OT de Bordeaux

WELCOME TO BORDEAUX

If Bordeaux, included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, owes its renowned name to its famous vineyards, it is its history, so intimately linked to its river that today invites the visitor to discover its extraordinary heritage.

When you see the cruise ships moored in the very heart of the city, how can one forget that it is the Port de la Lune (Port of the Moon) that has welcomed ships from around the world since antiquity ´

Can you fully appreciate the architectural and urban qualities of the 18th century city (the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse), Grand Théâtre, Allées de Tourny.) without knowing it is all thanks to the remarkable international wine, wood and spice trade of the city ´

All the quarters of the city are witnesses to its history : Saint-Pierre situated on the very spot of the Gallo-Roman port of Burdigala, Saint-Michel and its Gothic spire, Saint-Eloi with its picturesque cobbled streets, the City Hall quarter with its Cathedral and the Palais Rohan.

In addition to the wine, the river and the arts, Bordeaux also possesses numerous museums and cultural sites in which the pleasures of the eye combine with those of the spirit : Musée d'Aquitaine, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of Modern Art...

But Bordeaux is not content with paying homage to its past founders or being the wine capital of the world. Bordeaux can be discovered through its numerous parks, gentle climate, quality of life and gastronomic pleasures and nightlife, not to mention its proximity to the Bassin d'Arcachon and the Atlantic Ocean, the Perigord rich in prehistory, Gascony, the Basque Country, the forest of the Landes and the Pyrenees.

A simple walk or a guided visit, a voyage into history or out of time, unique panoramas and viewpoints, wine tastings and gastronomy. All you need do is come and visit Bordeaux.

We are waiting for you.

Bordeaux has been officially included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as of 28 June 2007. This distinction recognises the beauty and unity of style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries and remained remarkably well-preserved. The Bordeaux World Heritage site is the largest urban entity to be so honoured. It covers 1,810 hectares, or half of the city, from the outer boulevards to the banks of the Garonne.

A rich concentration of monuments in a dynamic city
With over 350 historic monuments in a protected area of 147 hectares, as well as 3 churches (Saint-André, Saint-Michel, and Saint-Seurin) that were already listed as World Heritage sites on the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela, Bordeaux had a number of assets to convince the jury.

Bordeaux, an 18th century architectural gem, owes its beauty to architects spanning a number of periods: Jacques Gabriel Les Allées de Tourny, Victor Louis Le Grand Théâtre, Jacques d'Welles the municipal stadium, and Richard Rogers, who designed not only the Beaubourg Centre in Paris, but also the Bordeaux Court of First Instance.

Above and beyond its lovely architecture, Bordeaux was chosen for its attractive, vibrant, and cosmopolitan districts. From the narrow streets of the Saint-Michel quarter to buildings from the 60s and 70s in Mériadeck, these districts reflect the life of a city that has evolved without losing its character or identity.

Bordeaux's successful bid as a World Heritage site also relied on several ambitious urban renewal projects begun in 1996 under the impetus of mayor Alain Juppé. These include development of the quays along the Garonne River, the restoration of many façades, and a light rail transit system.

An even greater attraction to tourists
Tourism in Bordeaux had already developed considerably following the city's extensive facelift. However, it will now be entering a new dimension thanks to the UNESCO listing, undoubtedly exceeding the 2.5 million visitors a year Bordeaux currently welcomes. As of Saturday, 7 July, and in order to celebrate this event, the Bordeaux Tourist Office is organising a new tour within the perimeter defined by UNESCO - a night time tour to discover the city's most beautiful monuments under floodlights!

The Tourisme Office propose you a BORDEAUX DECOUVERTE PACKAGE STARTING reserved for individuals and includes:

• Two nights in a double room at a 2, 3, 4 or 5 start hotel including breakfeast
• A guided tour of Bordeaux
• A guided tour and tasting at wine chateaux
• A pass that provides free access to main sites, monuments and museums
• A pass that provides free access on urban public transportation lines, (5 trips), if requested
• A free bottle of wine per hotel room.
• A free glass of Champagne per person offered at the Casino Theatre Barrière of Bordeaux-Lac

Booking : http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/uk/preparer_son_sejour/forfaits/forfaits_bordeaux_decouverte.html

Listen to Bordeaux (not included in the package)
Enjoy a night out at the Opera House and discover its varied programs of opera, concerts and ballet in this splendid XVIIIth century monument recently classified by UNESCO.
Opera House / Information & booking : www.opera-bordeaux.com / tel.: 33 (0)5 56 00 85 65