The best way to discover Bordeaux is simply to let yourself fall under the charm
of its rich, complex identity forged over the centuries by numerous influences.
You will not only enjoy the city´s appealing lifestyle, revolving around fine
wine, but also appreciate Bordeaux´s outstanding architectural heritage.
Bordeaux, world wine capital, has given its name to the most prestigious and oldest
vineyard region in France, known all over the world for its great wines!
Bordeaux also has impressive historic monuments, a number of which are floodlit
at night to show off their beauty. Several of these have been listed as World
Heritage Sites as part of UNESCO´s tribute to major points of interest along the
pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela.
Sites & Monuments
Bordeaux recounts its history like a picture-book story. The spectre of the
gladiators still haunts the ruins of the Palais Gallien. The Great Bell and
the Cathedral are reminders of the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the
intrigues of the Hundred Years War. The Place de la Bourse, the Grand Théâtre
and the Allées de Tourny give an idea of the grandeur of the work carried
out by the ‘Intendants’ of the French King in the 18th century.
The Chartrons district, the Quayside frontage and the Lainé Warehouse
all speak of the economic prosperity of the win trade and the dynamic merchant
class. The ‘Deux Rives’ development project is a continuation of
this historic development process in Bordeaux.
Museums
As a city that encourages creativity, Bordeaux has inspired many famous artists,
painters and musicians - Francisco Goya, Pierre Lacour, Eugène Delacroix,
Joseph Vernet, Eugène-Louis Boudin, André Lhote, Albert Marquet,
Paul Gaugin, Odilon Redon, and even Richard Wagner! Today, the city is home
to a wide range of museums, which are as famous for their prestigious collections
as they are for the architectural quality of the buildings they are displayed
in!
Short Breaks
The city of Bordeaux has become much more beautiful over the past decade. The
tram and multiple public works projects have given Bordeaux a new lustre, while
in no way detracting from the city´s architectural heritage. Countless monuments
and buildings have been restored to their original splendour, squares lit up
at night, gardens and promenades built along the quays, streets converted into
pedestrianised areas, bicycle lanes laid out, etc. These new facets have unquestionably
enhanced the city´s conviviality and quality of life.
Not only is Bordeaux more beautiful, but also more varied. The city offers a
complete range of accommodation, and has become increasingly popular for short
breaks.
Accommodation
With more than 5,200 rooms of all categories in 145 hotels and tourist residences,
as well as furnished apartments, bed and breakfasts, and other forms of accommodation,
Bordeaux receives more than 2 million visitors every year from all over the
world. They come not only for the famous vineyards, but also for the city´s
rich 18th century architectural heritage.
Nightlife
Bordeaux comes alive when the sun goes down, at which time bars and nightclubs
open up in every part of the city, and café terraces are thronged by
students at Place de la Victoire. The quays are famous for their nightclubs,
and Old Bordeaux has many small, friendly cafés with a warm atmosphere.
And there´s a trendy newcomer on the scene: the bassins à flot (wet docks)!
Restaurants, bars, and clubs have taken over the former hangars, and this area
has become a must for nightime celebrations.
World Capital of Wine
Bordeaux, the world capital of wine, has given its name to the largest and oldest
vineyard of fine wines in the world. The Bordeaux region is rich in varied landscapes
and diverse soil types, but possesses only AOC wines that produce different
types of Bordeaux red, white, rosé, pale and crémant wines.
Eating
With its glorious wines and exquisite cuisine full of finesse, the Bordeaux
region is a magnificent gastronomic centre, with Bordeaux as the capital of
gourmet pleasures. Restaurants abound in the city. It wouldn’t be fair
to single one out as they all do their utmost to maintain the city’s long-standing
reputation as “Gourmet Bordeaux”.
Bordeaux without cars
In 1997, the Town Hall initiated a major bicycle lane programme (550 km) in
order to encourage this environmentally-friendly means of transport.
Also, since 1998, a day without cars, "Dimanche à Bordeaux"
takes place on the first Sunday of the month in the city centre. Cars are prohibited
in the heart of the city between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pedestrians, cyclists, and
roller-bladers are kings on this occasion, taking over the streets!
Art & Culture
Bordeaux has inspired famous artists, painters, and musicians through the centuries:
Francisco Goya, Eugène Delacroix, Paul Gauguin, Odilon Redon, Richard
Wagner, etc., offering a range of famous museums with prestigious collections
housed in buildings of outstanding architectural quality.
Location
Located less than 3 hours from Paris by TGV high speed train, 45 minutes from
the ocean, the Dune du Pyla, and Arcachon Bay, 2 hours from Spain, and 3 hours
from the Pyrenees ski slopes, Bordeaux, the capital of Southwest France, offers
a wonderful lifestyle and many tourist attractions.
Contact Information
Website: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/
Serving Airports
Airport: Bordeaux International Airport
Airport Code:
Flight Time from the UK: 1 hour 30 min.
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An elegant, cosmopolitan city of vast, tree-lined squares and broad avenues, Bordeaux is divided into 12 "quarters" over an area of 12½ mls by 10½ mls. Most of tourist interest is found in the city centre, which hugs the W bank on a loop in the river and boasts a wealth of historical buildings and monuments, including those found in the medieval religious quarter of St Michel and some of France's finest 18th-century architecture (with more than 5,000 examples); some of the most picturesque buildings can be found along the river, near the Quai de la Douane (Customs House Quay). The city was once a major European centre for trade with the Indies, both E and W, and is still a busy port, with important shipyards and related industries. Today, the production of fine wines and spirits is a major commercial activity, and the existence of a university contributes to the city's reputation as a intellectual and cultural melting pot. |
