Bordeaux Tourist Guide

Bordeaux is found in the Aquitaine region of France and is known for its famous wine production although the region and city also contains many historical and architectural thrills.  It is located in the southwest of France and is bordered by the Pyrenees, Spain, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8^th century, but due to its glamorization in movies and films the area has become much more known as the wine capitol of the world.  There are 30,000 acres of land where the red wine is produced which is known as the best and most expensive red wine in the world.

The most popular Bordeaux wines that are produced in the region are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.  The region is very rich due to the wine industry which supports the tourism area with a wide variety of samplings and tours.  Half of the homes owned in the region are holiday homes that are owned by the English while the other half belong to those who work in the wine industry primarily.

Outside of the wine industry, Bordeaux also has many other geographical treats for visitors such as large beaches that are used for surfing and rolling hills that contain many top ski resorts.

Tourist sites outside of the wineries include the Golden Triangle which is a large shopping area known as one of the best in Europe that is also a part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site list.  It is an architectural wonder since it is made up of many buildings from the 13^th century that contains chain and local shops.

Other site seeing locations in the city of Bordeaux include the Sainte Catherine which is a large street that is made for walking that contains hundreds of boutique shops and local small shops.  Many of the largest designers in the world own boutique shops that are found along this street.

Those who want to take home a bit of culture on their trip to Bordeaux may also enjoy a tour or opera at La Grand Theatre which was built in the 1770’s and is one of the last 18^th century theatres still in existence around the world.  Of particular interest inside the theatre are its twelve Corinthian columns that are topped by statues of the Muses and other goddesses.

Another prominent architectural wonder found in Bordeaux is the Cathedral St. Andre which is found in the southern corner of Bordeaux which dates back to the 13^th century.  Located nearby is the Basilique St.-Michel which contains the second tallest stone tower throughout all of France known as the Fleche St-Michel.