If ever you have watched a movie that is set in the rolling hills, quaint villages and lush vineyards of Southern France and thought 'places like that don't really exist' then you have never been to Bordeaux. This is the capital city of the Girone department of France, in the region of Aquitaine, and is the perfect blend of authentic French living, English-speaking expatriates, modern conveniences and old-world tempo.
Little Paris
Known as Little Paris, Bordeaux is stylish yet relaxed jumping-off to region's splendors. It is also one of the geographically largest cities in Europe – it's soft subsoil means that no skyscrapers can be built here, for fear of collapse and so the city sprawls lazily around the Garonne River, all the way to Dordogne River.
Places to See
Pretty much every part of Bordeaux is worth visiting, with each district having its own distinct characteristics: Gambetta Square is the northern area, and is an extremely wealthy area, known for its luxurious homes and boutiques. It is here that Bordeaux gained it's Little Paris moniker.
Meriadeck is more administrative, although one of the biggest libraries in the country can be found here. Considering the emphasis that France places on education and architecture, this is nothing to be sneezed at, and the building itself is a stand-alone attraction.
La Victoire is the best district to combine museum-browsing with quirky rest-stops at one (or more) of the many cafes and bars. This is the main district that the local students hang out in, and the prices reflect the budget of a student lifestyle.
Le Quais boasts the bridges of Bordeaux, many of which are centuries old. In times past, a bridge was not only a way to get from one side of town to the other – they were also pedestrian malls, and you can still find the odd market popping up here and there on weekends.
Finally, the Pedestrian Center of Bordeaux is, as the name suggests, closed to most motor traffic. Here, the promenading is at its peak, and a warm afternoon spent sipping wine and watching the world go by will have you wondering if moving to France isn't such a bad idea.
Events
If you are lucky enough to visit Bordeaux in the Spring (late April through early May) do not miss the annual Bordeaux Spring Fair. Selling everything from food to antiques, and with a packed entertainment calendar of live music and street theater, this celebration of the warmer months is the best way to crowd the Place des Quinconces.
Wine Tours
Wine Tour Operators are everywhere in Bordeaux, with all of them having something good to offer the visitor. One of the most popular and best-run of these is Off The Beaten Path. The four day package includes luxury accommodation and more visits to wineries (and great restaurants) than is safe to drive home from! Wine newbies need not be intimidated – while the French certainly have style, the true wine connoisseur refuses to be snobbish, and this tour is a great introduction to the nuances of the fine French drop.
Hotels
Accomodation in Bordeaux is mostly clustered around the train station. Unlike other parts of the world, this area is chic rather than shabby, and is a good central point to stay. A room here will cost upwards of €50 per night, depending on the time of year. For those with a less limited budget, a suite in one of the historical hotels in the city center begins at around €150 per night. An alternative for a longer stay is one of the many gites (a cross between a converted stable, a villa, and a cottage), often operated by expatriate owners. These usually rent in blocks of one week, and can be had for as little as €300 per week, depending how far out of town they are. These are self-catering, which is often an appealing option for those who enjoy the fresh and varied ingredients available at the regular markets.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Bordeaux, France.
(Photo:©iStockphoto.com/Brasil2)
