Ah, Bordeaux! One only has to mention its name to bring to mind visions of thick vineyards, fantastic buildings, and most importantly, the taste of excellent wine.
It has not been long since I went on a trip to the beautiful city located in the southwest of France, and it was really very beautiful.
But as a female who travelled alone, I am aware that Bordeaux, France concerns some people since it is their priority. Occasionally, I wonder, Is Bordeaux safe for solo female travelers?
To give you a hint, yes, I had a nice time. Still, I would like to tell my own stories or things I learned while being in this beautiful place about privacy issues, security and safety issues. So get your coffee, let’s go on my journey!
Historical & Cultural Overview
Bordeaux has roots that reach as far back as Roman times when it was called Burdigala, and it is rich in history. The city has now changed into a center of culture, known for its amazing 18th Century Designed buildings and also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As one goes through the city one can hear the echo of the past, most prominently from the breathtaking Place de la Bourse And Bordeaux Cathedral.
Bordeaux has gotten a bad rap when it comes to France travel safety. Most people usually compare cities like Bordeaux to big and bustling areas like Paris.
It’s true that Paris functions on a different level of safety, but Bordeaux can be called a much more relaxed and manageable town. The best thing about the city is its neighborhoods, its people, and of course, the lovely vineyards it’s surrounded by.
Travel Tips and Safety
The Highlights of the Perfect Trip
There are many beautiful sites that can be visited in Bordeaux, and getting around them is not an issue at all. Here are some highlights:
La Cité du Vin
This wine museum is a nice place to visit and I felt safe doing this as well. I moved around the place quite a lot as there were many interactive exhibits which detailed the region’s wine making history.
As always, the staff were kind and I had no problem asking for anything.
Place de la Bourse
The reflective pool that has been captured in many images is a beautiful sight to behold during the evening when the sun sets.
This is one of the many beautiful spots in Bordeaux that really doesn’t get old. I remember sitting on a bench contemplating the surroundings in sheer bliss.
The Historic Center
I found small stores, cute restaurants, and warm locals as I continued along the nearly always timeless cobblestone streets of the historic part of the city.
The place is quite beautiful and feels very safe, especially in the day.
Safe Areas for Tourists
Bordeaux has many safe areas that cater well to tourists. In my case, staying within the bounds of lit, crowded places particularly in the evening was more beneficial. Some areas I actually liked are:
- Saint Pierre: This place has many restaurants and bars, so it is very active. It was good walking around this area when the sun went down.
- Chartrons: This district is more famous for its antique shops and art galleries, and a walk around this area is pleasurable because it is quiet.
Strategies to Ensure Safety
There are moments when we perceive traveling alone to be quite scary, but there were quite a few ways that I was able to protect my privacy and security in Bordeaux. Here are some methods formulated with my experience:
My Accommodation
For example, when searching for a place to sleep, I conveniently selected a hotel which seemed to provide a lot of safety and privacy.
Some of the châteaux in Bordeaux to stay are in secured places and have quiet locations that enhance the ambiance. I would suggest to look for:
- Controlled Access: Most hotels with keycards can ensure that only the guests of that hotel can enter.
- Peaceful Conditions: Especially at night, it can be helpful to be in quieter parts of town.
Always Be Attentive
Though Bordeaux is quite safe and pleasant for a stay, it is important to be alert of one’s possessions. Here are some practical tips:
- Try to hold a crossbody bag that is worn close to your body.
- Steer clear of wearing eye-catching jewels or expensive things that can draw people’s focus.
- When going out for fine dining, make sure that your bag is placed on your lap or is tied up to the chair.
Always Be Looking Around While Walking
One should try to be cautious as well as be aware of surroundings. I followed the mental note of checking the route beforehand and keeping my head up while walking.
If one ever gets confused, never shy away from seeking help from people. They usually are more than willing to offer assistance!
Some of the Useful Recommendations
My Recommended Hotels
Those that I always thought were quite safe and nice are listed below:
- Les Sources de Caudalie: Bask in lake views and spend time in a health spa at this truly beautiful hotel set in the vineyards. A very private hotel with controlled access that is perfect for a relaxed holiday.
- Hotel de Seze: A delightful property close to central Bordeaux offering great value for money and excellent service. The attentive staff made me immediately feel at home.
| Hotel Name | Safety Features | Location | Atmosphere |
| Les Sources de Caudalie | – Secure entry with keycard access – Located in tranquil vineyards – Staff trained in hospitality and safety | Nestled in the vineyards, 20 minutes from Bordeaux | Luxurious spa resort with a serene ambiance |
| Hotel de Sèze | – 24-hour front desk for assistance – Keycard access to rooms – Centrally located in a well-lit area | Heart of Bordeaux, near Place de la Bourse | Elegant and welcoming, perfect for relaxation |
My Recommended Restaurants in Bordeaux
Primary and foremost finding something to eat is always a pleasure for such offers Bordeaux has plenty:
- La Tupina: This restaurant serves traditional southwestern French cuisine in a warm setting. The personnel were nice and I had no trouble eating there by myself.
- Le Petit Commerce: This one place specialized in seafood has a good environment and it’s situated in a busy place so it’s not a bad idea to come alone.
| Restaurant Name | Safety Features | Location | Atmosphere |
| La Tupina | – Friendly and attentive staff – Cozy, intimate setting – Well-lit and bustling area | Near Place de la Bourse | Traditional French cuisine in a rustic setting |
| Le Petit Commerce | – Located in a vibrant, busy neighborhood – Lively outdoor seating – Staff trained in customer safety | Central Bordeaux, near the waterfront | Casual and vibrant, known for its seafood |
Transportation & Accessibility
Moving from one point of Bordeaux to another is easy and has its risks at a minimum. I make use of the tram system which is quite efficient and reasonably well kept. A few tips about moving around the town would be as follows:
Public Transport Tips
- Tram and Bus Services: Tram service is quite extensive thus it wasn’t a challenge to get around. Just make sure to validate the stamp on the ticket prior to getting on the tram.
- Walking: A good option for me was to walk around the city as Bordeaux turned out to be relatively small. It not only gave me an opportunity to see the sights but I also preferred being in empty parts.
Emergency Services
A thing that I failed to do in Bordeaux was to keep myself aware of the places of nearby emergency services and hospitals, just in case. These are quite essential services and it would be wise to utilize them when a person is alone and on a holiday, vacations always offer the best solace.
Secure & Cheap Activities
If you’re looking for a cheap and safe place to travel, you shouldn’t hesitate to visit Bordeaux. Here are a few activities that I went for, which were safe and cost-effective too.
- Wander through the Public Gardens: The Jardin Public is a nice park where you can walk and have a picnic. This is a relatively safe area, especially during the day.
- Wine Tasting Tours: Tasting tours are offered at a number of vineyards at reasonable prices. I went on a group tour which was small and intimate, and I felt safe among other travelers.
FAQs:
Can I travel alone in Bordeaux?
Yes, Bordeaux is safe for single travelers. However, like in any other city, it is advisable to be aware of the surroundings and avoid dark alleys at night.
Are there areas where I need to be extra cautious?
Bordeaux is generally a safe place but try to avoid the red light district and some outskirts during the nighttime hours. Stick to busy places so as not to worry.
How safe is Bordeaux for tourists in comparison with other cities?
Bordeaux is a safe city for tourists. Only minimal incidences of crime occur, but violence is very unlikely. Being sensible and keeping an eye on one’s belongings should help ensure the safety of the trip.
What is the crime rate in Bordeaux?
If we compare Bordeaux with a metropolitan city such as Paris, we find that its crime rate is appreciably lesser and so is danger. There are, however, some non-violent crimes, like pickpocketing, in dense populations.
Is Bordeaux safe at night?
At night, Bordeaux is fairly secured, especially in busy places such as the center of the town. Still, after the sun goes down, one should avoid quiet areas and seek the company of some people in illuminated places.
To summarize, my stay in Bordeaux was full of charm, pleasant emotions and what was even more important, the realization that feeling safe in Bordeaux, France was not a problem at all.
Be it spending an evening by the river watching the boats or be it looking at the monuments, I wish and hope my observations will enable you to experience the city the same way I did. Safe trips!
