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Bordeaux

Travoley
Bordeaux
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Bordeaux Travel Guide

  • About Bordeaux
A port city straddling the sleepy Garonne River, Bordeaux was once known as La Belle au Bois Dormant (‘the Sleeping Beauty’), but following more than two decades of renovation, she has woken up revitalized.At its heart is the UNESCO-listed city centre, which has romantic parks, landscaped quaysides and 18th-century warehouses that now brim with chic bars and restaurants. Indeed, so complete was the makeover from tired backwater to glamorous modern city that the Queen concluded that Bordeaux was “the very essence of elegance” following a visit.The so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ that occupies the area bookended by Cours Clémenceau, Cours de l’Intendance and Allée de Tourny is a prime example of this innate sophistication, featuring a spectacular collection of 18th-century, golden stone neoclassical architecture.Dotted with shops and restaurants, and overshadowed by the mighty Palais de la Bourse, the Garonne riverfront is another spot not to be missed – especially with the shimmering Miroir d’Eau water mirror that reflects the elegant palace.The riverfront has been transformed into one long pleasure park, with a wide quayside that’s perfect for strolling, jogging and cycling. It’s also a new shopping magnet, thanks to the shops that mingle with the riverfront cafés along the Quai des Marques. Just beyond is the rejuvenated Bassins à Flot, a formerly run-down warehouse area that’s now home to the sparkling Cité du Vin.It might be famous for its vino but a brief fling with this French femme fatale is all you need to tell you that there’s more to Bordeaux than booze.
  • Bordeaux History
Known as Burdigala to its original inhabitants, the Celtic Bituriges Vivisci tribe, Bordeaux has a history that is almost as long as it is interesting.Founded around 300BC on the Rive Gauche (left bank) of the River Garonne, its early years were peaceful until the Romans arrived. Not at all happy about the idea of submission, the Bituriges Vivsci fought back and chalked up a rare victory against the men of Rome at the bloody Battle of Burdigala in 107BC.By 60BC, however, the Celts had been defeated and Bordeaux became an important Roman centre for lead and tin mining. The city was so significant that it eventually became the capital of Roman Aquitaine, although its success also made it a target. Sacked in 236AD by the Vandals and again in 409, further damage was caused when the Visigoths attacked in 414 and the Franks in 498.Nevertheless, by the dawn of the 6th century, Bordeaux was rising once again, this time under the auspices of the Merovingians and their successor dynasty, the Carolingians. This growth continued throughout the Middle Ages (the odd sacking notwithstanding), especially after its Duchess Eleanor married Henry II of England.Further expansion followed in the 16th century when it branched out from wine growing and became the primary point of departure and arrival for slaves. Sugar cane also headed to and from the West Indies from here.But despite its riches, it wasn’t until the 18th century that Bordeaux’s golden age arrived. Inspired by their increasing wealth, the burghers of the period decided to give their city a facelift. Its winding medieval streets were duly cleared to make way for grand squares and elegant tree-lined avenues, lined with monumental buildings.Although the World Wars briefly arrested Bordeaux’s development and turned it into a base for the Italian Navy for a while, its real decline set in during the post-war years.However, a recent redevelopment has given the city back its spark and today, Bordeaux is growing once more.
  • Did you know?
Bordeaux is home to more than 5,000 buildings, many of which date from the 16th and 18th centuries. The Bordeaux Grand Theatre, which still hosts a nightly performance, was inaugurated in 1780. Maurius Petipa staged some of his earliest ballets at Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre.
  • Weather in Bordeaux
The best time to visit Bordeaux is between April and October, excluding the months of July and August which can get very crowded and hot. In addition, a lot of the vineyards, which are otherwise open, are closed during these two months to prepare for the harvest season.June is a very good time to visit, as the city’s festivals, fairs and flea markets spring into action, while September and October are also good months to visit. Winters in Bordeaux tend to be wet and mild.

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