Bordeaux: Sightseeing by Side Car

Imagine gliding through one of France’s most scenic cities with the wind in your hair, perched comfortably in a vintage side car. That’s exactly what you get with this Bordeaux sightseeing tour—a chance to see the city’s most treasured landmarks in a fun, intimate, and memorable way. For just $70 per person, you’ll enjoy anywhere from approximately 45 minutes to 3 hours of personalized adventure, led by knowledgeable guides who bring Bordeaux’s streets to life.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the retro charm of a classic side car adds a playful, nostalgic vibe that’s both photogenic and fun. Second, the live commentary offers fascinating insights into the city’s architecture, history, and everyday life—something that a bus or walking tour can’t quite match. While it’s a quick ride, the flexibility to tailor the route according to your wishes makes it a superb way to get your bearings or revisit favorite spots.

A quick note of caution: since the tour is conducted outdoors and open-air, you might want to bring a coat, especially if it’s windy. Also, it’s best suited for those aged four and up, but not for pregnant women or very young children under four. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy quirky experiences, want a bit of style in their sightseeing, and appreciate a personal touch in their travel adventures.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Ride in a vintage side car for an intimate view of Bordeaux’s highlights.
• Expert Guides: Guides provide engaging, live commentary on Bordeaux’s history, architecture, and culture.
• Flexible Itinerary: Routes can be customized based on your interests and traffic conditions.
• Great for Small Groups: The price covers 1-2 passengers; larger groups can book multiple side cars.
• Accessible & Convenient: Starts near the Bordeaux Tourist Office, with options for wheelchair users and children 4+.
• Value for Money: An engaging, personalized experience at a competitive price.

When planning a visit to Bordeaux, most travelers focus on its world-famous wine, but the city itself offers a tapestry of gorgeous architecture, lively squares, and historic sites. This guided side car tour offers a refreshing way to soak in Bordeaux’s essence—more intimate than a bus, more fun than a walking stroll, and with a dash of vintage flair.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The experience begins at a convenient meeting point just outside Bordeaux’s Tourist Office, where your driver-guide greets you with a smile. From there, you’ll hop into a brightly colored, classic side car—imagine a bicycle with a seat, but with a motor. The open-air setup means you’ll feel the city’s breeze and hear its sounds, making the experience lively and authentic.

Your guide, whose expertise is frequently praised—such as Alexandra, Hugo, and Arnold—will lead you through the city’s core highlights. Expect to see iconic sights like Place des Quinconces, with its vast open space and monuments; the Place de la Bourse, famous for its reflection pavilion; the Saint Michel Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic architecture; the Grosse Cloche bell tower, which has stood as a symbol of Bordeaux since medieval times; the Pey Berland Cathedral Tower, offering panoramic views; and the grand Opera House.

While the route is flexible, your guide will include stops and commentary on each site. The live narration brings Bordeaux’s stories to life—many visitors appreciate the personalized attention, noting guides like François and Alexandra as exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging.

The Feel of the Ride

The ride itself is surprisingly comfortable, with the driver skillfully navigating busy streets and narrow lanes. The 45-minute to 3-hour duration allows for a leisurely pace, with frequent stops to take photos or explore a particular neighborhood more closely. The open-air nature means you’ll experience the city’s ambiance directly, though you should consider bringing a coat or scarf if the weather is chilly or windy.

Participants consistently rave about the friendly guides and the informative commentary. Susan from the US calls Hugo “absolutely lovely,” noting how personable and outgoing he was, making the tour feel like a friendly city exploration rather than a touristy activity. Robert from Canada highlights Alexandra’s “exceptional” knowledge and careful maneuvering through Bordeaux’s streets, ensuring a safe and smooth ride.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $70 per person, this tour offers a personalized, small-group experience with a dedicated driver-guide, which is rare in city sightseeing. Compared to large bus tours or self-guided experiences, the direct interaction and up-close views are worth the extra cost for many travelers. Plus, booking multiple side cars allows for larger groups, making it suitable for friends or family traveling together.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a quirky, memorable way to explore Bordeaux. It’s well-suited for those with a sense of humor, a taste for vintage style, and curiosity about the city’s sights. Families with children over four will find it manageable, but pregnant women and very young children might prefer a different type of tour. It’s also ideal for visitors who want a personalized, flexible itinerary rather than a rigid schedule.

More Great Tours Nearby

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

While the route can be customized, here’s what you might expect:

• Start near the Tourist Office, where you get briefed and fitted with your helmet.
• First stop: Place des Quinconces, one of Europe’s largest squares, featuring impressive monuments and fountains. The guide shares stories about Bordeaux’s history as a trade hub.
• Next: Place de la Bourse, known for its stunning mirrored water feature and architecture. Many guests love the way the reflections create a magical photo backdrop.
• Visit Saint Michel Basilica, an imposing Gothic church with a lively square filled with cafes and street performers.
• Grosse Cloche, a medieval bell tower with centuries of stories, often described as “the symbol of Bordeaux.”
• Pey Berland Cathedral Tower, where a quick climb offers spectacular city views—if you have time.
• Finish at the Opera House or other cultural landmarks, depending on your interest and traffic conditions.

Throughout, your guide provides interesting anecdotes, historical context, and insider tips—many reviews mention how these stories add depth to what might otherwise be a simple sightseeing trip.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Duration varies, so check availability for your preferred time slot.
• Book in advance, especially in peak season, to secure a spot.
• Dress for the weather, bringing a coat or scarf for the open-air ride.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating different needs.
• Children must be at least four years old to participate.
• Since it’s a private group, you won’t be squeezed with strangers—making for a relaxed, personal experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic, fun, and visually stunning way to see Bordeaux, this vintage side car tour ticks all the boxes. It balances informative narration with a sense of adventure, making it a memorable highlight of any French trip. The guides’ friendly demeanor and deep local knowledge are consistently praised, ensuring you don’t just see Bordeaux, but get a genuine feel for its personality.

While a 45-minute ride offers a quick taste, the option to extend it up to three hours makes it adaptable for those wanting a deeper exploration. Just remember, since it’s outdoors and open, a little planning for the weather is wise.

This experience suits travelers who love quirky, personal excursions and are eager for a fresh perspective on a well-loved city. Whether you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time or returning and seeking a different view, this tour offers a delightful blend of style, stories, and scenic beauty.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration ranges from approximately 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your preferences and traffic conditions.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 12 cours du 30 juillet, right in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be at least four years old. The open-air ride can be windy, so consider weather conditions and your child’s comfort.

Can I book for a larger group?
Absolutely. The price covers 1 or 2 passengers per side car, but you can reserve multiple side cars to accommodate bigger groups.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.

What should I wear?
Bring a coat or scarf if it’s cold or windy, as the ride is outdoors and exposed to the elements.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the itinerary can vary based on your interests and traffic, allowing for a more personalized experience.

This vintage side car tour offers a lively, engaging way to discover Bordeaux’s core sights, blending fun, history, and personal interaction. Whether it’s your first visit or a reprise, it’s a memorable way to see the city from a fresh perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: