Common Tourist Scams in Bordeaux (and How to Avoid Them)
Tourist scams — the short list
- Place de la Bourse / Miroir d'eau: the petition / clipboard scam (charity for the deaf, etc.) is the most active. Always "no", never reach for a wallet.
- Friendship bracelet at the Cathédrale: a man ties a string on your wrist by the basilica, then demands €10-20. Walk past.
- Saint-Jean station pickpockets: peak times 08:00-09:30 and 17:00-19:00. Specifically the platform stairs and the Tram A boarding zone.
- Tasting-tour pressure: a small number of unaccredited "guides" loiter near the Cité du Vin offering cheap private tours. They're not licensed, the wine is mediocre, and the tip pressure at the end is severe. Use Bordovino, Ophorus, Rustic Vines, or the Office de Tourisme's own tours.
- Restaurant menus by the river: a few places near Place de la Bourse charge €18 for a glass of basic Bordeaux. Walk one block inland for the same wine at €5-6.
FAQ
- What's the biggest scam to avoid in Bordeaux?
- The petition/clipboard pattern at Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'eau — always 'no', never reach for a wallet. Other recurring patterns: the friendship bracelet at the Cathédrale Saint-André (a man ties a string on your wrist then demands €10-20 — walk past), Saint-Jean station pickpockets at the Tram A boarding zone during peak hours, and unaccredited 'guides' loitering near the Cité du Vin offering cheap private wine tours (mediocre wine, severe tip pressure). Use Bordovino, Ophorus, Rustic Vines, or the Office de Tourisme's own tours.
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