The picturesque Bordeaux region in which are created. National Customs Museum. Museum of Travelers in France

Let's go for a short trip to Bordeaux (France). The sights of this region immerse us in a medieval fairy tale, where there is a place for princes, knights and long-haired beauties. Then they fought for the honor and heart of the lady, and it would be nice to feel the atmosphere of that time at least for a while.

Basilica Saint Michel

This majestic building has a second informal name, which the locals came up with - "Arrow". You can understand why the basilica was named that way by looking at its bell tower. Its shape resembles an arrow pointing to the sky.

The temple was built in the 16th century to the glory of the Archangel Michael. The architects opted for the flaming gothic style, so the building looks very impressive. The facade of the temple is decorated with stone decorations that complement its overall style. There are 22 bell towers in total, and the height of the building is 114 m. The interior decoration of the basilica impresses with its luxury and wealth.

Great bell of Bordeaux

The weight of the huge structure exceeds 8 tons. This attraction is better known as Armande Louise. The bell rings at 11 am no more than 6 times a year. This usually happens on those holidays that are important for residents.

The bell tower was built over 500 years ago. Previously, the city prison was located in the tower of the Big Bell, where they were serving sentences for especially serious crimes. That is why everyone will be able to appreciate the gloomy and mysterious rooms located inside. You can also see an old clock and a coat of arms depicting a mighty lion.

Grand Theater of Bordeaux

This famous building is one of the three most beautiful and popular opera houses Europe. The architecture of this theater strikes with luxury. The building is framed with graceful sculptures of muses and goddesses.

Lush Corinthian capitals add a special charm to this place. The auditorium will accommodate 1,100 people, who will sit on chairs upholstered in red velvet. On the ceiling is a chic fresco, which harmoniously combines golden, blue and white colors.

On the stage of the theater show the most popular performances that have managed to fall in love with the audience from different corners peace.

Cathedral of Saint-André

A beautiful building that immediately catches the eye is located in the center of Port Luna. The cathedral is made in the Gothic style, and some of its buildings were erected many centuries ago.

Bell towers in the form of sharp arrows immediately attract attention.

The interior of the majestic building is decorated with various items that date back to the Middle Ages. If travelers are not too lazy to climb the bell tower of Pius Berland, having overcome a huge number of steps, they will be able to admire the unforgettable landscapes of old Bordeaux and the Garonne. The bell tower is quite high - 66, and the bell weighs as much as 8 tons.

Museum of Aquitaine

This museum should be visited by every visitor to Bordeaux. Artifacts and ancient statues are collected in a huge building. Their age is 25 thousand years BC. Carefully crafted collections recreate a complex and compelling story.

This is a kind of kaleidoscope of the development of Aquitaine from ancient times to the present. The Museum of Aquitaine has collected more than 70 thousand impressive exhibits.

Most recently, the building underwent a global reconstruction, so now all the exhibits are presented in a more modern, interactive form. Such a spectacle will appeal to both young visitors to the museum and people of age.

Fine Arts Museum of Bordeaux

This museum is considered one of the oldest in the country. Museum guests will be able to appreciate a huge collection of paintings by artists that were created in the 15th - 20th centuries. The building contains not only paintings by French artists, but also works of art from European painters.

You can get on thematic exhibitions which take place in the museum with enviable regularity. The museum is located in the former City Hall, surrounded on all sides by a picturesque park.

Walking in this wonderful place will bring you a lot of positive emotions, so you can "digest" the impressions received in the museum.

Modern Art Museum

This museum contains the latest achievements of the exact and fine sciences. The museum is located in the building of the former port warehouse, and in its arsenal there are more than a thousand works.

A visit to the museum will bring a lot of positive emotions even to those people who are not fans of contemporary art. On the territory of the building there is a picturesque terrace, as well as a cozy cafeteria. Nearby is the magnificent garden-park Jardin-Public. Walk around its territory to enjoy beautiful scenery and clean air.

Square "Water Mirror"

This unique and inimitable place will give you the opportunity to replenish your photo album with impressive shots. Here heaven and earth seem to change places with each other.

It seems that nearby buildings are floating right in the air.

An incredible reflection effect was achieved by covering the area with a small layer of water, under which there is a granite "substrate". After every 20 minutes, spray condensers are automatically turned on, which immerse all people in clouds of water dust.

Port of the Moon

This famous place was named so because the harbor resembles a neat crescent. It is located on the left bank of the Garonne. Luna Port is a symbol of the city's prosperity as a river port.

Previously, water transport departed from this place, which transported goods to England. That is why, even in our time, the Port of the Moon has remained the center of Bordeaux. Most of the most beautiful and popular attractions are located in this place, as well as many other useful establishments.

If you want to get to know Bordeaux better, then start your tour from Port Luna.

Arc de Triomphe of Cayo

The architecture of this arch harmoniously combines two styles: Gothic and Renaissance. This building is considered one of the oldest in Bordeaux. The arch was created back in 1495.

She became a symbol of the victory of the King of France over the Italians. The height of the building reaches 35 m, and its facade is decorated with magnificent sculptures. Inside there is a museum that anyone can visit.

An open gallery gives you the opportunity to admire the view of the Garonne. Be sure to visit the Arc de Triomphe so that you will remember your trip to Bordeaux for a long time.

We took a little walk around Bordeaux. France, whose sights are more detailed, has always given guests only positive emotions. At least once, but it's worth seeing.

The city of Bordeaux is the capital of Aquitaine, southwestern France. main reason which attracts many tourists every year, is a chic exposition of the achievements of world winemaking, which is called the VINEXPO exhibition-fair.

Bordeaux - the birthplace of French wine

In the center of Bordeaux is the famous "House of Wine" (fr. Maison du Vin). Here you can learn anything related to wine and its production, as well as purchase a map and a route to visit the beautiful vineyards. How many thousands of years people live in the vicinity of Bordeaux, so much they are engaged in growing grapes and making wine.

Vineyards around Bordeaux

Vineyards are hard and sacrificial work, it is impossible to deal with them without love. That is why the main goal of winemakers is not the quantity, but the quality of the product. During the days of the festival, in addition to wine tasting, an international art event is also held, the subjects of which are full-length sculptures of cows, painted with bright colors. Then the masterpieces are sold at auctions, and the money goes to the country's charitable foundations.

Sights of Bordeaux - romance in everything

As a part of France, even called "little Paris", Bordeaux is filled with romance. Bordeaux is often referred to as the "Port of the Moon" or the "Harbor of the Crescent" for the beautiful and graceful slope of the river called the Garonne. This river divides the city into two parts, right and left.

Narrow streets of old Bordeaux

Old Bordeaux is located near the St. Peter's quarter. Narrow streets diverge from it, there are old churches and stately mansions with wrought iron balconies.

Although Bordeaux is undergoing a decent amount of restoration work, there are streets that still look a little rundown, giving them a medieval feel.

In fact, Bordeaux can boast of the absence of modern buildings, the presence of which would disfigure the architecture of three hundred years ago.

The result of architectural works: majestic embankments, bridges, luxurious palaces - is nothing but the result of the consequences of the pressure of Saxon and Latin cultures on the formation of the city. Streets branching off main square, are named after Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau and other great thinkers of France, and the square itself, oddly enough, is called Stalingrad.

Bordeaux is quite small. It is best to get to know him by going for a walk and enjoy the spirit of the past. By the way, a boat tour on the river is also a good solution.

Mesmerizing views from the bridge appear before your attention at night

In Les Quais, the Pont d'Aquitaine is the old harbor in Bordeaux and the longest french bridge. Pont Neuf (" new bridge”), denying its name, however, is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux. Its neighbor is an old warship called the Colbert, which is moored nearby and now functions as a museum and restaurant.

The La Victoire area is also rich in attractions. You should pay attention to the beautiful, majestic, well-preserved ancient Roman Arc de Triomphe. Among the magnificent cathedrals of Bordeaux, it is worth highlighting the Saint-Andre Cathedral and the Gothic-style Saint-Michel church.

Bordeaux Cathedral - Saint André Cathedral

Museums of the city are located around the cathedral, and the most remarkable of them is the Museum Fine Arts, which contains excellent collections of works created by Reynolds, Marquet, Titian, Matisse and Rubens. The Petra Bridge runs across the river; it was built during the Napoleonic Spanish campaigns.

Truly mesmerizing and stunning views from the bridge appear before your attention at night, at which time everything is illuminated by spotlights. On Birzhevaya Square there is a fountain of the Three Graces, the goddesses of beauty and joy, built in 1864. Also, the current mayor of Bordeaux built another, the so-called fountain, in the form of just a small water surface that reflects majestic buildings, but on hot days, the inhabitants of the city are happy to turn it into a beach area.

Bordeaux is, at its core, a calm city, but the usual rules of caution should not be neglected.

Remember about pickpockets who choose tourists who stare at something as a victim. When you get on the bus, take off your backpack and keep an eye on the rest of your belongings. Don't wander around the Bordeaux nightlife alone and don't accept treats (like a drink at a bar) from people you don't know: a drug might be secretly added to your glass. Also, for your safety, we do not advise you to linger in the Place de la Victoire (Victory Square) area well after midnight.

Bordeaux is the center of French winemaking in France and beyond – VIDEO

Bordeaux is the most Big city Aquitaine, city of art, sports, culture, gastronomy, trade, world capital winemaking. Bordeaux is located in the center of the largest fine wine vineyard in the world. Two thousand years of history, during which the vineyard was formed and outlined the landscape of the region. Here are just a few figures: 120,000 hectares of vines, 800 million bottles per year, 160 export countries, 1 in 6 Bordeaux growers work in this area. 10 bottles of Bordeaux wine are opened every second in the world!

At the point where the Garrona River makes a graceful turn is the City of the Moon. This is what the French call Bordeaux, whose sights captivate tourists with their scope and aesthetics.

Location: in the southwest of France, in historical area Aquitaine, modern department of the Gironde.

Population: 285 thousand people, together with the suburbs 750 thousand people

Climate: close to the Mediterranean with warm and rainy winters and moderately hot sunny summers.

History: the origin of the city is associated with the Celtic tribes who lived here in the 1st century. BC. Julius Caesar conquered the city and made it the capital of Aquitaine.

Bordeaux Landmarks Listed cultural heritage Humanity UNESCO.

It is very difficult to see the city in one day. I would like to try gourmet cuisine, and go shopping and see all the most interesting places. 2-3 days is the minimum required to see the city.

Port of the Moon (Port De La Lune)

From here began the city during the Roman Empire. On the left bank of the Garonne, which resembles a crescent moon with its bend, a harbor was built where ships from all over the world arrived.

The main historical sights are concentrated here. And on the beautiful embankment, there are areas for skateboarding and rollerblading, drinking machines, and toilets.

Exchange Square (Place De La Bourse)

Located on the Garrona embankment, built in the Baroque style in the 18th century. There is a building of the Customs Museum (Le Musee des Douanes. Entrance - 3 €) and the Exchange Palace. The most interesting things in the museum are devices for smuggling and counterfeit money.

Sainte Catherine Street

From the Exchange Square, tourists advise, you need to turn onto Sainte-Catherine Street - the largest pedestrian street in Europe. This is a shopping paradise. After all, Sainte-Catherine has about 200 boutiques.

Address: rue Sainte Catherine, Bordeaux.

Grand Theater of Bordeaux (Le Grand thtre de Bordeaux)

Located right there in the Port of the Moon. The building of the National Opera of Bordeaux in the style of ancient Roman temples, decorated with slender rows of columns and ancient sculptures, harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of the city.

Address: Place de la Comdie, 33000, Bordeaux.

Cathedral of Saint-André

The main temple of Bordeaux is the Cathedral of Saint-Andre, dedicated to St. Andrew the First-Called. It is located in the center of Port Luna. The temple has existed since the 11th century and with its beauty and standard harmony of Gothic forms attracts the attention of tourists and parishioners.

Address: Place Pey Berland, 33000.

Triumphal Arch of Cayo (PorteCailhau)

The arch completes the architectural ensemble of Port Luna. It was erected in the 15th century in honor of the victory over the Italians near Fornovo. Because of the lancet towers crowning the building, the arch is more like a gate. There is a museum inside.

• Address: Place du Palais.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Entrance - free to the 1st floor, 3.50 € - visit to the entire arch complex, including the museum and gallery.

Gross-Kloch Tower (tour Gross-Kloch)

Among the medieval buildings of Bordeaux, the Grosse Cloche tower stands out, whose silhouette flaunts on the coat of arms of the city. 500 years ago it was part of the defensive fortifications.

On the north side, its facade is decorated with fabulous gargoyles, and on the opposite side - an astronomical clock. The tower is crowned with a bell.

Armanda Louise (La plus grande clochede Bordea ux Amanda-Louise)

The largest bell in Bordeaux is called Armande-Louise. It weighs 8 tons and rings only 6 times a year at 11.00 on the most important national holidays. The bell tower used to house a prison, now there is a museum.

• Address: Grosse Cloche, rue Saint-James / cours Victor Hugo, 1.
• Opening hours: from 13:00 to 18:00 in the summer.
• Entrance - 5€.

Basilica Saint-Michel

The most luxurious temple of Bordeaux. The townspeople call it "Arrow" for a hundred-meter bell tower high up in the sky. The basilica was built in the 16th century and is still pleasing to the eye.

• Address: Place Meynard / Place Canteloup.
• Opening hours: daily from 14:00 to 17:30, Monday and Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00.
• Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Quinconces Square (La Place Des Quinconces)

The main square of the city, where fairs, concerts and carnivals are held. In the center, next to the fountain, there is a monument to the Girondins - the inspirers of the Great French Revolution, as a reminder of the feat of the heroes who died for a just cause.

Address: Quinconces, Bordeaux.

Water Mirror (Miroird`Eau)

The Water Mirror is a unique square that appeared only 10 years ago. A thin layer of water covers the area, creating the effect of an even mirror in which palaces and buildings are reflected.

This place is loved by children who enthusiastically jump on the mirror surface. And adults at this time are happy to take a photo against the background of this miracle. It looks especially interesting in the evenings when the backlight is turned on.

City of Wine (La Cit du Vin)

Unusual in design building of 2016, inside - columns in the form of glass bottles, museum exposition, cultural and leisure center, Observation deck at a height of 55 meters, which overlooks the city. There are shops here, and they also give a map of wine journeys around the region.

• Address: Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France.
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00

Museum of Aquitaine (Muse D'Aquitaine)

The most informative museum in Bordeaux can be called the Museum of Aquitaine. It contains more than 70 thousand unique artifacts, some of them 25,000 years old.

The museum was founded in the 18th century, when ancient Roman sculptures were found during the construction of objects. After a recent renovation, it was filled with interactive exhibits. Interesting for both children and adults.

• Address: 20 Cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 11.00-18.00 / Mon: day off.
• Admission - 4€ for the permanent exhibition or 6.50€ including temporary exhibitions.

Museum of Fine Arts (Muse de sbeaux-arts)

What is a city in France without a museum? fine arts? It is considered the oldest in France. It contains a unique collection of French, Italian, Flemish paintings of the 15th-20th centuries. The museum is located in the building of the former City Hall, surrounded by a magnificent park.

• Address: 20 Cours d'Albret, 33000 Bordeaux.
• Entrance - 4€ for the main exhibition or 6.50€ for the main exhibition and temporary exhibitions.
• Admission is free for persons under 18 and holders of the Bordeaux City Pass.

Museum of Modern Art (Muse d'art contemporain)

He collected more than 1000 works on his territory: modern installations, which are curious to look at for an inexperienced viewer.

• Address: rue Ferrere, 7.
• Opening hours: from 11:00 to 18:00, on Wednesdays in the summer until 20:00. Day off - Monday.
• Entrance - 5€ for the permanent exhibition or 7€ including temporary exhibitions.
• Admission is free for persons under 18 and Bordeaux City Pass holders.
• Also, admission is free every first Sunday of the month, except July and August.

Submarine base (Base Sous-Marine de Bordeaux)

Another interesting place that attracts tourists, which was built in Bordeaux at the direction of Hitler. This concrete monster commands respect, and next to it is a monument to the prisoners of war who built the facility. Now various exhibitions and events are held here.

Address: Boulevard Alfred-Daney, 33300, Bordeaux

Neighborhood

Around Bordeaux there are places that are worth the attention of tourists. The most interesting ones are below.

Kaznev Castle (Сhateau de Сazeneuve)

In the province of Gironde, which includes Bordeaux, there are many medieval castles. For example, Queen Margo once lived in the Kaznev Castle.

The fully furnished rooms of the queen have been restored here, and the wine cellar has been preserved. During the tour, tourists are also shown troglodyte caves and a beech grove.

Saint-Emilion

The Bordeaux region is also interesting for its surroundings, historically associated with winemaking.
35 km northwest of Bordeaux is located small town Saint Emilion. The road to it runs along the wonderful vineyards included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

As tourists describe in reviews, “this is a very unusual town. Stone-paved streets date back to the Middle Ages, and pedestrian streets are paved with polished porcelain stoneware, as if walking on parquet. Here, even modern houses are stylized as the Middle Ages. It feels like you're in the old days."

Saint-Emilion is famous for its excellent wines that you can taste and buy in shops.

Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pyla is located 58 kilometers from Bordeaux, before reaching Arakshon (Arcachon). It is said to be the highest sand dune in Europe.

Climb this sandy mountain by stairs. At the top you can take pictures of the surroundings: the forest and the Arakshon Bay. Going down to the beach, tourists swim and relax, if the season and the ocean allow.

Andernos-les-Bains

Anderno-les-Bains, located 40 km from Bordeaux, is considered the most oyster city in France. There are whole oyster parks there. Restaurants and cafes abound, where a variety of seafood is deliciously cooked: shellfish, lobsters, crabs.

Tourists who have been there claim that “the largest plate of assorted will cost 30€. But to eat it, spend at least an hour and a half.

Dozens of oysters are also sold to take away for 5–9 €. If you wish, they can be opened for you, poured with lemon juice.

Vacation with children

Bordeaux Park (Parc Bordelais)

For families with children in Bordeaux are equipped modern parks, for example, Bordeaux Park, where, in addition to playgrounds, an open-air puppet theater operates in the summer.

Squirrels jump in abundance through the trees of the park, they are used to being hand-fed, and in the depths there is a pond with fish and ducks.

• Address: Rue du Bocage, Bordeaux.
• The entrance is free.

Zoo de Pessac

There is also a small zoo in the City of the Moon. Lions, zebras, giraffes, meerkats, favorites of children, live here. There is an aviary with parrots, lakes where flamingos and turtles live.

• Address: 3 Chemin du Transvaal, 33600 Pessac.
• Open daily from 9.30 to 18.00.
• Cost: adults €14, children €11.5.

Among the most unusual places for children and adults, the Wave Surf Caf. This is a park for surfers and others aquatic species sports. It will be of interest to teenagers.

• Address: 174 cours du Mdoc Bordeaux.
• Opening hours from 10.00 to 23.00.
• The cost is 25€ for 55 minutes.

For the little ones, the Royal kids Bordeaux center, where slides and trampolines, playgrounds and dry pools, labyrinths and attractions are a real delight.

• Address: rue Henri de Chatelier, 6.
• Tue and Fri. 9:30 – 12:00, Wed., Sat. and Sun. 10:00 - 19:00.
• The cost of an hour for a child is 10€.

Useful maps and videos

look interactive map sights of Bordeaux in Russian:

look video about Bordeaux:

Welcome to the Bordeaux region!Bienvenue dans le Bordelais!

What to say about Bordeaux, when this name is definitely on the lips of our brother?

Actually, in France and in French, the region around the city of Bordeaux is called Bordelais / Brothel. Of course, the stress falls on the last syllable: Bor-de-le. But, in order to avoid ambiguity and because of the technical impartiality of the Runet search engines, we, as already accepted in the great and mighty, will stick to the name "Bordeaux region" in the text. For who wants to, wanting to visit the Brothel (read: in the region of Bordeaux), to be in.!? (yep, here are the next translation difficulties).

This wine-growing region, located near the Atlantic in southwestern France, has given its name to the wines famous throughout the world. Geographically, the region of Bordeaux is part of the historical region of Aquitaine / Aquitaine, with its capital in the city of the same name, around which these most noble Bordeaux vines grow. Today, Bordeaux / Bordeaux is also the main city of the administrative region of New Aquitaine / Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes) enlarged in 2016. It turns out 3 in 1: region - city - wine. We will be happy to talk about everything "Bordeaux" in more detail (history, traditions, cuisine, architecture, natural and other attractions of the "wine" region and its capital) on the spot.

The mild and humid climate of these lands, due to the proximity of the Atlantic, the valleys of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers with their joint mouth of the Gironde, has attracted people since prehistoric times (the presence of Homo sapiens in these lands was noted 35-10 thousand years BC by the Cro-Magnons). Aquitaine for many centuries was the theater of historical strife and the object of numerous encroachments: the legions of Caesar in 56 BC. e. annexed it to Roman Gaul, the Visigoths in 418 - to their Spanish kingdom, the troops of Clovis in 507 - to the kingdom of the Franks. At the end of the VI century. the Vascons, the ancestors of the Basques, settled on the plains of the so-called. Gascony. The invasion of the Arabs, who burned Bordeaux on their way and ruined other cities, was stopped in 732 only near Poitiers by Charles Martell. The Franks under Charlemagne even managed to drive the Saracens to the Pyrenees, but in 848 the Norman Vikings were already besieging Bordeaux ... In 877, the Carolingian kingdom of Aquitaine split into two duchies: Gascony (south of the Garonne) and Aquitaine; in 1058 both duchies were reunited with their capital at Bordeaux. In 1152, the Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine, having received a divorce from the King of France, Louis VII the Younger, 2 months later, she marries the Duke of Normandy and the Count of Anjou, who in 1154 also becomes the King of England as Henry II Plantagenet / Henry II Plantagenet. So Aquitaine (since 1229 called the Duchy of Guyenne / Guyenne) for 300 years became part of the English - yes! - the crown, until the end of the Hundred Years' War in 1453

As a result, and to the delight of lovers of heraldry, since 1190, under King Richard I the Lionheart, the legendary son of Eleanor, one golden leopard on a scarlet field from the coat of arms of Aquitaine multiplied to two on the armorial shield and banner of Normandy, and as many as three animals (they are called and how Lions Walking on Guard) appeared in English. Have you ever wondered why the inscription in pure French “Dieu et mon droit” (God and my right) appeared on the coat of arms of the English monarchs from Henry V in 1413? She and the motto of the Order of the Garter "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (Shame on him who thinks badly about it / fr.) are still inscribed on the Royal Arms of Great Britain ...

Religious feuds between Catholics and Huguenots in the 16th century, the Fronde against Cardinal Mazarin (1648-53), the Girondins and whirlwinds of the French Revolution, Bordeaux as the temporary capital of France during the German offensive on Paris in 1914 and 1940… new story Aquitaine is already closely connected with the history of France, but it will not be the basis for our further narrative.

Today, the lands around Bordeaux have preserved a rich heritage from different eras: prehistoric caves, Gallo-Roman settlements, Romanesque temples and Gothic churches, medieval cities and villages, powerful fortified castles and chateau palaces in the Renaissance or classicism style. And here, for centuries, unique traditions of viticulture and winemaking have been preserved and passed on.

And now about the main thing. The Gallic tribe of the Biturigs laid the port of Burdigala / Burdigala in the bend of the Garonne, which laid the foundation for the future city of Bordeaux. Osci merchants from Campania (now the region southern Italy centered in Naples) already in the 1st century. BC e. they actively traded their wines here, so grape wine is known in Bordeaux before the vine, even before the invasion in 56 BC. e. Roman legions of Crassus to the local Gallic lands.

The history of the cultivation of vineyards in Aquitaine will lead its countdownc IV. from winter-hardy vinesVitis Biturica, progenitors of Cabernet. It is from the Romans that the Aquitanians will learn the art of winemaking and over the centuries even surpass their teachers. Significantly contributed to the development of local winemaking and wine trade "for export" the aforementioned marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine. In the XII century. ships loaded with young Gironde wines have been leaving the port of Bordeaux since November. Wines of the new harvest, then called "claret" / claret, won their recognition first in England (where Bordeaux held a monopoly on the production and sale of wine), then in Holland and the Hanseatic League, and then throughout the world. But this path was neither quick nor easy ... In those days, no way to store wine had yet been found, so clarets went to the table at Christmas young (even if, by today's taste and other standards, we hardly began to drink them for pleasure))), and the next year the wine was already spoiled. Centuries will pass before merchants come up with the idea of ​​aging young wine in oak barrels, using sulfur to sterilize them, bottling wine, etc. Thus, the New French Claret turns into a prototype of modern bordeaux rouge. Gradually, the prices for wines will proportionally depend on aging, quality, wine house. Glory to the 18th century! Winemakers will begin to carefully choose the terroir (fr. terror from lat. terra- land), regulate yields, improve methods of storing wine, fight phylloxera or economic crises ... Why are you not the first principles of wine quality control and the foundations of AOC?

Legislatively AOC concept (appellation d'origin controlee/ appellation controlled by origin = modern control of the authenticity of the origin of the product in France) was assigned to wines in 1935 and opened to agricultural and food products since 1990. The first classification wines was established in 1855 by order of Napoleon III. In Bordeaux, it included 80 farms from the left bank of the Garonne, forming a kind of "closed club". Based on different quality criteria, the compilers divided the wine of the left bank into 5 classes grand cru(grand cru). Disputes over the so-called. The imperial classification of wines of the Medoc and Sauternes, which is still in force today, has not subsided to this day, as well as the rivalry between farms for the right to be called the best. It is also clear that promising newcomers no longer fit into the 1855 classification. Therefore, today in Bordeaux there are 5 classifications, but they are all based on two key principles: terroir and the quality of the work of winemakers.

Often the word "Bordeaux" refers to red wines - obviously by analogy with the color of the same name. However, Bordeaux includes a wide range of white, rosé, red wines from simple table wines to the most expensive and famous in the world. Of course, the concept of "expensive" is different for everyone, but let's look at the stubborn numbers of high-profile auction sales of Bordeaux. The most expensive bottle in the world- red Chateau Lafite (Chateau Lafite) 1787, which allegedly belonged to the third US President Thomas Jefferson; it was bought at Christie's in 1985 by Christopher Forbes (who is also the owner of Forbes Corporation) for $160,000. In 2006, in London, a bottle of sweet Sauternes (white!) . was sold for 55 thousand pounds (about $90 thousand). In 2009, 12 bottles of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945 left the Zachys auction for $218,581... centuries), but the Bordeaux “Victory Wines” of the 1945 harvest are still not only found by connoisseurs, but also praised.

The white wines of Bordeaux are made from varieties Sauvignon Blanc (38%), Sémillon (53%) and Muscadelle (6%). The basis of red wines is grapes Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Cabernet Franc (11%). The presence of Cabernet gives the wine a tannic structure, but it takes several years of aging for its quality to reach its optimum level (which is why it is better to “dig a bottle of Bordeaux” in the cellar or wine cabinet for later). Merlot, in turn, gives the wine flexibility and ensures its faster development. Winemakers, combining these two varieties, varying their proportions depending on the soils and types of wine, using a small number of vines as complements Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère(assemblage / assembly- mixing different varieties of wine materials) achieve the best result, which is called the "Art of Winemaking".

The wines of Bordeaux are geographically created 6 sub-region families (sauce– regions). Reds are famous for Medoc, Libournais, Graves. Eminent dry white wines are produced in Entre-deux-Mers, Blaye and Bourg, and sweet ones in Sauternes. Inside the wine-growing sub-region is divided into appellations (the same AOCs that are controlled by the place of origin). We will not list them, since in 2016 there were 57 AOCs in the Bordeaux region.

Wines produced in the Bordeaux region more than 20 thousand farms, from small family wineries, cooperatives or eminent chateaus ( chateaux) to large enterprises where it (wine) is produced on an industrial scale. At the same time, we ask you not to confuse chateaus, which are real castles (and they are also here: medieval bastides and fortresses, fortified chateau-fort or palaces), with those chateaus that are now centers of wineries in Bordeaux (often just a winemaker’s estate; many of which you can visit with a visit, tasting and with indispensable curiosity).

In 2015, Bordelais produced 5,700,000 hectoliters (more than 700 million bottles) of red, white (dry and sweet), rosé and sparkling wines. Let's clarify: Bordeaux wine region is the second largest in the world, 117,500 hectares of vineyards; the first place is occupied by the southern French Languedoc / Languedoc, 246,000 ha. Under the vineyards, the lands of the entire department No. 33 of the Gironde are occupied (105 km from north to south and 130 km from east to west). It is not surprising that such land, multiplied by vine varieties and the number of producers, can produce such a variety of wines.

The quality of wine is largely determined by the nature of the vineyards. There are never too many of the best, and there are few wine-growing areas with ideal conditions in the world. In this sense, Bordeaux is very lucky: the proximity of the ocean, the mild and humid climate in the river valleys, the protection from the winds by the pine forests of the Landes, the warm autumn .. - create conditions that are “right” for grapes. In addition, vineyards differ from each other in location, terrain, wind rose, soil character, flora, etc. - which in one word is called terroir. The more unique the terroir, the more original the price of its wine can be!

It is important to consider another useful and fashionable word millesime (millesime – grape harvest year). To find out favorable years in a particular area, there are special tables of millesims; they are available in the press, on the Internet, and often in the shops and liquor stores themselves. Wine guides and experts (sommeliers, oenologists, winemakers, sellers) will tell you in more detail what year wine, what appellation and in what year it is worth trying, and which one is better to lie down and wait. Just as there are grand cru, there are also gran millesima. For example, for red burgundy, these are 2005, 1995, 1990, 1982, 1975, 1961, 1959. Also 2009, 2000, 1989, 1988, 1985, 1983, 1981, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1970 and 1966 .Gorgeous, but already hard to find 1955, 1949, 1947, 1945, 1929 and 1928. Look for your year?!.

Now about the second component of quality, which is the basis for the classification of Bordeaux cru (often it is inseparable from the first - terroir). This the skill of the winemaker who works on these lands. When a chateau is famous for its wines for two or three hundred years, and traditions are passed down from father to son, its next owner not only understands all the technological aspects, but can also be versed in the character of each row of grapes on a particular field - parcelle! They say the truth or they made up for the red word: in the same grand cru Chateau Margaux, since the 18th century, grapes have been harvested two or three berries from a bunch and strictly in the afternoon - so that the dew that dilutes the grape juice has time to dry. Such pedantry and iron following ancient rules should be rewarded accordingly (here's another pricing factor). Well, in the end, no one canceled the power of the brand. A big name implies an increased responsibility for quality.

Tasty stories in the wineries of Bordeaux are loved and know how to tell. For wine–this is history. The history of the Art of winemaking itself and the story told by a specific winemaker (at the same time, the "opinions of the author, editors and readers" may sometimes not coincide).

Of course, when everything comes together - a unique vineyard with old vines, a talented winemaker in the Nth generation, and a load of history - it turns out not just expensive, but the very Grand cru- a phrase, for connoisseurs and lovers identical to "great wines", but in reality (see above) - a classification term. For example, the status of greats in the classical interpretation of 1855 is attributed to wines that are produced by only a few eminent estates in the Bordeaux region. Five great red wines, also known as Premier Cru, looks like this: Chateau Margaux (Margot / Margaux), Chateau Latour (Pauillac / Pauillac), Chateau Lafite-Rothschild (Pauillac), Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (still the same Pauillac; chateau received the status Premier Cru in 1973 when reclassifying), Chateau Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan / Pessac-Leognan). It will not be enough to continue this Grand list of hands, since the classifications are regularly reviewed, sometimes with disputes and inspections, up to litigation.

Now a short reminder: if in the sea of ​​​​bottles of Bordeaux wine on the label you managed to find an inscription corresponding to one of 5 current classifications: Grands crus classes en 1855 Medoc & Sauternes, Crus classes de Graves (officially active since 1953), Grands Crus classes de Saint-Emilion (1954), Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, Crus artisans du Medoc (1994) - These are wines from estates with a high reputation and controlled quality. Aesthetes and collectors compare them with paintings or symphonies of great masters in terms of the power of impressions… Only this kind of wine is not for every day. Yes very expensive wines so expensive, because there are still someone to buy them and for what reason. But in order to thoroughly feel the nuances of a bottle for hundreds of euros, one must both understand the wine and have at least a good tasting experience. Agree, not everyone will notice that they are drinking an outstanding Bordeaux, if they are not told about it in advance. Fortunately, there is someone to describe its merits here.

Our opinion: each of us as a consumer, connoisseur and buyer can find his own wine. For a certain mood, food, event ... And for yourself at an average (moderate, adequate) price. Everyone should have their own pleasure (and more often 🙂 ). In search of your Wine happiness, the only thing left to do is to taste the wine. And it’s better to try Bordeaux wines “on the spot”, in order to firmly connect the bouquet and taste of the drink with the history of its origin, cuisine and the spirit of the area in your mind. And let's not forget that Bordeaux is more than wine (even because you simply cannot physically devote all the time to one tasting))). Antique and modern architecture(civilian, military and religious), art and museums, recreation and entertainment, cultural and gastronomic traditions, natural landscapes of the earth and the ocean ... Our rubric Excursions brings you a few ingredients that you can add to your glass of Bordeaux experience in Bordeaux.

And may you be “all right, Chateau Margaux.Everything is fine!" (Spleen)

On the territory of the picturesque city of Bordeaux there are a dozen attractions. One of them is the Church of St. Peter. The temple was built in the 19th century, on the site where the old church stood in the 17th century.

The architecture of the temple is made in the Gothic style, which includes three arches with wonderful sculptures in the central portal. Among them are winged angels, prophets and garlands of leaves.

The interior of the church is very rich and consists of beautiful stained glass windows of the 19th century, statues of the 17th century and many ancient icons. The central window is decorated with the Mother of God and the Assumption. Big interest evokes the choir and its unusual complex with ribbed vaults.

Among other things, three chapels deserve special attention: the left one is decorated with a gilded wooden statue of St. Paul, the right one has placed a bust of God the Father and a statue of St. Peter. And the chapel of the font gives you the opportunity to admire a painting by Pierre de Nantac.

Bordeaux airport

The terminal is located in close proximity to the motorway, which makes transport connection with the city and the whole province of Aquitaine fast and convenient. The airport building is divided into 2 halls: hall A and hall B. The airport halls are equipped with additional desks for people with disabilities.

Here developed transport infrastructure and communication between the city and the airport is provided by almost all types of transport: bus, taxi, car rental and even motorcycles. The airport management also provides the opportunity to rent special vehicles for people with disabilities. Special bus route takes you straight to railway station Bordeaux. The bus leaves every 45 minutes and costs 8 euros. Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes.

The airport has 6 cafes, 12 shops, a bank, 2 currency exchange offices, a post office and free wireless Internet access. There are several hotels within a radius of 1.5 km from the airport building.

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Cathedral of Saint Andrew

The most fascinating cathedral on the territory of Bordeaux is the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. The temple was built over five centuries, which greatly affected its architecture.

The cathedral is a one-nave church in the Gothic style, with two symmetrically located towers. The height of the towers reaches about 81 meters. A distinctive feature of the cathedral is the placement of its entrance: unlike Christian churches, the entrance of which is located in the west, it is located on the north side.

The northern facade is decorated with the Royal Portal, which depicts the Last Judgment, and in the eastern part of the temple there is a choir. The bypass gallery opens five chapels, which are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible.

Inside the temple has special place painting of the XIV-XVII centuries, sculpture of the beginning of the XIV-XVI centuries. The modern organ deserves special attention. Since 1998, the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called has added to the list world heritage UNESCO as a shrine of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

At the moment, after many reconstructions and repairs, the cathedral, as before, gathers a huge number of both pilgrims and ordinary tourists.

The Japanese Garden of Compance-Caffarelli is located in the city park of Compance-Caffarelli in Toulouse. Japan in miniature on French soil: all the features characteristic of the gardens of the Land of the Rising Sun are presented here with detailed study.

Several types of sakura, bamboo, small ponds, in particular, in the park the lake symbolizes the sea, gazebos, a stone waterfall, the originality of trimmed tree crowns, and of course, the dragon, in the park it is made of iron and reaches a height of about three meters - all this splendor takes more than 3000 meters, and is a kind of oasis of a business city.

Small wooden bridges are also remarkable, which are located throughout the garden, passing through which you find yourself in a certain island of the garden - an elevated hill, or on a platform for admiring the moon.

In addition to the garden, the park as a whole is an excellent area for family vacation and a picnic, wedding photo sessions are also often held here.

Wine therapy center "Sources of Kodali"

The Codali Springs Wine Therapy Center is located near Bordeaux (15 minutes drive), among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Bordeaux is ancient city France, spread out on the banks of the Garonne River. The Wine Therapy Center was opened in 1999 and since then has not lost its good reputation. In addition, this is not only a wellness center - it is real center health and relaxation with a large selection of unique programs.

The Kodali Springs Center offers a complex of unique wellness and beauty programs based on wine therapy, for example: grape therapy, balneotherapy (mineral water jet shower, underwater massage in a mineral water pool, vine pomace baths, Barrick bath - pomace bath from freshly crushed grapes and vegetable oils, massage with grape seed oil, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, anti-cellulite massage).Cosmetic treatments. IN free time You can order excursion programs: tour of Bordeaux, visiting famous wineries, visiting the Museum "Planet Bordeaux", a trip to the coast Atlantic Ocean V resort town Arcachon.

Cayo Gate

The Cayo Gate, more commonly known as the Palace Gate, is national monument. They are located on the street of the same name, on the east side. Cathedral Andrew the First-Called. The construction of the gate was conceived to protect the palace, and they also acted triumphal arch, in honor of the victory of King Charles VIII during the Italian wars.

Today, the gates are the decoration of the city, which tourists willingly come to see. The architecture of the Palace Gate is very interesting and original. This architecture is of the Gothic style with an admixture of elements of the Renaissance.

The facade of the gate is crowned with medallions, hinged loopholes and dormer windows. The pointed turrets, which, together with the spire, reach a height of 35 meters, make a special impression. Due to damage to the facade, its bas-reliefs were restored in 1822 and transferred to the Museum of Aquitaine for preservation.

Oyster Museum

The Oyster Museum is located in a small Mediterranean fishing village Bouzigues, in France. It gives visitors a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the working principle of the so-called "farmers of the sea" - fishermen. Visitors can watch them work and fish, learn how to open oysters and, of course, taste them.

In 1981, the idea of ​​preserving the traditional shellfish tools was adopted by the locals. An exhibition of these instruments was presented on a temporary basis in the farmhouse of the village of Bouzigues. The exhibition was successful and the collection eventually expanded and became a permanent exhibition. Thus, already in 1991, the Oyster Museum opened its doors on a regular basis to visitors who can observe the work and fishing of local fishermen for various shellfish and fish.

The museum is divided into three parts that can be visited. These are the "Clam Room", the "Fisherman's Shop" and the "Aquarium". Also to the attention of visitors is a master class on opening oysters and tasting.

The most popular attractions in Bordeaux with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places Bordeaux on our site.

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