Bordeux

Built on the meandering Garonne river, a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux was already an important trading centre in the Roman era. With its harbour and maritime activities came extraordinary prosperity in the 18th century. This was the golden age, a century of opulent fortunes and architectural magnificence, which today are the pride and joy of Bordeaux's citizens. As early as the 16th century, thanks to its favourable geographical position, the city soon became the hub of north-south trade and spearheaded relations with the New World. Wine, but also the trading of wood products, further contributed to the city's growth.

Bordeaux, wine capital of the world. The Bordeaux name, of course, is synonymous with fine wines. The high standard of the wines is due not only to the quality of the soil but also to the type of vine and the wine-making procedures. 500 million bottles including such prestigious names as Saint-Emilion, Margaux, Pomerol and Saint-Estephe, to mention but a few, are shipped to 160 countries. Bordeaux, cross-roads of the world Today, Bordeaux has become a veritable cross-roads, with first-class rail, road and air transport facilities. Recognised for its industrial dynamism and quality of life, the city attracts researchers and industrial businesses. Aquitaine's capital of the aeronautics and space industry, Bordeaux has become a centre of attraction for businesses active in diversification and new industrial processes. Advanced technology, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical and medical industries, oceanology or biological engineering are major research areas. Bordeaux University is one of the oldest in France; its 60,000 students also make it one of the largest.

In the area of culture, Bordeaux is also in the lead. The city is rich in exceptional monuments. The city, in addition to this precious heritage, is also very dynamic and creative, as testified by the many artistic events it hosts every year. POPULATION Inner city : 214,000 habitants Urban area : 697,000 habitants
INTERESTING FACTS The biggest vineyard in the world producing the finest wines covers an area of 135,000 hectares and produces about 500 million bottles annually. Built between 1773 and 1780 by Victor Louis, the Grand Theatre is famous for its exceptional acoustics. The grand staircase served as a model for Garnier when he designed the Paris Opera House. "Take Versailles, add Antwerp to it, and you will obtain Bordeaux". This is how Victor Hugo, impressed by the majestic 18th century buildings and the wide river, described the city. PLACES TO VISIT Place de la Bourse Bordeaux The place de la Bourse in Bordeaux is the former place Royale, completed in 1755. The Trois GrÅces (Three Graces) fountain, based on Visconti drawings, replaced in 1865 an equestrian statue of Louis the XVth, destroyed in 1792. Saint Andr¶ Cath¶dral Place Pey-Berland Bordeaux Originally built and consecrated in 1096, the cathedral was entirely rebuilt in the 13th century on a Latin cross plan whose only nave is 124 metres (408 ft) long. Tower of St. Michel Bordeaux The tower dates from the 1400's. Vist the nearby public gardens with landscaped lawns, river, and groves.