Visit Bordeaux

Region: Aquitaine

Population: 242,945

Bordeaux's history is closely linked to the production of wine from which the city derived its wealth and fame. Important during the Roman era, Bordeaux's first golden age started with the second marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II of England. The Duchy of Aquitaine would flourish under English rule for three centuries. By the 18th century, Bordeaux's port had become France's main outlet to the Atlantic.

As the city developed, the construction of townhouses and monuments formed the Bordeaux we know today, as recognized by UNESCO. The city experienced its second golden age in the 19th century as the European industrial and economic revolution was in full swing. Bordeaux is fondly called the 'Sleeping Beauty' but has reinvented itself in a modern style over the last decade without detriment to its heritage, architecture or history.

Bordeaux and its environs are also well known for aeronautical and space industry establishments, as well as civil engineering and defence concerns, in the area known as Aerospace Valley. The city is famous too for biotechnology, shipbuilding, video game development and start-ups in the green and digital economies.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

• Rive Droite: Just as in Paris, Bordeaux has its left and right banks. The recently renovated right bank or Rive Droite lends a magnificent view of the city and its famous buildings. As night falls, the illuminated façades of the townhouses, the Grosse Cloche belfry and the spire of the Tour Pey-Berland provide a wonderful spectacle.
• Old town: This stretches out below Place de la Bourse and seamlessly blends the charm of the bleached stone buildings and cobbled streets with a wide variety of restaurants and terrace cafes. The result is a fantastic gastronomic offering, from local dishes to food from all around the world.
• Les Quais: The pride of Bordeaux. Completely renovated and pedestrianised, these promenades along the banks of the Garonne beautifully frame the heart of the city, with Place de la Bourse taking pride of place, its famous reflection in the waters (Miroir d'Eau) a favourite sight among visitors and locals alike.
• Cycle paths: Many of the people of Bordeaux get around by bike. In 2012 Bordeaux was awarded the title Cycle Touring City and Region. Some 160km of easy cycling is possible along the seven cycle paths that cross the city. From UNESCO-listed buildings to wonderful views of the illuminated city by night, exploring Bordeaux by bike is simplicity itself. The Vélo Ville de Bordeaux initiative supplies 5,000 bikes for loan throughout the city. These include innovative Pibal machines, a cross between a conventional bicycle and a scooter.