The centre of one of France’s most famous wine regions, the city of Bordeaux is situated in the southwest of France in the Aquitaine region. At its heart the 18th-century old town is a stunning collection of imposing buildings on the quayside, combined with rejuvenated warehouses, now home to clubs and bars rather than goods and trade. Along with the recent restoration of the old city, a new electric tram system has been installed and some beautifully-landscaped parks have sprung up. Travellers book flights to Bordeaux to taste its famous red wines but also to sight see and explore this lively city. Home to a large university, the city has a young feel and there is plenty to do and see, especially at night time.
Bordeaux flights arrive at the city’s airport and the town is also an excellent starting point from which to explore the surrounding Aquitaine region. Visit the vineyards where the famous wine is produced or head to the pristine beaches along on the Atlantic.
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Bordeaux has a mild climate that is perfect for the vineyards, neither too hot nor too cold. At its best in spring, Bordeaux’s temperatures in April and May range from the mid-teens (Celsius) to 20s. July and August are the warmest months with temperatures typically reaching the upper 20s. Autumn days are pleasant and in the teens, but short. Winters are mild with temperatures occasionally dropping to the low single digits.
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Peak season:
Bordeaux is very busy over the Christmas and New Year holidays, February to March, and mid-July to the end of August. Between school holidays and adults on holiday in summer, hotels need to be reserved in advance. Cheap flights to Bordeaux will be harder to find during this time and prices fro hotels may rise.
Off season:
In October most wineries are closed for the harvest.
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From the airport there are regular bus services to the city centre from Terminal B taking about 30-45 minutes. Trains from the Arrivals halls transport passengers to the city centre. Taxis are available outside the airport.
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Most landmarks are in the town’s centre, so sightseeing can be a great way to stretch your legs after taking flights to Bordeaux. The city has an efficient public transport system as well. So when your feet start aching, hop on a tram, bus or ferry.
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- Bordeaux is the capital city of the one of the world’s biggest producers of wine, so it is no surprise that it is also home to Vinexpo – the largest exhibition on wine and spirits in the world. The annual event takes place in the Bordeaux-Lac exhibition centre.
- North of the city is the Pair-non-Pair cave, discovered in 1881 by Francois Daleau. He found the remains of an 80,000-year-old Neolithic man here. The cave is open for appointments only (between 9.30am and 5.30pm every day of the week) and you can also see some of the oldest cave paintings in the world.
- As you’d expect from France, the food in Bordeaux is second-to-none. Be sure to try the fois-gras and canard (duck) – both are specialities of the region.
- The stunning Pont-de-Pierre spans the Garonne river. Beautiful in the day time, it is even better at night, when its magnificent arches are lit up, and reflected in the water.
- La Grosse Cloche is an unexpected sight in the middle of the Bordeaux streets. The remains of one of the gates of the Medieval walls, it was the belfry of the town hall. The two circular towers are 40m high and surround a bell tower and clock dating from 1759.
- Wine-tasting tours can be booked from the tourist information bureau in the town or, often, from your hotel. They take place daily and visit the chateaux of the surrounding region, with ample chances to taste the wines. Just remember not to swallow the wine, but to spit it out…
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