Getting around Bordeaux

Public transport

Tbc (tel: +33 5 5757 8888; www.infotbc.com) runs an efficient network of buses that join up with three tram lines, connecting the city centre with the surrounding area of Bordeaux. The tram system also connects with car parks outside the centre, to avoid traffic jams and parking fares. A Tickarte (valid for one or seven days) allows unlimited travel on the network and access to the car parks outside the centre. The City Pass (one, two or three days) includes travel on buses and trams plus entry to more than 20 attractions.

Taxis

There are 24-hour taxi ranks at the railway station, on place Gambetta and in key locations all over Bordeaux, including the Grand Théâtre and the Hôtel de Ville. Reputable taxi companies in Bordeaux include Allo Taxis Girondins (tel: +33 5 5680 7037) and Aquitaine Taxi Radio (tel: +33 5 5686 8030).

Driving

If bringing your car to Bordeaux, it can be a good idea to take advantage of the car parks (parc-relais) next to outlying tram stations and then travel by tram into the city centre. Tbc has a list of car parks on its website (www.infotbc.com/le-reseau-tbc/parc-relais).

Car hire

The surroundings of Bordeaux, with some of the world's best vineyards, excellent beaches and gorgeous countryside, are perfect to explore by car. Car hire agencies with offices at the airport and/or the railway station include Avis (tel: +33 820 611 674; www.avis.fr), Europcar (tel: +33 825 004 246; www.europcar.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 5 5759 0595; www.hertz.fr).

If you'd rather not drive, Bordeaux Excursions (tel: +33 6 2488 2209; www.bordeaux-excursions.com) offers tours to two of the best-known vineyards in the area, Médoc and Saint-Emilion.

Bicycle hire

Bordeaux's bikeshare scheme is called VCub (tel: +33 9 6939 0303; www.vcub.fr). Bikes are available 24 hours a day from more than 160 stations across the city. You need to register in advance, then you can pay for access for 24 hours, seven days, a month or a year. The first 30 minutes are always free.

La Maison du Vélo, 69 cours Pasteur (tel: +33 5 5633 7375), rents out good bicycles for the day or longer.