If you plan to see more than a couple of sights, the Bordeaux CityPass is the simplest way to do it. Issued by the tourist office and sold on Tiqets in 24, 48, 72 and 96-hour versions, it bundles entry to the headline paid attractions with unlimited public transport across the network: trams, buses, the BAT3 river shuttle and park-and-ride. The included sites cover La Cité du Vin, the Bassins des Lumières, the Musée d’Aquitaine, the Fine Arts Museum, the CAPC contemporary art museum, the Pey-Berland tower, the Porte Cailhau, Cap Sciences and the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, among others. You also get one guided tour of the city, by tourist train, on foot or by boat, and discounts on wine tours and cruises. On reservation and subject to availability, it also covers a guided tour of underground Saint-Émilion and a tour of the Citadel of Blaye. This page links to the Tiqets booking, which you exchange for the physical card at the tourist office.
How it works: after booking, collect your card at the counter inside the Bordeaux tourist office at 12 Cours du 30 Juillet by showing your smartphone voucher. The office opens Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:30 and Sundays and public holidays from 09:30 to 17:00. The pass runs for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours from activation, and you show the card at each included site. Free cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your chosen date.
Does it pay off? The pass makes most sense if you visit La Cité du Vin and the Bassins des Lumières, which are the two most expensive single tickets, plus at least one or two museums and the guided tour, and use the trams. The 48-hour version is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. If you are mostly coming for vineyard day trips, you will get less from it.
Making the most of it: check opening days before you activate it, because several city museums close on Mondays, and book the Pey-Berland tower slot and the Saint-Émilion underground tour early. Activate it on a morning when you plan to do the most.
What to expect
The experience
A timed city card covering public transport, entry to the main museums and monuments and one guided tour, collected at the tourist office.
Best time
Activate it on your busiest sightseeing day, avoiding Mondays when several city museums are closed.
How long
Choose 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours; 48 hours suits most short city breaks.
Tips
Book timed sites such as the Pey-Berland tower and the Saint-Émilion underground tour as soon as you have the card.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors planning La Cité du Vin, the Bassins des Lumières and a few museums over two or three days.
- Families
- Unlimited trams and a guided tourist-train tour make it easy to keep children moving.
- Couples
- Pair the included guided boat tour with a riverside dinner.
- Pair with
- La Cité du Vin and the Bassins des Lumières on the same day, both in Bacalan.
- Time needed
- One to four days.
Good questions
What does the Bordeaux CityPass include?+
It includes unlimited public transport, entry to La Cité du Vin, the Bassins des Lumières and the main museums and monuments, and one guided tour. It also gives discounts on wine tours and cruises.
Where do I collect the CityPass?+
You collect the physical card at the counter inside the tourist office at 12 Cours du 30 Juillet. Show your smartphone voucher.
Does the CityPass include the river shuttle?+
Yes, it covers the BAT3 river shuttle as well as trams, buses and park-and-ride. That makes it easy to reach Bacalan and the Chartrons.
Is the Saint-Émilion underground tour included?+
A guided tour of underground Saint-Émilion is included on reservation, subject to availability. Transport to Saint-Émilion is not included.
Which CityPass length should I buy?+
The 48-hour pass suits most short city breaks with two full days of sightseeing. Choose 72 or 96 hours if you are staying longer and want to include Blaye or Saint-Émilion.
