Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 17 / 20

  Bordeaux's center is highly walkable, with an 87 Walk Score and a large pedestrian zone in the core.

  Sources:

  • Walk Score Bordeaux 33000
  • All Wine Tours: Is Bordeaux a Walkable City?
  • Le Bonbon: Bordeaux pedestrian-friendly
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 8 / 10

  Bordeaux connects to Paris and other French cities by high-speed rail from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, making intercity rail strong.

  Sources:

  • Trainline Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station
  • Eurostar destinations via France rail network
• Public Transitⓘ 8 / 10

  The city is served by TBM buses and trams, giving Bordeaux a broad urban transit network.

  Sources:

  • TBM official network
  • Bordeaux Métropole mobility
  • Bordeaux tram network
• Affordabilityⓘ 6 / 10

  Bordeaux is cheaper than Paris, but housing and daily costs still sit above many French cities.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo Bordeaux cost of living
  • INSEE France statistics
  • Bordeaux Métropole housing data
• Safetyⓘ 5 / 10

  Bordeaux's safety is middling, with lower crime than some large cities but not a notably low-crime profile.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo Bordeaux crime index
  • Ministry of the Interior statistics
  • INSEE Bordeaux population context
• Air Qualityⓘ 7 / 10

  Bordeaux often has good air quality, but urban traffic still causes episodes of pollution.

  Sources:

  • European Environment Agency air quality data
  • ATMO Nouvelle-Aquitaine Bordeaux air quality
  • WHO air quality guidelines
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 10 / 10

  Bordeaux scores well on livability thanks to walkable neighborhoods, transit, and a strong urban environment.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo Bordeaux quality of life
  • Bordeaux Métropole quality of life policies
  • Eurostat urban statistics
• Food Cultureⓘ 10 / 10

  Bordeaux has a celebrated food-and-wine culture, with fine dining and major wine heritage.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide Bordeaux
  • Bordeaux Tourism food and wine
  • UNESCO Bordeaux wine heritage
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  Dense tram coverage and pedestrianized central streets make Bordeaux practical without a car for many daily trips.

  Sources:

  • TBM tramway network
  • Bordeaux Métropole mobility plan
  • Bordeaux pedestrian zone article

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €1,650 – €1,950
• Monthly transit pass €38

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €16
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €60
• Cappuccino €3.2
• Beer (0.5L) €6
• Groceries / month €350

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Bordeaux’s food identity blends Atlantic seafood, southwest French countryside cooking, and a strong wine culture shaped by its port history and surrounding farms. Visitors and expats will find markets, casual bistros, and wine bars that treat lunch and long evenings as part of daily life, not just a quick meal.

Signature dishes

• CaneléSmall caramelized pastry with a custardy center and rum-vanilla aroma, sold in bakeries across the city.
• Entrecôte à la bordelaiseBeef steak served with a red-wine, shallot, and bone-marrow style Bordelaise sauce.
• Lamproie à la bordelaiseLamprey stewed slowly in red wine, usually with leeks and aromatic vegetables.
• Huîtres du Bassin d’ArcachonNearby Arcachon oysters, typically served raw with lemon and bread at markets and brasseries.
• Confit de canardDuck leg slowly cooked in its own fat, a southwest classic common on Bordeaux menus.
• Magret de canardPan-seared duck breast, often served pink with potatoes or seasonal vegetables.
• Foie grasLocal duck or goose liver served as a starter, often with toast or fruit compote.

Where to eat

• Marché des Capucins marketThe city’s best-known daily market for oysters, cheese, produce, and informal eating.
• Les Halles de Bacalan food hallA modern food hall near Cité du Vin with stalls, counters, and casual meals.
• La Tupina bistroA classic southwest-French address known for fire-cooked dishes and hearty regional cooking.
• Miles restaurantA contemporary, well-regarded restaurant for modern Bordeaux cuisine and tasting menus.
• Symbiose bistro-barPopular for creative plates, cocktails, and a casual but polished evening out.
• La Belle Saison market caféA neighborhood stop that reflects Bordeaux’s relaxed lunch culture and market-led cooking.

Markets & food shopping

• Marché des Capucins
• Les Halles de Bacalan
• Marché des Quais
• Marché Saint-Michel