BORDEAUX HOTEL DEALS

COMPARE BORDEAUX HOTELS

BORDEAUX BREAKS

Bordeaux is the world’s wine capital. The city draws many visitors worldwide to sample the famous Bordeaux wine which has been produced since the 8th century. Situated on the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the capital of Aquitaine and France’s fifth largest city.  If you want an intoxicating sojourn, this is the place for you.

Bordeaux once belonged to the British for 300 years, as such the city was considered by many to be the “un-French” of all French cities even up to today. While the city may not exude the sophisticated vitality that Paris is known for, Bordeaux still makes its mark as an architectural jewel. Home to one of Europe’s largest 18th century architectural urban areas, Bordeaux is sought after as a prime destination for tourists and movie production crews.
One can begin his tour of the city with a nice leisurely stroll at the golden triangle of Old Bordeaux, said to be the loveliest, most intriguing and most historic neighbourhood. Or you can also start your tour at the heart of Old Bordeaux itself, place de la Comedie, now a busy traffic center standing on what had been the sites of an ancient Roman temple. From there you can continue north to see esplanade des Quinconces or to the smaller but just as lovely square of place de la Bourse which is bounded by quays that open onto the river Garonne and flanked by the Custom House and the Stock Exchange.  At the center of this square is the fountain of the Three Graces.

From here you can walk north to esplanade des Quinconces. It was laid out between 1818 and 1828 and covers nearly 12 hectares (30 acres). A smaller but lovelier square is place de la Bourse, bounded by quays opening onto the Garonne. It was laid out between 1728 and 1755; the fountain of the Three Graces is at its center. Flanking the square are the Custom House and the Stock Exchange.

One major attraction in Bordeaux is the Grand Theater situated on the square of place de la Comedie. Grand Theater is the cultural symbol of the city. It was built between the years of 1773 and 1780 to stand witness to the growing prosperity of Bordeaux rising bourgeoisie. The Grand Theater in Bordeaux stands to rival the theaters of Naples, Stockholm and Milan as one of the last remaining 18th century theaters in the world. Its façade is graced by a colonnade of 12 columns and surmounted with statues of goddesses and the Muses.

Cathedrale St. Andre is also a renowned landmark in the city of Bordeaux standing as the city’s largest and most flamboyant church. The other four important churches of the city include the charming church of Basilique St. Michel, which was constructed in stages from the 14th century to the 16th century. Right across this church is the impressive tower of Fleche St. Michel. Erected in 1472 and rising 112m, Fleche St. Michel is the second highest stone tower in France. If one has the energy for it, he can climb the 228 steps of this tower to get to the top where one can enjoy extensive views over the port and the river Garonne.

Basilique St. Seurin at place des Martyrs de la Resistance is another interesting church in Bordeaux. The church’s most ancient sections like its crypt dates all the way back from the 5th century.

The church of Abbatiale Ste. Croix at place Pierre-Renaudel is greatly revered for its stately grandeur. This severe Romanesque structure dates back from the 11th and 12th century.

Another must-see site at Bordeaux is the Musee des Beaux Arts, which houses an amazing collection of works from the 15th to the 20th centuries including displayed works of the famous Perugina, Titian, Rubens, Veronese, Delacroix and Marquet.

Pont de Pierre is Bordeaux’s finest and one of France’s most beautiful bridges. Pont de Pierre has 17 arches all in all and stretches for 478m.

At night, you can start your evening right with a play or an opera at the Grand Theater or enjoy an exciting night out drinking and playing with chance at Casino de Bordeaux. One can also head to quai du Paludate to party at its bars and discos up to the wee hours of the morning. Day or night, there’s always something in Bordeaux to take your breath away.

Find flights to France and compare flight prices with all the major airlines and travel agents.

Other City Breaks in Europe