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Bordeaux

Make the most of your time in Bordeaux, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is a port in southwest France with one million inhabitants. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne and is divided into two parts: the right bank to the east and the left bank to the west. The quays fronting the river form a broad crescent, hence the nickname port de la lune (moon port) and the coat of arms of Bordeaux, a silver crescent and blue waves.

The Roman Burdigala was one of the leading cities of Gaul. In the fourth century the town became the See of a bishop, and in the Middle Ages it alternated in allegiance between the Duchy of Aquitaine and Gascony. For three centuries (1154 – 1453) it belonged to England, following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine with the French speaking Henri Plantagenet who became Henry ll of England. During this period of its history Bordeaux’s extensive trade made it a major economic and cultural centre.

The 18th century was Bordeaux’s golden age. Many of its most famous buildings date from this period. Behind the Quai Louis XVlll lies the Esplanade des Quinconces, reputedly Europe’s largest square which houses the botanical gardens and the Girondins monument, built in 1895 and topped by its statue of Liberty. The immense statues of two of France’s most famous sons, Montesquieu and Montaigne, are situated at the river side of the square. Other famous 18th century buildings include the Grand Théâtre and the Musée des Beaux-Arts while the Place du Parlement and its adjacent buildings are also fine examples of 18th century architecture.

The largest and most ostentatious church in Bordeaux is the Cathédrale St-André, place Pey-Berland near the south perimeter of the old town. The oldest of the churches dotted around the old town is the Basilique St-Michel. It was begun in 1376 and is famous for having the tallest spire in France at 114m. The bell tower can be seen from all over Bordeaux, and the top of its 228 steps provides the best view of the whole city.

The centre of Bordeaux is easy to walk around and very good for shopping. It is particularly well known for its luxury shopping and department stores. The fully pedestrianised Rue St Catherine, with 1.2 kilometres of shops, restaurants and cafés, is the longest shopping street in Europe.

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine. What started off as a result of the Romans’ annoyance at the late arrival of their cargoes of Italian wines, culminated in the area’s pre-eminence in the production of fine wines. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as some of the most expensive wines in the world.
 

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