|
Think of fine wine and the name Bordeaux probably comes to mind. The city of Bordeaux, from which the famous vintage takes its name, is at the center of one of the largest wine-producing areas in the world. The surrounding wine-producing region produces around 800 million bottles every year. But Bordeaux has much more to offer than just fine wine – France’s 5th largest city has wonderful architecture, good shopping and museums, and excellent restaurants.
But most visitors come to Bordeaux to sample - and perhaps buy - some of the world’s best wines; and a good place to start any visit to the city is at the House of Wine, in the center of the old town opposite the tourist office. This is the headquarters of the thriving wine trade – it offers maps and guides of the surrounding vineyards, as well as helping to arrange tours. Most of the larger vineyards surrounding the city, as well as the offices of the wine exporters in Bordeaux welcome visitors. The tourist office also arranges various day trips to the nearby vineyards and small villages, as well as hosting introductory wine tasting classes.
Of course, there is a museum of wine in Bordeaux – the Musee des Chartrons is housed in an 18th century vintners house and tells the story of the wine trade through a fascinating collection of antique wine bottles and old barrels. If you still need educating, there is even a school of wine in the city offering courses ranging from a one hour class on the etiquette of wine tasting; to ‘intensive’ courses lasting several days and covering every aspect of the industry.
Thanks in part to the profits from the wine industry; Bordeaux is a stylish and attractive city. It has also been described as being very British in its appearance and character – not surprisingly, as the city was occupied by the English for over 300 years. One of the best ways to see the city and the surrounding vineyards is to take one of the scenic boat trips that depart from the port. Of course, the wine theme is continued here – many boats have a figurehead depicting Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. The promenades lining the River Garonne are lined with fine mansions that once belonged to the rich wine merchants – many of these buildings are cleverly decorated with stone sculptures of bunches of grapes. The Pierre Bridge, the city’s oldest bridge, which spans the river with its 17 arches, is considered to be one of the most beautiful stone bridges in France.
The center of the city is the old town, which borders the River Garonne and centers on the 14th century Cathedrale St Andre. The cathedral offers some wonderful stone carvings and a spectacular view of the city from the top of its 160 foot tower. There are several other charming churches worth visiting in and around the old town, especially the St Seurin basilica, with its 5th century crypt. The old part of the city also has many small excellent restaurants specializing in local seafood – washed down with a glass of good wine, of course. There are also many antique and furniture stores concentrated in this part of the city – and not surprisingly, some well-established and exclusive wine stores.
Apart from its narrow streets, the old town also has several large squares, including the picturesque Esplanade des Quinconces which covers almost 30 acres. One of the most majestic buildings in this area is the 18th century Grand Theater, a building considered so magnificent, its design was used for the Paris Opera House. Even if you don’t take in a show, you can tour the ornate interior with its chandelier, made up of 14,000 shimmering crystals.
One of the most popular day trips from the city is to the magnificent Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, about 30 miles to the north of Bordeaux. This former home of the Baron Phillipe de Rothschild offers a superb collection of tapestries and sculptures, as well as a museum of art housed in a former wine cellar. The subject matter of many of the works of art depicts - what else? – the cultivation of the grape.
|
| |
