About Bordeaux
Bordeaux, the port city known as “Port de la Lune” located in south-west France on the Garonne River, is one of France’s most charming settings and also nicknamed “The City of Art and History”. Oozing in historical architecture that goes back centuries, the streets of Bordeaux are complete with unbeatable splendour and elegance. Thanks to the recent renovation of most of the city, Bordeaux is today one of the most attractive French getaway locations which proudly saw its name added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. This alone portrays the significance of the city of Bordeaux in France.
A mere 1 hour flight from Paris or a 3 hour journey on France’s high-speed train will see you in Bordeaux. When you arrive in the city you will be impressed by the balance of old versus new. Although much of Bordeaux underwent a much needed facelift, making the city more modern, there are a total of 362 historical monuments lining its streets. Some of the most famous are the Grand Theatre, the Saint-Andre Cathedral, the Basilica St.Michel, the Église Notre-Dame (The Church of Our Great Lady), the Tour Pey-Berland, the Église Sainte Croix (The Church of the Holy Cross) and the Pont de Pierre (Stone bridge). There are also a number of remarkable museums including the Musée d’Arquitaine which explores the local history, archaeology and ethnography and the largest art gallery outside of Paris, the Musée des Beaux-Arts featuring paintings from Van Dyck, Delacroix, Matisse and Picasso. In terms of popular locations you cannot travel to Bordeaux without visiting the Esplanade des Quinconces or the colourful and exotic Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux.
One thing the name Bordeaux will eternally be synonymous with is wine. Being primarily distinguished worldwide for its successful wine industry which originated mid-1st century when the vine was first introduced to the region by the Romans, Bordeaux’s flat lands and oceanic climate means that it is the perfect area for vineyards, thus being the producer of the best wines in all of France ranging from everyday wines to the most expensive wines in the world. In total, 287,000 acres of Bordeaux’s land is covered by vineyards so you’ll never be too far from one. This is great news for lovers of wine or viniculture in general! A visit to one of Bordeaux’s many prestigious châteaux for some wine tasting and a guided tour around its magnificent vineyard is a must! Some would say it’s the ultimate Bordeaux experience.
Respected for its good taste and prestige, Bordeaux is the commercial and cultural centre of south-west France. You will find a pleasing range of restaurants, cafés, attractions and shops everywhere but if you want to find them all in one place then a walk along the Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest shopping street, is for you. Bordeaux is a buzzing city day or night. Go sightseeing during the day and at night follow in the footsteps of the locals and go to the opera, the ballet or a concert. For something more energetic there are many live music bars or nightclubs that will guarantee you a long night of fun and hip shaking.
This impeccable city is truly one of France’s best gems; unique architecture, exciting history, great wine, delicious gastronomy, panoramic views and so much to see and do. What else makes a great getaway? In the words inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list Bordeaux is “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”. That said, what are you waiting for?
Bordeaux is waiting for you!