Regions
But what is there to do in Bordeaux apart from wine?
Bordeaux may be more commonly known for its wine but there are a multitude of other activities in store for its visitors. You can travel by rickshaw, stop off at a wine bar, splash in the Mirroir d’Eau, take a cooking class, jump on the tram, pick up some tips at a wine school, visit flea markets, antiques markets, organic food markets, farmers markets, visit a museum, hire a bike or shop, hang glide off the largest sand dune in Europe or discover the oyster beds and small islands in the bay of Arcachon. Shop for vintage clothes, designer clothes, cheese, wine, foie gras caviar, caneles and their molds to make them at home or just sit at a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. The reasons to visit Bordeaux today are many!
Wine
Bordeaux is the most well known wine region in the world without a doubt. It is also the largest in France with over 118,000 hectares ( 291,000 acres) of vines. The chateaux and wineries have enormously increased their capacity for visits and hospitality in the past 10 years. Numerous properties have established hotels, restaurants or tables d’hôte (simple meals upon request), museums, reception rooms for special interest groups and culinary tours, wine shops and even high tech wine tasting classes. Most chateaux have at least one person entirely dedicated to hosting the winery visit and most offer visits in several languages. The possibilities for individuals and small groups are endless.
Culture & History
Bordeaux is one of France’s finest examples of 18th & 19th century architecture but its origins date from nearly 2500 years ago when the Bituriges Vivisques, a Celtic tribe settled along the Garonne. Its strategic location contributed to trade and therefore the town flourished over the centuries. Bordeaux was classified a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. The town boasts 347 protected edifices and 64 classified historical monuments.
The Atlantic Ocean coast line
One does not regularly think of Bordeaux as a coastal town. From La Rochelle to the Landes, the coast is full of beautiful beaches. Some are great for surfing, Soulac or Lacanau, where international competitions are held every year, others for hang gliding, such as the dune du Pyla, the largest sand dune in Europe. Climb to the top of the Dune (they have recently installed stairs) and you have a view that dominates the Bay of Arcachon and Cap Ferret. You will also find sailing/ boating, oyster huts on Cap Ferret, the town of Arcachon and its villas. The Landes area is wild with small villages, pine forests leading to sand dunes and deserted beaches with phenomenal waves and very strong currents. Swimmers beware!
Gastronomy
Food and wine are both integral to the French culture and more so in Bordeaux where the two take on mammoth importance. The town boasts 3 Michelin-starred chefs and more and more rising stars wanting to follow in their footsteps.
Other Regions coming soon!
You can look forward to an ever-increasing selection of wine regions as we expand our knowledge and our proposals. Watch our blog post entries for further details.
