Traffic Regulations Specifics
Bordeaux follows the same traffic rules as other French regions.
Traffic in the city is right-hand drive. Priority at roundabouts always goes to vehicles already on the circle. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked crossings.
During daylight hours, low-beam headlights are mandatory only on motorways and when driving outside populated areas; at night, they must be on everywhere.
In France, holding a phone while driving is prohibited. Calls are only permitted through hands-free systems.
Primary speed limits:
- In populated areas: 50 km/h
- Outside cities on public roads: 80 km/h
- On motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain)
Central Bordeaux districts have zones with speed limits reduced to 30 km/h.
Children must be transported in car seats or special restraint devices if their height is below 135 cm. It's best to place child seats in the rear of the vehicle.
Local driving style can be characterized as confident and dynamic, yet generally disciplined. Drivers are accustomed to dense urban traffic. Exercise particular caution in central Bordeaux. Reduce speed in pedestrian zones and verify you're not obstructing cyclists.
Police most frequently check speed limit compliance and seat belt usage—all passengers in the vehicle must be buckled.
Fuel Stations
France has standard fuel stations and stations at hypermarkets and shopping centers. Most operate on a self-service system, with payment available at terminals or cashiers. Cash payment isn't available everywhere, so having a card is advisable.
At automated stations, card payments place a hold on funds rather than immediately charging your account. The actual cost of fuel is charged after filling. The difference between the initially blocked amount and actual cost is returned later. The exact return timeframe depends on your bank.
Some Bordeaux stations operate 24/7, while others close overnight.
Parking
Central Bordeaux has limited parking spaces. Underground parking garages and paid parking lots are recommended.
Different parking types are available in the city:
- Free parking. Primarily located in outlying Bordeaux districts. You can leave your vehicle and reach the center by public transport. In populated areas, parking is free overnight, on weekends, and holidays.
- Paid street parking. Rates depend on zone and time of day.
- Underground and multi-level parking garages. Located in central districts and near major attractions. Suitable for extended parking. Fixed hourly or daily rates apply.
Pay attention to markings. For example, yellow or red lines indicate no parking. White marks standard parking spaces, which may be paid or free. Green markings permit long-term parking, typically requiring payment.
Blue lines indicate paid zones, usually with time restrictions. Vehicle owners often need to display a parking disc (available at fuel stations) under the windshield. The disc's dial shows arrival time. You must then observe the time limit indicated on the disc.
How to Order a Vehicle in Bordeaux
Booking a vehicle through Localrent is simple and convenient. Follow these instructions to quickly rent a car:
- Select dates and locations. Specify vehicle collection and return locations in Bordeaux, along with rental period.
- Review rental company offers. Use filters for convenient selection—transmission type, deposit amount, payment options, fuel type.
- Examine options. Each vehicle listing shows all conditions: full cost, experience requirements, mileage restrictions, insurance details.
- Add additional options as needed (such as child seat, additional driver, etc.).
- Enter driver information, review the final price, and confirm your booking by making a card prepayment—15–20% of the total rental amount.
- Receive confirmation. A voucher with rental company contact details and vehicle order information will arrive at your email. The voucher can be printed or saved on your phone.
You pay the remaining rental amount and deposit directly to the rental company when collecting the keys. Verify payment methods in the vehicle listing.