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| Bordeaux, France |
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Enjoy a Taste of Beautiful Bordeaux on Your Next Vacation
Bordeaux is a beautiful, vibrant city with incredible neoclassic architecture, outstanding museums and beaches within easy reach. It is a welcoming, relaxed and tolerant city that celebrates cultural diversity as well as great wine. The large student population and variety of ethnic communities contributes to a rich cultural scene where art and music flourish.
Bordeaux's neighborhoods are referred to as arrondissements, but parts of the city are usually identified by quarters, or quartiers. While many visitors enjoy staying right in the heart of Bordeaux's historic center in the Saint Pierre quarter, the other seven quarters offer unique alternatives to consider depending on your interests.
Bordeaux Hotels
There are many different types of hotels available in Bordeaux, and their prices and quality vary widely. If you prefer dependable standards of service and amenities, choose an American chain hotel such as the Holiday Inn Saint-Jean or the Best Western Grand Hotel Francais near Gambetta Square. European chain hotels are also available. The Libertel Claret conveniently located in the heart of city center and the luxurious Hotel Novotel Bordeaux Le Lac on the shores of Bordeaux lake both feature modern decor and extensive amenities.
In addition to tourist and luxury hotels, there are many reasonably priced smaller French hotels available throughout Bordeaux with unique characteristics and features. Services and amenities vary widely, so inquire about specific needs or requests prior to booking your room.
Eating and Drinking in Bordeaux
One amenity not to fret too much over is an on-site restaurant or lounge. Throughout Bordeaux, you'll find tons of French restaurants and cafes as well as establishments that specialize in various ethnic cuisines. The food in Bordeaux is nearly as enticing as its wine, and you can enjoy everything from traditional meat and seafood dishes brimming with fresh vegetables and herbs to exquisitely presented gourmet culinary delights. The culinary heart of Bordeaux is Saint Pierre, where you will find a variety of restaurant styles to suit any appetite and budget.
World-class Wineries
During your visit to Bordeaux, you won't want to miss touring some of the world-class wineries that surround the city. Some of the greatest wineries are Chateau Petrus, Chateau Margaux, and Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. You can visit the grounds, learn about the histories of various wineries and of course, sample their wines during a wine tour.
Tours are conveniently offered with pick up from locations in Bordeaux, and you can choose among various themed tours. If you are an art lover as well as a wine enthusiast, you may enjoy the Art & Wine - Itinerary for Medoc lovers tour. Wine and cheese tasting and special wine cooking classes are also available in various locations throughout Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Attractions
In addition to enjoying Bordeaux's wine, you'll love the city's gorgeous parks, stunning architecture and exciting historical and cultural attractions. Exploring Bordeaux's various quarters on foot is a terrific way to experience this graceful and charming city.
One attraction you'll spot on your walking tour of Bordeaux's Old Town is the Cathedral of St André. This magnificent gothic-style cathedral originally dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. Today, it is mainly characterized by alterations made during the 13th and 15th centuries, including fine sculptures on the north doorway between its tall twin towers. The 18th century Grand Theatre is another architectural wonder in Bordeaux that is impressive on the exterior and equally magnificent inside.
Plan to tour the Bordeaux CAPC Musee of Contemporary Art to enjoy one of France's five most important museums devoted to contemporary art. The museum itself is an architectural delight, as it was converted from a warehouse built in the early 19the century to house shipping imports. The museum's works chronicle all major art movements since the 1960s, including 700 works from over 140 different artists in the permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits.
Enjoy Bordeaux's Nightlife
If you like to enjoy an entertaining nightlife after a day of sightseeing, Bordeaux won't fail to disappoint. Bordeaux has traditional-style pubs, wine bars, jazz clubs, techno discos and charming cafes with terraces where you can sip a cocktail or a glass of wine. You can hear live music, go dancing or enjoy a drink or two in Les Quais or La Victoire, two areas in Bordeaux that feature a very lively nightlife.
La Victoire is known as the largest drinking area in France, so if you like to visit a variety of bars during your night out, this is an excellent choice. Les Quais along the shores of the Garonne River also features a variety of different drinking establishments, each with its own unique atmosphere. Both areas are easy to access by bus.
Getting Around Bordeaux
Bordeaux's bus system is easy to use to get around various areas of the city, and buses run from city center to the train station. The easiest way to travel by bus is to obtain a Bordeaux Decouverte card at the tourist office, which allows for unlimited travel during a set number of days. There is also a tram system visitors can take advantage of, and cabs are readily available, too.
You can rent a bicycle or motor scooter to get around town, or enjoy Bordeaux at a relaxed pace while walking. Parking is costly and difficult to find, and with so many other transportation options, driving in Bordeaux should be avoided. |
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