Bordeaux: Sightseeing by Side Car

Imagine cruising through the streets of Bordeaux on a vintage motorbike side car, wind in your hair, and history whispering in your ear. This tour offers a different way to explore one of France’s most beautiful and culturally vibrant cities. Perfect for those who want a blend of scenic views, personal attention, and a dash of adventure, this experience promises an engaging ride with plenty of local insights.

One thing we really love about this experience is the personalized nature — it’s a private tour, meaning your guide and driver focus entirely on your group, making it feel more like a fun, shared adventure than just another sightseeing bus. Plus, the open-air side car adds a sense of excitement and intimacy that’s hard to match. On the flip side, the open-air nature means it can get windy or chilly, so packing a coat is a good idea.

This tour suits travelers who are eager to see Bordeaux’s highlights without the fuss of large groups or rigid schedules. If you’re seeking a memorable, fun, and informative way to get your bearings in Bordeaux, this side car experience could be just what you’re looking for — especially if you enjoy a little thrill with your sightseeing.

Key Points

• Unique way to explore Bordeaux in a vintage side car, combining fun and sightseeing.
• Private, customizable tours allow flexibility based on your interests.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary on Bordeaux’s history and architecture.
• Ideal for small groups or couples — perfect for a personalized experience.
• Weather considerations: Bring a coat, as the ride is open-air and can be windy.
• Accessible for most travelers — wheelchair accessible and suitable for children over four.

A Stylish Spin Through Bordeaux’s Highlights

Exploring Bordeaux by side car isn’t just about visiting landmarks—it’s about experiencing the city’s essence in a relaxed, engaging manner. The tour typically starts from a central spot right in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office, making it super convenient to hop on after a day of sightseeing. From there, your driver-guide takes you on a route that can be tailored to your interests and traffic conditions, ensuring a personalized experience.

The key sights you’ll see include:

• Place des Quinconces: One of Europe’s largest town squares, with impressive monuments and lively atmosphere. It’s a great starting point to get a sense of Bordeaux’s vibrant public life.
• Place de la Bourse: Known for its stunning classical architecture and the mirror-like water features of the Miroir d’eau, this square is a perfect photo stop.
• Saint Michel Basilica: A striking example of Gothic architecture, this basilica offers insight into Bordeaux’s religious and cultural history.
• Grosse Cloche Bell Tower: An emblem of the city’s medieval past, this iconic tower is a must-see.
• Pey Berland Cathedral Tower: From this vantage point, you can imagine the city’s skyline and get a sense of its historic core.
• Grand Opera: Admire the stunning façade of Bordeaux’s cultural hub, where performances and festivals happen year-round.

Your guide will share live commentary on each site, painting a vivid picture of Bordeaux’s architectural styles, historical context, and local stories. Multiple reviews mention guides like François, Alexandra, and Hugo, praising their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to navigate both traffic and crowds with ease. One reviewer even highlighted how Alexandra, being especially attentive and careful, made the experience enjoyable and safe for a senior couple.

What to Expect During Your Ride

The tour duration can vary from a quick 45-minute spin to a full three hours, depending on your preference and schedule. This flexibility allows you to choose a quick overview or a more leisurely exploration. The price is set per side car, accommodating one or two passengers comfortably, making it ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

The experience includes a private guide and driver, who provides live commentary in both French and English. They’ll share stories about Bordeaux’s history, architecture, and local life, making each stop informative and engaging. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Hugo and Arnold for their personable approach and deep knowledge—often noting how they stopped at key sites to share fascinating insights or local tips, like the best nearby cafes or hidden city corners.

The vehicle itself is a vintage-style side car, which adds a charming, nostalgic vibe to your trip. You’ll enjoy unimpeded views of Bordeaux’s streets, architecture, and lively neighborhoods, perfect for photos. Though the ride is open-air, this also means you should consider bringing a coat, especially on windy days or cooler seasons.

Travelers with mobility concerns should note that the tour is wheelchair accessible, and children over four are welcome. The experience is designed to be safe and enjoyable for most, with drivers skilled at maneuvering through busy city streets while maintaining a relaxed pace.

The Value of This Experience

At $70 per person, this tour offers a pretty good value considering the personalized service and the unique perspective it provides. Compared to walking tours or bus excursions, the side car adventure combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a bit of thrill—all in a relatively short time frame. Reviewers consistently mention how this experience gives a great overview of Bordeaux’s main sights while feeling intimate and fun.

On top of that, because it’s a private tour, you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers, and the itinerary can be adapted to suit your interests. Whether you’re in Bordeaux for a short visit or an extended stay, this tour can serve as a fantastic introduction or a memorable highlight of your trip.

In terms of practicality, the meeting point is centrally located, and the duration is flexible. The option to reserve now and pay later also helps with planning, especially if you’re coordinating other activities during your trip. Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind in case plans change.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this side car tour particularly appealing is the combination of fun and education. The guides like Hugo and Alexandra are not just drivers—they’re storytellers, with genuine enthusiasm for Bordeaux’s history and culture. Their ability to navigate the city’s streets smoothly makes the entire experience feel safe and effortless, even for those unfamiliar with European city traffic.

Another highlight is the small-group or private format, which fosters a relaxed atmosphere and allows for spontaneous stops or questions. Many reviewers, including a senior couple and families, mention how attentive and careful the guides were, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

The aesthetic appeal of the vintage side car adds a layer of nostalgia and charm, making it a perfect Instagram-worthy experience. Plus, the open-air ride offers fresh perspectives that you simply can’t get from a bus or car.

Who Will Love It?

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, history, and culture. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a more personal, relaxed way to see Bordeaux’s highlights. If you’re looking for a fun, memorable way to start your visit or to celebrate a special occasion, this experience will deliver.

It’s also a good choice if you’re after local insights and want to hear stories and tips you won’t find in guidebooks. The guides’ friendly approach and attention to detail create a welcoming environment, making this an experience you’ll remember long after the ride ends.

Final Thoughts

The Bordeaux side car tour offers a distinctive, stylish, and educational way to explore one of France’s most charming cities. With knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the thrill of riding in a vintage vehicle, you’re in for a memorable journey. The private setting ensures a personalized experience, perfect for those who want to avoid crowded tours and get a real feel for Bordeaux’s character.

While the open-air ride means dressing appropriately and being prepared for weather conditions, the overall value is excellent, especially given the flexibility, customization, and intimate nature of the tour.

If you’re after a fun, engaging way to see Bordeaux’s sights, learn about its history, and enjoy a unique experience, this side car tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a charming, memorable, and fun way to start your discovery of this beautiful city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over the age of four are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity. Keep in mind that the ride is open-air, so consider your child’s comfort with wind and weather.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from 45 minutes to three hours, based on your preference and schedule. You can select a shorter or more extended experience when booking.

Is the tour private?
Yes, the experience is for a private group, whether just for you and your travel companions or a small family. You won’t be sharing the vehicle with strangers.

What should I wear?
Since the ride is open-air and can be windy, bringing a coat or jacket is recommended. Weather conditions might vary, so dress accordingly.

Can I customize the route?
Absolutely. The itinerary can be adapted depending on your interests and traffic conditions, allowing for a personalized experience.

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

This Bordeaux side car experience is a delightful mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and fun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Bordeaux, it’s an activity that offers a fresh perspective on this captivating city.