Situated in the south west of France, Bordeaux is a destination for tourists from all over the world. There are so many things you can do in Bordeaux a city filled with culture, history, and fun that I will write several articles listing the Gers attractions. Here are the first three.
• Sample the Wine – Bordeaux is the red wine capital of the world. Each year, the region produces 800 million bottles of the finest wine in the world. The best way to sample this is by visiting the charming chateaux that dot the countryside.
• Browse the Museums – Bordeaux has several very renowned museums. Satisfy your curiosity about wine by visiting the Vinorama, a talking wax museum that chronicles the history of Bordeaux wine, or the Bordeaux Wines Museum, which exhibits the history of the city’s wine merchants. The Museum of Fine Arts has a vast collection that features art from the 17th to the 20th century. The Museum of Modern Art exhibits contemporary works and often presents concerts or performances. The Museum of Decorative Arts features classic furniture, decorative paintings, and sculptures. The Natural History Museum exhibits animals and fossils from the region. The Museum of Aquitaine chronicles the history of the region, from pre-history to modern times. There’s also the Center Jean Moulin, a museum dedicated to World War II’s Resistance and Free France movements. • Wander the Streets – For a glimpse of art or history in Bordeaux all you need to do is walk through the city’s streets. Many buildings in Vieux Bordeaux have retained their charm and character over the years. For historical views of the city walk through the Quartier Saint-Eloi. There, you will see the Grosse Cloche, the great bell which once rang from the old Town Hall’s belfry. Continuing along the Victor Hugo Avenue, you will see the Porte de Bourgogne, a massive stone arch that was once one of the gateways to the city.
• See the Cathedrals – In Bordeaux, the steeple that dominates the skyline belongs to the Saint Andre Cathedral. The site of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s wedding to England’s Henry II. Recently renovated, this 11th century sandstone building is the biggest cathedral in Bordeaux. However Bordeaux also has two other cathedrals which are worth seeing. The Saint Michel Cathedral has an extraordinary steeple called La Fleche or the arrow, which stands 114 meters high. At the Saint-Seurin Basilica, you can step into early Christian history and see the tomb of Saint Forte. All three cathedrals are UNESCO World Heritage sites as they are part of the French pilgrimage trails to Santiago de Compostela.
As always our Gite with pool in nearby Gers is perfectly located to explore Bordeaux and then relax in beautiful rural countryside with a glass of your favourite Bordeaux wine.