Discover Bordeaux (France)
Bordeaux is the cultural hub of Southwest France. Situated at the heart of one of the world's finest wine-growing regions on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the capital of France's Gironde's department and the distinguished province of Aquitaine. The historic centre exudes tranquil European charm. Place de la Victoire is home to a captivating combination of vibrant bars and historic monuments, including the emblematic Victory Arch, situated at the top of rue Sainte-Catherine. This shop-lined street is said to be the longest in Europe, leading down to the marble statues and impressive Girondist Column in Place des Quinconces. The lush Public Gardens can be found to the north of Gambetta Square, Bordeaux's most privileged district, nicknamed Little Paris. Sweeping views of the bridges of Bordeaux can be seen from Les Quais along the riverbank, lined with grand buildings and lively nightclubs.
Bordeaux is a city that you can visit at any time of the year. The months from September to February are mild. The spring months are warm and sunny whilst summer is hot. Bordeaux has good rail and air links with the airport being a bus ride away from the city center. Although not a large city Bordeaux is quite spread out but it has a good system of buses and trams serving all areas of the city. In common with other French cities, it has a bike hire scheme that allows you to hire a bike for a day or a week picking them up and dropping them off at any of the 80 bike stations across the city.
If you are visiting Bordeaux then there is a good chance that you have an interest in wine. There are a variety of tours available to surrounding vineyards such as Medoc or St Emilion. The tourist office in Bordeaux arranges visits to the vineyards on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to November. Each trip includes visits to two wine chateaux. The trip is by coaching meaning that visitors are not tempted to drink and drive. Before taking such a trip it might well be worth visiting The Musee du Vin et Negoce. Found in a former merchants house the museum is the best in Bordeaux showing the development of the wine industry around the city. The website for the museum can be found at http://www.mvnb.fr. French, English and Chinese versions of the website are available. The site gives information on prices and opening times together with a photo gallery, video clips, and information on forthcoming events. A visit to the museum includes a wine tasting at the end of a visit. The museum is to be found a 4 Rue Borie.
