A world renowned wine capital, the city of Montaigne and the architectural jewel of the eighteenth century, Bordeaux is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the first distinguished urban set on such a vast and complex space. Each sector has maintained a character and unity that form the coherence of the whole. Finally, Bordeaux has been focusing over recent years on valuing the banks of its river and reviving its port tradition. The one who marries the curve of the Garonne is a beautiful and altering city with bold modernism, the «pearl of Aquitaine».
The ancient Burdigala
The origins of Bordeaux would rise at least in the Ve century B.C. It is one of the most opulent cities in Gaul. Between 40 and 60 BC are established the first vineyards. In the twelfth century, the city is attached to the English Crown. The city regains its splendor and expands. It prospers in the thirteenth century thanks to wine trade. In the middle of the seventeenth century, Bordeaux knows its second apogee until the French Revolution. Its port becomes the first of the kingdom and its city center one of the most important. The eighteenth century leaves the beautiful order of its golden facades on the docks, its squares, its great alleys. Archbishops, stewards and governors beautify the city. The city is also one of the European capitals of the Enlightenment. In the nineteenth century, it regained its status as a great colonial port. Modernization continues with industrialization: Bordeaux welcomes the first railway line in May 1841.
A reinvented city
As of 1995, enormous work gives the capital of Aquitaine its glory of the past while bringing it into the twenty-first century: This renaissance is transformed into a luminous and airy city, and it turns the «beautiful sleeping» into a bright and airy city. Among the many jewels of the past are the wharf buildings, decorated with mascarons and staples. Designed by the architect of Louis XV, Jacques Gabriel, around 1740, this urban facade extends over a kilometer along the Garonne. It is one of the most beautiful classic windows in the city, including the majestic set of the stock market. The old harbor hangars have been converted into bars and restaurants and, on the summer evenings, they spread their terrace with a magnificent view of the river.
Museum Development
Another marvelous, gold-and-French style, the Grand Theater of Neoclassical style, completed in 1780, close to the Great Men's Quarter. The magnificent Rohan Palace, seat of the city hall of Bordeaux since 1835, also marks the modernization of the city in the eighteenth century. The charm of narrow alleys, beautiful renovated plots, theaters of urban life and beautiful neighborhoods are rich in surprises. By walking, push the door of their many museums: from prehistory to contemporary art, through natural history, the history of the Resistance or that of customs, archeology and regional ethnography, fine arts, or decorative arts, Bordeaux museums are rich in high quality collections. Among the outstanding cultural achievements of the twentieth century, CAPC, Museum of Contemporary Art located in old Lainé warehouses. Quickly becoming a national and international reference, he has a collection of artists who marked the 1960 s and early 1970 s.
From the Saint-Pierre neighborhood to the Sainte-Croix district, dominated by the high tower of the abbey church of the same name, the squares of Old Bordeaux are located in one of the largest architectural ensembles in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A former religious Faubourg, Saint Michel, built around its basilica, is a living area with its restaurants and bars becoming the daily meeting of the young people of Bordeaux. We're getting deeper into the past by going to the Saint-Éloi neighborhood, and then back to centuries closer by crossing Pey-Berland Square where the cathedral of Saint-André is located, a pure wonder in the French Gothic style. For the most beautiful view of the city center, just climb into its Pey-Berland tower or tower, 231 meters away. The architecture of the 1970 s in the Mériadeck district is then penetrated. The Sainte-Eulalie neighborhood, located on the southwest corner of the medieval bulwark and built around its parish church, remains very rich in historical and archeological remains. It was the starting point to Santiago de Compostela. Among the numerous convents, those of the Annonciades and Notre-Dame still exist. In the city center, the place des Quinconces, one of the largest in Europe with its twelve hectares, is the central knot of tramways. His gentle steep esplanade descends towards the Garonne. The public garden, imagined in the eighteenth century, extends over several hectares.
Small tower around the corner
Some neighboring communes are also not to be missed. Mérignac offers us its tower of Veyrines, its green oak castle and its square house of Arlac, one of the most beautiful "follies" of the metropolitan area of Bordeaux. Pessac is an exceptional site showing the modern architectural heritage in France, as evidenced by the Frugès city (Le Corbusier). Talence is fortunate to have many outstanding sites and buildings: The chartreuse and Peixotto Park, the Raba Castle and its eighteenth century wood, the monumental castle of Thouars and its royal wood. Then Bègles, known for its museum of free creation; Floirac with its field of Burthe; Cenon, a flower city with its church Saint-Roman; and finally Lormont, the harbor, the bridge and its place. For longer stays, the Landes Regional Park leads to the Arcachon basin and its unmissable dune dune in Pyla, Europe's largest sandy formation, not forgetting the wild and very trendy Cape Ferret. The Teich ornithological park is recognized internationally for bird conservation: six kilometers of walk, twenty huts to observe some 250 species of wild birds. Finally, Bordeaux opens up to large wine-growing regions that are very touristic and known around the world: Bordeaux, Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, Côtes-de-Bourg, Blaye and Saint-Émilion.
A renowned carnival
The Two Rives Carnival is a good opportunity to visit Bordeaux and its region. From February 24-28, the city will be celebrating. Especially during the big parade on Sunday 28! Like every year, Bordeaux will then animate from coast to coast to celebrate its carnival. A convivial and convivial moment in which participants, Bordelais or others, have the chance to discover new cultures. Of course there are parades and colorful characters, but not only because shows, concerts and activities for small and large are organized throughout the day. Don't miss out if you're around at that time!
Smart News
When is it? The ocean climate brings a certain sweetness to Bordeaux all year round. Cultural life is flourishing all year round with festivals and many creative places. And on Sunday February 28, it's Carnival!
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