Bordeaux, on the Garonne River in southwest France is the capital of
Aquitaine. From 1154 to 1453, the city prospered under the English. Their fondness for the region’s red wine promoted
Bordeaux's international reputation for wine, which continues today.
With 287,000 acres of vinyards, 57 appellations, 10,000 wine-producing châteaux, 13,000 grape growers and an annual production of approximately 850 million bottles,
Bordeaux, while producing large quantities of vin ordinaire is also the worlds largest producer of fine wines.A visit to the celebrated, Mouton Rothschild with its ornate mansion reveals some of the worlds rarest wines.
There is however more to
Bordeaux than wine. It is a lively city with varied options for sightseeing and entertainment, with a plethora of historic sights, sophisticated shops, traditional and international restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
History lovers will enjoy its medieval, gothic, as well as 18 and 19th century buildings include Basilica of Saint-Seurin, the most ancient church in
Bordeaux, Saint- Andre cathedral consecrated by Pope Urban 11, the Basilque- st-Michel begun in 1376 and The Porte Cailhau built in 1500, housing a bell rung to announce important events such as the start of the grape harvest.
The 18th century Esplanade des Quinconces reputedly has the largest square in Europe while the waterfront remains an impressive feature with imposing houses built in the 17th and 18th century by wealthy wine merchants.
For those seeking culture the Musee des Beaux-Arts includes works by Titian, Van Dyck and Goya.
Shoppers should visit the Rue Sainte-Catherine, this pedestrian street is the longest in Europe with 1.2 kilometres of shops, restaurants and cafés.
While lovers of good food and nightlife will not be disappointed by the bars, cafes and restaurants offering traditional and international cuisine, or the theatres and clubs entertaining visitors into the night.
