Home to the eclectic, Gothic Cathedrale de St. Andre, Bordeaux located in the southwestern part of France is a port city on the Garonne and the hub of the famous wine-growing region. Bordeaux was long known as La Belle Au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty). It boasts of rich and contemporary art museums as well as 18th and 19th century mansions. The city was once controlled by the British for 300 years and is considered as one of the most “unfrench” cities in France.
Former Prime Minister Alain Juppe, its mayor restored Bordeaux, built pedestrian lanes on its boulevards, reclaimed its neoclassical architecture and built a high-tech public transportation system. By mid-2007, half of the entire city was listed in UNESCO and it became the biggest urban World Heritage Site. The city is now bolstering with energetic university student population aside from 2.5 million tourists each year.
Travelers will notice public gardens line the curving river quays, and Grand Place de la Bourse open to the clear water, with the Three Graces Fountain found at the middle part.
The major attraction in Bordeaux is the Gothic Cathedral St. Andre standing over the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the colossal cathedral is the gargoyle, 50-meter-high Gothic belfry, Tour Rey-Berland which was built between 1440 and 1466. In the year 1863, it was topped off with the statue of Notre Dame de ‘l Aquitaine (Our Lady of Aquitaine). From the tower’s 231 narrow steps, you can have a spectacular panoramic view of Bordeaux.
The crescent-shaped beautiful city of Bordeaux has been the region’s wine capital for decades with an illustrious showcase in the Golden Triangle areas’ intricate buildings. In the past, Bordeaux was plagued by heavy traffic jams, strong pollution, as well as urban decay but travelers who will visit the city can now take a glimpse of a revitalized village, enchanting 18th-century buildings, a pedestrian-friendly city, and an eclectic waterfront area with chic boutique and cafes. You can also find there world-class art, theater, and dining.
While roaming the authentic city of Bordeaux, you can engage in a two-hour wine tasting course which is available in English or French at the Maison der Vin de Bordeaux situated just near the Golden Triangle. For art lovers, they can explore Renaissance pieces to mid 20th century art treasures at Le Passage Saint Michel. Taste exotic creative dishes such as tomato ice cream at La Tupina and immerse yourself in St. Michel and Fleche St. Michel Tower, one of the tallest medieval stone towers in France.
For a taste of Bordeaux’s delicious wines, drop by Chateau de Castillon which offers luscious strawberry patch taste, Bordeaux is famous for. Chateau La Lauzette offers good, black cherry flavor with a very supple taste.
The best time to travel to the exotic city of Bordeaux is between June and August when most French and other Europeans go to the city. If you opt for lesser crowd, and cheaper rates, visit during spring time or autumn.