Bordeaux, France, an elegant western city 580 km southwest of Paris and near France's Atlantic coast, is the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region. More than that, Bordeaux has some of France's best 18th-century architecture and a major fine-arts museum. Go for an impressive walk along the river near the Quai de la Douane (Customs House Quay). The city is a walker's paradise, especially in the compact center, where the only transportation is an electric tram.
Long a bastion of conservatism, Bordeaux has loosened up considerably. The Gironde itself has been totally transformed, with an esplanade of shops and restaurants replacing old river warehouses. Downtown, visitors should be sure to traverse Rue Charlotte, a shopper's nirvana.
Long a bastion of conservatism, Bordeaux has loosened up considerably. The Gironde itself has been totally transformed, with an esplanade of shops and restaurants replacing old river warehouses. Downtown, visitors should be sure to traverse Rue Charlotte, a shopper's nirvana.
While you're in Bordeaux, visit some of the nearby wineries, many on the grounds of beautiful chateaus. (Calling to make an appointment is recommended, especially for the famous-name vineyards.) Most are open all day, except for a two-hour break around lunchtime. Note that they will be very busy around harvest time, August and September. The local tourist office publishes lists giving details of all the wineries and chateaus in the area.
Bordeaux is the fifth largest city in France. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest urban entity to be so honored.
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