Bordeaux
BORDEAUX
When hearing about Bordeaux wine is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind. Famous the world over, it pleases even the most demanding connoisseur. Whether it is being poured in a bar, accompanying your meal or if you're studying the secrets of Bordeaux in a wine appreciation class; many regional flavours can be discovered from deeply fruity reds to syrupy sweet white wines.
The wine producers are situated outside the city thereby making a great day excursion. Founded around the third century BC and originally called Burdigala, the city thrived on its port activities, and building its wealth on the commercial expansion and colonial trade with the West Indies. During the 18th and 19th century Bordeaux famous landmark Place de La Bourse was built. This saw the revitalisation of the docks façade and its main avenues. All these architectural treasures are still in evidence in the Bordeaux of today.
There are some sites not to be missed when visiting Bordeaux, such as the Grand Theatre with its 18th century architecture which was restored in the early 1990s. It is ideally located near the shopping heaven of Rue Sainte Catherine. It might also be worth visiting St Andre Cathedral, Tour Pey-Berland and the Aquitaine Museum to appreciate Bordeaux's rich history.
Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse is arguably the most iconic site in Bordeaux. It was known in earlier times as Place Royale, in homage to King Louis XV and successful renamed several times. It finally received its current title in 1848. With its buildings facing the right riverbank of the city, Place de la Bourse is a brilliant example of French classical architecture of the 18th century. Its fountain called Fontaine des Trois Grâces erected in 1869 represents Empress Eugenie, Queen Victoria and Queen Isabelle II of Spain. At night, the buildings are illuminated and views from the Pont de Pierre onto the city's riverbank are grandiose.
City Walks
Bordeaux's architectural heritage is best explored by foot. Following some of the city walk itineraries given by the tourist office the splendour of Bordeaux's architectural gems becomes apparent. The old Bordeaux itinerary provides unforgettable sightseeing. Through the side streets you can marvel at the charming Place du Parlement enjoying the vast array of restaurants available and finish between St Michel and Ste Croix districts where Rue de la Porte de la Monnaie has been beautifully restored. Other places of interest that should not be missed include Place Pey-Berland, St André cathedral, Place de la Victoire with its buzzing atmosphere and the imposing Esplanade des Quinconces.
Grand Théâtre
Another architectural wonder from the 18th century Bordeaux has been blessed with is the Grand Théâtre, a neoclassical masterpiece. Meticulously restored to its original image, it makes Bordeaux residents proud of their heritage. The newly restored auditorium gives the visitor an idea of what it must of looked like for the duchesses and barons of 18th century who enjoyed traditional theatre. For cultural enthusiasts, the Grand Théâtre still hosts ballets and concerts. Visiting the theatre is also permitted.
Maison du Vin
Cours du 30 Juillet (opposite the Tourist Office)
Tel: +33 (0)5-5600-2288
All the various wine flavours are kept at this most sacred of Bordeaux's historical sites. From classes lasting just two hours to whole weekend courses, the Bordeaux Wine School is an ideal place to learn more about these mysterious tastes. Pleasing for the wine connoisseurs and enthusiastic tourists there is now a bar open in the premises so that wine appreciation can go on unhindered!
Musée d'Aquitaine
20 Cours Pasteur
Tel: +33 (0)5-5601-5100
This 19th-century building, which housed the Faculty of Literature and Science, became the Aquitaine Museum in 1987. Michel de Montaigne, famous French philosopher more particularly known for popularising the essay, was buried there at a time when the Feuillants convent owned the land. Divided into three main areas: Archaeology, History and Ethnography, the museum looks at Bordeaux's past and its surrounding region. In particular the huge impact the port had on the region's affluence.
Rue Sainte Catherine is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe and will satisfy any shopaholics. More exclusive shops are located in the Golden Triangle between Allées de Tourny, Cours de l'Intendance and Cours Clémenceau. The Chartrons area brings together some of the finest antique dealers of the region and St Michel is renowned for its flea market.
Wine is undoubtedly the main thing you buy in Bordeaux. If you cannot visit the vineyards, then try L'Intendant (2 Allées de Tourny. Tel: +33 (0)5-5639-7653) and La Vinothèque de Bordeaux (Cours du XXX Juillet. Tel : +33 (0)5-5652-3205), where you will find some of the best flavours in the world.
Bordeaux is also famous for two sweet delicacies known as Canelés and Bouchons de Bordeaux. Canelés can be found in many patisseries all around the city, however Baillardran (29 Rue Porte-Dijeaux. Tel: +33 (0)5-5652-8745) is well renown for its homemade speciality.
Eating
Food is arguably the main reason why tourists visit Bordeaux. With hundreds of restaurants to chose from there is cuisine from all over the world to stimulate the taste buds, ranging from traditional French cuisine to Japanese delicatessens. At some of the regional restaurants Périgord Foie Gras, Arcachon oysters and meat cooked with a Bordelaise sauce are served. If you have a sweet tooth, look out for Canelés, rich caramelised cakes with a vanilla Bourbon flavour and Bouchons de Bordeaux, almond flavoured sweets in the shape of a cork.
One restaurant that perfectly fuses a homely feeling with succulent grandmotherly like cuisine is La Tupiña. Traditional dishes such as roasted duck served with homemade chips cooked in duck fat and spit roast chicken filled with ham stuffing represent the best of France's southwest culinary heritage and are wonderfully supplemented by some of the great Bordeaux wines available.
Other culinary experiences that should not be missed are neighbouring restaurants Chez Les Ploucs serving in a country-style décor, delicious duck preserved in fat (nicer than it sounds) at a very affordable price and A la Table du Pêcheur offering to its fish-lover clientele a great selection served tartare or braised. With maybe the most amazing view on Place de la Bourse, L'Estaquade situated on the right bank, the Garonne gracefully combines a restaurant on stilts with tasty French nouvelle cuisine.
If Bordeaux is well renowned for its gastronomic excellence, its vineyards are some of the greatest in the world. Bordeaux wine regions such as the Médoc and Graves, St Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes produce some of the most honoured reds and whites famous the world over. A Haut-Médoc red with Merlot grapes will go nicely together with roast duck filet and new potatoes. The syrupy-sweet Sauternes white wine is generally served with foie gras.
Wine lists in most of the restaurants in Bordeaux are usually extensive and boast excellent selections that highlight the delicacies of Bordeaux wine heritage. Also bars such as Bar Cave de la Monnaie and Grand Bar Castan, which was beautifully refurbished to its original 1890s décor and has one of the nicest terraces overlooking the river, are recommended for their wine lists. Some good bars can be found around the St Pierre area and Place de la Victoire with its university atmosphere.
La Tupiña, 6 Rue de la Porte de la Monnaie. Tel: +33 (0)5-5691-5637
Chez Les Ploucs, 0 Rue des Faussets, St Pierre. Tel: +33 (0)5-5652-3536
A la Table du Pêcheur, 16 Rue de la Cour des Aides, St Pierre. Tel: +33 (0)5-5648-2261
L'Estaquade, Quai de Queyries. Tel: +33 (0)5-5754-0250
Bar Cave de la Monnaie, 34 Rue de Porte de la Monnaie. Tel: +33 (0)5-5631-1233
Grand Bar Castan, 2 Quai de la Douane. Tel: +33 (0)5-5644-5197
Entertainment
The Grand Théâtre, one of the most emblematic buildings in Bordeaux, hosts concerts and opera events throughout the year. More modern productions play out at the Glob Théâtre.
For concerts on a larger scale, the Patinoire de Mériadeck and Palais des Sports play host to well known bands and musical acts. For smaller concerts, Krakatoa is a good venue for rock and alternative music fans. Rock School Barbey is also considered as a great venue for gigs.
Film fanatics will agreeably be surprised by the original Utopia cinema (5 Place Camille Jullian) built in an old church and showing predominantly French movies. New releases are shown at the UGC (13-15 Rue Georges-Bonnac).
With a large student population, Bordeaux is abound with nightclubs and late night bars. Some of the most famously known are the Caesar (170 Cours du Médoc), Quai Sud (50 Quai de Paludate) and its neighbouring Pollux (48 Quai de Paludate).
If looking for some gambling experience, Casino Barrière de Bordeaux offers the usual distractions such as 250 slot machines, stud poker and black jack tables.
Grand Théâtre, Place de la Comédie. Tel: +33 (0)5-5600-8595
Glob Théâtre, Glob 69, Rue Joséphine. Tel: +33 (0)5-5669-0666
Patinoire de Mériadeck, Ice-skating rink, 95 Cours du Maréchal Juin. Tel: +33 (0)5-5781-4370
Palais des Sports, Place de la Ferme Richemond. Tel: +33 (0)5-5652-2340
Krakatoa, 3 Avenue Victor Hugo, Mérignac. Tel: +33 (0)5-5696-8086
Rock School Barbey, 18 Cours Barbey. Tel: +33 (0)5-5633-6600
Casino Barrière de Bordeaux, Rue Cardinal Richaud, Le Lac. Tel: +33 (0)5-5669-4900
Transportation
To and from the Airport
Bordeaux airport is about 30-minute drive from the city centre. For more information, Tel: +33 (0)5-5634-5050.
by Bus
Jet'Bus (Tel: +33 (0)5-5634-5071) operates a shuttle bus every 45 minutes from the airport to St Jean railway station. The journey time is about 30-45 minutes and buses operate daily from 07h45 to 22h45 (if departing from the airport), and from 06h45 to 21h45 (departure from the train station). Cost: EUR6, adults; EUR5.40, under 26 year old (one-way).
by Taxi
A taxi will charge approximately EUR25-30 from the airport to the city centre and should take around 30 minutes.
Public Transport
Combining the newly built tram system with walking on the historically paved streets of Bordeaux is a great way of discovering the city. The Tram transport system is divided in 3 different lines operating from 05h00 (Line A), 04h20 (Line B), 04h47 (Line C) to 01h00 (Line A), 01h33 (Line B) & 01h13 (Line C). Its frequency is every 8-10 minutes. Tel: +33 (0)5-5757-8888.
There is also a large bus system with 72 lines covering Bordeaux and its surroundings during the day. It is important to take into account that traffic can be quite heavy and buses can easily be delayed. The night bus operates 10 lines and is recognisable as each bus number is marked with the letter 'S'.
The electric bus called 'navette' covers all the city centre from Place de la Victoire to Esplanade des Quinconces. Tickets to be used are the same as the tram and bus.
Public transport is very affordable in Bordeaux. A one-way ticket valid for one hour costs EUR1.30 and permits travel on all transport zones. There are also ticket booklets available, EUR5 for 5 tickets and EUR10 for 10 tickets. Each ticket is valid for one hour.
General Information
Telephone Dialling Code
International dialling code: 33
Southeast regional code: (0)5
Emergency numbers
Police 17 / Ambulance 15 / Fire 18
Medical
C.H.U
Place Amélie Raba-Léon
Tel: +33 (0)5-5679-5679
Bank
Crédit Agricole
135 Cours Victor Hugo
Tel: +33 (0)5-5652-3567
Open: Mon-Thu 09h15-12h45 & 14h00-18h00, Fri 09h15-12h45 & 14h00-17h00
Police
18 Place de la Victoire
Tel: +33 (0)5-5694-2764
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