Is Bordeaux Safe to Visit in 2024? An Honest Review + Safety Tips

Is Bordeaux Safe?

Yes, Bordeaux is a safe city overall, especially compared to other big cities in France. Bordeaux is known for its peaceful, upscale atmosphere and pleasant living conditions. It’s a human-sized town that doesn’t have significant security issues, although you do have to stay cautious, always.

This is my quick and general answer, but keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown.
 

Saint-Pierre neighborhood in Bordeaux old town

Is Bordeaux a Safe City for Tourists?

Absolutely, Bordeaux is a safe city for tourists, so you can start planning your trip without any fear! Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into this topic to give you a more comprehensive picture.

According to the latest data from Numbeo, Bordeaux is ranked as the 11th most dangerous city in France, with a crime rate of 52.4, which is quite low for a city of this size. But it’s worth noting that over the last 3 years, Bordeaux’s crime rate has been on the rise. However, if it’s any reassurance, or at least more perspective, the city only ranks 35th among Europe’s most dangerous cities.

Also, Unlike Paris, Bordeaux isn’t particularly known for pickpocketing although you should always be cautious, especially on Rue Sainte-Catherine and on public transport.

With my wife, we’ve visited every nook and cranny of Bordeaux city center, and it’s true that in a few specific areas (listed further down in this post), we didn’t feel at ease, even in the middle of the day. But we still felt reasonably secure. And beyond these few locations, we felt perfectly safe!

So, you can relax and look forward to your trip to Bordeaux!
 

 

Is Bordeaux Safe for Solo Travellers?

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a solo traveler and you shouldn’t encounter more issues than if you were traveling with a partner or a group. You can take public transport and stroll around the city with confidence.

However, as a solo traveler, it’s essential to be extra careful, just like in any other city worldwide. Malicious individuals can target you more easily, especially if you have lots of luggage or appear like a typical tourist.

In the evenings though, it’s wise to be particularly vigilant. Outside of Bordeaux’s hyper center, I recommend not staying out too late alone at night, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

If you want to make the most of Bordeaux’s nightlife, then choose an accommodation right in the center, within the UNESCO perimeter. You’ll most likely party in this area, so staying in this same area will get you home quickly and safely.
 

Pey Berland area from Bordeaux Cathedral’s bell tower

Is Bordeaux Safe at Night?

Nightlife in downtown Bordeaux is very lively, especially in the summer months. The city boasts plenty of trendy bars and restaurants making it a fantastic party destination. With a significant student population, you’ll find the streets still bustling with people well past 1 or 2 in the morning.

On the other hand, there are a few specific neighborhoods that are best avoided at night to prevent bad encounters. Wherever you are, insecurity inevitably increases at night, and in Bordeaux, you should particularly stay clear of the Place des Capucins in the Saint-Michel district and the area close to the Porte de Boulogne, both located in the city center.

As a general safety tip, like in most places in France, it’s advisable not to roam the streets alone at night, especially in smaller, unlit streets. Stick to the main roads and popular nightlife spots, preferably accompanied.

Public transport in Bordeaux at night is still efficient and safe and operates until around 1 a.m. There are even night services, but if you don’t feel like it, listen to yourself and prefer a safe ride home using Uber or a taxi.
 

Saint-Louis des Chartrons Church in Les Chartrons area

Dangerous Areas to Avoid in Bordeaux + Map

Again, I’d like to mention that Bordeaux is certainly not famous for being particularly dangerous. But like almost every city in the world, some areas are less safe than others, so we’ve listed them here.

Just a heads up, this list isn’t classified in order of danger. Also, this list is of course based on my own experience as a tourist, on my friends’ experiences as locals, but also on stats and French media info.

• Les Aubiers:

Located in the north of Bordeaux not far from the Bassins à Flots district, there’s very little chance you’ll find yourself in this area as a tourist because there’s nothing to do. But you should know that it’s notorious for urban violence, delinquency, and petty drug dealing.

• Chantecrit:

The Chantecrit district lies between Les Chartrons and the Bassins à Flots area, a bit away from the city center. It’s unfortunately the scene of aggressions and shootings mainly as part of territorial wars.

• Grand Parc:

Grand Parc is another district located in northern Bordeaux not too far from Les Chartrons, also known for delinquency, aggression, and urban violence.

• Saint-Michel:

The Saint-Michel district, located very close to the city center and not far from Gare Saint Jean, is generally safe during the daytime. However, it turns into a vibrant area at night, which regularly leads to disturbances. On Place des Capucins particularly, groups of drunken people often cause trouble.

• Gare Saint Jean area:

The Saint-Jean train station area is bustling with activity during the day, as it serves as a major transportation hub for travelers. But the vicinity around the station is also frequented by drug dealers and sex workers, particularly at night. If you happen to arrive in Bordeaux by train in the evening, don’t linger too long in the area.
 
Find these places on the map below. To get it for your next trip to Bordeaux, simply click on it to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

 
Keep reading to get more insights on how safe is Bordeaux and top safety tips.👇
 

Tips to Stay Safe in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is definitely a must-see destination in France and an excellent starting point for discovering the region, which is packed with medieval towns, world-famous vineyards, and incredible beaches. As already said, there’s no need for undue concern in Bordeaux, but it’s always a good idea to keep some safety guidelines in mind while traveling.

Here are some tips that will be helpful to stay safe in Bordeaux:

1. Travel light: don’t carry around too much cash (avoid having more than 50€), as you can pay almost anywhere by credit card. This will limit the damage should you be robbed.
2. Get a travel belt: these belts aren’t expensive and make your personal belongings inaccessible to pickpockets, while keeping them close at hand. Truly a game-changer! (here’s my favorite one)
3. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially on public transport and on Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux’s main shopping street.
4. If you have a car, get a European travel kit: when driving in France, it’s mandatory to have these items in your car. If you have a rental car, these items must be included. Otherwise, make sure to purchase this kit.
5. Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated, poorly-lit areas.
6. Get insurance: having travel insurance is the best way to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong. I recommend Heymondo insurance, one of the best in the market for travel.

Monument aux Girondins on Place des Quinconces

FAQ About Bordeaux Safety

Is Bordeaux safer than Paris?

According to Numbeo statistics, Bordeaux is safer than Paris, with a crime index of 49 compared with 57.4 in Paris.

But that’s hardly surprising, given that Paris is one of the world’s greatest capital cities. That means a lot more people (2.2 million people in Paris vs. 250,000 in Bordeaux) and a lot more diversity and varied neighborhoods. So they’re not really comparable cities.
 

What are the safest areas to stay in Bordeaux?

The entire Bordeaux city center is pretty safe, but here are the safest neighborhoods to stay in:

• Triangle d’Or: Between Place Tourny, Place de la Comédie, Place Gambetta, and Place des Grands-Hommes, this is the best – but also most expensive – area in Bordeaux.
• Saint Pierre: Right inside the old town and accessible through Porte Cailhau, this is my fav area in Bordeaux!
• Pey Berland: In this tourist district, you’ll find Bordeaux Cathedral, the Hotel de Ville, the Musée d’Aquitaine, and many pedestrian streets.
• Quinconces: On the Garonne’s banks, this lively district centers around France’s biggest square hosting numerous events.
• Les Chartrons: This is the hipster, trendy area of Bordeaux, with a really relaxed atmosphere.
• La Bastide: Located on the opposite bank of the Garonne, this new district is cool and offers cheaper accommodation options.

Is Bordeaux worth visiting?

Bordeaux is definitely worth visiting for its many assets. First, if you’re a wine lover, it’s practically a pilgrimage to the wine capital. You can try the finest wines in charming wine bars, at La Cité du Vin (a wine museum that’s truly one of a kind), or even in the vineyards like St Emilion that surround the city. But there’s more to Bordeaux than just wine. You’ll be captivated by its stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites and the laid-back vibe along the beautiful Garonne River.

Not convinced? Discover in this post not 5, not 10 but 12 good reasons to visit Bordeaux ASAP!
 

How to get around in Bordeaux?

Leave your car behind because Bordeaux is a city that’s perfect for exploring on foot or using public transportation. The city has a highly efficient bus and tramway system that covers the entire city and runs long hours.

To use public transport, you’ve got choices. You can buy single tickets on the TBM mobile app or at the vending machines available at the tram stations. Or, get a Bordeaux City Pass, which might be your best bet depending on your plans. This pass not only provides unlimited access to the transportation system but also free entry to lots of monuments and attractions, making it a budget-friendly option.

Get your Bordeaux City Pass here!

Saint-Michel area in Bordeaux

Final Thoughts on How Safe is Bordeaux

I hope this post gave you a big picture of the safety in Bordeaux and helped you identify where to go or not to go.

To wrap it up, I’d say Bordeaux may not be the safest city in the world, but it’s definitely not dangerous. Just like any other city, there are a handful of neighborhoods that are best avoided, but the good news is, these aren’t the places you’d typically be drawn to as a visitor.

So if any concerns were lingering, I hope they’ve vanished, and you’re now all set to start planning your Bordeaux trip!
 
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