Bordeaux Airport car rentals are a cheap and reliable way to see this gorgeous part of southern France. Bordeaux Airport (airport code BOD) is within the département of Gironde. The airport has had a long war time history. It used to be used as a major air base by the Americans during the Cold War and today the French air force still use the airport.
The main low cost commercial service from Bordeaux Airport is with EasyJet to London, Lyon, Milan and Madrid airports. The single terminal airport also of course offers hourly flights to the French capital Paris.
Bordeaux Airport Mini Guide
What is Bordeaux Apart From Wine?
Bordeaux is a city that does things big. It’s the biggest French city by area. It has one of Europe’s largest estuaries where the Dordogne joins the Garonne and flows into the sea and its wine industry is enormous too with over fourteen billion euros generated from the fruit of the vine there annually. Finally, its university is the largest in France. The city was once a British possession and many still think there are hints of Englishness about it. It’s considered a very tolerant city and all are welcomed to enjoy its delights.
How do I get to try Some Bordeaux?
Bordeaux-Merignac is the airport to head for. It’s only six miles out of the city and is supplied with flights by many low cost carriers including Ryanair and easyJet.
What is the Airport Like?
It’s modern, having been given a facelift in recent years and very busy with nearly four million passengers using it last year. It has a place in history too with Charles de Gaulle leaving from there in 1940 to appeal for help from the British.
What can I Expect When I Arrive at the Airport?
Although it’s a busy airport it’s quite compact and there are no air bridges for your disembarkation into the terminal so a short walk from the aircraft steps is needed. Once inside the airport you’re almost immediately through passport checks and into the baggage reclaim hall. Once bags are collected it’s again only a short walk through to the arrivals hall. All you need to begin your stay can be found there with the information desk directly opposite you for all questions about the airport.
There’s a post office in the hall which also does currency exchange and has an ATM. The car hire desks are found there too and if you’ve pre-arranged a hire car from home you’ll find the final paperwork quick and easy before driving off in your car. If you’re going to rely on public transport then you’ll need to turn right out of the terminal and you’ll find the bus stop and taxi parking there. The journey into the centre is quick and reasonably priced.
What About When I am Ready to Come Home?
Once you’ve arrived at the airport and deposited your bags, you’ll have your boarding passes and can head off to discover the wealth of shopping in the airport. From delicious pastry shops to football kits, shoes and bags to clothing as well as local gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Then when you’re done with shopping you’ve got an equally large number of eateries to choose from including a la carte restaurants serving delicious local food to cafes serving quick meals and light bites or even fast food to take away. Then, whilst waiting to be called to your plane, you can enjoy surfing the net on your laptop courtesy of the airport’s Wi-Fi network.
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