No, Bordeaux is not just about world-class reds, regional cuisines, and vineyards; it’s about a lot more. Interspersed with enticing museums, fantastic Bordeaux nightlife, and sunny beaches, the Bordeaux landscape is also made up of beautiful, wide avenues, neoclassical-styled structures, and manicured, green parks that lend an old-world charm.
As one of the largest cities in France, Bordeaux’s culture is unique and in no way over-shadowed by the bohemian, yet charming Parisian culture. An established business center where ‘doing’ lunch and dinner is part of the cultural etiquette, the city has a thriving restaurant scene, which offers an array of plain to gourmet food and refreshingly good service! But no meal is complete without Bordeaux backyard reds and ‘canele,’ a local dessert made of rum-soaked cake.
For many years, it seemed that all Bordeaux cared about were wines. But now, as the layers of thick dirt are dusted from the Art Nouveau styled town houses, Baroque facades, and flamboyant medieval churches, the city is coming to grips with its historical structures and wealth of rich heritage a gift of the noble and merchant class from bygone eras. Today, the Bordeaux waterfront area along the Garonne River is the hub for upscale hot-spots and entertainment options rather than being the center for prostitution.
If you are planning a trip to the urban-chic French jewel, try to get there anytime from 29th June to 2nd July as this is the time for the Bordeaux Wine Festival. An eight years old festival, it brings together the reputable winemakers, lending the city a debauch atmosphere! Bordeaux Bordeaux Accommodation isn’t a problem in the city as there are several boutique hotels, B&Bs, and other Bordeaux hotels with modern amenities.
After having had your fill of wine tasting, give your palate some rest and amble along the narrow streets, the ornate medieval churches in the heart of the city, and the ancient city squares. Some of the best monuments are the St. Andre Cathedral with Gothic styled spires, the City Hall built in the 18th century, the magnificent St. Serurin Basilica, which is also one of the most renowned attractions in Bordeaux, and the 6th century old Gallo-Roman crypt that’s open from June to September each year. And when the sky is filled with sparkling stars, the ‘Bassin a Flots’ dockland on the far north side of the city comes alive with the sounds of rave, trance, hip-hop and other dance beats from old warehouses, ships and centuries old mansions. The biggest draw is the ‘La Dame de Shanghai,’ a Chinese restaurant in Bordeaux and Bordeaux nightclub that offers free-flowing Cristal Champagne.
After wine, food, sight-seeing, and clubs it’s time for shopping. Hardcore shoppers make a beeline for the Rue Ste-Catherine Blvd, the shops on the side streets and the Rue du Pas St.-Georges with its avant-garde couture shops, bookstores, and more.
Whether you go to Bordeaux once or more, you’ll always be gripped by the city’s joie de vivre and sinful indulgences that will redefine your holiday forever!