Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Laws in Bordeaux

Bordeaux isn’t just famous for its world-class wine. It's also a hotspot for Airbnb and short-term rentals.

Of course, turning your Bordeaux property into a successful short-term rental isn’t as simple as taking a few great photos and posting a listing. The city has some pretty specific regulations in place and not understanding them can quickly turn your Airbnb dream into a legal nightmare.

We'll give you the lowdown on Bordeaux’s short-term rental laws, why they’re in place and practical tips on how to navigate them smoothly as a host.

Why Bordeaux for Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals?

Let’s be honest — Bordeaux is an absolute gem. The city’s stunning mix of historic architecture, world-renowned vineyards and laid-back atmosphere makes it a top destination for tourists from all over. In fact, according to Agora Tourism Bordeaux, the city saw 7 million overnight stays in Bordeaux Métropole in 2023.

And it’s not just the sights — Bordeaux has fantastic weather, incredible food and plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. All that tourist traffic can mean big opportunities.

Source: Inside Airbnb

Recent data from Inside Airbnb paints a clear picture: the average property is booked 152 nights per year, with a nightly rate of €91, bringing in an average annual income of €13,166.

Short-Term Rentals Rules in Bordeaux

Registration 

To operate legally in Bordeaux, every host has to register their property with the Mairie de Bordeaux (City Hall) and get a registration number. It’s an online process that’s pretty simple, but often overlooked.

Hosts also need to display this registration number on their Airbnb listing, so guests know you’re following the rules. Plus, don’t forget to officially declare your place as a furnished tourist accommodation with the town hall.

Primary vs. Secondary residence

The rules in Bordeaux differ depending on whether the property you’re renting out is your primary or secondary residence. If you’re renting out your primary residence (where you live at least 8 months of the year), you can rent it out on Airbnb for up to 120 days per year. Beyond that, you’d be breaking the law unless you apply for a special permit.

For secondary residences (homes where you don’t live most of the year), stricter rules apply. Renting out a secondary residence in Bordeaux may require you to register with the local government and adhere to additional zoning laws. You may also need to obtain a change of use permit, which essentially changes the classification of the property to a commercial use.

Building regulations

For those of you with properties in historic districts, Bordeaux has extra building regulations to preserve the charm of its old town. Before making any changes or setting up a short-term rental, check with local authorities to ensure you’re compliant with these rules.

Tourist tax

Bordeaux requires Airbnb hosts to collect a tourist tax (taxe de séjour) from guests, which varies depending on the type of accommodation. Airbnb usually handles this automatically, but it's still something to keep in mind for your bookkeeping.

The Local Insight: Why These Rules Matter

The rationale behind Bordeaux’s short-term rental regulations is pretty straightforward. Like many cities across Europe, Bordeaux is working to balance the demands of a booming tourism sector with the needs of its residents.

Source: Inside Airbnb 

By tightening rules in popular areas, especially in historic centers, the city aims to prevent locals from being pushed out due to rising rents and property conversions.

For instance, some neighborhoods have a “compensation rule.” If you want to convert a long-term rental into a short-term one, you need to “give back” by either creating new housing units or converting non-residential spaces into residences. This helps ensure that there’s still affordable housing available for locals.

What’s the Penalty for Not Complying?

Ignoring the rules can lead to hefty fines, sometimes reaching up to €50,000. Bordeaux takes its regulations seriously, so it’s worth taking the time to get everything in order before listing your property.

Adding Value: How to Thrive Within the Rules

Knowing the laws is the first step, but thriving within them is where the real value lies. Here’s how you can make the most of the regulations and add value to your Bordeaux Airbnb business:

Limited supply = Higher demand

With Bordeaux cracking down on unregistered and illegal Airbnb listings, there’s less competition in the market.

If you’re compliant and playing by the rules, you stand to benefit from higher occupancy rates and potentially higher rental prices. Fewer STRs mean more demand for the ones that are available.

Partner with local businesses

One way to add extra value for your guests and to differentiate your Airbnb is by collaborating with local businesses.

Whether it’s arranging wine tastings, restaurant recommendations or even securing discounts at local shops, you’ll be offering something unique while supporting the local economy.

Plus, this will help foster good relations with your neighbors, which is key in managing STRs in residential areas.

Sustainability counts

Bordeaux was named the greenest city in France by Le Parisien. Align your short-term rental with this by offering eco-friendly amenities — think reusable water bottles, recycling bins or information on public transport and local eco-tours.

These touches resonate well with environmentally conscious travelers, adding both value and appeal to your listing.

Use data to nail your dynamic pricing 

Compliance with laws doesn’t mean you can’t maximize profits. Use data-driven pricing strategies that consider Bordeaux’s seasonality, demand spikes during wine festivals or other major events.

Tools like Hostaway’s dynamic pricing can help you stay competitive while staying within legal boundaries.

Airbnb Success in Bordeaux Is About Balance

Following Bordeaux’s Airbnb rules might feel like a bit of a hassle at first, but it’s super important if you want to protect your investment and keep guests happy.

The best way to stay on top of things? Keep an eye on updates from the Mairie de Bordeaux, and if things get tricky, chat with a local property lawyer to make sure you're in the clear.

In the long run, doing things the right way not only saves you from headaches but also helps you build a more meaningful and successful Airbnb business.

Focus on what you do best — whether it’s offering an awesome guest experience, staying on top of local regulations or making the most of your rental days — and you’ll create lasting value for both you and your guests.