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Welcome to Bordeaux

We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.

Modern architectural building with a unique shape.
Modern architectural building with a unique shape.
a large building with a large body of water in front of it
a large building with a large body of water in front of it

Bordeaux is a historic and vibrant city in southwestern France, located along the Garonne River. It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and one of the most famous wine-producing areas in the world. Known as the “Wine Capital of the World,” Bordeaux is surrounded by renowned vineyards and châteaux that attract wine lovers globally.

The city is also celebrated for its elegant 18th-century architecture, bustling quays, and rich cultural life, including museums, festivals, and a lively student population. Bordeaux's gastronomy complements its wines, featuring local specialties like canelé, entrecôte à la bordelaise, and seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a perfect blend of tradition, modernity, and French charm.xt here...

Places to visit
Transport
Food and restaurants
Accommodation and stay
Emergency services: Medical and others
City administration

Bordeaux is the capital (Préfecture) of the Gironde department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. Bordeaux Métropole is an intercommunal structure comprising 28 communes, including Bordeaux, and represents around half of Gironde’s population (~801,000 in 2018). It plays a central role in urban planning, transport, and public services.

A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, similar to a municipality, and operates with significant autonomy.

1. Mairie (Town Hall)

Headed by a Mayor (Maire) and municipal council.
Responsibilities: civil registration, local permits, waste and water services, local transport, schools, childcare, and community events.
🔗 To find your local mairie: click here.

2. Police Municipale

Responsible for public order, traffic control, and enforcement of local laws.
Note: Different from Police Nationale, which handles serious crimes and immigration.

3. Other Local Services

Includes libraries, sports centers, cultural programs, social services, and urban/environmental planning.

Administrative Structure of Gironde

Prefecture & Subprefectures

  • Prefecture: Located in Bordeaux, represents the State and ensures public order and legal oversight.

  • Subprefectures: Arcachon, Blaye, Langon, Lesparre-Médoc, Libourne.

Judicial & Tax Offices

  • Judicial Courts: Bordeaux and Libourne.

  • Local Court: Arcachon.

  • Commercial Courts: Bordeaux, Libourne.

Tax Offices

  • Personal Tax (SIP): Offices in Audenge, Blaye, Bordeaux (2), Cenon, Langon, Lesparre-Médoc, Libourne, Mérignac.

  • Business Tax (SIE): Arcachon, Bordeaux, Cenon, Libourne, Mérignac.

  • Property Tax (CDIF): Bordeaux, Langon, Libourne.

  • Treasuries (Trésoreries): 18 locations including Bazas, Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Créon, Mérignac, Talence, etc.

Subdivisions of Gironde

  • Arrondissements (6): Arcachon (17 communes), Blaye (62), Bordeaux (82), Langon (196), Lesparre-Médoc (49), Libourne (129).

  • Cantons (33): Including Andernos-les-Bains, Bordeaux sectors, Mérignac‑1, Pessac‑2, Talence, etc.

  • Communes (~534): The department comprises approximately 534 communes.

🚍🛴🚊 Public Transport in Bordeaux Métropole – TBM & Regional Connections

Getting around Bordeaux and its surrounding areas is easy and efficient thanks to an extensive and modern public transportation system.

🌐 TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole)

TBM is the official public transport network in Bordeaux Métropole, serving the city and 28 surrounding communes.

🚉 Services Operated by TBM:

  • 🚋 Trams: 4 main lines (A, B, C, D) covering the metropolitan area with frequent service.

  • 🚌 Buses: Dozens of routes (regular, express, night buses) connecting urban and suburban zones.

  • ⛴️ River Boats (Bat³): Operate on the Garonne River — a scenic and practical way to cross the city.

  • 🚲 VCub Bikes: Public self-service bicycles available across the city and suburbs.

  • 🚕 Paratransit Services: For people with reduced mobility (Mobibus service).

A train traveling down a street next to tall buildings
A train traveling down a street next to tall buildings

💳 Ticketing & Pass Options:

  • Single and 10-trip tickets (valid across tram, bus, and boat).

  • Monthly and yearly passes, including: 🎓 Student Passes (discounted rates for school and university students), 👩‍💼 Employee Commuter Passes (can be reimbursed 50% by employers), 👶 Free for children under 5.

    You can buy ticket from ticket vending machine available on tram stops, TBM App (iOS/Android) and TBM Website. You can also do route planning, schedules, real-time arrivals, disruptions, and digital tickets, on app and website.

🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Bordeaux

To explore the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is well connected via:

🚆 TER (Transport Express Régional) Trains

  • Run by SNCF, TER trains serve towns and cities across Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

  • Major destinations from Bordeaux include: Arcachon (coastline), Libourne, Bergerac, Agen, Périgueux, Bayonne, Pau, and La Rochelle

🚌 Regional Coaches (Cars Régionaux) - Low-cost buses connecting smaller towns, villages, and rural areas, Great option for exploring areas without train service.

💡 Tip: Combine TBM + TER

If you're living in Bordeaux but working or studying in nearby towns, you can combine TBM monthly passes with TER subscriptions for discounted regional travel.

Health Emergency Contacts (Bordeaux Region)

  • SOS Doctors (General): ☎️ 05 56 44 74 74

  • Weekend/Holiday Pediatrician: ☎️ 05 56 43 72 34

  • Pharmacy on Duty Info: ☎️ 32 37

  • SOS Hands (Hand Injuries): ☎️ 05 57 82 20 20

  • Poison Control Center: ☎️ 05 56 96 40 80

  • Psychiatric Emergencies (SECOP): ☎️ 05 56 56 34 34

  • Pellegrin Adult Emergency: ☎️ 05 57 82 04 00

  • Saint-André Adult Medical Emergencies: ☎️ 05 56 79 57 81

  • Children’s Emergencies: ☎️ 05 56 79 59 72

  • Maternity Emergencies: ☎️ 05 57 82 01 01

  • Cardiac Emergencies: ☎️ 05 57 65 67 90

🧠 Mental Health & Abuse Support

  • Suicide Prevention Hotline: ☎️ 31 14

  • Psychological Questions Line: ☎️ 0 800 71 08 90 (free)

👶🧓 Child, Senior & Vulnerable Groups Support

  • Child Protection (Children at Risk): ☎️ 119

  • Child Abuse Reporting (Bordeaux): ☎️ 05 56 99 33 33

  • SOS Missing Children: ☎️ 116 000

  • Elderly & Disabled Abuse Helpline: ☎️ 39 77

  • Senior Support Platform (CLIC-MAIA – CTA): ☎️ 0 800 62 58 85

🛡️ Legal and Violence Support

  • Domestic Violence Hotline: ☎️ 39 19

  • Free Legal Advice – Bordeaux Bar: ☎️ 05 57 77 40 71

  • Cyber-harassment Helpline (Net Ecoute): ☎️ 30 18

  • Assault Victims (Bordeaux CHU – CAUVA): ☎️ 05 56 79 87 77

A lively French restaurant storefront adorned with colorful flowers and quaint signage. The sign advertises traditional French cuisine, specifically fondue, with a whimsical illustration of a fondue pot. The exterior is vibrant with hanging lights and various decorative elements.
A lively French restaurant storefront adorned with colorful flowers and quaint signage. The sign advertises traditional French cuisine, specifically fondue, with a whimsical illustration of a fondue pot. The exterior is vibrant with hanging lights and various decorative elements.

Gallery

Explore our resources for newcomers settling in France today.

A yellow warning sign with French text reading 'ATTENTION SORTIE DE CAMIONS' is displayed on a metal mesh fence. The background is slightly blurred, possibly showing an industrial or warehouse setting.
A yellow warning sign with French text reading 'ATTENTION SORTIE DE CAMIONS' is displayed on a metal mesh fence. The background is slightly blurred, possibly showing an industrial or warehouse setting.
A small French grocery store with an awning displaying the name 'Epicerie de la Tour'. The front of the store is lined with crates of fresh fruits such as apples and citrus. A variety of products are stacked inside, visible through the glass door. A woman with gray hair carrying a red bag and wearing a black and white dress walks by. Posters and advertisements cover the freezer at the entrance.
A small French grocery store with an awning displaying the name 'Epicerie de la Tour'. The front of the store is lined with crates of fresh fruits such as apples and citrus. A variety of products are stacked inside, visible through the glass door. A woman with gray hair carrying a red bag and wearing a black and white dress walks by. Posters and advertisements cover the freezer at the entrance.