Bordeaux

A conservative city, Bordeaux displays its 18th Century buildings with pride, especially the Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux’s former Place Royale, where they are reflected in a mirror of water. Not far away, in the Place de la Comédie, the Grand Théâtre with its peristyle façade is a neo-classical gem. In the surrounding area, the Golden Triangle is packed with luxury boutiques, tucked into mansions of great beauty. Why not take advantage of Heritage Days to discover the spire of Saint Michel, the Palais Gallien or the Saint Seurin archaeological site? Bordeaux is on a human scale and lends itself to trips by bicycle along the converted quaysides of the Garonne to the green Parc Bordelais, a haven of tranquillity in the Caudéran district, valued by joggers and amateur footballers who re-enact matches of the Girondins, now housed in the New Bordeaux Stadium opened in May 2015.

Stroll through its streets to discover that Bordeaux has always had trade in its soul. Its traditional houses, the famous Bordeaux échoppes are a testament to this. Turned into homes, these single-storey buildings give a unique appearance to Aquitaine’s capital city. Buying fever is always alive here, from the Marché des Capucins to the flea market to the Mériadeck shopping mall which takes centre stage in the modernist business district.

Because this city nicknamed “the Sleeping Beauty” has woken up, renovating its wasteland and its warehouses along the Garonne. A new arty way of life has been born. New locations, such as the Caserne Niel supplement the elegant Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Aquitaine and the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, located in a magnificent mansion.

For the Bordeaux Fair and the 14 July national holiday, every pretext is a good one for revealing the city’s festive nature. The Hyper Centre overflows with live music bars, such as the Rocher de Palmer, and fine dining, such as Etchebest’s recently opened Quatrième Mur. Like the more laid back Wine Bar or Max Bordeaux, it celebrates the universally acknowledged flavours of a wine region of international standing.

Is it actually possible to stay in Bordeaux without discovering its wines? The city is intrinsically linked to the ruby nectar. You must leave the Left Bank where Bordeaux’s attractions are concentrated, crossing the Garonne by the Stone Bridge, to head to the great wine estates. Around forty kilometres long, the Route des Vins, the wine route, promises a voyage of the senses into the heart of what is unique to France. The legendary vineyards come one after the other: Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Graves, Sauternes and Pomerol.

In contrast, on the other side of Bordeaux, the Zoo de Pessac sets the tone for a beautiful natural break. The seashore offers a variety of locations and landscapes which will delight surfers, joggers or ramblers, and still others cyclists. First and foremost is Arcachon Bay, lapped by lagoon-coloured waters and the Dune of Pilat, the highest in Europe. Taking a tour of its Reserve in a pinasse, a traditional local boat, is especially re-energising. The oyster farmers’ shacks of the Cape Ferret peninsula, valued by Starck or Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet, complete the range of delights offered by the Bordeaux region. Enjoy a dozen oysters in these charming surroundings to finish off your stay in all this beauty.