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Non-EU visitors can claim up to 20% VAT back on purchases over €100.01 made in Bordeaux, validated at PABLO self-service kiosks at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) before departing the EU.
Bordeaux's shopping is built around Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe at roughly 1.2 km. Cours de l'Intendance and the Triangle d'Or to the north hold the more upscale boutiques and jewellers.
See the full France VAT refund guide for eligible items and refund-location details.
| Airport | Terminals | Validation system | Hours | From city |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOD · Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport | Hall A and Hall B | PABLO | Generally aligned with departure schedule | Approximately 12 km west of central Bordeaux |
The luxury triangle bounded by Cours de l'Intendance, Cours Georges Clemenceau, and Allées de Tourny, with watchmakers and designer boutiques.
Rue Sainte-Catherine pedestrian spine connecting Place de la Comédie to Place de la Victoire.
Rue Notre-Dame antique dealers, design stores, and independent boutiques in a converted wine-merchant district.
Vintage markets and independent fashion around the Saint-Michel basilica, especially on Sundays.
Roughly 1.2 km of pedestrian high-street shopping, anchored by Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux and most major chain retailers.
Bordeaux's premier upscale street, linking the Grand Théâtre to Place Gambetta with designer boutiques.
High-end watchmakers, jewellers, and contemporary fashion along a tree-lined avenue.
Smaller upscale boutiques and concept stores running parallel to the Triangle d'Or.
Antique shops, design stores, and independent fashion in Bordeaux's old wine-merchant quarter.
Always show your non-EU passport when paying so the retailer can issue a tax-free form on the spot.
France's €100.01 minimum applies per store per day; chains do not pool spending across branches.
Galeries Lafayette on Rue Sainte-Catherine offers a single tax-free form for purchases across all departments.
Validate at PABLO kiosks at Bordeaux-Mérignac before checking goods that will go in hold luggage.
BOD is small but busy; arrive at least 90 minutes before departure if you need to validate refund forms and have luggage to check.
If you fly Bordeaux to Paris and onward to a non-EU country, validate at CDG or Orly, not BOD.
Validate at PABLO self-service kiosks at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) before departing the EU. The kiosks are located before security in both Hall A and Hall B. Have your passport, boarding pass, tax-free forms, and unworn goods accessible.
France requires a minimum of €100.01 spent in a single store on the same day. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette can pool purchases across departments onto one combined tax-free form, helping you cross the threshold.
Yes. BOD has PABLO self-service kiosks for non-EU travellers to electronically validate their tax-free forms before flying out of the EU. Once validated, the refund is processed by Global Blue, Planet, or whichever operator the retailer uses.
Rue Sainte-Catherine runs roughly 1.2 km from Place de la Comédie to Place de la Victoire and is widely cited as one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Most major chains plus Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux are located along it.
France charges 20% standard VAT. After refund-operator commissions, non-EU shoppers typically take home around 12% to 13% net of the purchase price, paid back to the original card or in cash at the airport.
Yes, on personal-quantity purchases that meet the €100.01 minimum in a single store. Wine should remain in the original sealed packaging and you must be able to present it to customs if requested. Bear in mind your destination country's import limits and duties.
France's 20% VAT refund applies to Lyon shopping over €100.01. Validate at PABLO kiosks at Lyon-Saint Exupéry before flying outside the EU.
MarseilleClaim up to 20% VAT back on Marseille purchases over €100.01. Validate at PABLO self-service kiosks at Marseille Provence Airport before departing the EU.
ParisClaim up to 20% VAT back on Paris purchases over €100.01. Validate at PABLO self-service kiosks at CDG, Orly, or Gare du Nord before departure.
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