Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to the best French wines, the fifth-largest city in France, and the second most important port, which was even called "little Rome." Here you will find interesting locations for both experienced travelers and beginners. The city will delight with the beauty of its architectural ensemble, original museums, active nightlife, and, of course, the most exquisite French wines. The French themselves love to come to Bordeaux with their children because there is a magnificent zoo, many park areas where you can feed the ducks, and the largest amusement park in France "Let's Jump Bordeaux." If you want to see real France, don't hesitate to travel here with your family.
Districts of Bordeaux
The area near Central Station is considered unfavorable, and guides do not advise tourists to settle here.
Speaking of Bordeaux, we can not mention the wine regions. The most famous is Médoc. The noble grapes Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grow here. The most famous is Médoc, where the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauternes grapes are grown.
Attractions
In addition to wine, Bordeaux is ready to surprise travelers with its rich architectural heritage. The entire Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are not a big fan of antiquity, feel free to visit the suburbs to see the picturesque sites.
Population
Brief history
The fortunate location of the port city encouraged the active development of trade relations with the Americas. As a result, the commune began to profit and became the most luxurious place in France. The position strengthened with the emergence of new colonies because the main trade was concentrated here.
During the world wars, Bordeaux became a haven for the French Parliament. This is why the city also received the unofficial name of the reserve capital. It is known that the French commander in chief hid here from the armies of the enemy.
Nowadays, the city has become a tourist center for gourmets and wine lovers. There are five wine-producing regions here, the most famous being Medoc, where dry red wine is produced.
The city also has many museums, exhibition centers, ancient buildings, churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. Many sites are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The best time to visit Bordeaux
Useful notes
If you go to Bordeaux from Paris by train or commuter train, you should book your ticket in advance. And it's not only about the crowds, but also about the price — the closer is the date of the trip, the more expensive the tickets are. You can book tickets on the official website sncf.fr.
If you want a tasty and inexpensive meal, you should head to the seafront. Only here can you buy the freshest and cheapest oysters, taste grilled quails and more than 100 kinds of cheeses, drink local wine, and, at the same time, admire the most beautiful sunset.
The city has an excellent infrastructure for bicycle tourists, so if you like two-wheeled transport, be sure to go for a rental. The cost of renting a bike is 1 euro per day, and the first half-hour is free.
Things to do in Bordeaux
- Take a trip on the wine road. The road to Bordeaux passes through the wine regions of Graves and Sauternes.
- Taste the local dishes: Medoc-style pork knuckle, Arcachon oysters, wild pigeon salmis, vintage wines, Bordeaux muffins, canelles.
- Soak in the SPA in a white or red wine bath. Given that the region is famous for its wines, SPA treatments here are closely related to the region's main pride.
- Take profiteroles, Medoc truffles, chocolates, and local wines as a souvenir.
- Walk across the longest bridge in France. The Aquitaine bridge is ornamented with elegant decorations and sculptures, and retro lanterns will be faithful companions when crossing from the right to the left bank of the Garonne.
- Come to the Place de la Bourse and take mirrored photos. The square is decorated with marble, and once an hour, it is filled with a thin layer of water in which the buildings of the square are reflected. The photos are stunning. In addition, you can create the illusion of reflections in the water.
- See the oldest church in Aquitaine. The Basilica of Saint Severinus was built in the XIII century. Inside, the oldest Merovingian sarcophagi are preserved.
- Enjoy strolling through the city. Every building and every temple breathes history. Go for a walk without a guidebook, and you are sure to encounter interesting places with a rich past.
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