Traveller, Ford Transit, etc.) | up to 8 (upon request) | Separate trunk + modular interior | Group transfers, families, budget control |
| Mercedes Van | 7 | separate trunk, leather seats | business clients, weddings, premium wine tours |
| More than 8 passengers | 9 and up | , | minibus or coach (Class D license, other service provider) |
How much does a van with a driver cost in Bordeaux?
Flat Rate or Metered Fare: How Is the Price Calculated?
A van with a driver in Bordeaux is charged at a fixed rate, known and agreed before departure. That is the fundamental difference from a taxi. Chauffeur services do not use a meter; the price is calculated when booking according to the route or duration, then guaranteed in writing. It does not change if traffic is heavy or the journey takes longer. Two options are available. A one-way journey from point A to point B is charged at a flat rate, as with an airport, train station, or hotel transfer. With hourly service, the driver stays with the group for several hours or the day. This suits wine tours, weddings, and sightseeing, with a vehicle waiting between stops. Choose the option that best fits your itinerary.
Market Prices in 2026: Orders of Magnitude
Group transportation rates vary depending on capacity, duration, distance, date, and wait times. The only fixed prices listed here are those for private chauffeur services in Bordeaux; for any other offers, please request an indicative estimate and then a formal quote from the relevant service provider.
VTC Bordeaux Van rates, with no fine print
At VTC Bordeaux, the Van rate schedule is deliberately clear, with no asterisks or fine print. A city journey by Van starts at €70, with the fixed price guaranteed in writing. Hourly service costs €70/hour in an Eco Van and €80/hour in a Mercedes Van, including the vehicle and driver. For a transfer to a specific destination, such as Saint-Émilion, the Médoc, or Arcachon Bay, the flat rate is calculated from the actual distance and confirmed in writing before departure. You know the exact amount before boarding. We do not publish rough destination estimates because a firm price depends on the pickup location, schedule, and number of stops; the quote is free, prompt, and without obligation.
The Van package includes everything needed for the journey: the vehicle, a professional driver, fuel, tolls, and insurance. There are no luggage fees and no additional charge based on passenger numbers within the Van’s capacity. For a group, the per-person cost quickly becomes attractive: with seven or eight people, the price of one Van is shared, whereas two sedans or two taxis require two vehicles and two separate journeys. The price is per vehicle, not per passenger. To compare a Van with several sedans, request a written quote for the exact number of passengers and pieces of luggage; this page does not calculate a per-person rate. A written quote is the only way to confirm the actual price for your journey, date, and group size.
| Service | Billing Basis | Private Chauffeur Service Rates in Bordeaux | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van journey in the city | flat rate | starting at €70 | vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls |
| Eco Van hourly service | per hour | €70/hour | The driver stays with the group |
| Mercedes Van hourly service | per hour | €80/hour | Premium van, 7 passengers, leather seats |
| Transfer to a destination | Fixed-price quote | fixed price in writing | calculated based on the actual distance |
| Baggage Surcharge | , | 0 € | dedicated storage space, no additional cost |
Van service, private chauffeur, taxi van, or shuttle: Which should you choose?
No option is “best” in every situation; each has advantages in a particular context. A van with a driver (chauffeur service) is ideal when you want door-to-door travel, a fixed price known in advance, and a vehicle waiting for you, for example on a group transfer, wine tour, or event. A taxi van remains the most immediate option at a station or in the street, with no reservation required. A shuttle, tram, or regional train is usually the lowest-cost choice if fixed schedules and designated stops suit you. The comparison below reflects how taxi meters actually work, helping you choose on the facts rather than on common assumptions.
The taxi van: a variable fare, known upon arrival
A taxi operates on a meter, so the fare varies; ask the taxi driver for an approximate estimate before the journey. You can hail a taxi in the street or take one from a rank without a reservation. A private Van service must be booked in advance and is charged at a fixed rate provided in writing before departure.
Shuttle, tram, and TER: the budget-friendly option
Shuttles, trams, and trains are the clear choice for a tight budget. In Bordeaux, the TBM network serves Mérignac Airport and Saint-Jean Station, while the TER reaches Saint-Émilion in about 40 minutes for the price of a ticket. For one traveller or a couple without luggage or time constraints, this is often the best option. For a group of seven or eight people with suitcases, the situation changes: everyone must carry luggage, follow fixed schedules, and make connections, without being dropped at the door of the château or hotel. A van with a driver then has the advantage: one vehicle and one journey from the exact starting point to the destination, with no transfers.
| Option | Price | Capacity | When It's the Right Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van with a driver (private chauffeur service) | fixed rate, starting at €70 | up to 7 + luggage (8 upon request) | group, luggage, wine tour, door-to-door, scheduled time |
| Taxi van | variable meter; ask the taxi driver for an approximate estimate before the ride | up to 8 passengers | Immediate service, no reservation required |
| TBM Shuttle / Tram | ticket price | subject to available space | on a tight budget, one or two people traveling without luggage |
| TER | SNCF ticket | individual | direct route served (e.g., Saint-Émilion) |
| Bus Rental | , | 17 or more passengers | large group of more than 8 passengers |
When should you choose a van with a driver?
A van with a driver solves a recurring problem: transporting a group that will not fit in one car, without using several vehicles or appointing a member of the group to drive. Seven situations arise regularly in Bordeaux, each supported by a practical reason. The principle is the same throughout: one Van for the group replaces a convoy of two sedans, with one meeting point, one drop-off, no coordination between drivers, and no need to manage several parking spaces in a city where parking is scarce and expensive. The price is charged per vehicle, not per passenger. To compare a Van with several sedans, request a written quote for the exact number of travellers and pieces of luggage; this page does not calculate per-person rates. With seven or eight passengers, sharing one Van is usually cheaper than using two cars and two drivers for the same journey.
Wine tourism, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and night out: no one is driving
For a wine tour in the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, or the Graves, booking a Van with a driver rests on a legal and practical point: no one in the group drives after the tastings. In France, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/L of blood or above (0.25 mg/L of exhaled air) is an offence. With a professional as the sole driver, the group avoids that risk. The same reasoning applies to a bachelor or bachelorette party and a night out: everyone stays together in one vehicle, the driver manages drop-off and pickup points, and no one has to worry about city-centre parking or driving home late. This is one of the situations in which a Van is hardest to replace and easiest to justify.
For a wedding, a Van with a driver serves as a guest shuttle. A vehicle with up to 7 seats (8 upon request) travels between the ceremony, the reception, often a château or wine estate in Gironde, and the guests’ hotels. The benefits are clear: one vehicle consolidates the group’s journeys, reduces the number of cars parked at the venue, and solves late-night transport for guests who have been celebrating. The driver adjusts the schedule to the day’s events, so the couple does not have to organise last-minute car sharing. For organisers, one important logistical task is entrusted to a professional familiar with vineyard roads and estate access.
Seminars, Families, and Group Transfers
For a seminar or conference, the Van transports a delegation of seven people (eight upon request) between the hotel and event venue. Bordeaux has several major venues. Palais 2 l’Atlantique, at the Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre, has a 15,500-square-metre hall and a modular Agora seating between 1,500 and 6,000 people, within nearly 80,000 square metres of covered space. It is one of the largest exhibition centres outside Paris and hosts around 50 events per year. The Cité du Vin also hosts conferences and receptions. With tight plenary schedules and transfers between venues, a Van with a driver keeps participants together and ensures everyone arrives on time instead of being split among several taxis.
For a large family, the Van addresses an important safety requirement. In France, a child under 10 years old must travel in an approved restraint, such as a car seat or booster seat, suited to their height and weight. Non-compliance generally leads to a fixed fine of €135 for the driver, according to Road Safety. A Van with up to 7 seats (8 upon request) can accommodate two or three child seats without overcrowding the cabin, where a 5-seat sedan quickly reaches its limits, and the separate boot holds pushchairs and suitcases. Our guide explains travelling as a family in a Van with child seats. Child-seat availability depends on the driver and must be requested when booking; it is an option to confirm, not an automatic inclusion.
For a group transfer from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or Saint-Jean Station, the advantage is practical: up to seven passengers (eight upon request) and their luggage travel in one vehicle with a dedicated boot instead of requiring two sedans. There is one meeting point, one drop-off, and a fixed price known in advance. For an individual transfer, see our Bordeaux Airport transfer page; for a comparison with a traditional taxi, see our alternative to taxis in Bordeaux. A Van makes sense as soon as the group and luggage exceed a sedan’s capacity, typically for five to eight people.
- Group airport or train station transfer: up to 7 passengers (8 upon request) and luggage in one vehicle, with one meeting point.
- Wine tour through the vineyards: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves, or Sauternes, with tastings and no need to drive afterwards.
- Wedding: shuttle service between the ceremony, the reception at the château, and the guests’ hotels, with flexible schedules.
- Seminar, conference, or trade show: the delegation travels together from the hotel to Palais 2 l’Atlantique or the Cité du Vin.
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties: wine-tasting tour, restaurant, and evening out, with a driver handling drop-offs and pickups.
- Large family: space for 2 to 3 child seats (required for children under 10) and luggage in the boot.
- Group outing or event: match, concert, or show, with a round-trip package and no parking worries.
Is hiring a van with a driver regulated?
The driver: professional license, national registry, and sticker
Yes, the service is strictly regulated, which protects the customer. To transport passengers for payment, a chauffeur must hold a professional chauffeur card, issued by the prefecture after written and practical exams and valid for 5 years. They must also have held a Class B driving licence for at least 3 years (2 years with accompanied driving), have a compatible criminal record, and obtain a favourable medical certificate from an approved doctor. The company must be registered in the National Register of Chauffeured Transport Operators (REVTC), administered by the transport authority, for €170. A distinctive red sticker is also required on the lower left of the front windscreen and the lower right of the rear window; its approximate cost of €35 is not a regulated rate. It is the first visible sign that the vehicle operates legally.
The Vehicle: Age, Dimensions, and Warranties
The vehicle must meet specific technical standards. The order of March 26, 2015, requires at least 4 doors, a length of at least 4.50 m, a width of at least 1.70 m, and a power output of at least 84 kW. The age limit for internal-combustion vehicles is under 7 years old, not 6 years, after the threshold changed at the end of 2023. Our Vans exceed each minimum. The operator must also provide a financial guarantee of at least €1,500 per vehicle and professional liability insurance covering passengers; non-compliance may lead to a fine of up to €3,750. These requirements form part of the French Transport Code (Articles L3120-1 et seq. and L3122-1 et seq.) and the Grandguillaume Act No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016. In short, a reputable Van service is registered, insured, and verifiable.
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional chauffeur card | Issued by the prefecture, valid for 5 years, following a written and practical exam |
| Registration in the Registry (REVTC) | National Register of Chauffeured Transport Operators, maintained by the transport authority, €170 |
| Red sticker (distinctive mark) | front: lower left corner of the windscreen; rear: lower right corner of the rear window (estimated cost: ~€35) |
| Vehicle Age | less than 7 years old for internal-combustion vehicles (excluding classic cars) |
| Dimensions and Power | at least 4.50 m · at least 1.70 m · at least 84 kW · at least 4 doors |
| Financial Guarantee and Insurance | At least €1,500 per vehicle + professional liability insurance (failure to comply: fine of up to €3,750) |
| Legal Framework | Transportation Code L3120-1 / L3122-1 · Grandguillaume Act No. 2016-1920 |
How do you reserve a van in Bordeaux?
A written quote in just a few minutes
Booking a Van with a driver in Bordeaux takes only a few minutes, and the principle is simple: everything is confirmed in writing. You provide the route or service (transfer, hourly booking, or tour), the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, and the date and time. We prepare a fixed quote, confirmed in writing 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. For a group, give the exact number of seated passengers. This determines whether you need the premium 7-passenger Mercedes Van or, for an eighth passenger, a less common 8-passenger Eco Van available upon request. Also specify any child seats, as these must be prepared in advance and cannot be arranged on the day.
Confirmation, Deadlines, and Cancellation
Once the quote is approved, the journey is confirmed with the driver’s contact details and exact meeting point. For full-day events, such as wine tours, weddings, or seminars, we plan the itinerary and stops with you so the vehicle waits between locations. Cancellation terms are provided when booking, with no hidden commitment or fine print. Book early for high-demand dates, including the peak season from March to October, wedding weekends, and major trade shows, when Van availability is limited. If your group has more than eight passengers, tell us immediately so we can direct you to a suitable solution instead of promising an inappropriate vehicle.
Ready to arrange group transport? Request your Van quote online: provide the route, group size, and schedule to receive a guaranteed fixed price in writing within 30 minutes, with no obligation. Van journeys start at €70, and hourly rates are €70/hour for an Eco Van or €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, including the vehicle and driver. For an airport transfer, a day in the vineyards, or a wedding shuttle, a professional driver and a Van for up to 7 passengers (8 upon request, for an additional fee) are at your disposal, with luggage stored in a separate boot. If you are still comparing a Van, taxi, and shuttle, review the table above to see which option best suits your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers can be transported in a private chauffeur-driven van?
A van with a driver accommodates up to 7 passengers as standard, plus the driver. Our premium Mercedes Van (V-Class) is the flagship model. An eighth passenger is possible only upon request and for an additional fee; 8-passenger Vans, such as Peugeot Traveller or Ford Transit Eco models, are less common and must be booked in advance, subject to availability. The law limits chauffeur services to 9 seats in total, including the driver, for a maximum of 8 passengers (Article R3122-1 of the French Transport Code). The 8th passenger is therefore the exception, not the standard. With more than 8 passengers, the journey falls under public passenger transport, requiring a Class D licence and a different vehicle category.
Do you need a D license to drive a van with a driver?
No, not for a Van with up to 9 seats. A Class B licence allows the driver to operate a passenger vehicle with a maximum of 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, for 9 seats in total (Article R221-4 of the Highway Code). A 9-seat Van carrying 8 passengers plus the driver therefore falls under the Class B category. A Class D licence, or Class D1 for a minibus carrying up to 16 passengers, becomes mandatory only above 8 passengers, when the service is considered public passenger transport.
What is the difference between a van taxi and a private van chauffeur service?
The taxi van operates on a meter: variable fare; ask the taxi driver for an approximate estimate before the ride. It can be hailed on the street or picked up at a taxi stand without a reservation. The private van service must be booked in advance and is charged at a fixed rate, which is provided in writing before departure. Both can carry up to 8 passengers, but for the private van service, the 8th seat is available upon request for an additional fee.
How much does a van with a driver cost in Bordeaux?
At VTC Bordeaux, an in-city Van journey starts at €70, with the fixed price guaranteed in writing. The hourly rate is €70/hour for an Eco Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van, including the vehicle and driver. For a transfer to a specific destination, the flat rate is set by a quote based on the actual distance. Only a written quote constitutes a firm price.
Can we transport a group of 10 to 15 people?
Not in a single chauffeur service Van. With more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver, the journey falls under public passenger transport, requiring a minibus (Class D1 licence, up to 16 passengers) or a coach (Class D licence), together with FIMO or FCO passenger-transport training. A group of 10 to 15 people therefore needs either two Vans or a minibus with a driver from a different type of provider. Tell us the exact group size and we will direct you to an appropriate, compliant solution.
Are there child seats in a van with a driver?
Yes, but request them when booking: the availability of car seats or booster seats depends on the driver and is not automatic. In France, a child under 10 years old must travel in an approved restraint suited to their height and weight; non-compliance generally leads to a fixed fine of €135 for the driver. A Van with 7 seats (8 upon request) can accommodate two or three child seats without overcrowding the cabin, which a 5-seat sedan cannot do. Specify the children’s ages when booking.
What's the difference between an eco van and a Mercedes van?
Both options transport the group with a professional driver holding a standard Class B licence; the difference lies in comfort and capacity. The Mercedes Van (V-Class) is our flagship model: it seats 7 passengers in a premium cabin with leather seats and more space and is popular for weddings, business travel, and wine tours. The Eco Van, such as a Peugeot Traveller or Ford Transit, can seat up to 8 passengers, but these vehicles are less common and must be requested in advance for an additional fee, subject to availability. The Mercedes Van sits one price level above; in both cases, the rate is fixed and quoted in advance.
How much luggage fits in a van with a driver?
A substantial amount, because the Van has a cargo area separate from the passenger cabin. Carry-on and checked luggage, pushchairs, sports bags, or cases of wine from a tasting day travel in the rear without reducing seating capacity, unlike in an overloaded sedan. Cargo space varies by model and configuration. When booking, specify the number of passengers and pieces of luggage so we can confirm the most suitable Eco or premium Van for your group.
Are vans with drivers properly regulated?
Yes. The driver holds a professional chauffeur card issued by the prefecture after an exam and valid for 5 years, the company is registered in the National Register of Chauffeured Transport Operators (REVTC), and the vehicle displays the mandatory distinctive red sticker. The vehicle must be less than 7 years old, measure at least 4.50 m, and produce at least 84 kW. 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. These requirements are governed by the French Transport Code and the Grandguillaume Act of 2016. A legally operated Van service is registered, insured, and subject to inspection.
Chauffeur-driven van or shuttle: Which should you choose for the airport?
For one or two people without luggage who aren’t in a hurry, the shuttle or the Mérignac tram is the most economical option. For a group of several people with luggage, a van with a driver is the better choice: a single vehicle, door-to-door service with no need to handle luggage or make connections, at a fixed price known in advance. This option is ideal for groups of four to eight passengers. For an individual transfer, our page dedicated to Bordeaux airport transfers details all the options; a van is the best choice whenever the group and luggage exceed what a sedan can handle.
Can we book a van with a driver for the day for a wine tour?
Yes. It is one of the most common uses of the service. With an hourly booking, the driver stays with the group and the vehicle waits between châteaux. The benefit is both legal and practical: no one in the group drives after wine tastings, as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/L or higher is an offence. The rate is €70/hour for an Eco Van and €80/hour for a Mercedes Van; the itinerary and stops are finalised when booking, with the price confirmed in writing.
Is the price for a van with a driver fixed or based on the meter?
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 longer, and there is no luggage surcharge. This is the fundamental difference from a taxi, where the fare isn’t known until you arrive, once the meter has stopped. You approve the quote before departure: the amount shown is what you’ll pay, with no unpleasant surprises.
How far in advance should you reserve a van in Bordeaux?
The sooner, the better, especially during peak demand periods. Van availability is limited during the high season (March through October), on wedding weekends, and during major trade shows. For a one-way transfer, a few hours may be enough, depending on availability; for a full-day rental or an event, book several days or even several weeks in advance. You’ll receive a fixed quote confirmed in writing within 30 minutes, and the service is only confirmed once you’ve approved the quote.
Further Reading
- Reserve your Van: request a quote for a Van with a driver, 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
- Wine tour No. 1: read our Saint-Émilion guide, covering the UNESCO-listed village and its grands crus
- The château route: see the guide to the Médoc, its appellations, and the 1855 classification
- Choosing between a taxi Van and a chauffeured Van: read our comparison of taxi Vans and private Van chauffeur services in Bordeaux, including capacity and advance booking
- Understanding the profession: explore the training and exams required to become a private chauffeur
Sources and References
- Public Service, Becoming a Private Chauffeur (Form F31027), professional license, REVTC registry (€170), red sticker, financial guarantee of €1,500
- Public Services, Taxi Fares in 2026 (A15396), variable meter (base fare, day/night per-kilometer rate, waiting time); €4 surcharge per passenger starting with the 5th passenger in the provinces
- Légifrance, Order of March 26, 2015 (Specifications for Private Chauffeur Service Vehicles), 4 doors, ≥ 4.50 m, ≥ 1.70 m, ≥ 84 kW; age limit reduced to less than 7 years
- Légifrance, Highway Code, Article R221-4 (Driver's License Categories), Class B license for vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver; Class D license for vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats
- Légifrance, Transportation Code, Article R3122-1 (private chauffeur-driven vehicle), Private chauffeur service vehicle: 4 to 9 seats, including the driver
- Légifrance, Transportation Code, Article L3122-1 (Grandguillaume Act), Regulations governing private chauffeur services, as amended by Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016
- Road Safety, Drunk Driving, offense at 0.5 g/l of blood (0.25 mg/l of exhaled air)
- Road Safety, Transporting a Child in a Car, Approved child restraint system required for children up to age 10
- Mercedes-Benz France, Premium Van Lineup, Premium van for up to 8 passengers, including the driver
Article updated on July 21, 2026.
Your van with a driver in Bordeaux
Group transportation by van, for up to 7 passengers (8 upon request, for an additional fee) and luggage: airport and train station transfers, wine tours through the vineyards, weddings, and seminars. Eco Van or Mercedes van, fixed price guaranteed in writing starting at €70, quote confirmed within 30 minutes, professional driver available 24 hours a day.
