"VincentJJ's new Bordeaux Page" a Bordeaux Travel Page by VincentJJ

BORDEAUX THE ELEGANT


Since the 18th century, the city of Bordeaux has assumed a majestic air and prided itself on an elegance which it has never lost. Rich in history, culture, arts, music, legendary wines and cuisine, Bordeaux is not only the wine capital of the world, but also a vibrant center of trade, industry and business.

ELEGANCE THROUGHOUT THE STREETS
Perhaps the best way to immerse oneself in its sophistication is to start with a tour of Bordeaux's panoramic views. Then explore the central districts from the Quartier des Chartrons to the Esplanade des Quinquonces. Go down the alleyways of Tourny, and turn off towards the Quartier des Grands Hommes. Admire the church of Notre-Dame and the Cloister of the Dominican convent. Through Passage Sarget, enter the ancient courtyard of Fossés de l'Intendance, the triumphal route of princes, kings and heads of state and proceed towards Place de la Comédie. Admire the Grand Théâtre and enjoy a quiet walk to the river via the Cours du Chapeau Rouge, the residential quarter of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Down rue des Piliers-de-Tutelle join the romantic, covered passage of Galeries Bordelaises.

Then stroll along the quay to Place de la Bourse, formerly Place Royale dedicated to king Louis XV. Just next to it, stop in Place du Parlement, formerly Place du Marché Royal. Continue towards Place Saint-Pierre (which gives you a strange feeling of crossing a series of film sets; of course, "Les Misérables"... Bordeaux has been filmed so often!) Don't miss the Hôtel de Sèze — its interior decoration is one of the finest examples of an 18th century Bordeaux home. Then, Place Camille Jullian and Place du Palais.

Go to the old salt fish merchant district, the quartier de la Rousselle, and visit the family house of Montaigne who was twice Mayor of Bordeaux, at 23, rue de la Rousselle. Continue until you reach the quartier Saint-Eloi where the Grosse Cloche, the symbol of the city, stands against Saint-Eloi church. Cross Cours Victor Hugo towards the quartier du Mirail, filled with privately owned mansions and continue to Place Camille-Pelletan and quartier Saint-Michel.

Then turn back towards the quartier de la République to soak up the atmosphere of this group of neo-classical Bordeaux buildings. See the Saint-André cathedral and the Palais Rohan, the former archbishop's palace and now the City Hall. Don't forget the city's long-standing love affair with art and visit its 15 museums — Museum of Aquitaine, Fine Arts Museum, Decorative Arts Museum, the Customs Museum, the Bordeaux Wines Museum (which houses an astonishing collection of wine in its cellars), and Maison des Métiers de l'imprimerie (the Printing Trade museum), to name a few. To complete your tour, go to the Modern Art museum which displays some monumental works beneath the golden vaults of the old Entrepôts Lainé.

THE ELEGANCE OF GREAT WINES
Sample with sensuous delight the really great wines of Bordeaux. See what you think of the marriage of particular dishes and wines — oysters with fruity Graves, foie gras with Sauternes, shad with great Médoc vintages, game with Saint Emilion. Don't forget to try the celebrated hundred-year-old Bordeaux aperitif, red or white Lillet. Taste some "bouchons" (almond paste petits fours flavored with Bordeaux liqueur brandy) "pavés" (chocolate fondant) and the wonderful "canelés" (small cakes made with egg yolks). Finally, indulge yourself in a tour of the vineyards to learn more about the 57 appellations of the six great families of Bordeaux wine.

B O R D E A U X , the old city and the famous wine's!
There's where I will go and live in about some year's.
Not far from the beach, and not far from the mountains with their many SKI - resorts!
Bordeaux where my youngest son; French/Dutch(!) (ALEXIS) is born!
Januari 4 2001.

The famous Big Bell of Bordeaux.

A QUICK TOUR OF BORDEAUX
While we recommend you pick up a city guide for all of the museums, galleries and attractions in Bordeaux, listed below are a few "must do" attractions which are not known to all tourists.

Please be sure to double-check the information listed below to verify that it is current. When calling from the U.S., dial 011 for international calls, then the country code for France (33) and skip the first 0.

La Maison du Vin de Bordeaux
Before going off to visit the vineyards, stop by the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, which is situated in the heart of the city, just in front of the Tourist Bureau. Here you'll find precise information such as maps, vineyard guides, information on each district or appellation, etc. in English, French, German, and many other languages. These documents are also available by mail (see address above).
Each week a tasting is planned at which the House Sommelier comments on the two wines being tasted. In addition, throughout the year wine classes are offered in-house at the Ecole du Vin in several languages and at two levels. The schedule for the tastings and the wine classes is also available from the Maison du Vin at the address above.
3, cours du XXX juillet, 33075 Bordeaux Cedex
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 00 22 88 / Fax: +33 (0)5 56 00 22 77
Hours: 9.00AM to 5.30PM all year long.

For more information, the Bordeaux Tourism Office hosts a very useful website full of resources and information: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

Musée des Vins de Bordeaux (Bordeaux Wines Museum)
Charming little museum in the rue Borie which explains the life of the old Bordeaux merchants in the Chartrons district. The work of Patrice Calvet, this is a little gem of a museum which will give you a good historical outlook on the Bordeaux wine trade.
Open all the year: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30AM — 5:30PM, and the first Sunday of the month: 11:00AM — 5:00PM
41 rue Borie
Tel: +33 (0)5 57 87 50 60

Musée Du Vin/Vinorama
Showcases key moments in the history of Bordeaux wines from the Gallo-Roman era through the 19th century. Visit includes tasting of some historical wines.
12 cours du Médoc 33000 Bordeaux
Tel: +33 (0)5 56 39 39 20