Grand Hotel Francais: A great option for location and affordability in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is one of the most visited cities in France, and for good reason. The 2,000-year-old port destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the shores of the Garonne River is part of the larger region of the same name. Visitors from around the world travel here to experience the innovative gastronomy, stunning architecture, and, of course, the wine. Bordeaux is celebrated as the world capital of wine.

To accommodate these visitors, the city offers more than 500 properties, ranging from historic chateaus and boutique auberges to contemporary chain hotels. One option is the 3-star Grand Hotel Francais. Centrally located and reasonably priced, it is an ideal base for your French adventures.

Staying at the Grand Hotel Francais

The Grand Hotel Francais is situated in the heart of Bordeaux on the historic Rue de Temple. It’s just steps away from the Cours de L’Intendance, one of the most popular shopping and walking thoroughfares in Bordeaux, and within easy access to the Place de la Comédie, the city’s main square.

The hotel is housed in a restored 1875 mansion. Like so many buildings in Bordeaux, its façade is cloaked in blond limestone, an architectural signature of the city. An elaborately carved mascaron (or face), flanked by intricate floral motifs, tops the tall arched wood entry door. A series of elegantly designed corbels and detailed wrought iron railings decorate overhangs and Juliet balconies. A long entry hall, gently sloped for wheelchair access, leads to a small lobby.

Thirty-six rooms range from the petite 160-square-foot Classic Double to the 258-square-foot Deluxe Double. Some rooms include balconies. There are also two 280-square-foot wheelchair accessible rooms.

Small but Comfortable

I stayed in a Classic Double. Full disclosure: I had booked a Superior with a Balcony, but my reservation was not in the system when I arrived. Luckily, I had my confirmation with me, and a few rooms were still available.

The room was clean, with a large bed. The hotel’s website refers to the bed size as a “double,” but it was a queen-size bed. But while the bed may have been large, the room was definitely on the tight side. Two tiny shelves, one on each side of the bed, served as nightstands, while a built-in wardrobe and shelf-style desktop filled the wall opposite the foot of the bed. A flat-screen TV was mounted above the desk, which also held a coffee station, a mini fridge was wedged underneath, leaving just enough room for a small chair.

The bathroom was tucked behind a sliding frosted-glass door (there was no room for a traditional swinging door). While minimalist, it was spacious, with a full-size tub, a wall-mount sink/vanity combo, and a wall-mount toilet. A narrow shelf ran the length of the vanity wall, offering plenty of space to store toiletries.

While I was disappointed that the room didn’t have a balcony, in the end, it didn’t matter because I spent all my time outside, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and attractions of the city. 

Food and Drink

While Bordeaux offers plenty of places to eat and drink, guests of the Grand Hotel Francais don’t need to leave the property if they don’t want to. The hotel offers a full breakfast buffet for an additional charge. The breakfast room is located across from the reception desk. Or, guests can choose in-room dining. Either way, options include fresh, local ingredients such as breads, pastries, and homemade yogurts. And because the hotel does not use plastic packaging or wrappings, the breakfast received the Surfrider Europe Ocean Friendly label.

During the day, you can stop by the kitchenette for a complimentary fresh canelé (a Bordeaux favorite), to purchase a beverage, or to fill the reusable water bottle provided in your room with still or sparkling water.  

Finally, after a day of exploring, guests can wind down at Bar Casa, which is open from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This luxe cocktail bar is a local favorite thanks to its innovative drink menu crafted by Jérémy Lauilhé, winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France Bartender award in 2023. The bar, which runs along the length of the entry hall and opens into the lobby, is chic and sumptuous. Walls of white curtains, large mirrors, and pale wood herringbone flooring soften the space, which is filled with blue velvet seating and vintage architectural details. A large mural by designer Emma Kadroui decorates an entire wall and adds a bit of whimsy to the space.

Going Green at the Grand Hotel Francais

One of my favorite things about the Grand Hotel Francais is its commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. The property proudly displays the Green Key label. This certification, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, promotes “excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.”

In addition to the plastic-free breakfast, the hotel recycles its waste through Les Detritivores. This local biowaste management organization collects food scraps and turns them into compost. The hotel also partners with Bloom, a scientific NGO that protects the oceans and marine biodiversity.

If You Go

Bordeaux can be expensive. But a stay at the Grand Hotel Francais won’t break your budget. The property is reasonably priced, especially given its prime location. During my stay in August 2025, the Superior with a Balcony room was €156 per night. A Classic Double runs about €110 per night. VAT is included in the rate, but city taxes and fees are not. Breakfast is also an additional charge.

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com.

The hotel is wheelchair accessible, with a level entrance and elevator. There are two accessible rooms. Each features wide entry and bathroom doors, shower and toilet support bars, a king bed, and plenty of room for wheelchair or aided mobility. The property is also pet-friendly. One small pet is allowed per room. And there is a €12 per night additional charge.

For more places to stay in Bordeaux, check out our reviews of the Hotel Bayonne Etche-Ona and the Hotel de Tourny.