Bordeaux

Background

Bordeaux stands on the Garonne in the Gironde department of France. In 2007 the historic city centred on the Port of the Moon, about 40% of the city's area, was inscribed on the World Heritage List, described by UNESCO as an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble created in the Age of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse was built between 1735 and 1755, the Pont de Pierre in 1822, and Saint-André Cathedral dates from the 13th century. Bordeaux has long been a port and trading city, and the name "Port of the Moon" is usually explained by the crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne here. The 18th century was another golden age: the port supplied most of Europe with coffee, cocoa, sugar and cotton and became France's busiest, and many buildings along the quays date from this period. Today the Bordeaux region has about 10,000 wine estates, and the Cité du Vin, opened in 2016, is a window onto wine culture.

Local customs

• Stroll along the Garonne quays and see the Place de la Bourse reflected in the water mirror
• visit the Cité du Vin to follow the journey from grape to glass
• join a winery visit and tasting, and stop by the medieval town of Saint-Émilion on the way.

Travel tips

• The old town suits walking and the tram. Most wineries lie outside the city, so driving or joining a local day tour is more convenient. Winery visit and tasting fees are subject to the official information. A TGV high-speed train from Paris reaches Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station in about two hours. Trams cover the old town's main sights, and the wine regions can be reached by train, bus or local tour.
• Spring and autumn are mild, with the vineyards at their greenest. September, the harvest season, has the most wine-country atmosphere. Summer is sunny but crowded, while winter is quiet and good for strolling the city.