In preparation for your next stay in Bordeaux, you want to identify the neighborhoods of Bordeaux to avoid and know if there are hot or dangerous neighborhoods.

Indeed, it is important to choose the neighborhood where you want to stay so as not to end up in a place where there is insecurity, noise or violence.

When I was in Bordeaux for the first time, I myself looked for the best areas for sightseeing and to be able to go out at night without fear.

I will therefore share with you information concerning the districts of Bordeaux to avoid but also the red light districts where it is better not to hang out in the evening.

The information communicated below does not include any judgment or discrimination: it is simply factual.

Bordeaux dangerous city in 2024?

Bordeaux has the reputation of being a bourgeois city where life is good and where insecurity and violence are not a problem.

But in recent years, the feeling of security in Bordeaux and Gironde has deteriorated significantly. The number of attacks has exploded as has drug trafficking.

Bordeaux ranked among the most dangerous cities in France

Au ranking of the 20 most dangerous cities in France, Bordeaux is at the top of the table. Indeed, in this ranking published by ville-data.com, Bordeaux is the 2nd most dangerous city in France. It is classified more dangerous than Marseille, Nantes ou Toulouse.

However, it must be understood that this classification is made in relation to the ratio of number of inhabitants/number of crimes and offenses. It does not only concern violent crimes but also includes thefts and burglaries.

Furthermore, insecurity in Bordeaux is concentrated only in certain geographical areas. Apart from a few neighborhoods, the city of Bordeaux presents no insecurity either for tourists or for residents.

Is Bordeaux safe for tourists?

Bordeaux is generally considered a safe city to visit. But let's see the figures of the last Numbeo ranking which is based on the opinions and feelings of Internet users around the world.

In this ranking of the 12 most dangerous cities in France in 2024, Bordeaux is ranked at the bottom of the table in 10th position. So, unlike the city-data ranking, Numbeo ranks the city of Bordeaux among the safest cities in France.

If we compare on the world ranking 2024, with an average crime index (49.44), Bordeaux is safer than Barcelona, Rome., London ou Dublin.

So yes, like in any other city, tourists can be the target of petty crimes, pickpocketing or scams. However, these incidents are not unique to Bordeaux and can occur in any other tourist city.

In addition, insecurity in Bordeaux is limited to a few dangerous neighborhoods (see list below) that tourists can avoid without problem.

If we compare on the world ranking 2024, with an average crime index (49.15), Bordeaux is safer than Barcelona, Rome., London ou Dublin.

So yes, like in any other city, tourists can be the target of petty crimes, pickpocketing or scams. However, these incidents are not unique to Bordeaux and can occur in any other tourist city.

In addition, insecurity in Bordeaux is limited to a few dangerous neighborhoods (see list below) that tourists can avoid without problem.

Map of Bordeaux neighborhoods

Here is a Google Map to help you identify the best neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Bordeaux: Google map

Dangerous neighborhoods in Bordeaux?

Here are the neighborhoods in Bordeaux that have the highest crime rates:

• The Bacalan district in the northern part of Bordeaux,
• La Benauge located on the east bank of the Garonne.

Although these neighborhoods may have a higher crime rate than other areas of Bordeaux, it is essential to remember that the vast majority of the city remains safe for residents and visitors.

Bordeaux remains a popular destination for tourists from all over the world who can visit the sights without having to worry about their safety.

Which areas of Bordeaux should you avoid?

Outside the heart and historic center of Bordeaux, there are a few places in the city center where it is better not to go out at night if you do not know the area well.

These are less safe places where more delinquency, theft and trafficking have been observed. These neighborhoods are completely safe during the day but less safe for walking around at the end of the evening.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Bordeaux – Les Aubiers

Close to the lake and the river basins, Les Aubiers is a district and a city of the same name which is located north of Bordeaux.

Urban violence, delinquency, fights between neighborhoods, turf wars, petty drug trafficking and recently shootings ...

Even if this district is still far from it, Les Aubiers is starting to look a bit like the Cités du Mirail in Toulouse or North of Marseille neighborhoods. See the argued article by France Inter, sudouest.fr or news.fr.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Bordeaux - Chantecrit and Grand Parc

Just behind the chic and trendy Chartrons district, are the Chantecrit and Grand Parc estates in the city center of Bordeaux.

Less sensitive than Les Aubiers, these two cities have also experienced some incidents of urban violence.

Place des Capucins to avoid at night

Place des Capucins is known for its very popular covered market. But this area, which is located in the Saint-Michel district, is seeing increasing insecurity as well as drug trafficking. See the article by Francebleu.fr

Red light districts in Bordeaux

Among the neighborhoods to avoid in Bordeaux because they are poorly frequented at night, we can cite the red light districts of the city:

• Le Belcier district and around Gare Saint-Jean
• Le boulevard Jean-Jacques-Bosc
• Some streets in the neighborhood Saint Seurin

Saint-Michel red light district?

Very close to the center of Bordeaux, the Saint-Michel district is not dangerous. It's simply a popular and cosmopolitan place, quite festive and noisy. The mix of young people and populations more or less drunk at night has given this place the reputation of the red light district of Bordeaux. However, it is also a pretty area, with many shops, restaurants, cafes and where flea markets and open air markets are held.

What are the best neighborhoods in Bordeaux?

Chic, bourgeois, beautiful, clean and without any insecurity, the districts of the center of Bordeaux are considered as areas where life is good:

• Districts of the Town Hall – Quinconces
• Neighborhoods of the Golden Triangle around Notre Dame Church (Place des Grands Hommes, Place Gambetta, Place de Tourny and Place de la Comédie)
• Saint Pierre district in the historic center of Bordeaux
• Les Chartrons (more bohemian, warmer and less conventional)
• Capucins district – Victoire just behind the Saint Michel district (student district, known for its covered market and the beautiful Place de la Victoire)
• Mériadek district (more modern business district)

In which district to choose your hotel in Bordeaux?

If you want visit Bordeaux on foot, I recommend that you take a hotel or a rental in a district close to the tourist sites of Bordeaux. All the districts mentioned above which are in the city center are perfect for a tourist stay.

Here is a beautiful accommodation that I can recommend for its location (100 m from the Cathedral) but also for its quality services:

And for those looking for cheap accommodation in Bordeaux, well located in a safe and convenient area for tourism, then here are: 3 best cheap hotels in Bordeaux