Bordeaux Tour with a Private Driver: A City Tour at Your Own Pace
The complete guide to seeing Bordeaux with a private chauffeur: tailored city tours covering Porte Cailhau, Quinconces, Place de la Bourse, the Water Mirror and Grand Théâtre; half- or full-day chauffeur service; and excursions to Arcachon, Saint-Émilion and the Médoc. Four hourly categories are available: Eco 55 €/h, C-Class 65 €/h, economy van 70 €/h and Mercedes van 80 €/h, with a 4-hour minimum.
Key Points at a Glance
- A chauffeured tour of Bordeaux is a tailored city tour of landmarks, neighbourhoods and the surrounding area, at your pace and for a fixed price agreed in advance.
- The driver will pick you up at your hotel, tailor the itinerary to your preferences, and wait for you during each stop or photo opportunity.
- Two options: an hourly city tour for a half or full day, or an excursion to Arcachon, Saint-Émilion or the Médoc.
- Hourly rates: Eco 55 €/h, C-Class 65 €/h, economy van 70 €/h and Mercedes van 80 €/h, minimum 4 hours. The written quote lists the itinerary and included stops. Any addition outside the approved programme requires a written price agreed before the change.
- The monument tour includes the Porte Cailhau, the Quinconces, the Porte d'Aquitaine, Saint-Seurin, the Place de la Bourse, the Miroir d'eau, and the Grand-Théâtre.
- Compared to a tour bus, a private car offers greater flexibility, comfort, and a punctual driver who is often an English speaker.
- The price is known and written before departure: Night surcharge included; no call-out fee within the Bordeaux Métropole area.
- For vineyard tours and wine tastings, a dedicated wine tourism guide complements this page on city tours.
A Tailored Chauffeur Tour of Bordeaux
At 9:00 a.m., you step out of your hotel near Quinconces and find a sedan waiting. The chauffeur already knows the day's plan. In a few hours, you can follow the historic quays, stop at Porte Cailhau and the Water Mirror for photographs, then continue to lunch in Saint-Émilion without driving or searching for parking. Bordeaux unfolds outside the window while a professional handles the route and waits at each stop.
A private chauffeur lets you explore the city with a professional who drives, parks and remains available throughout the tour.
Your Bordeaux city tour is tailored to your interests, pace and available time.
Unlike a bus tour, nothing is set in stone: you choose the sights, the length of the stops, and the order of the visits, from start to finish.
This package appeals to couples on a weekend getaway, families, business travelers on a layover, and foreign visitors passing through Bordeaux alike.
The driver becomes an informal guide: he tells you about the city, points out the best vantage points, and tailors the route to both the weather and your interests.
A private city tour, not a cookie-cutter tour
A private city tour has no set schedule or predetermined route: the driver tailors the itinerary to what you really want to see.
You get in the car right outside your hotel and get out at the same spot, without ever having to look for a parking spot downtown.
Between stops, the cabin is all yours: the air conditioning is set to your liking, the driver provides commentary upon request, or you can enjoy complete silence if you’d rather just observe.
The pace of a private city tour is entirely up to you: whether you spend an hour at a single landmark or make ten quick stops, depending on what interests you most in Bordeaux.
For a special occasion, a marriage proposal, or a birthday, the luxury sedan with a chauffeur adds a premium touch to the tour.
What This Guide Covers–and What It Doesn't Cover
This guide covers a city tour of Bordeaux: a tour of the monuments, getting around the city, and day trips to the surrounding area.
Wine tours and tastings are part of a dedicated wine tourism guide, with more details on the wine regions, vintages, and tasting events.
For lunch between sightseeing stops, our selection of Bordeaux restaurants reached by chauffeur helps you plan the day.
To continue after dark, our guide to booking a chauffeur for an evening in Bordeaux covers nightlife.
A city tour can easily be combined with a transfer from the airport or train station, allowing you to go straight from your arrival in Bordeaux to exploring the city without any delays.
Many visitors set aside half a day upon arrival to get a feel for the city before heading to their hotel or a business meeting.
Others prefer to end their stay with a scenic tour–one last glimpse of the city before boarding the train or plane for their return trip.
A private chauffeur also knows the quieter times: early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when you can take photos of the monuments without the crowds of visitors.
This flexibility in the pace of the trip makes all the difference, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular looking to rediscover Bordeaux from a new perspective.
A Tour of Bordeaux's Landmarks with a Private Chauffeur
The monument tour is the highlight of a Bordeaux tour with a private chauffeur: in just a few hours, it takes you to the iconic sites of the historic district, which is a designated historic site.
Bordeaux has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, and it boasts the largest protected urban area in France after Paris.
The driver navigates from one point of interest to the next in the most efficient order, avoiding pedestrian streets and areas closed to traffic.
A complete tour of the monuments takes about three to four hours, including photo stops–a wonderful half-day of exploration on foot and by car.
The center of Bordeaux packs its gems into a tiny area, allowing you to see many of them without ever getting worn out by long walks.
The light-colored limestone, quarried locally, gives Bordeaux its distinctive color scheme, which is so recognizable along its historic facades.
Between each stop, the driver travels along the docks or the wide boulevards, providing a narrative on the history of the Port of the Moon along the way.
Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche
The Porte Cailhau, an old city gate built around 1495, towers over the Place du Palais with its silhouette reminiscent of a medieval fairy-tale castle.
The driver will drop you off as close as possible so you can take a photo before heading to the Grosse Cloche, one of the last medieval belfries in France.
These two remnants serve as a reminder of the fortified Bordeaux of the Middle Ages, a period often overshadowed by the elegant 18th-century facades of pale stone.
The Cailhau Gate owes its name to the pebbles–known as “cailhaux”–that were once unloaded at the nearby port, at the foot of this structure adorned with turrets and tall dormer windows.
The Quinconces and the Monument to the Girondins
Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, covers nearly twelve hectares at the junction of Allées de Tourny and Allées de Bordeaux.
The Monument to the Girondins and its bronze fountains crown the end of the square, with sea horses leaping from the water in a spectacular display.
The driver pulls over along the square, an ideal spot for taking photos and for appreciating the full scale of the monumental urban design envisioned by Bordeaux.
Two rostral columns flank the entrance on the Garonne side, while statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu stand guard over the tree-lined esplanade.
This vast space hosts markets, carnivals, and a Ferris wheel depending on the season; it is as much a vibrant community hub as it is a designated historic site.
Every summer, the square hosts a Ferris wheel whose gondolas offer a unique panoramic view of the city, the Garonne River, and the gray slate rooftops.
Porte d'Aquitaine and Place de la Victoire
The Porte d'Aquitaine, an 18th-century triumphal arch, marks the entrance to Place de la Victoire, the city's lively student hub.
Its marble column and bronze turtle intrigue visitors, just a stone's throw from Sainte-Catherine Street, the longest pedestrian shopping street.
From this bustling spot, the driver can easily reach the other landmarks in the city center without ever having to drive through areas reserved exclusively for pedestrians.
Place de la Victoire pulses with the energy of its outdoor cafes and students, a vivid contrast to the solemnity of the nearby monuments.
Basilica of Saint-Seurin, a Romanesque treasure
The Basilica of Saint-Seurin, a World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, houses a crypt dating from the early Christian centuries.
Less crowded than Saint-André Cathedral, it offers a peaceful respite in the heart of a particularly elegant residential neighborhood.
The driver will take you there, away from the tourist crowds, for a more intimate exploration of Romanesque Bordeaux and its very earliest Christian origins.
Its carved portal and wooden pews bear witness to centuries of devotion at a site that has been continuously occupied since early Christian times.
The basilica is a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which, along with two other landmarks in Bordeaux, has earned it a place on the World Heritage List.
The surrounding neighborhood, a quiet residential area, is lined with beautiful 19th-century mansions, far from the hustle and bustle of the downtown shopping streets.
Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror
The Place de la Bourse, with its 18th-century royal façade, is reflected in the Miroir d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool.
The driver will drop you off at the docks, right in front of the iconic reflection that appears on all the postcards and posters of Bordeaux.
On sunny days, the Miroir alternates between a reflective surface and a refreshing mist, a sight that’s popular with families and photographers alike.
Overlooking the Garonne, the Place de la Bourse broke away from the medieval ramparts to open the city up to its river, right in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment.
The two pavilions flank the Fountain of the Three Graces, a complex designed by the architects Gabriel, father and son, on behalf of the king.
The Water Mirror, designed by landscape architect Michel Corajoud in 2006, alternates between a two-centimeter layer of water and a veil of mist every few minutes.
Grand-Théâtre and Place de la Comédie
The Grand-Théâtre, a neoclassical masterpiece inaugurated in 1780, stands with its twelve majestic Corinthian columns on the Place de la Comédie.
Its grand staircase is said to have inspired the one at the Opéra Garnier in Paris–a detail the driver is sure to point out to you.
From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Golden Triangle and its luxury boutiques, where you can continue your tour on foot if you’d like.
The building, designed by architect Victor Louis, is now home to the Bordeaux National Opera, featuring a painted and richly decorated ceiling.
The twelve muses and goddesses that crown the façade have watched over the square for more than two centuries, serving as familiar landmarks to all residents of Bordeaux.
| Monument | Period | Must-See | Recommended stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cailhau Gate | around 1495 | Medieval gate, Place du Palais | photo, 10 min |
| Monument to the Girondins | 1902 | bronze fountains, Quinconces | photo, 15 min |
| Gate of Aquitaine | 18th century | Triumphal Arch, Place de la Victoire | photo, 10 min |
| Basilica of Saint-Seurin | Romanesque / 11th century | crypt, UNESCO World Heritage Site | tour, 20 min |
| Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror | 1730-1775 | royal facade, an iconic reflection | photo, 20 min |
| Grand Théâtre | 1780 | columns, grand staircase | photo, 15 min |
Half-day or full-day chauffeur service
To explore at your own pace, this service reserves a driver and vehicle by the hour or by the day, exclusively for you.
You don't pay for an unspecified distance, but for a set amount of time, with a car waiting for you between each monument, shop, or break.
Our guide to hourly chauffeur service in Bordeaux explains how this flexible format works.
It is also ideal for mixed itineraries: a few appointments, lunch in town and then a sightseeing tour, all without driving.
How does hourly chauffeur service work?
The service has a four-hour minimum, allowing enough time for a comfortable half-day tour of Bordeaux.
The written quote lists the itinerary and the stops included in the price. No generic stops are promised: any stop added outside the approved itinerary is subject to a written agreement on the cost before the change is made.
The driver will be available while you explore each site on foot, ready to drive off as soon as you return to the car, so you won't waste any time.
You plan your itinerary in advance, but there's nothing stopping you from adding an unplanned stop along the way, as long as you still have enough time.
The quote specifies the duration, vehicle and hourly rate, so everything is clear before departure.
Sedan or van: Which vehicle is right for your trip?
For a couple or a trip for two, the Mercedes C-Class is available for 65 €/h.
For a family or a group, the Van with a driver in Bordeaux accommodates up to seven passengers and their luggage, at 70 €/h in an economy van or 80 €/h in a Mercedes van.
The van can also accommodate strollers, luggage, or the day's shopping–a real plus for a trip with family or friends.
For larger groups or seminars, multiple vehicles can be coordinated to depart from the same location at the exact same time.
The package is ideal for film shoots, property scouting, or press events–anywhere a vehicle needs to be available around the clock.
The booked time begins at the agreed pickup time and ends when the service finishes, with no unexpected charges between stops.
This way, you are paying for a service with a clearly defined duration, rather than for a distance whose total would remain uncertain until the time of billing.
| Formula | Vehicle | Capacity | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Eco | 1 to 3 passengers | 55 €/h · route and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Mercedes C-Class | 1 to 3 passengers | 65 €/h · route and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Eco Van | up to 7 passengers | 70 €/h · route and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Mercedes Van | up to 7 passengers | 80 €/h · route and stops as specified in the quote |
| Quick, hassle-free shopping | Sedan / Van | depending on the product line | sedan starting at €50 · van starting at €70 |
Day Trips Around Bordeaux
Beyond the city center, a day with a private chauffeur lets you explore the area around Bordeaux without having to worry about trains, rental cars, or finding parking.
The principle is the same as in the city: the driver takes you there, waits for you, and brings you back, for a fixed price agreed upon before departure.
You can book a day trip on a per-day basis, or as a fixed-price package if you already know your exact destination and return time.
Factoring in the round-trip travel time and the time spent at the destination helps you estimate how long it will take: half a day for a nearby site, a full day for two stops.
An ideal day trip combines a natural site with a charming town, such as a visit to the Dune du Pilat in the morning and lunch on the shores of the Bassin in the afternoon.
Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat
A trip to the Arcachon Bay combines beaches, oyster farming, and the villas of the "Ville d'Hiver," about an hour's drive from Bordeaux.
The Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in all of Europe, rises more than 100 meters high overlooking the ocean, the Banc d'Arguin, and the pine forest.
The driver will wait for you at the base of the dune while you climb it and take in the view, without rushing you on the return trip to the city.
Cap Ferret, its peninsula, and its oyster huts are the perfect way to round out a day on the Bassin, just a few kilometers from Arcachon.
Arcachon's "Winter City" features a row of 19th-century villas nestled beneath the pine trees–a romantic setting once designed for the convalescence of wealthy spa guests.
Saint-Émilion, a medieval town
Saint-Émilion, located forty minutes from Bordeaux, boasts cobblestone streets, a monolithic church, and panoramic views of the designated vineyard.
The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can only be explored on foot; the driver handles access and parking, which is often completely full during peak season.
Wine tastings at châteaux are part of wine tourism, which is covered in a separate, more detailed guide on vineyards and wines.
The view from the bell tower of the monolithic church takes in the tiled rooftops and vineyards that surround the small medieval town on all sides.
Saint-Émilion macarons, made according to a 17th-century recipe, can be enjoyed on site and make for a delicious souvenir that’s easy to take home from your visit.
The Médoc and Its Châteaux
The Castle Route of the Médoc, as far as Margaux, features a lineup of grands crus classés set against a stunning vineyard landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The driver follows the famous D2 road, stops for photos in front of the buildings, and drives you back without you having to worry about driving after the tours.
The Médoc extends all the way to the Pointe de Grave and the estuary, but a single day is more than enough to explore the section featuring the greatest grands crus classés.
The D2 road runs through Margaux, Saint-Julien, and Pauillac–a string of prestigious appellations where each château boasts exquisite architecture.
The driver will adjust the number of stops based on the time available and your interests, ranging from quick photo stops to longer tours of properties.
Our menu All our destinations departing from Bordeaux lists the day trips most frequently requested by our French and international customers.
| Field Trip | Distance | Recommended duration | Check it out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat | ~60 km | day (8 hours) | beach, oysters, Europe's tallest dune |
| Saint-Émilion | ~40 km | half-day to full-day | UNESCO World Heritage Site, monolithic church |
| Médoc (Château Route) | ~50 km | day (8 hours) | Classified Growths, D2 Road |
| Cap Ferret | ~65 km | day (8 hours) | lighthouse, peninsula, oyster huts |
Private Chauffeur or Tour Bus: True Comfort
The sightseeing bus is appealing because of its low price, but it imposes its own route, schedule, and stops, without ever really adapting to your needs.
A private car costs more, but it offers complete freedom and a level of comfort that is incomparable to that of a crowded, shared bus.
The math quickly adds up in your favor when there are several of you: with three or four passengers, the cost per person is close to that of a bus tour.
With a hop-on, hop-off bus, you have to stick to the scheduled times, or you'll end up waiting a long time for the next bus in the rain or the sun.
Flexibility, First and Foremost
With a private chauffeur, you can leave whenever you want, stay as long as you need, and change your itinerary along the way.
The bus, on the other hand, follows a set route: it's impossible to linger in front of a monument or pop out for lunch off the prearranged itinerary.
This flexibility saves time and avoids lines, which is a major advantage for a short two- or three-day stay in Bordeaux.
In case of unpredictable weather, the driver will adjust the day's itinerary to include indoor attractions–something that no bus tour can improvise on the spot.
A punctual, English-speaking driver
The driver arrives early, waits for you at the hotel, and sticks to the schedule–unlike the bus, which has strict and distant pickup points.
Upon request, he speaks English, which is a great convenience for foreign visitors who want personalized and engaging explanations.
He knows the city, how to get around, and its best viewpoints, and shares his tips far beyond a simple recorded commentary.
This direct connection transforms a simple trip into a true journey of discovery, personalized from the very first stop to the very last of the day.
A private car also eliminates the language barrier: the driver answers your questions in real time, something an audio guide can never do.
For an international group, this flexibility allows participants to alternate between sharing their thoughts and moments of silence according to their own preferences, without any pressure.
| Criterion | Private Chauffeur | Sightseeing Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary | customizable, editable | fixed loop, imposed |
| Hours | whenever you want | Scheduled Departures |
| Coverage | at your hotel | mandatory stops |
| Comfort | private vehicle, air-conditioned | shared bus |
| Comments | driver, often an English speaker | recorded audio guide |
| Waiting for Visitors | The driver waits | fixed schedule |
Private Chauffeur Tour of Bordeaux: How Much Does It Cost?
A tour of Bordeaux with a chauffeur has a four-hour minimum: Eco 55 €/h, C-Class 65 €/h, economy van 70 €/h or Mercedes van 80 €/h, respectively 220 €, 260 €, 280 € and 320 € for the minimum booking. The fixed-price quote includes the vehicle, chauffeur and agreed stops.
The hourly rate schedule
Four categories are available: Eco 55 €/h, Mercedes C-Class 65 €/h, economy van 70 €/h and Mercedes van 80 €/h, with a minimum of four hours.
The written quote lists the itinerary and the stops included in the price. No generic stops are promised: any stop added outside the approved itinerary is subject to a written agreement on the cost before the change is made.
For a simple ride with no waiting, the sedan starts at €50 and the van at €70–always at a flat rate guaranteed in writing in advance.
A day trip is subject to a fixed rate based on a quote, calculated according to the actual distance and confirmed well in advance of the departure date.
For a trip planned in advance, with multiple stops and some waiting time, the fixed-hour package is by far the easiest to understand and the most reassuring.
Nighttime surcharge included; no hidden fees
The nighttime surcharge of approximately 30%, which applies from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., on weekends, and on holidays, is already included in the advertised price.
We don't claim that the price is the same day and night: it isn't, but it's set and stated in advance, with no surprises at the end.
There are no drop-off fees within the Bordeaux Métropole area, and tolls, VAT, and baggage fees are always included in the quoted price.
Cancellation is free of charge up to twelve hours before pickup, with no hidden clauses or penalties buried in the fine print.
We are committed to price transparency: the amount confirmed in the quote is exactly what you’ll pay, with no last-minute surcharges.
The cost of a taxi for a multi-stop trip is only an approximate estimate, as it depends on the meter, the time of day, traffic, waiting times, and any possible surcharges. The private chauffeur service is based on a total amount provided in writing prior to confirmation; compare this quote with a taxi estimate specific to your route.
Neither option is better in absolute terms: taxis have the advantage of immediacy and the ability to pick up passengers on the street, while private chauffeur services offer the advantage of a scheduled reservation.
A written estimate commits to a fixed price: it is the only document that definitively sets the amount, protecting against any last-minute changes.
So you'll know, even before you board, the exact cost of your day trip, which makes it easy to plan your budget for the trip.
| Service | Vehicle | Rates | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Eco | 55 €/h | Itinerary and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Sedan (C-Class) | 65 €/h | Itinerary and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Eco van (7-passenger) | 70 €/h | Itinerary and stops as specified in the quote |
| Hourly service · minimum 4 hours | Mercedes Van (7-passenger) | 80 €/h | Itinerary and stops as specified in the quote |
| City Run | Sedan | starting at 50 € | flat rate, tolls, VAT |
| City Run | Van | starting at 70 € | up to 7 passengers |
| Day Trip | Sedan / Van | on a fixed-price basis | price confirmed before departure |
How to Book Your Tour with a Private Chauffeur
Book in just a few minutes–it's all laid out
Booking a tour with a private chauffeur takes just a few minutes, and the concept can be summed up in one word: absolutely everything is planned in advance.
Describe your itinerary, the number of passengers, and the date, then start your Online Quote Request at any time and with no obligation.
We will confirm a fixed price in writing within thirty minutes, specifying the vehicle, the selected duration, and the terms of service.
For an excursion, please specify the destination and your desired return time; for a city tour, please list the sights that are most important to you.
- Describe your visit: city tour, sightseeing tour, or excursion; date, time, desired duration, and number of passengers.
- Choose a vehicle: a Mercedes C-Class sedan for a couple, or a minivan for a family or a group of up to seven people.
- Get a written quote: A fixed price confirmed within 30 minutes, all-inclusive, with no obligation on your part.
- Confirm the reservation: You will receive the meeting point and, before the tour, your driver's contact information.
- Enjoy your visit: The driver will be waiting for you at the hotel, will adjust the pace to suit you, and will take you to your destination at the agreed-upon price, without using a meter.
Once the quote has been approved, you'll receive the meeting location and, before the tour, the direct contact information for your driver for the day.
During peak travel months, from March through October, please book in advance to ensure the availability of the vehicle you've chosen.
A deposit may be required for full-day rentals and group bookings in order to reserve the vehicle and driver for the exact date you have selected.
We will contact you again to finalize the details, adjust the itinerary if necessary, and confirm the exact meeting point on the morning of the tour.
All it takes is a simple message to change a schedule or add a passenger, as long as the selected vehicle is still available.
This responsiveness is part of our service: a single point of contact who is always available and who will handle your case from the initial quote request through the end of the visit.
For a complete list of our services, visit the page Our private chauffeur services presents every plan available in Bordeaux and throughout the Gironde department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tour of Bordeaux with a private chauffeur?
This is a private, customized city tour: a professional driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a tour of Bordeaux following an itinerary of your choice. The driver will take you from one landmark to the next (Porte Cailhau, Quinconces, Place de la Bourse, Miroir d’Eau, Grand-Théâtre), wait for you during each stop or photo opportunity, and adjust the pace to suit your preferences. Unlike a tour bus, nothing is set in stone: you decide where to stop, how long to stay, and the order of the stops. The service must be booked in advance and is paid at a fixed rate, which is known and agreed upon in writing before departure–no meter.
How much does a tour of Bordeaux with a private chauffeur cost?
The tour is booked as an hourly chauffeur service: Eco 55 €/h, Mercedes C-Class 65 €/h, economy van 70 €/h and Mercedes van 80 €/h, with a four-hour minimum. The written quote lists the itinerary and included stops. Any stop outside the approved programme requires a written additional price agreed before the change.
What landmarks can you see on the Bordeaux city tour?
The monuments tour covers the iconic sites of the UNESCO-listed historic center: the Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche, medieval landmarks; the Place des Quinconces and its Monument to the Girondins; the Porte d’Aquitaine and Place de la Victoire, the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Seurin, Place de la Bourse and its Miroir d’eau, and finally the Grand-Théâtre on Place de la Comédie. The driver will take you to these stops in the most efficient order, avoiding pedestrian streets. You choose which ones interest you most and how long to stay at each stop.
What's the difference between this and a tour bus?
A sightseeing bus dictates its route, schedule, and stops–in a shared coach with a pre-recorded audio guide. A private chauffeur, on the other hand, picks you up at your hotel, follows a customized itinerary, gives you as much time as you want at each site, and can adjust the itinerary along the way. He waits patiently while you explore and takes you back to your starting point. The bus is cheaper upfront; the private car offers greater flexibility, comfort, and personalization, often with an English-speaking driver who shares his recommendations.
Is it possible to take a day trip outside of Bordeaux?
Yes, this is one of our most popular packages. From Bordeaux, a day trip with a private chauffeur takes you to the Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat, the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, or the Médoc wine route all the way to Margaux. The driver takes you to your destinations, waits for you while you visit, and brings you back–so you don’t have to worry about driving or parking. The price is determined by a quote based on the destination and duration, then confirmed in writing before departure. Our destination map lists the most popular excursions departing from the city.
Does the driver speak English for foreign visitors?
Yes, upon request. Our drivers can welcome and guide English-speaking guests, which is a real convenience for foreign visitors who prefer personalized explanations to an impersonal audio guide. The driver knows the city, its access points, its best viewpoints, and its history, and is happy to share tips throughout the tour. Please specify your preferred language when booking so we can arrange the service accordingly. This personal touch is part of what sets a private tour apart from a standardized sightseeing tour.
How long does a tour of Bordeaux with a driver last?
The minimum rental period is four hours, a duration designed to allow for a comfortable half-day tour of the city. A half-day is sufficient to visit the main monuments in the city center. A full eight-hour day allows you to add an excursion outside the city, such as to Saint-Émilion or the Arcachon Basin. You set the duration when you book, but there’s nothing stopping you from adding an impromptu stop if time allows. The driver stays with you and waits for you between each stop, with the meter not running during your visits.
Will the driver wait while I visit the sights?
Yes, that’s the whole idea behind the charter service. The driver and vehicle are reserved for you by the hour or by the day: the car waits for you between each sight, shop, or break. You get out to explore on foot, and the driver remains available, ready to drive off as soon as you return. You don’t pay for an uncertain distance but for a set amount of time, which makes the cost completely predictable. This option is ideal for a multi-stop itinerary, whether in the city or on a day trip to the surrounding area.
What's the best vehicle to use for exploring Bordeaux?
For a couple or a trip for two, the Mercedes C-Class is available for 65 €/h. For a family or group of up to seven people, the Eco Van is available for 70 €/h and the Mercedes van at 80 €/h. The Eco line is available at 55 €/h. Each vehicle is driven by a professional driver and comes with the same fixed-price commitment, agreed upon in writing in advance.
Is the price for the tour fixed or based on the meter?
Fixed. A private chauffeur service does not use a meter: the price of the trip is calculated at the time of booking, based on the duration or route, and then guaranteed in writing. It does not change if traffic is heavy or if a stop runs a few minutes longer. The nighttime surcharge (approximately 30%, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., on weekends, and on holidays) is already included in the quoted price, and there are no call-out fees within the Bordeaux Métropole area. We do not claim that the price is the same day and night: it is not, but it is specified in advance.
How much does it cost compared to a taxi for a tour?
The cost of a taxi for a multi-stop trip is only an approximate estimate, as it depends on the meter, the time of day, traffic, waiting times, and any possible surcharges. The private chauffeur service is based on a total amount provided in writing prior to confirmation; compare this quote with a taxi estimate specific to your route.
Is it possible to combine a city tour with a day trip?
Yes, that’s entirely possible with a full day of service. For example, you can spend the morning touring the landmarks in downtown Bordeaux, then head out in the afternoon to Saint-Émilion or the Arcachon Basin. The driver will tailor the itinerary to your schedule and manage travel times. Allow for an eight-hour day to comfortably combine the city and its surroundings. The price is determined by a quote based on duration and destinations, then confirmed in writing before departure. Wine tours are covered in a dedicated wine tourism guide.
Do I need to book the tour well in advance?
It depends on the time of year. For a half-day trip on a weekday during the off-season, a few days’ notice may be sufficient, depending on availability. For a full day, an excursion, or a tour during peak season (March through October), please book several days or even several weeks in advance: availability is limited during holidays, weekends, and major events. You’ll receive a fixed quote confirmed in writing within 30 minutes, and the service is not confirmed until you approve the quote. Cancellation is free of charge up to twelve hours before pickup.
Further Reading
- Book Your Visit: Request a Quote for a tour with a private chauffeur – Fixed price guaranteed in writing within 30 minutes
- Hourly tours: our guide to hourly chauffeur service in Bordeaux
- Group Tours: the Van with a driver in Bordeaux, up to 7 passengers and their luggage
- Flagship Tour: our guide From Bordeaux to the Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat
- Where can we take you?: the map of All of our destinations departing from Bordeaux
Sources and References
- Public Service – Becoming a Private Chauffeur (Form F31027) – Private chauffeur service professional license (valid for 5 years), REVTC registration, red sticker, financial guarantee of €1,500
- Légifrance – Transportation Code, Article L3122-1 (Grandguillaume Act) – Regulations governing private chauffeur services, as amended by Law No. 2016-1920 of December 29, 2016
- Bordeaux Métropole Tourist Office – Landmarks in the UNESCO-designated historic district: Porte Cailhau, Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, Miroir d'eau
- UNESCO – Bordeaux, Port de la Lune (World Heritage Site) – an urban area designated in 2007, the largest in France after Paris
Article updated on July 22, 2026.
Your Tour of Bordeaux with a Private Chauffeur
A private, customized city tour: sightseeing tour of the monuments, available for half a day or a full day, with excursions to Arcachon, Saint-Émilion, or the Médoc. The driver will pick you up at your hotel, tailor the itinerary to your preferences, and wait for you at each stop. Eco 55 €/h, Mercedes C-Class 65 €/h, Economy van 70 €/h and Mercedes van 80 €/hour, minimum 4 hours, fixed price guaranteed in writing.
