What's the weather like in Bordeaux in April
With wonderful weather all year round and lots of history to explore, Bordeaux is an ideal holiday destination. And, the abundance of amazing vineyards doesn't hurt either! Unlike its neighbours to the east, the city experiences a more oceanic climate than Mediterranean. This gives it the best of both worldsarm summers and the chilly winters. In April, spring has sprung with warming temperatures and dropping rainfall chances.
Temperature
With an average daily temperature of 13°C (about 55°F), this month is a great time to get out and see the blooming flowers and plants of spring. The vineyards are starting to get some colour too and most of the wineries offer tastings at this time. The lows get down to about 7°C (around 45°F), still cool, but fortunately, you'll typically only see those temperatures at night. The highs reach up to a very pleasant 18°C (about 64°F), plenty warm for outdoor activities.
As you're packing for your holiday away, bring along the long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and a jacket or coat for the evening hours. You may also want to pack an umbrella or poncho as there is still a 49% chance of rain on any given day.
Rainfall
The average rainfall this month is 80 mm and there is an average of 18 rainy days each month. Check the local forecast before you head out to know what to expect.
Sunshine Hours
You'll get over six hours of sunshine each day during your trip and a 14% chance of a sunny day. The chance of having a cloudy day is 37% and the chance of a windy day is only 15%. This area has seen an extreme high temperature of 31°C (around 88°F), extremely hot for this area, especially during this time of the year. Summer highs don't even get that high! The lowest recorded temperature was -2°C (about 29°F), just below freezing.
Bordeaux Hotels for April
Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons
For a touch of luxury without the price tag, spend the night at the four-star Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons when visiting in April. The modern and contemporary rooms feature private bathrooms, flat screen televisions, and minibars. A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant daily, and guests can also enjoy a three-course meal in the evenings. Other amenities include private car park, business centre, laundry services, and concierge.
Hotel la Cour Carree
Hotel la Cour Carree is located on the quiet streets of Bordeaux's old town, in a stonework building that has become synonymous with the city's history. The interior features simple and chic décor with pops of colour that make you feel welcome. All rooms include air conditioning and lounge areas complete with sofas. Head to the peaceful courtyard for relaxation, peace, and quiet. Every morning, breakfast is offered for a small additional fee.
Novotel Bordeaux le Lac
The Novotel Bordeaux le Lac is located in the Bordeaux suburbs and contains 175 rooms. The hotel is especially accommodating of families with small children and can arrange for additional beds and cribs to sleep everyone. During the day, spend time relaxing in the courtyard or take a dip in the pool. The rooms come with free Wi-Fi, minibars, tea and coffee makers, air conditioning, and televisions with cable, and some have views of the neighbouring lake.
Bars and Restaurants
Le Coin Des Copains
Le Coin Des Copains, a quaint and quintessential French café, serves up classics like veal steak, scallops, and gratin Dauphinoise. The café may be small with a selective menu, but delivers big on taste and atmosphere. After your delicious meal, don't miss the delectable dessert menu with yummy treats like chocolate mousse. The extensive wine menu provides plenty of options to complement your lunch or dinner.
Restaurant Cote Rue
From the cosy leather couches to the light wood tables, Restaurant Cote Rue provides a laid-back environment to enjoy gourmet French cuisine. The restaurant is owned and run by three friends who are the chefs and sommelier of the place. All the dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious and include ravioli stuffed with smoked chèvre and smoked morsels of topinambour. Don't miss the drink menu with beers, wines, and cocktails.
Restaurant Dan
For a change of pace from French cuisine, check out Restaurant Dan with an Asian fusion menu. The restaurant offers several tasting menus and a rotating daily menu. You can choose from a three, four, six, or nine-course menu, as well as a seven-course cheese course. Popular choices off the menu includes smoked duck foie gras, cuttlefish, sea urchin, black pork, braised eggplant, and vegetable pickles.
Things to do in Bordeaux in April
Guilly Fish Spa
With warmer weather well on the way, spend an April day preparing your skin for the summer heat at the Guilly Fish Spa. The spa uses a technique that's common in Japan where you submerge the hands and feet into a pool filled with garra rufa fish who feed on dead skin cells. The result is similar to that of exfoliation and is a great way to relax, as well as improve the quality of your skin.
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
Travelers who do like wine can choose to take any one of a number of tours offered by Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a 78 hectare vineyard located just 20 minutes outside of the Bordeaux city centre. One of the most popular activities here is the tasting tour, which includes a trip throughout the cellars and the vat rooms and, of course, a selection of tastings of both reds and whites produced on the property.
Gross Cloche de Bordeaux
The Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux is a beautiful tower in the centre of Bordeaux and a must-see for any visitors. The gorgeous tower houses a bell and a gold clock on each side. You can walk through the tower and get the feeling of living in a fairy tale. At night, the tower is lit up, making it even more magical. If you want to learn more about the tower, sign up for the small tours that explore the inside.
Marche des Quais
If you'll be in town on a Sunday, you have to check out the Marche des Quais, a local farmer's market. Each week, over 60 vendors set up shop, hawking everything from food to flowers to books. You'll also find local craftsman and artisans selling their goods. Many of the booths have food and wine tastings for you to savour the local Bordeaux flavours. The market is located near the docks in the Chartrons area of the city and welcomes both locals and visitors to shop.
