Practical life
Practical guides for life in Bordeaux: language schools, transport, mobile and internet, paperwork.
In-depth guides
Consular visit in Bordeaux
Next consular visit: mid-March 2027 (2026 calendar). Date and venue: not yet announced. Check the embassy’s official page. Services: collection of pas
Getting around Bordeaux: city, train, ride-hailing and airport
How to buy tickets, TBM’s one-hour transfer rule, trains, ride-hailing apps and getting to the airport.
French schools in Bordeaux: university, affordable, free and online courses
Admission calendar and documents needed, Bordeaux language schools, local classes and online learning, by goal.
Internet and mobile: comparing the main operators
Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free compared for mobile and fibre: prices after discounts and contract length.
Banking guide: French banks, opening an account, Wise, Revolut, Trade Republic
The main French banks, how to open an account (and the right to an account), and the particularities of Wise, Revolut and Trade Republic.
Health guide: carte Vitale, médecin traitant, Doctolib, mutuelle
How to get your carte Vitale, the difference between a general practitioner and a médecin traitant, how to book on Doctolib and how to understand the
Exchanging a Japanese driving licence for a French one
The steps to exchange a Japanese licence: the two documents to request from the embassy, the online application on ANTS, the fees and the points that
Sites to get to know Bordeaux better: official, local media, good addresses
The tourist office’s website and three local media: what is special about each and how to use them.
Reading now: headlines from local media (external sites)
A selection of recent articles from local media, useful for people who live in or visit Bordeaux. The links lead to pages in French.