ABOUT BORDEAUX

Capital of Aquitaine, France, Bordeaux is famous for its various wines, which are considered among the best in the world. However, it is also a very nice place to visit... for other reasons. The city itself is one of the 5 biggest cities in France, with a population of about 660,000 people, including suburbs. It is a very lively place, with large student (Bordeaux Campus is the biggest in France) and foreigner communities. Bordeaux is considered a very tolerant and relaxed place - no one will bother you about your political beliefs, religion, or sexual orientation. The cultural, artistic, and music scenes are very vibrant. The city was ruled by the English for a long time, that is why Bordeaux seems to have an "English flair".

Bordeaux is a flat city, built on the banks of the Garonne River. The city center is located west and south of the Garonne. To the east are a few hills - the only ones in the vicinity. These hills mark the beginning of an industrial zone and suburbs. Because it is a flat city, bicycles make excellent modes of transport, especially as the city has more than 580 km of cycle tracks. Bordeaux is among the most economically buoyant cities in France. There are no skyscrapers in Bordeaux, just a few tall buildings due to the weakness of the subsoil, which explains its sprawl. The center of the town has retained its traditional stone mansions and smart terraces, which is probably the reason behind the city being called "Little Paris".

Bordeaux's Merignac Airport is located west of the city. It's a regional airport which serves mostly domestic flights, though there are international flights as well connecting Bordeaux to some European "hub" airports like Paris (Orly and Roissy), London The main train station (Gare Saint Jean) is located about 4km from the center of town.

Each district in Bordeaux (listed above) has a lot of things to offer:

• North of Les Quais, over the river, the Aquitaine Bridge is an architectural achievement unique in France. • Do not miss the Victory Arch (Roman architecture), at the center of La Victoire.

• Rest for a while in the wide Public Garden, north of Gambetta square.

• And of course checkout the statues and the Girondins memorial on the Quinconces square.

• The MUSEE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN at 7, rue Ferrère, 33000 Bordeaux is definitely worth a visit, if you are interested in modern art. In summer 2004 there was a marvelous video installation "1 hour portrait". The exhibition is not too big, so you need maybe 1,5 hours. Tel. 33 (0)5 56 00 81 50.

• The MUSEE D'AQUITAINE in 20, cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux, shows a very interesting exhibition also for children about the history of the region. Tel : 33 (0)5 56 01 51 00. The ticket costs about 4 euros.

Source:  Wikitravel.org