Bordeaux: City Pass for 48 or 72-Hours

If you’re planning a trip to Bordeaux, the CityPass promises to streamline your visit, offering free entry to top attractions, unlimited public transport, and the chance to hop on guided tours—all in a convenient package. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-rounded experience.

What we love about this pass is its flexibility, especially the unlimited transport, which makes wandering through Bordeaux’s charming streets a breeze. The inclusion of iconic museums like Cité du Vin and Bassins des Lumières means cultural highlights are covered. Plus, the option to choose a guided walking, boat, or train tour adds a personalized touch.

A small catch is that the pass is only valid for one visit per attraction, so planning your schedule is key. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who want a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see Bordeaux without the hassle of buying individual tickets. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, soaking in local culture, and tasting Bordeaux’s famed wines, this pass is likely to suit your travel style well.

Key Points

• Flexibility: 48 or 72-hour options cater to different trip lengths.
• Comprehensive: Over 15 museums and monuments included in the pass.
• Transport: Unlimited access to trams, buses, and river shuttles within Bordeaux.
• Customization: Choose between walking, boat, or train guided tours.
• Value: Save money by bundling attractions, transport, and tours.
• Schedule: Be aware that attractions are closed on public holidays like May 1.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why the Bordeaux City Pass Works Well

When visiting Bordeaux, having a CityPass simplifies your trip in many ways. It covers key cultural sites, offers local transportation, and even throws in guided tours and discounts on extras like wine tastings. You essentially get to experience Bordeaux’s highlights without constantly reaching for your wallet or navigating multiple ticket lines.

From the start, you pick up your pass from the Bordeaux Tourist Office, where staff provide a handy guidebook. This is particularly useful as it helps you plan your visit effectively. The pass’s validity starts with the first use, so you have the flexibility to set your schedule.

Top Attractions and Museums

Included in your pass are notable sites like Cité du Vin, the world-famous wine museum that offers a deep dive into Bordeaux’s winemaking tradition. Visitors often praise it for its engaging exhibits and tasting opportunities. One reviewer mentioned that the free guided city tour they booked was well worth it, with expert guides like Virgil, who shared insider tips and stories that truly brought the city’s history alive.

Other museums such as the Bassins des Lumières—an impressive digital art center—are regarded highly by visitors. As one reviewer noted, the Bassin des Lumières was a highlight, with stunning light displays projected onto former warehouses, creating a captivating atmosphere.

The Museum of Aquitaine and the Natural History Museum are also part of the package, offering insights into the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Many travelers found the Porte Cailhau and Pey Berland Tower to be worthwhile stops for panoramic views of Bordeaux’s rooftops and architecture.

Guided Tours and Tours of Your Choice

The pass includes one guided tour—whether walking, by mini-train, or boat. The reviews highlight how flexible this aspect is; some travelers opted for the guided boat cruise along the Garonne River, which provided a relaxing perspective of the city’s landscape. Others enjoyed the guided walking tour** through Bordeaux’s historic streets, noting guides like Paul or Claire who provided lively commentary on local sights and history.

Transportation Convenience

Unlimited travel on trams, buses, and river shuttles within the TBM network is a major perk. Reviewers appreciated this for its convenience and cost savings, especially when visiting attractions spread across the city. Using the transport network, travelers could easily switch between the Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières, and other museums without fuss.

Some reviewers mentioned that, although the trams are dependable and quick, they sometimes encountered minor issues with stops or signal timing. Still, overall, the transport system’s reliability makes exploring Bordeaux much easier.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Discounts and Experiences

The pass offers discounts on vineyard tours, boat trips, and other activities. One reviewer pointed out that the boat trip combined with a wine tasting was a highlight, offering both scenic views and local flavors. The Moon Harbour Distillery tour and tasting is an included extra, perfect for those interested in Bordeaux’s spirits and craft liquors.

Practicality and Ease of Use

Travelers generally find the CityPass straightforward to use, especially when paired with the provided guidebook. Once your pass is activated, you can book subsequent visits at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, which often has available slots for popular tours.

A common theme in reviews is the value for money: many users, like Clare, found that it was a great way to see the sights and move around the city easily. Others appreciated the comprehensive access to museums and free transport, which saved them both time and money.

Justin summarized this well, saying that the 48-hour pass allowed access to key sites and included a free city tour, with a complimentary glass of wine and canelé—a delicious local pastry. This kind of added touch elevates the experience from just sightseeing to a more immersive visit.

What to Expect on Your Bordeaux Experience

Starting Point: Bordeaux Tourist Office

Your adventure begins at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, where you’ll pick up your CityPass and guide. It’s important to do this early, especially if you plan to start your sightseeing immediately. The staff are friendly, and they offer tips on how to maximize your pass.

Visiting Museums and Monuments

Once you have your pass, you can head straight to key museums like:

• Cité du Vin: Expect interactive exhibits, wine tastings, and panoramic views from the tower. Reviewers recommend booking a guided tour or tasting for the full experience.
• Bassins des Lumières: Prepare to be wowed by immersive digital art projections that transform old warehouses into vibrant displays.
• Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC): These are ideal for art lovers wanting a mix of classic and modern pieces.

Most attractions are accessible with a quick presentation of your digital or paper pass. While entries are usually smooth, some visitors have noted that attractions are closed on May 1, so plan around public holidays.

Guided Tours: Walking, Boat, or Mini-Train

Choosing your guided tour adds a tailored element to your visit. A walking tour with a knowledgeable guide like Claire often lasts around 1.5 hours and covers Bordeaux’s historical streets, including stories about local landmarks and anecdotes from guides who are passionate about the city.

The boat cruise along the Garonne offers a relaxing perspective, often accompanied by a guide explaining Bordeaux’s maritime history. The electric mini-train tour is quick but informative, perfect for covering more ground in less time.

Public Transport Experience

Using Bordeaux’s tram and bus system is as simple as validating your pass at the start of a journey. Reviewers liked that the transport network is dependable and quick, making it easy to visit attractions like Porte Cailhau and Pey Berland Tower without worrying about parking or walking long distances.

Additional Activities and Discounts

Besides the included attractions, your pass offers discounts on vineyard excursions, which many travelers find offers excellent value, especially when combined with tastings at the Moon Harbour Distillery or wine and trade museums.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

• Plan your day: List your must-see locations and coordinate with the transport schedule.
• Book tours early: Some tours might require reservations, so check availability at the Bordeaux Tourist Office.
• Save time: Use the guidebook and recommended itineraries to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
• Respect opening days: Remember, attractions like museums are closed on May 1, so plan accordingly.

In-Depth Review of Key Attractions

Cité du Vin

The flagship attraction, Cité du Vin, is often praised for its engaging, interactive approach to wine education. Visitors love the panoramic views from the tower and the tasting sessions. Many reviewers, like Clare, enjoyed the guided wine tasting, which added depth to their visit. If wine isn’t your main focus, the exhibits are still captivating, offering insights into Bordeaux’s winemaking history and global wine culture.

Bassins des Lumières

This digital art space receives high marks for its innovative displays. Reviewers like Tim appreciated the stunning visuals projected onto warehouse walls, transforming the space into a mesmerizing art experience. It’s a perfect spot for digital art fans and those seeking an immersive art environment.

Museum of Fine Arts and Contemporary Art

Both museums are accessible and well-curated, with collections spanning centuries. Visitors like Judy found the Museums of Fine Arts a peaceful retreat filled with beautiful paintings, while CAPC’s modern works kept another reviewer engaged for hours.

Pey Berland Tower & Porte Cailhau

These historic sites offer sweeping views of Bordeaux’s rooftops. Climbing Pey Berland Tower is often highlighted as a highlight, with reviewers like João mentioning the amazing city panoramas from the top.

The Guided Tours

The walks and boat trips included in the pass have received glowing reviews, especially when led by passionate guides. Some reviewers noted that the boat cruise was particularly memorable, providing scenic views along the river while relaxing with a glass of wine.

The Overall Value and Who It’s Best For

The Bordeaux City Pass really shines for travelers seeking a flexible, all-in-one solution to explore the city’s highlights without the stress of booking individual tickets. It offers good value, especially if you plan to visit multiple museums and take guided tours—many reviewers noted significant savings compared to purchasing tickets separately.

It’s ideal for culture enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those who want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation. The inclusion of unlimited public transport makes it especially handy for exploring spread-out sites, while the guided tour options add a layer of personal insight that enriches the experience.

However, if you prefer to explore at a very leisurely pace or are visiting during a holiday when some attractions close, you might want to double-check the schedule and select your activities accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the CityPass for multiple visits to the same attraction?
No, each included attraction can only be visited once with your pass, so plan your schedule to maximize your visits.

Where do I pick up my CityPass?
You need to collect it at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, where you also receive a detailed guidebook.

Is the pass valid for public transportation?
Yes, it offers unlimited use of trams, buses, and river shuttles within Bordeaux’s TBM network for the duration of your pass.

What attractions are included?
Over 15 sites, including Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières, Museum of Aquitaine, Natural History Museum, Porte Cailhau, and Pey Berland Tower.

Can I book tours once I have my pass?
Yes, you can book visits at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, subject to availability.

Is the pass suitable for children?
The card is available for adults 18 and over. Children’s discounts or passes might be available separately.

What should I do if attractions are closed on a public holiday?
Check the calendar ahead of time, as many sites are closed on May 1, so adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Are there discounts on wine tours or tastings?
The pass offers discounts on vineyard excursions and related activities, which many find great value.

How long does the pass last?
You select either 48 or 72 hours of validity, starting from your first use.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

The Bordeaux CityPass offers a balanced mix of convenience, savings, and culture, making it a smart choice for anyone eager to experience Bordeaux’s best without the fuss. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring at a relaxed pace, this pass is worth considering for your next trip to this beautiful French city.

You can check availability for your dates here: