The city of Bordeaux in France is a symbol of French winemaking. Where to buy wine, clothes, souvenirs. History of the land of the region

With charming urban elegance and provincial charm, Bordeaux is an attractive tourist destination in a beautiful region in the southwest of France.

Bordeaux is called the port of the "Moon" because of its romantic location on the crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne River. This beautiful setting once allowed trade to flourish, and today the city has a rich cultural heritage since antiquity. In 1988, UNESCO declared Bordeaux a World Heritage Site, thanks to the richness of the city and its architectural monuments.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux, Saint Andrew's Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral was part of the Saint James Pilgrimage Route. The pilgrims traveled through Bordeaux from the Medoc to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The Saint-André Cathedral can be compared with its majesty and impressive façade. The western side of the temple is not decorated, since it was originally too close to the walls of the old city. Opposite the cathedral you will see the Hotel de Ville (City Hall). This majestic neoclassical palace, built in the 18th century, shows a sharp contrast in the architectural styles of different centuries.

Every summer, Saint-André Cathedral hosts a famous organ festival. You can relax at free concerts of the most famous organists in Europe.

Address: 66 Rue Trois Conils, Bordeaux.

Grand Theater of Bordeaux

The Bolshoi Theater is located on central square Bourges, the center of city life and site of the ancient Roman forum. One of the city's most emblematic buildings, this monumental theater was built in 1780 in the inspiring New Classical Bordeaux style. The building was designed by the architect Victor Louis, who also designed the Royal Palace.

The external features of the theater are 12 colossal Corinthian columns and statues representing the nine muses and goddesses Juno, Venus and Minerva. Inside the theatre, visitors will be amazed by the sumptuous foyer and grand staircase. We advise you to buy a ticket and spend an unforgettable evening at the theater to enjoy the performance of the national orchestra or the national ballet of Bordeaux.

Address: Place de la Comedie, Bordeaux.

Place Bourget

Place Bourget is surrounded by elegant classical buildings from the 18th century. This impressive collection The architecture along the river was calculated in order to impress visitors at their reception. Place Bourget is a magnificent example of architecture that embodies the elegance of the 18th century. It was built between 1730 and 1755.

In the center of the square there is a beautiful fountain of the three Graces, which is surrounded by two beautiful buildings: the stock exchange and the customs museum. These graceful buildings stand at the pier on the banks of the Garonne River.

This exquisite basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a stop along the medieval pilgrimage route of Saint James. The basilica has features of the Romanesque style, typical of the churches on the way to Santiago de Compostela. This unusual church dates back to the 11th century. Its choir with a stone throne was built in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The choir of the chapel is adorned with an impressive Gothic altarpiece, which features 12 alabaster reliefs and a 14th-century drawing of the Virgin Mary. The oldest part of the cathedral is the 11th century crypt, which is a treasure trove of ancient tombs and sarcophagi from the 6th and 7th centuries.

Address: Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, Bordeaux.

Illustrating the extravagant Gothic style, this church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and is another important church on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Together with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint-Sérin, the Basilica of Saint Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took about 200 years to build the cathedral (from the 14th to the 16th century).

The church is represented by a pleasant unity of architectural style, characterized as "radiant Gothic" ( french style 13th century ornate gothic architecture). Above is a free-standing belfry, from the top of which you can admire a stunning panoramic view of the city. After visiting the cathedral, you can walk around the Saint-Michel quarter, which surrounds the basilica.

This quarter has the most colorful neighborhood atmosphere in Bordeaux. Twice a week (on Monday and Saturday mornings) Place Saint-Michel turns into a market and creates a lively atmosphere.

Address: Place Canteloup, Bordeaux.

Located in a pleasant public park, the museum fine arts Bordeaux occupies part of the Hotel de Ville (City Hall). The museum offers a remarkable excursion into the history of European art with a collection from the 15th to the 20th century.

The permanent collection includes masterpieces by Titian, Veronese, Rubens, Delacroix, Renoir, Rodin and other famous artists. The paintings in the museum are thematically grouped by era and country, such as 17th century Dutch Renaissance painting and 17th-18th century French painting.

The adjoining Fine Arts Gallery is known for its temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. To help visitors discover the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, the museum offers, for a small additional fee, regular group tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm.

Address: 20 Cours d'Albret, Bordeaux.

The Museum of Aquitaine tells in detail about the life of the city and the region from past centuries to the present time. It contains rare antiquities, among which are: artifacts from 25,000 B.C. e., Gallic coins of the 2nd century BC. e., and a statue of Hercules of the 3rd century. Other highlights include a 13th-century figure of a knight and a 16th-century tomb of Montaigne.

A monument to Montaigne once stood at the entrance to the museum, and visitors touched the foot statue as a ritual to “absorb” the wisdom of a glorious man. To find out everyday life Bordeaux during the 20th century, be sure to check out the remodeled shop with gorgeous replicas of furniture, accessories and food from the 1900s. Also in it you will find a cash register, coffee grinder, canned fruits and vegetables, mustard peas, foie gras and jars of lollipops

Address: 20 Cours Pasteur, Bordeaux.

Esplanade des Quinconces Square

As a vast public space in the center of Bordeaux, Place Cancons is considered the largest square in Europe. This peaceful corner in the heart of the city is just a few blocks from the National Theater of Bordeaux. Next to the square is the Quai Louis XVIII, from where you can enjoy a peaceful view.

Built from 1818 to 1828, the monumental Girondins Fountain is dedicated to a group of Republican politicians from the department of the Gironde who were members of the legislature during the French Revolution. The original fountain was destroyed during World War II and was later rebuilt. Also, not far from the square is a botanical garden and a museum of natural history.

Address: Place des Quinconces, Bordeaux.

Pey Berland Tower

The richly decorated tower is a free-standing belfry of Saint-André Cathedral. Built in the 15th century for Archbishop Pey Burland, the tower is an example of Flamboyant Gothic, with its decorative details and slender spiers. Visitors can climb to its top to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Also, regular concerts are held near it, which are free and open to the public.

Address: Place Pey-Berland, Bordeaux.

One of the most iconic sights in Bordeaux is the Pont de Pierre ( a stone bridge), which blends perfectly with the elegant city promenade. Introduced in 1817 by the engineer Claude Descampes, the Pont de Pierre was completed in 1821 after several years of building work. The result is a wonderful achievement of engineering. The bridge over the Garonne river is equipped with 17 graceful arches supported by piles, which are set into the channel and are well designed to withstand strong currents. It was the first bridge across the Garonne River in the history of Bordeaux.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

The best place to stay in Bordeaux is in the historic city center where you will find lively shops and al fresco restaurants. Many historical sites are located in the area, including famous cathedral Saint Andre. Below are the ratings of hotels in convenient locations:

luxury hotels: Housed in a 19th century building, Yndo Hotel offers luxurious amenities with stunning décor. Le Boutique Hotel occupies an 18th century building that once hosted literary giants such as Victor Hugo. This upscale hotel is located in a quiet area, close to shops, restaurants and the city's main attractions. For those looking for a chic and trendy option, the recently refurbished Hotel Burdigala Bordeaux offers spacious, modern rooms and is just a short walk from the shops on Rue Sainte-Catherine.

Middle class hotels: A five-minute walk from Saint-André Cathedral is the Grand Hotel Francais. Some of its rooms have balconies and mini-fridges, and the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast. Situated in an excellent location on a pedestrian street, the Quality Hotel offers its guests cozy rooms and a modern interior. Hotel Continental - Housed in an 18th-century mansion, it offers decent rooms and hosts evening receptions with regional refreshments.

Budget hotels: Hotel des Voyageurs is located in historical building and offers rooms with open walls. In the same area is the Ibis Bordeaux Center Bastide, a modern hotel with functional rooms at an attractive price. Both of these hotels are on the east side of the river, about a 10-minute walk from the historic city center and opposite famous bridge Pont de Pierre. Located northeast of the historic city centre, Hotel Le Chantry offers clean and comfortable rooms at good prices.

Useful information for tourists about Bordeaux in France - geographical location, tourism infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Bordeaux is a city in the southwest of France historical area Aquitaine and the modern department of the Gironde. Located on the banks of the Garonne, the city is known for its traditions and success in the field of winemaking. Bordeaux is a city with a rich history, known since ancient times under the name Burdigal. It was once the capital of ancient Gaul.

Bordeaux has always been a city of skilled artisans and winemakers, aristocrats and clergy. Medieval knightly armor, made by Bordeaux armorers, was considered the standard and saved more than one life for the ardent representatives of the French aristocracy.

Bordeaux is the most valuable architectural monument. The city has a lot of museums, attractions and just beautiful squares, streets and squares.

Along the Garonne embankment, there are many elegant mansions of the classicism era. In the city center, on the site of the ancient Trompet castle, esplanades were built in the 19th century, from the terraces of which you can see great view to the river. In the old merchant district of Chartrons, houses of the 18th century have been preserved. The Chartrons Museum, located in the modern building of the International Wine City, contains labels from wines of all vintages, as well as a winepress and bottling plant of the 18th century.

The building of the Grand Theater was built in the 18th century by the architect Victor Louis. It is considered one of the finest classical buildings in France. The churches of the city are also interesting: the church of Saint-Seren was built in the 11th century and was rebuilt several times, therefore it is an amazing symbiosis of architectural styles; the basilica of St. Michael, built for 200 years, starting from the middle of the XIV century, is famous for its free-standing bell tower - the highest in southern France; in the cathedral of st. Andrew has a collection of Renaissance sculptures depicting scenes of the Last Judgment.

The rich history of Bordeaux is carefully preserved in many museums that are definitely worth a visit. The most significant and interesting Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of the History of Aquitaine, as well as the National Center. Jean Moulin, where the Museum of the Resistance is located. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Goya Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and Ethnographical museum. Unusual and informative is the Customs Museum, which contains many exhibits related to smuggling. The Museum of Printing acquaints visitors with the development of modern printing.

Bordeaux is a green and colorful city with a lot of beautiful squares, streets and monuments. The main pedestrian street of the city is Saint-Catherine, here you will find many cozy restaurants, cafes and bars where you can sit down with a glass of excellent wine and lazily watch the motley crowd.

The fame of Bordeaux wines has long crossed the borders of not only France, but also Europe, spreading throughout the world. The pride of the local vineyards are such varieties as Chateau Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Ester, Pessac, Chateau Yquem, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Grave, Sauternes, named after the surrounding lands, estates and castles.

Bordeaux is a city and port in southwestern France. It lies along the Garonne River (15 miles (24 km)), above its confluence with the Dordogne and 60 miles (96 km) from its mouth, in the Medoc wine region.

History of the land of the region

The dry land of the area attracted the first population already in bronze age. And at least since the time of the Roman Empire - Bordeaux has been blooming city and a port, with close links to Spain and Britain. Like Burdigala, it was the chief city of the Vivisci, a people of the Celts. For the Romans, it was the capital of the province of Aquitaine, which stretches from the Pyrenees to the Loire. In the 4th century, Burdigala was described by the writer Decimus Magnus Ausonius, who was from this city, as a square walled and one of the main educational centers of Gaul. During the decline of the Roman Empire, the area around Bordeaux entered a period of political instability, from which it only emerged when the Dukes of Aquitaine established themselves in the early 10th century.

When Eleanor of Aquitaine inherited Bordeaux, along with the rest of the duchy, English was adopted in the area. With this language, Bordeaux gained an unusual freedom. Mayors were re-elected and a flourishing trade began with the ports of England. Districts of the city, such as Saint-Emilion and Libourne, entered into a federation under the leadership of Bordeaux. After the French victory over the English at Castillon in 1453, the city was united with France, but the people of Bordeaux resisted the restriction of their municipal freedoms for a long time, and 120 of them were executed after the tax revolt of 1548.

Bordeaux in the 17th and during the World Wars

The 17th century was a period of disruption. There were religious massacres and trade dried up. In the 18th century, Bordeaux began to prosper again from the "triangular" trade: slaves from Africa to the West Indies, sugar and coffee to Bordeaux, and grapes and wines back to Africa. The Marquis de Tourny made the city pleasant, with squares and fine buildings.

After the construction of the railway, the improvement of the port, and the increase in trade with West Africa And South America led to an increase in wealth. In 1870, during the Franco-German War, the French government was transferred to Bordeaux.

It also happened during the First and Second World Wars. There, Prime Minister Paul Reynaud created the motto "war to a victorious end". Among his supporters were Charles de Gaulle and Georges Mandel. Reynaud sent appeals for immediate assistance to the United States and Britain. He was overridden by the opposition, however resigned on 16 June. A couple of days after that, the Germans entered Paris. Bordeaux was heavily bombed before it was occupied by German troops and, again, with the help of the Allies, when there was an important German aircraft and submarine base on the territory of the city. The city was reoccupied, mainly by French troops, in August 1944.

After wartime

Since 1945, Bordeaux has continued to expand. New suburbs were built, and many of the small towns that previously surrounded the city are now incorporated into it, forming a continuous built-up area. This expansion is attributed to both a shift in population and economic activity from the center to the outskirts of the city.

The modern city of Bordeaux is surrounded by a semicircle of boulevards, behind which lie the suburbs of Bousque, Cauderan, Mérignac, Talencet and Begle. The Garonne River (1,650-2,250 feet wide), which separates the city from the suburb of La Bastide, spans 5 miles (8 km). Outside the large city squares, small, white houses are characteristic. La Bastide, which is on the right bank, is bordered by a 19th-century bridge. Some gates of the old city wall remain. Also, today, there are the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

The Grand Theater (1775-80), with its statue, is one of the finest in France. Its double staircase and domes were the work of architect Charles Garnier for the Paris Opera. Further down the promenade is the Quinconces Esplanade, one of the most large areas in Europe. It contains a monument to the Girondins, and huge statues Montesquieu and Michel de Montaigne (the grave of the latter is located at the university). Bordeaux's ecclesiastical objects include two 15th-century bell towers: Pey-Berland, near Saint-André, and Saint-Michel Cathedral. The 20th century urban development plan called for the redevelopment of the city center and the expansion of new areas to the north, around big lake, and along West Bank mouth of the Gironde. A modern bridge was also built connecting the city to the nearby national highway. The historic center of Bordeaux was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Most popular wine region

What does the respected tourist reader know about French Bordeaux? Perhaps a little. What is this world capital winemaking, shrouded in centuries-old traditions, as well as a piece of bourgeois France with architecture typical of the late Middle Ages and many shady alleys. Today, Bordeaux is nestled in the valley of the Garonne River, a city deservedly included in the list of the most beautiful places in the Old World, like a river in the United States. According to the total number of historical and cultural monuments the capital of the Girondins is second only to Paris. Moreover, entire areas of Bordeaux are included in the UNESCO heritage list. We are talking about the "Port of the Moon" - the old city, reminiscent of the smooth curves of a cosmic body,

How to get to Bordeaux

The international city airport, named Bordeaux-Merignac, lies 10 km from the center of the metropolis, and serves, for the most part, flights domestic airlines. From Moscow, you can get to Bordeaux with a transfer in Paris, using the services of AirFrance. As one of the options - you can fly to French capital and from there take the TGV high-speed train to the wine region. Moreover, you will spend only three hours on the trip, which will end at the Bordeaux city station (Gare St. Jean). He, in addition to communication with Paris, receives regular flights from Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Marseille, Montpellier, La Rochelle. The fare can be 25-200 euros. Provided that if you book a ticket in advance, say a couple of months, you can really save a lot. In addition, evening and pre-holiday flights, as a rule, have discounts of up to 50%.

From the airport to the center of Bordeaux, where hotels and attractions are concentrated, it is proposed to get in several ways:

By Jet'Bus. Travel time - up to 45 minutes, ticket - 7 euros.
By public bus number 1, which makes stops at Place Gambetta, MérignacCentre, Judaïque, MérignacSoleil. The cost is 1.4 euros. Transport operates from early morning until late evening (5-30 - 0-20).
By taxi (cost - 20 euros).

What interesting places to see in Bordeaux

A huge number of monuments belonging to different eras have been preserved in the historical center. The previously mentioned "Port of the Moon" became in the 1st century BC. a witness to the colonization of the Aquitaine territories. The Gallic port of Burdigala became a springboard for maritime trade with the Romans and Spaniards.

The history of the city also remembers the times of the British rule, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Renaissance, the inspired impulses of Montesquieu, Montaigne. The last stage in the development of Bordeaux was urbanization, referring us to the 19th century - the century of manufactory, the fight against machine tools, daguerreotypes.

A work of urban art can be considered the bridge of Aquitaine and the entire area of LesQuais - the old harbor, in which the antique military ship Colbert is moored, in which a museum and a restaurant are organized.

Gambetta Square was given the unofficial name of "Little Paris" due to the gloss and luxury of the buildings located here.

Similar to the largest European cities, for example, and in Bordeaux are open pedestrian zones in the quarters of Saint-Michel, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Elali, Saint-Croix. Here you will see the real Bordeaux with its magnificent monuments, referring us to different eras. These are arched galleries in the Spanish style, and massive buildings of the Middle Ages, Gothic buildings. We especially recommend that you familiarize yourself with the "museum exhibits" of St. Catherine's Street (Sainte-Katherine).

Among museums, we especially respect the Museum of Aquitaine, which is a paradise for history buffs. Fans of Art Nouveau in art will certainly appreciate the exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art.

Finally, the highlight of Bordeaux are traditions in winemaking. Excursions to ancient wineries, wine tasting, acquaintance with the life and culture of the villagers - such a trip is guaranteed to leave positive emotions.

Prices in Bordeaux

It should be remembered that the most luxurious hotels are often located in the city center. These are luxury 5-star hotels, budget hostels, bed and breakfast hotels. The cost of living starts from 2 thousand rubles for a standard hotel room on the outskirts of Bordeaux. However, for this money you will get a clean room, quality service, fast free internet, parking.

Hotels of a higher rank (with 3 stars on the facades) offer accommodation for 4 thousand rubles per day. Luxury rooms in a 5-star hotel will cost from 10 thousand rubles.

As for restaurants and a huge number of cafes, bistros, the range of prices is impressive. You can order pasta in a luxury restaurant and a traditional bistro with the same success, and the amount on the check will vary significantly. The Tripadvisor service recommends the following restaurants: Leplat a oreilles, bistro l "Exploit, NyamBai, Miles, LaMaisonduPataNegra, Akashi. In general, going to a restaurant per person will cost $ 30-35.

Where to buy wine, clothes, souvenirs

Our landmark is PlacedesGrands-Hommes, which is surrounded by streets decorated with shops from famous couturiers. Givenchi, Guess, Puma, Armani, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix - this is far from full list fashion brands present on the streets adjacent to the square.

In the Saint-Michel quarter, you can indulge in bidding at the oldest flea market. Souvenirs, antiques, old junk - everything seems to be mixed here.

Let's move on to wines. The most famous are Chateau Margaux, Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Haut-Brion, Lafitte Rothschild. However, the prices for these wines can reach the budget of a small country. Good wine costs 10 euros, good - up to 30 euros.

Climate in Aquitaine

Due to the fact that Bordeaux is located in close proximity to the Atlantic, the climate of Aquitaine is characterized by a mild transition from temperate to Mediterranean. In January, the average temperature is at least 6 degrees Celsius, in July - 20 degrees. Humidity reaches 80%. Therefore, you can come to the administrative region of the Gironde at any time, but we recommend early autumn, when there is an opportunity to observe the work of wineries.

In this case, you will be able not only to see live the traditions of winemaking, but also to take part in folk festivals, taste young wine, having received a diploma of a novice sommelier.

Bordeaux is the center of the Gironde department of the French region of Aquitaine. The city is located on the banks of the Garonne river. Bordeaux and the surrounding area is considered the wine capital of France. In Russian, the shade of red color "Bordeaux" got its name precisely from the wine made in this region.

Bordeaux and wine

The culture of winemaking in the Aquitaine region has about two thousand years. The city of Bordeaux is surrounded by 120,000 hectares of vineyards. The area is home to thousands of château family vineyards, dozens of trading houses and wine cellars.

Chateaus that are passed down from generation to generation are highly valued and considered a true state of the art. Therefore, the heirs, even not inclined to winemaking, never sell the vineyards, but rent them out.

The most famous wine regions around Bordeaux are Medoc, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, Blayais, Fronsac. They produce 57 brands of red, rosé and white wines. The first and second accounts for 85% of the total volume of 700 million bottles. The names of wines are often given by grape varieties that make up most of the raw materials for production. The most prestigious brands of dry red wines:

Chateau Petrus;
Chateau Lafite Rothschild;
Chateau Mouton Rothschild;
Chateau Cheval Blanc;
Chateau Haut-Brion.

Among white wines, the most famous is the sweet Chateau d "Yquem.

In the Maison du Vin (“House of Wine”, near the Grand Theater) located in the center of Bordeaux, you can take the Routes des vins (map of the Roads of Wine) with detailed information about visiting vineyards with tasting. To make it as pleasant as possible, you need to follow some simple tips:

not be hungry;
do not drink immediately, but twist the wine in a glass, gradually perceiving the aroma;
drink in small sips, holding the wine in your mouth and savoring it;
women should not come to the tasting scented.

What you need to know about the city

The population of Bordeaux is about 290 thousand people. The bend of the Garonne river separating the city has the shape of a crescent (it is depicted on the city coat of arms). In this regard, it is customary to call it Port de la Lune. Situated on the left bank historical Center city called Port of the Moon 10 years ago was added to the UNESCO heritage list. By number historical monuments Bordeaux in France is second only to the capital. Sometimes the city is even called "little Paris". Three times (the last time - in 1940) the government of France temporarily moved to Bordeaux.

The climate of Bordeaux is intermediate between Mediterranean and temperate maritime. It is characterized by mild rainy winters and sunny and rather hot summers. The amount of precipitation is quite significant and evenly distributed over the months. Summer rains are often accompanied by thunderstorms.

Bordeaux has the largest square in Europe, the largest water mirror and the longest pedestrian street in France. The city is visited by 2.5 million tourists annually. At the same time, Bordeaux is an important port and major center aviation, defense and shipbuilding. Atlantic cruise ships make a mandatory stop here.

There are also traditional tourist entertainment in the form of discos and nightclubs. Name, addresses and specifics of some of them:

Comptoir du Jazz - 57 quai de Paludate, admission is free, but you must order at least one drink;
L'Alligator - 3 place du General-Sarrail, blues, on Wednesdays;
Rock School Barbey - 18 courses Barbey;
La Plage (decorated as a beach) - 5 rue Cabannac, house and techno.

Transport

From Moscow to Bordeaux with a transfer in Paris, you can fly by AirFrance. The closest small airport to the city is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. From it to the main railway station of Bordeaux - Gare Saint Jean, you can get on the Jet'Bus express bus or regular number 1. The ticket price varies significantly, amounting to 7.2 and 1.5 EUR, respectively. The express bus runs hourly and will take you to the city in 30-40 minutes. A regular bus leaves every 20-30 minutes and travels for about an hour.

Another option is to first fly to Paris by plane, and travel 500 km to Bordeaux on high-speed trains of the TGF network. Travel time is 3 hours, and the ticket price is about 70 EUR. From the station to the center of Bordeaux, you can take tram line C or bus number 1. Get off at the Quinconces tram stop next to the iconic urban building - Grand Theater . Ultimate bus stop- Palais de Justice near the Palace of Justice and Cathedral, or Victory near the Arc de Triomphe.

Intracity transport is represented by buses and three tram lines. They operate from 5 am to midnight (Friday and Saturday until 1 am). There are 65 day bus routes and one night - S11. It is aimed at fans of discos, connecting their place of concentration - quai de la Paludate, with Victoria Square. A single ticket for both modes of transport costs 1.5 EUR. It must be bought from the driver for cash coins and stamped. After that, the passenger has the right to 4 transfers within an hour.

Where is the best place to stay

Accommodation prices in Bordeaux are quite moderate. Some budget hotels:

Citotel le Chantry;
Hôtel Notre Dame;
Acanthe Hotel.

I chose the Hotel Notre Dame in a quiet area at 36 rue Notre-Dame (close to Esplanade des Quinconces). A single room booked at the end of April cost 64 EUR per day.

Wealthier travelers who are willing to pay from 100 EUR can stay in hotels:

Mercure Bordeaux Le Lac;
Campanile Bordeaux Nord;
La Maison Du Lierre;
Best Western Royal Saint Jean.

Addresses of restaurants and cafes where you can eat delicious food

The cuisine of the city is not distinguished by special gastronomic delights. main feature- a wide selection of good wines. Seafood is common - lobster and oysters, truffles, artichokes and macaroons.

To popular places Catering with democratic prices, in particular, include:

Café Dijeaux at 14 place Gambetta;
Cassolette Café - 20 place de la Victoire;
L'Entrecote - 4, cours du 30 Juillet;
Le Bistrot des Quinconces- 4 place des Quinconces;
restaurant Chez Dupont-45 rue de Notre-Dame;
Cafe des Arts - 138 courses Victor-Hugo;
salsa bar Calle Ocho - 24 rue des Piliers-de-Tutelle.

Lunch and dinner in them will cost 20-25 EUR. Of course, it includes wine.

In the middle price segment, the restaurant La Cave Utile en Ville operates at 7, Place du Maucaillou. It is owned by a wine company and has a huge selection of wines. You can taste them for free, which I did one of the days. Expensive restaurants with Michelin stars are Le Chapon Fin (5, Rue Montesquieu) and Le Gabriel (10, Place de la Bourse).

What to see in the city for yourself

The old town is located between the Place de la Comédie, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the cours Victor-Hugo. It consists of buildings of the XVII-XVIII centuries restored in recent years. Many of them are decorated with twisted balconies and galleries.

The architectural dominant of the Old Town is the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, built at the end of the 18th century. on the site of a Roman temple. The monumental neoclassical building with a height of 88 m is very beautiful. The facade of the building is notable for a large portico with columns crowned with figures of the goddesses Minerva, Juno and Venus and 9 muses.

The theater houses the city's opera and ballet. At the peak of the season - in July and August, on all days except Sunday, you can get inside the theater with a tour costing 5.5 EUR. Address: Place de la Comedie. The building can be reached by tram line B, getting off at the stop Grand Theatre.

The Cours de l'Intendance alley with expensive shops located on it connects la Comédie and place Gambetta squares. Place Gambetta is home to the impressive Saint-André Cathedral. Although it was built from the 11th to the 16th centuries, its Gothic façade retained its stylistic uniformity. The entrance to the cathedral is from the northern facade, which is decorated with a rose window with floral ornaments. Two towers directed to the sky reach a height of 81 m.

The cathedral can be visited every day, except Sunday, at 7:30-11:30 and 14-18:30.

A peculiar attraction of the city is the pedestrian street Rue Sainte-Catherine. Hundreds of shops and boutiques are concentrated on it. The length of 1250 m gives the street the right to claim the title of the longest pedestrian street in the country.

Museums

There are several interesting museums in the streets adjacent to the cathedral. In the small Musee des Beaux-Arts you can see paintings by Titian, Veronese, Rubens, Matisse. The decoration of the collection is Delacroix's painting "Greece on the ruins of Missolonghi". The museum can be visited every day except Thursday from 11:00 to 18:00. Visiting the permanent exhibition is free. The Musee des Arts Decoratifs, with a similar regime and conditions, presents faience, porcelain and glass products, antique furniture, and sculptures. And the Center National Jean-Moulin is dedicated to the hero of the French Resistance, Jean Moulin.

While in Bordeaux, it is unforgivable not to visit the recently opened museum of the history and culture of wine - La Cité du Vin. It is located on the banks of the Garonne River in a futuristic building in the form of a decanter (wine decanter). In the "city of wine" there is a tasting room, a restaurant, a tapas bar and a wine boutique selling wines from 80 countries of the world. The museum is open daily from 9:30 to 19:30. Entrance ticket including tasting costs 20 EUR.

"City of Wine" is open from 10:00 to 18:00, except Monday. Address: 41 Rue Borie, travel by bus 7 or 32 to the La Cité du Vin stop.

city squares

North of the Grand Theatre, the cours du 30-Juillet leads to the largest square Europe - esplanade des Quinconces free area of 12 hectares. It is dominated by two large columns topped with allegorical statues of Trade and Navigation. At the other end of the esplanade is the Monument aux Girondins. A curious story of the Second World War is connected with the monument to the Girondins (deputies - victims of revolutionary terror). The German occupation troops were going to destroy the monument. Local resistance fighters were ahead of them, dismantling and hiding fragments of the monument at night.

Another iconic area of Bordeaux located nearby is Place de la Bourse. Her architectural ensemble make up the Exchange Palace, the Customs Museum and the Fountain of the Three Graces in the center. Burs Square has two other unofficial names - Royal (for the majestic view) and Exchange.

In the 21st century a fantastic attraction appeared near the square - Miroir d "eau ("Water Mirror"). French hydraulic engineers and urban architects, inspired by the domes of the Taj Mahal reflected in the water pond, decided to do something similar in Bordeaux.

To do this, the section of the Garonne embankment up to the Stock Exchange building (dimensions 130 * 42 m) was covered with dark granite tiles with 900 built-in nozzles. They release steam, forming a fog 2 m high. Then water begins to flow from the nozzles, turning the site into a mirror water surface 2 cm high. Gradually settling fog opens up a magical picture for the audience - the buildings of Burs Square are duplicated in the water mirror. The described cycle is repeated every 25 minutes. The “Water Mirror” looks especially spectacular when the Exchange Palace and the Customs Museum are illuminated in the evening.

The performance can be watched during the warm season from 10:00 to 22:00. Admiring the opened view, I thanked fate. Indeed, when planning a visit to the city, I did not know anything about the water mirror, and I could well have been in the city earlier. The best of Bordeaux could have passed me by.

Festivals and holidays of Bordeaux

In even years, the Bordeaux Fete le Vin wine festival takes place in Bordeaux. The holiday is held for 4 days at the end of June with the obligatory capture of the last weekend of the month. It begins with a costumed procession of winemakers to the city square. There the mayor solemnly opens the holiday. During its 4 days, free tastings of various brands of wine, exhibitions, master classes, wine barrel rides, theatrical performances, and concerts take place.

On the banks of the Garonne, trade pavilions of local wine producers open - Medoc, Cotes de Bordeaux, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Fronsac and others. In the same area, a huge table is being built, at which local residents sit down with their products. Naturally, tourists can also join them. The last day of the festival ends with a grandiose fireworks display.

In odd years in Bordeaux, also at the end of June, Vinexpo is held - the international salon of wines and spirits.

Another traditional holiday is dedicated to the city river Garonne. It is organized in odd years at the end of May. Like the wine festival, the festival lasts 4 days. Its main event is the water parade and competitions fishing boats, sailing yachts and boats.

Other traditional events include:

January Antique Salon;
February horse races with obstacles;
March book day
April Short Film Festival;
June festival of fairy tales.

The city also hosts music festivals - classical and organ music, jazz and rock.

Conclusion

The example of Bordeaux once again proves how many interesting things pass by travelers who focus only on the main tourist centers. Wine, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Cathedral and, of course, the Water Mirror make your stay in the city unforgettable. Since Miroir d "eau does not work in cold weather, the recommended time to visit the city is from the second half of spring to early autumn.