Bordeaux
Quick Facts
Language: FrenchCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 05
Other Cities in this Region
Rolling hills, mighty rivers, beautiful landscapes, and world famous vineyards await you in Bordeaux, France's fifth largest city. Bordeaux's history begins with the Celts, who called their settlement Burdigala. Later, the area came under Roman rule, becoming the capital of the province of Aquitania. Eleanor of Aquitane married King Henry II of England in 1154, and as a result, the entire area came under British rule, which lasted until 1543, when the French regained control of the area, much to the dismay of the locals, who were thriving under the liberal guidance of the British.
Bordeaux has gained most of its fame from its world-renowned wine industry. The vineyards surrounding Bordeaux sell around one billion gallons of wine per year, all under strict local government ordinances, which ensure that no bottle of wine that goes out under the prestigious Bordeaux name is in any way subpar.
Today, Bordeaux struggles to expand its tourist appeal beyond the world's wine connoisseurs. This is unfortunate, as the Grand Theatre should rank among the most-visited attractions in all of the world. The more-famous Paris opera house borrowed liberally from Bordeaux's theater, designed by Victor Louis. A floating cruise under the Pont de Pierre, one of Europe's most beautiful bridges, is a must, as is a tour of the surrounding wine country that makes Bordeaux a recognized name worldwide.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Bordeaux. There is easy road access to the rest of the city, and the rest of the country for that matter, from the port.
Bordeaux is a major hub in France's transportation system, so trains and buses travel in and out of the city with regularity. In the city itself, taxis are probably your best bet, as the local transportation workers have been known to go on strike from time to time.
Local Interests
Bordeaux's tourist office (12 Cours du 30-Juillet, 05/5600-6600) will get you started with maps and brochures, along with suggested itineraries. A great way to introduce yourself to the city is by taking an organized tour. The tourist office does a great job of organizing a walking tour, touching upon many of Bordeaux's best sites. The tour lasts approximately two hours, and is conducted in both French and English. Another great starting point is a boat tour, which lasts for about ninety minutes. Bateaux Ville de Bordeaux (05/5652-8888) can help you with departure times.
Bordeaux is not famous for its museums, and in fact, you may be tempted to skip the museum scene altogether. But Musee des Beaux-Arts (20 Cours d'Albret, 05/5610-2056) has a fantastic collection of paintings, covering over five hundred years. Bordeaux's cultural highlights center more on its ornate cathedrals. The granddaddy of them all, so to speak, is the Cathedrale St-Andre (Place Jean Moulin, 05/5681-2625). The cathedral, along with its adjoining tower, the Tour Pey-Berland, dates back almost one thousand years. Pay particular attention to the sculptures on the Royal Door.
An architectural highlight is the Grand Théâtre (Place de la Comédie, 05/5600-8595). Designed by Victor Louis, the Corinthian columns outside enclose perfect acoustics within. You can conclude your day with a walk across one of France's most beautiful bridges, the Pont de Pierre.
Activities
Day Trip To Wine Country
Surrounding Bordeaux are thousands of vineyards, producing millions of gallons of wine annually. Many vineyards welcome visitors, and some offer free samples. And who are you to turn down free samples? Contact the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux (05/5600-2288) for details.
Shopping
Shopping in Bordeaux should center on fine wine. La Vinotheque (8 Cours du 30-Juillet, 05/5652-3205) is one of Bordeaux's finest wine merchants, with a huge selection and a friendly staff who will not patronize you for not knowing the subtle differences between the bottles. In the vineyards surrounding Bordeaux are many small wine houses, and you are sure to find something that tickles your palate. Château Les Bouzigues (05/5661-6592), located 47 miles south of Bordeaux in Saintes Gemmes, is a personal favorite.
If you are looking for something other than spirits to lift your spirits, find some priceless antiques in Village Notre-Dame, an antique mall. On the Rue du Chateau d'Eau, the Centre Commercial Meriadeck is home to clothing stores and upscale boutiques. Bordeaux has a thriving art community, and some of its better works are on sale at the Galerie Condillac (24 Rue Condillac, 05/5679-0431)
.Dining & Nightlife
No matter where you choose to go for dinner, please remember to order a Bordeaux wine with dinner. Not ordering wine in Bordeaux is tantamount to not ordering gelato in Florence -- there are some things you just don't do!
Gravelier (114 Cours de Verdun, 05/5648-1715) is a romantic spot serving up imaginative dishes at affordable prices. Le Chapon-Fin (5 Rue Monntesquieu, 05/5679-1010) is pricey, but the beautiful ambience more than makes up for it. Le Vieux Bordeaux (27 Rue Buhan, 05/5652-9436) serves French food with a Basque influence, and this combination makes for one of the best meals in all of Bordeaux. Jean Ramet (7 Place J. Jaurès, 05/5644-1251) offers a romantic setting for a candlelight dinner.
Bordeaux offers a diverse nightlife, with activities ranging from the romantic to the frantic. For the former, enjoy a floating concert. If the weather is nice, a boat will travel the GaRønne River and you will be treated to some delightful classical music. Contact the aforementioned Bateaux Ville de Bordeaux (05/5652-8888) for details. Or, catch an opera at the beautiful Grand Théâtre (Place de la Comédie, 05/5600-8595).
If you're looking for a place to unwind, check out L'Ane Qui Tousse (57 Rue de Bègles, 05/5692-5298). Le Caesar's(170 Cours du Médol, 05/5651-9941) is a hot nightclub spot in town.