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What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Bordeaux

  • Connect with fellow expats in Bordeaux

  • Join exciting events and groups

  • Get Information in our Bordeaux Guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Bordeaux

Discover Events & Make New Friends

If you’re wondering how to navigate the challenges of life abroad, you’re not alone. Join InterNations and connect with a community of like-minded expats in France! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new international friends.

Don’t miss a variety of welcoming online and in-person events. Join groups to pursue your hobbies — from sports to music, there’s something for everyone With InterNations, you’ll quickly feel at home wherever life takes you.

What Members are saying

Everyone should join InterNations to enjoy everything from business events to networking to cultural and travel experiences.

Ranim, InterNations Cairo

InterNations helped me meet many people of different cultures - now I'm more open-minded and happier!

Nicholas, InterNations Yaounde

InterNations Worldwide at a Glance

5M

Members

420

Cities Worldwide

200+

Destination Guides

5M

Members around the world

420

Cities Worldwide

6,000

events and activities each month

6,000

events each month

200+

Destination Guides

  • Ruben Barbosa

    After work I enjoy meeting other Brazlian expats offline. We go for a beer together and it feels like home. Thanks InterNations.

Relocating to Bordeaux

In 2015, and up against stiff competition from the likes of Berlin and London, Bordeaux was awarded as the Best City in a poll organized by travel organization European Best Destinations. It certainly has much to offer to families moving to the city, in terms of education, culture, the arts, and open and green spaces.

There is a choice of accommodation to suit different budgets and needs, from central apartments to larger villas on the outskirts of the city. There is a wide variety of bistros and bars, particularly in the center along the riverfront, with Bordeaux’s lively nightlife particularly enjoyed by the large student population. For something a bit gentler, many residents enjoy a morning trip to Le Marche des Capucins, Bordeaux’s main covered market that sells meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers, honey and wine.

About the City

Bordeaux is situated in the Aquitaine region of south-west France, on the River Garonne and close to the Atlantic Ocean. Nicknamed La Perle d’Aquitaine (The Pearl of Aquitaine), it is a major hub of the region, with its wine and aeronautics-driven economy, large university and arts events. With a population of 239,399, Bordeaux is the ninth largest city in France. The surrounding green countryside is dotted with towers, churches, abbey ruins and, of course, vineyards. Bordeaux is in close proximity to some of Europe’s gems, including Arcachon Bay, which is home to the largest sand dune in Europe (109 meters tall); the Pyrenees; the coastal resort of La Rochelle; and Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay.

The Climate in Bordeaux

Bordeaux has an oceanic climate, with warm summers and mild winters. It also experiences high rainfall throughout the year – for example, it rains on average for 14 days during May and 17 days during December. The average temperature in July is 69°F (20°C) and 43°F (6°C) in December.

Visas for France

Citizens of European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland can reside in France and have free access to the job market. They can work anywhere in France without a residence or job permit. They can apply for a free residence permit (carte de séjour) but it is not a legal requirement.

As a general rule, expats who are citizens of countries outside the EU require a visa for entry and this must be obtained in your country of residence before your departure. A residence permit is then required for those planning to live in France for more than one year. This permit must be applied for not more than two months after your entry into France. Contact your local French embassy for more information and advice, or take a look at our dedicated article on Visas and Permits for France.

See all upcoming events for expats in Bordeaux

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