Bordeaux CityPass

Key Points

• Flexible duration options: Valid for 48, 72, or 96 hours, perfect for fitting your schedule.
• Wide access to attractions: Free entry to over 15 museums and monuments, including Cité du Vin and Bassins des Lumières.
• Unlimited public transport: Use trams, buses, and river shuttles without extra cost during your chosen period.
• Included guided city tour: Choose from a walking tour, boat cruise, or electric mini-train.
• Additional discounts: Get reduced rates on vineyard tours, boat trips, and other activities through partner offers.
• Easy pickup: Collect your pass at the Bordeaux Tourist Office with a handy guidebook.
• Cost-effective: At $57 per person, the pass offers strong value, especially with free transport and museum access.

The Bordeaux CityPass provides a practical way to explore this vibrant city in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Priced at $57 per person, it covers a range of 2 to 4 days, giving you plenty of flexibility to see the sights at your own pace. Whether you’re keen on museums, monuments, or scenic tours, this pass combines transportation, entry fees, and guided experiences into one convenient package.

What makes this pass stand out is its extensive inclusion list: free access to more than 15 museums and monuments like Cité du Vin and Bassins des Lumières, plus unlimited public transport on trams, buses, and river shuttles within the TBM network. Reviews highlight how useful this is for getting around, especially when combined with the guided city tour of your choice. This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their time and avoid waiting in line, all while enjoying some of Bordeaux’s top attractions.

While the CityPass is especially attractive for those who appreciate convenient access and value, it is important to note that each attraction can only be accessed once with the pass. Also, public transport and museums are closed on May 1, which is good to keep in mind when planning your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From the Tourist Office to the Heart of Bordeaux: Easy Pickup and Planning

The bustling Bordeaux Tourist Office serves as your pickup point for the CityPass. Here, you receive your practical guidebook, which helps you navigate your days smoothly. The process is straightforward, and you can reserve visits in advance at the Tourist Office, subject to availability.

The validity period begins at your first use, giving you the flexibility to plan your arrival around your preferred schedule. The pass covers adults aged 18 and over, with no mention of restrictions on group size. Note that oversize luggage and smoking are not allowed on transit or at attractions, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

Accessing Bordeaux’s Cultural Highlights Without Extra Cost

One of the biggest perks of the CityPass is free entry to key attractions such as Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières, Museum of Aquitaine, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC), Natural History Museum, Pey Berland Tower, and Porte Cailhau. These sites offer a deep dive into Bordeaux’s wine culture, art, and history.

The Cité du Vin is a major highlight, allowing visitors to explore Bordeaux’s world-famous wine industry through immersive exhibits. Similarly, Bassins des Lumières offers a captivating digital art experience in a historic warehouse setting, making it a must-visit during your stay.

The Natural History Museum and Museum of Aquitaine provide cultural insights, while monuments like Porte Cailhau and Pey Berland Tower offer stunning views and photo opportunities. The Museum of Fine Arts and CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art round out the cultural offerings for art lovers.

Discover Bordeaux with a Guided Tour of Your Choice

Included in the pass is a guided city tour, which you can select from options like a walking tour, boat cruise, or electric mini-train. The walking tour allows for a more intimate experience of Bordeaux’s historic streets, while the boat cruise offers a relaxing way to see the city from the river. The electric mini-train is a quick and informative way to cover more ground in less time.

Reservations for the guided tour are recommended, especially during busy periods, but the option to choose your preferred experience adds flexibility. The reviews note that the city tour is well-organized and enhances your overall visit by providing context and stories about Bordeaux’s landmarks.

Bordeaux’s Top Museums and Cultural Sites Included

The CityPass grants access to numerous museums such as the Wine and Trade Museum, Cap Sciences, Frac Nouvelle-Aquitaine MECA, and Sea and Marine Museum, which features the permanent exhibition. The Museum of Aquitaine is included but currently under renovation, so check ahead if planning to visit.

For those interested in marine history, the Sea and Marine Museum offers insights into Bordeaux’s maritime heritage. Art enthusiasts can explore the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fine Arts Museum, both with free admission through the pass.

The Porte Cailhau and Pey Berland Tower are also part of the included sites, offering panoramic views over Bordeaux’s skyline and a glimpse into its medieval past.

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How the Unlimited Transport Enhances Your Bordeaux Experience

The unlimited public transport component is a highlight, with trams, buses, and river shuttles all included during your selected time frame. This makes getting from Cité du Vin to Bassins des Lumières or from your hotel to major museums effortless.

The free transport is especially praised in reviews, as it allows for spontaneous exploration and better pacing. The TBM network is described as dependable and quick, helping you avoid costly taxis or Ubers during your stay.

Note that the transport is valid only during the specified hours—e.g., 24, 48, or 72 hours—and starts upon first use, so plan accordingly.

Optional Tours and Discounts with the Bordeaux CityPass

Beyond the core attractions, the pass offers discounts with various tourism partners. You can get reduced rates on vineyard excursions, boat trips, and other activities, adding even more value to your visit.

For example, tours like Saint Emilion wine tastings or river cruises are available at discounted prices, which appeals to visitors eager to delve deeper into Bordeaux’s wine culture or scenic surroundings.

The Moon Harbour Distillery tour and tasting is also among the extras, giving visitors a chance to experience local spirits.

Considerations and Tips for Making the Most of the Bordeaux CityPass

The pass offers significant savings compared to individual entry fees and transportation costs, making it a smart choice for most visitors. However, each attraction can only be visited once, so plan your itinerary to include your top priorities.

Booking in advance at the Bordeaux Tourist Office helps secure your preferred guided tour and avoids disappointment. Keep in mind that museums and public transport are closed on May 1, so schedule around this date if it falls during your visit.

Some reviews mention occasional issues with transit registration, but overall, the organized transport system and the ease of access make this pass a practical tool for exploring Bordeaux. For those with a passion for wine, art, and history, the CityPass provides a balanced mix of culture and convenient logistics.

Bordeaux CityPass: A Practical Choice for Cultural Enthusiasts

The Bordeaux CityPass offers excellent value for travelers who want to see the city’s main attractions without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. Its combination of museum access, guided tours, and unlimited transport makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Bordeaux.

While some sites are closed on specific days, the overall scope and convenience ensure a rich experience. The positive reviews reflect satisfaction with the organized system, knowledgeable guides, and good value, with many highlighting the easy movement around the city and diverse cultural offerings.

This pass is ideal for visitors wanting a comprehensive, flexible, and budget-friendly way to enjoy Bordeaux’s art, history, and wine culture in just a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Bordeaux CityPass valid?
It is available for 48, 72, or 96 hours, starting from the first use.

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

Can I visit each included attraction more than once?
No, each attraction is accessible only once with the pass.

Are public transport and museums closed on any days?
Yes, they are closed on May 1, so plan your visit accordingly.

Is the pass suitable for families or groups?
The data specifies it is valid for adults from 18 years of age; group or family options are not detailed.

What attractions are included in the pass?
Major sites include Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières, Museum of Aquitaine, Museum of Fine Arts, CAPC, Natural History Museum, Porte Cailhau, Pey Berland Tower, and more.

What guided tour options are available?
You can choose between a walking tour, boat cruise, or electric mini-train, offering varied ways to explore.

Is booking in advance necessary?
Reservations for the guided tour are recommended, and booking visits at the Tourist Office is advised.

What makes this pass a good investment?
The combination of free museum entry, unlimited transport, guided experiences, and discounts offers strong value, especially for cultural and wine enthusiasts.

Can I use the pass for activities like vineyard visits or boat trips?
Yes, the pass provides discounts on such activities, making them more affordable.

Does the pass include any food or wine tastings?
While the pass includes entry to the Moon Harbour Distillery and Cité du Vin, specific tastings are not detailed in the data but are often offered as part of additional tours.

Is the Bordeaux CityPass suitable for a short trip?
Absolutely; even a 48-hour pass covers the key highlights and offers ample opportunity to enjoy Bordeaux’s culture and scenery.

Can I cancel the pass if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby