Bordeaux - the capital of wine

History of Bordeaux starts around 300 BC, as a small Celtic settlement, named Burdigala. Romans tried to conquer it, and after a long period of struggle it finally fell in their hands around 60 BC. Bordeaux was important resource of tin and lead for Rome, and later on became capital of Roman province called Aquitaine.

City had dark period, during several attacks by Vandals in 3th and 5th century, and Visigoths and Franks in 5th century. Bordeaux was ruined and sacked by these attacks. Finally city recovered with Frankish rule and new position as a capital of this county. It developed in major urban center of Frankish duchy of Vasconia. Several attacks by Vikings during 9th century were stopped by Frankish Dukes.

First golden period for Bordeaux came in 12th century, with marriage of Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine with Count Henri Plantagenet, who soon after became King Henry II of England. Thanks to wine trade to England Bordeaux flourished. That period didn’t last long, until 15th century, when France regained power over this region. New castles and forts were built to show French domination, but city still suffered from the loss of wine trade with England. Trade was reestablished in 16th century, along side sugar and slave trade from West Indies, and one of the centers of that trade was Bordeaux.

In 18th century Bordeaux had major reconstruction. Most of downtown buildings were rebuilt in new “modern” style, what will later become inspiration for transformation of Paris from its medieval look to stunning capital of France. Most of the buildings that make Bordeaux beautiful date back from that time.

On several occasions Bordeaux was home to French government, which had to move from Paris in the heat of war. That happened during Franco-Prussian war, in First and in Second World War.

Bordeaux houses 362 historical monuments. Only city in France with more monuments is Paris.

BETASOM submarine base was built here by the Italians, who used it together with Germans, for the Battle of Atlantic during Second World War. After the war it was quite difficult to reconstruct the base, so it was decided to leave it as it is, to be used as a tourist attraction, and venue for performing arts, exhibitions and evening events.

Very interesting history of Bordeaux is displayed in the Museum of Aquitaine, in the center of the city, and for those who love art, Fine arts Museum is one of the richest painting galleries in France, housing masterpieces from painters like Tiziano, Rubens, Van Dyck, Delacroix, Renoir, Seurat, and Picasso.

Bordeaux is one of the gastronomy centers of France. City has restaurants of all kinds, from typical French to Asian, African or Arabian. If you want to try regional cuisine, the best place for it is La Tupina. Meals are made of fresh local products, and they are large size. International Herald Tribune named this restaurant Second Best Bistro in the world.

If you’re hungry and not really sure what to eat, pay a visit to Cassolette Café and order their specialty - "le menu goutatout" which is a meal that consists of 5 small dishes, including dessert, which gives you “a little bit of everything”.

For a lunch with the view L'Estacade is the choice. It offers, for very reasonable price good food with the view on the Garonne River.

Most of the pubs and bars are located on the Place de la Victoire. There is variety of choice, so you will find what suits you.

If you’re fan of pubs, Dick Turpin's is one of the oldest in Bordeaux, and Le Frog and Rosbif is all-English stuff pub, popular with football and rugby enthusiasts.

Bordeaux is synonym for wine. This region is second largest wine-growing region in the world with production of over 800 million bottles each year. Perfect outdoor activity is to visit one of the major vineyards of this region, such as Canon Fronsac, Saint Emilion or Sauternes. Another option is to pay a visit to small wine production cellars located within numerous châteaux. Tours are arranged daily from Bordeaux, with optional sleepover, or bike tour around countryside.

For sea lovers, Atlantic Ocean is just 50 minutes away by train from Bordeaux. 250km of sandy beaches give opportunity for swimming, picnic, walk, bike ride and other activities.
Nearby is small sea-side town Arcachon, oyster production capital of the region.
Next to the town there is the largest sand dune in Europe - Dune of Pilat. Climb 110m high dune, and enjoy view at the ocean from above. It is definitely worth effort. And afterwards, treat yourself with a drink at small café in the base of the dune, on the beach.

If you travel further inland from Bordeaux, you should visit Saint Emilion, UNESCO Heritage village. It dates way back to prehistoric times. It has small stone buildings, narrow streets, fascinating Romanesque churches, and of course vineyards at the edge of the village.

Every year capital of wine hosts Wine festival. For 4 days, river front becomes venue for shops, wine exhibition, performance arts, concerts and it all finishes with beautiful firework over the river. Everything is followed by great food and best wine.

In 2015, Bordeaux will be host to one of the biggest boat shows in the world. In 10 day event on Garonne River, yacht, sailboats and stunning vessels from around the world will parade and compete, followed by music, food and drink.

Bordeaux has its airport in the west part of the city. It serves both for domestic flights from around the country, as well as for international flights from London, Madrid and Amsterdam. From airport to the city center you can use express bus or regular public transport.

Train connections with Bordeaux are very good. Trains come daily from Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Montpellier, all the way up to Nice. It takes only 3 hours to get to Bordeaux from Paris.

If you are coming by car, you can reach Bordeaux from north using A10 highway or from south taking A63 highway.

Good opportunity for those who ride bikes is that Bordeaux is on one of the routes of European Bike Express

Buses go from north of UK, far to the south of France and Bordeaux is a regular stop.

Then book a hotel in Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France and check it out.

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