Bordeaux Apartment Types

Bordeaux – a major metropolis and the second largest wine growing region in the world – this fascinating city rich in history, culture and World Heritage Sites is a popular destination and the new hot-spot in France.

History

Around 300 BC Bordeaux was the settlement of the Celtic tribe the Bituriges Vivisci who named the town Burdigala. Around 60 BC the city fell under Roman rule where it played an important role in the commerce of tin and lead. The city became the capital of Roman Aquitaine where it flourished particularly in the Severan dynasty. During the late 6th century the city re-emerged as the seat of a county and an archdiocese within the Merovingian Kingdom of the Franks but the city fell into obscurity as royal power in Southern Gaul waned in the late 7th century. In the late 10th century the city was inherited by the Dukes of Gascony and during the 12th-15th centuries Bordeaux flourished under the rule of England due primarily to wine trade. Between 1362 and 1372 the city became capital of an independent state under Edward, the Black Prince and after the Battle of Castillon in 1453 the city was annexed by France. During the 16th century the city became an important centre of trade, namely wine. The 18th century was Bordeaux’s golden age and many of the city’s famous buildings (UNESCO World Heritage listed) are from this period.  Bordeaux today is a major French metropolis, the 7th largest in the country, and is still one of the world’s major wine industry centres.

Getting In & Getting Around

Bordeaux Mérignac Airport is 12km (8 miles) west of the city, serving mainly domestic flights as well as a number of international destinations including London, Madrid and Amsterdam. Express bus services connect the airport to the city centre. The main train station is Gare Saint Jean, located just 4km (2 miles) from the city centre, serves a number of French cities including Paris, Toulouse, Marseille and Montpellier. Bordeaux is quite a large city but the city centre is relatively compact and mainly pedestrianised making it easy to get around on foot. The city also boasts a high-tech transport system of trams, bus and electric bus.

Culture, Sights and Attractions

As a historical city there is much to see and do in Bordeaux. There are a number of famous buildings to be seen including the Place de la Bourse, Saint André Cathedral and the Grand Théâtre. The Pont de Pierre is an iconic bridge which crosses the Garonne linking the left bank to the quartier de la Bastide. The Rue Sainte-Catherine is a pedestrian only shopping street located in the heart of Bordeaux. Home to 1.2 km of shops, restaurants and cafés it is the longest shopping street in Europe starting at the Place de la Victoire and ending at the Place de la Comédie. If you’re feeling energetic walk along the scenic Esplanade des Quinconces which overlooks the pretty Garonne River or climb the 243 steps of the tower of the Saint-Michel Basilica for unrivalled views over the city.

Eating Out

Gastronomy is highly regarded in Bordeaux with a wide selection of restaurants located all over the city. Regional cuisine from all parts of France can be found in a range of Bordeaux restaurants as well as a lot of African, Asian and Arabian food. There is an excellent range of cafés and bakeries serving good coffee and exquisite pastries and a number of superb bistros serving fine wines and delicious food.       

Outside The City

From Bordeaux you will be able to explore a number of nearby towns and villages. Some of Bordeaux’s most famous wines are produced in vineyards just to the north of the city. Take a day trip and see how the wine is produced, sample some of the world’s finest wines and, if the mood takes you, enjoy the ultimate indulgent experience with a spot of Vinotherapie (wine therapy). The oldest vineyard of Bordeaux lies in the Graves region to the south of the city. Stretching along the Garonne River it is a great spot for those interested in history with its abundance of towns and monuments to explore. Archanon is a seaside town just 40-50 minutes away by train. This beautiful town is known for its oyster production and seafood restaurants as well as the largest non salt water lake (Hourtins’ Lake) in France and the biggest sand dune in Europe. Saint Emilion is a well known vineyard and town of the same name. A World Heritage Site, this area is home to a large number of typical wineries and historic castles including the Chateau de Curton and Chateau de Camarsac.  

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