Bordeaux
June 11th, 2010 | Travel | No Comments »
photo credit: Fiseha Hailemichael
A wine-lover’s paradise, Bordeaux is a grand city on the Garonne River which was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. With its good weather and proximity to the beaches and vineyards, Bordeaux draws visitors to its city year-round. Long reputed to be a bit stuffy and old-fashioned, Bordeaux has reinvented itself through a series of urban renewal projects as a vibrant and youthful metropolitan hub.
There are a variety of ways to visit the city: guided bus tours, bicycles for hire, a little tourist train or simply on foot. Sightseeing points of interest begin with the Grand Theatre, (place de la Comédie) constructed in 1773 and renovated to a pristine shine recently. A monument to Classical style with its Corinthian columns topped with statues of the 12 muses, this opera house is worth a tour to view its gilded interior.
Trade is what made Bordeaux a wealthy city, and there are plenty of high-end boutiques such as Hermes, Longchamps and Louis Vuitton in the city centre known as the Golden Triangle (cours de l’Intendance, the cours Georges Clemenceau, and the allées de Tourny ). Along with its world-class restaurants, among them the highly-esteemed Restaurant Jean-Marie Amat, Bordeaux rivals Paris in culinary and shopping venues. But people come to this region for the wine. 800 million bottles are produced annually in this region and there is a large choice of tours available which will take you out into the area’s chateaux and vineyards where you can sip the day away. Contact the Maison du Vin or the tourist office (12 cours du XXX Juillet) in Bordeaux to set up a tour. Over 20 specialized visits are available, from the simple tasting to a day-long visit to several vineyards and including a gastronomic meal.
There are many interesting museums in Bordeaux where you can learn about the rich history of the region. Vinorama is a good place to start with its audiovisual displays; the Bordeaux Wines Museum is another excellent resource for oenophiles. The Musée de l’Aquitaine explains the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from its prehistoric times to today.
Head to the Place Gambetta for dining and shopping. Created in the 18th century, this elegant square is surrounded by homes in the style of Louis XV. This area marks the beginning of the centre’s pedestrian-only zone at the Porte Dijeau. Not only ideal for dining, the Place Gambetta is peaceful spot with two ponds, a pretty green space, benches and shady trees. A good place to stop and observe the splendid architecture here.
After a long day in the vineyards, why not try a spa treatment, one based on local products? Caudalie products, made with crushed grape seeds and wine extracts, are used at Les Sources de Caudalie (Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, Martillac); a spa and hotel just outside of Bordeaux. A luxurious way to take advantage of all the benefits the grape offers, without the calories!
Follow the link above for information about how to treat your mum to a wine tasting holiday that she will truly never forget.
Travel resources for Bordeaux
Berrychone Bed and Breakfast In France – Berrychone is located just 1 mile off the A20 autoroute, Exit 19, close to Argenton-sur-Creuse, we provide warm, comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
Rent a chateau in France – Rent a manor house near Bordeaux.