No doubt a mention of Bordeaux will first conjure references to wine. After all, this is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, producing over 700 million bottles per year, from everyday table wine to the most expensive premier cru on the market. The big kids play here: Château Margaux and Château Haut-Brion among others. However, to pigeonhole the town would be a mistake as there’s a lot more to Bordeaux than Médoc.
The Garonne river divides the city into two banks and is the artery to the seaport. The moderate climate of Bordeaux that is so beneficial to the wine industry is largely due to the city’s position on the Atlantic coast of France. Temperatures are relatively mild year round and not only good for the grapes but also good for the visitor as well.
It’s a joy to explore the results of the city’s excellent 18th century urban planning. Bordeaux’s elegance and debonair structures have made it a film location on many occasions. Examples of former glory days can be seen in the manicured square, place de la Bourse and in the façades of churches such as St Pierre and Sainte-Croix. Bordeaux is known as a city of art and history, and there are a great many museums to illustrate this.
Highlights
Vineyards: a wine tour should be on everyone’s list; just remember that October is harvest time and many vineyards will be closed. It’s best to check with individual operators upon arrival.
Pont de Pierre: this lovely bridge joining the east and west banks is picturesque to say the least, rivaled in ambience only by the bridges of Paris.
Place de la Bourse: modeled around a statue of Louis XV, this square is a perfect example of the sophistication of French cities.
Sainte-Croix Church: this insistent little church has been rebuilt no less than three times and is worth a visit for its atypical construction.