You'll be raising your glass many times in Bordeaux, which is renowned for its wines, considered amongst the best in the world. As the capital of Centre, it has a population of one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate. After years of neglect, the former wet docks are the country's new hot spot, with a number of cafes, gardens, and musuems springing up all the time. A lively university community of over 60,000, (Bordeaux Campus is the biggest in France) establishes that Bordeaux is about more than just wine.
Bordeaux is considered a very tolerant and relaxed place - no one will bother you about your political beliefs, religion, or sexual orientation. The cultural, artistic, and music scenes are very vibrant. The city was ruled by the English for a long time, which is why Bordeaux seems to have an "English flair".
People from Bordeaux sometimes feel jealous of people from Paris, and the city is often referred to as "Little Paris". This rivalry is a hot subject, so you may experience some heated arguments on the subject during your stay.
Bordeaux is a flat city, built on the banks of the Garonne River. It is also the largest French city in area and geographically one of the largest in Europe. The Garonne merges a dozen kilometers below the city with another river, the Dordogne River to form the Gironde Estuary, which is biggest estuary in France.
The city center is located west and south of the Garonne. To the east are a few hills - the only ones in the vicinity. These hills mark the beginning of an industrial zone and suburbs. Because it is a flat city, bicycles make excellent modes of transport, especially as the city has more than 580 km of cycle tracks. Bordeaux is among the most economically dynamic cities in France.
PLACE TO VISIT
The Aquitaine bridge, to the north of the Quais, is the biggest bridge built in France, and will remind you somehow of the Golden Gate. You can't cross it by foot - take a bus...
The Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge of the town, and is very nice too. You can cross it by foot to reach the eastern side of the Quais.
The Colbert is a military battleship, now too old for fighting, located on the Quais close to the Quinconces. It is possible to visit it all the year round.
Musee D'Art Contemporain at 7, rue Ferrère. Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Modern Art. The Richard Long slate line-up on the roof is a permanent feature. Exhibits are always changing and the museum is an inspiring place for installations. The CAPC is open Tuesday to Sunday 11AM-6PM (to 8PM Wednesday), closed Monday; admission is €5.50 (£4), but free on the first Sunday of the month.
Musee D'Aquitaine, 20, cours Pasteur. Stunning musuem that exhibits Gallo-Roman statues and relics dating back 25,000 years. Hours- 11AM - 6PM Tue-Sun. Free entry for permanent collections; temporary exhibits cost around €5 for adults.
North of Les Quais over the river, the Aquitaine Bridge is an architectural achievement unique in France.
Do not miss the Victory Arch (Roman architecture), at the center of La Victoire and a great example of the town's Roman roots.
Relax and take a picnic in the lush Public Gardens, north of Gambetta square.
The Girondins memorial on the Quinconces square is a fitting tribute to the Girondin députés that were guillotined by the Robespierre.
WHAT TO DO
Have a walk along the Sainte-Catherine street in the Pedestrian Center and enjoy the scenery.
Consider crossing the bridges or taking the ferry boat over the river (see Les Quais).
Climb the 243 steps of the tower of Saint-Michel, and enjoy the panoramic view of Bordeaux (entrance 3 Euro).
Spend some time at the miroir d'eau (water mirror) at the border of the river. Every now and then, it is filled with 2 cm of water, alternated with a cloud of mist.
Have a drink and a dance at one of the many bars or clubs in Les Quais or La Victoire.
Tell everyone about your travels at a internet café, at 23, cours Pasteur. The "Cyberstation" is a well equipped internet café nearby the city centre. Tel: 05 56 01 15 15.
Watch the ducks play in the big public park north of the center and escape from the city at the Jardin Botanique, Bordeaux's Botanical Garden. Around since 1855, the botanical garden is the perfect place to take a walk around its many paths, or just sit and relax. Guided tours are on offer, as well as occasional workshops and activities for children.
Bordeaux gardens open: end March to end October - 8AM to 8PM; end October to end March - 8AM to 6PM. Bordeaux gardens admission is free.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (IATA: BOD) (ICAO: LFBD), is west of the city. Its a regional airport which serves mostly domestic flights, though there are international flights as well connecting Bordeaux to some European "hub" airports like Paris (Orly and Roissy), London (Gatwick), Madrid, and Amsterdam.
By train - The main train station (Gare Saint Jean) is located about 4km from the center of town. Several trains per day (around one every two hours) go north (to Paris, about 3 hours 30 , Angoulème, Poitiers), south (to Toulouse, Marseille, Montpellier (about 4 to 5 hours), up to Nice), and east (to Périgueux and Clermont-Ferrand). Buses and taxis leave from in front of the station. Catch the tramway to go to the inner center.
By car - You can reach Bordeaux by car from north (taking the A10 highway or N10), south (taking the A63 highway), and east. A beltway goes around the city. If possible, avoid driving between 8-10AM and 4-7PM, as the beltway is usually overcrowded.
By bus - The bus station is located just in front of the train station, in the center of the town. Eurolines provide bus service to the city. If you're travelling with bikes European Bike Express run a route from north of Leeds, stopping through the UK to Dover and then on towards Bayonne via Bordeaux. Passengers normally travel from the UK to Europe.
