Motorcycle Rentals in Bordeaux

Bordeaux rewards anyone willing to get behind a set of handlebars. Cross the Pont de Pierre with the city's honey-coloured facades behind you, park a few steps from the reflecting pool at Place de la Bourse, or point the bike south for an afternoon on the dune at Arcachon. This is a city built for two wheels, and the region around it is even better suited to them.

Bordeaux's old centre is a maze of narrow one-way streets where parking a car eats up half your afternoon and most of your budget. A scooter slips through that traffic and tucks into a spot near the Cité du Vin without any fuss. It also opens up everything beyond the ring road: the Atlantic coast, the oyster villages of the Bassin d'Arcachon and the vineyard lanes of the Médoc are all under an hour away, and none of them are realistic on foot or by bus.

Top 10 things to see in Bordeaux by motorcycle

1. Place de la Bourse & Miroir d'Eau — the riverfront square and its reflecting pool make a natural starting or finishing point for any ride.
2. Pont de Pierre — this historic stone bridge over the Garonne gives you a classic view back over the city.
3. Cité du Vin — a striking riverside building and wine museum, an easy short hop along the quays.
4. Dune du Pilat — Europe's tallest sand dune, about an hour southwest and one of the best day trips out of Bordeaux.
5. Bassin d'Arcachon — a coastal basin lined with oyster villages and beaches, a favourite loop among riders.
6. Cap Ferret — a peninsula tip with a lighthouse and ocean-facing beaches at the end of winding coastal roads.
7. Saint-Émilion — a UNESCO-listed medieval village set among vineyards, a highlight of any countryside ride east of the city.
8. Route des Châteaux du Médoc (D2) — a scenic road running north through vineyards and châteaux, ideal for an unhurried touring ride.
9. Parc Bordelais — a large green park close to the centre, worth a quick stop to stretch your legs.
10. Jardin Botanique Bordeaux Bastide — a riverside botanical garden on the right bank, a pleasant short ride across the Garonne.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Bordeaux?

For a 125cc scooter you'll need an A1 motorcycle licence, or a category B car licence held for at least two years plus a short mandatory training course. Larger motorcycles fall under category A1, A2 or full A depending on engine size, with minimum ages from 16 to 18 by law — though rental agencies in Bordeaux commonly ask for riders 18 or older, sometimes 21 or 23 for bigger machines. A credit-card deposit is standard practice, refunded on undamaged return; confirm the exact amount and excess with your chosen company. If you're visiting from outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Bordeaux?

Average rental prices run EUR 25-35 per day during low season and EUR 40-60 per day in high season, with premium models reaching EUR 60-90 per day.

• November to February is cheapest, when rates sit near the low end.
• Prices climb steadily through spring and peak in July and August.
• Booking a few weeks ahead of summer secures both a better rate and a better choice of bike.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Bordeaux?

High season runs June through August, with July and August the busiest and priciest months as the whole of France goes on holiday. Low season stretches from November to March, when demand and prices both drop. May, June and September tend to offer the best balance — warm weather, open roads and rates well below the midsummer peak, so booking a little in advance during those months pays off in both price and availability.

Local traffic rules in Bordeaux

France drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for every rider and passenger on a motorised two-wheeler, and they must be ECE-approved with four reflective stickers. CE-approved gloves are also a legal requirement for riders and passengers on scooters and motorcycles, which catches many visitors by surprise. Dipped headlights stay on at all times, day and night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on most rural two-way roads and lower still for newly licensed riders. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to 0.2 g/l during a probationary licence period — effectively zero. Keep a hi-vis vest on the bike in case you need to stop roadside.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!