Bordeaux Low Emission Mobility Zone (EPZ)
From January 1ᵉʳ 2025, Bordeaux is implementing Bordeaux Low Emission Mobility Zone (EPZ), aimed at limiting the circulation of the most polluting vehicles. If you're planning to visit Bordeaux, here's a practical guide to understanding this new measure and adapting your travels with peace of mind.
This measure will apply to all vehicle categories: cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, 24/7.
Visitors can use the parcs-relais (P+R) located near tramway and bus stations to leave their cars and easily reach the city center. The park-and-rides remain accessible for unclassified vehicles via certain specific lanes exempt from the ZFE.
Do you need a Crit'Air sticker to drive around?
Yes, to enter the ZFE with a vehicle, it is mandatory to affix a Crit'Air sticker on the windshield.
Stickers are graded from 1 (least polluting) to 5 (most polluting).
Car registered abroad
As with cars registered in France, motorists owning a vehicle with a foreign number plate must have a Crit'air sticker to drive.
Where to get it?
You can order your sticker on the official Crit'Air website. Vehicles without a sticker (known as "unclassified") will not be able to circulate or park in the zone concerned, unless specific exemptions are granted.
Which vehicles are affected?
Restrictions apply to all categories of vehicle, including rental cars. If you plan to drive your own car or a rented vehicle:
Check your Crit'Air sticker
If your vehicle is unclassified (registered before certain specific dates), it will be banned from the EPZ.
For vehicles registered after 1997 (petrol) or 2001 (diesel)
You have nothing to worry about, as long as you have a vignette.
Exemptions
For exceptional cases, temporary derogations may be granted. However, these derogations concern:
- Collectible vehicles
- People with disabilities
- Medical emergencies
As a visitor, you'll therefore need to plan your travel around any restrictions.
Use park-and-ride facilities (P+R)
Bordeaux Métropole's park-and-ride facilities (P+R) are an excellent option for visitors wanting easy access to the city center while complying with Low Emission Zone (ZFE) restrictions. Located on the outskirts of the ring road and connected to the public transport network, these secure car parks allow you to leave your vehicle and reach the heart of Bordeaux by streetcar or bus in just a few minutes. Park-and-ride facilities accessible to unclassified vehicles offer an economical and practical alternative, ideal for exploring the city without hassle. Don't forget to consult the timetables and locations on the TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) network website to plan your itinerary with complete peace of mind.
EPZ calendar: key dates to remember
The Bordeaux Métropole Low Emission Zone (EPZ) will be progressively implemented throughout 2025. For visitors and residents alike, it's essential to know the various stages of this timetable in order to anticipate changes and ensure compliance.
- 1ᵉʳ January 2025: official implementation of the EPZ.
- July 2025: start of controls with fines for non-compliance.
How to get around Bordeaux without a car
Bordeaux is a city where it's easy to get around without a car:
- Public transport: the TBM network offers streetcars, buses and river shuttles covering the entire metropolis.
- Biking: Bordeaux is one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in France. Numerous bike rental stations are available, particularly near park-and-ride facilities.
- On foot: the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ideal for walking.
