Bordeaux, France

Mention Bordeaux to most people and one word springs to mind - wine! And yes, wine and the wine industry as a whole, is a huge part of life in the Bordeaux region. It is the major wine industry capital of the world and the viticulture industry turns over around 14.5 billion euros every year. It is also home to the world’s major wine fair, Vinexpo, but there is so much more to the region than merely wine production. Bordeaux is a fantastically easy city to get around since the inauguration of its new tram system in 2003. There is now over 40 km of route with extensions planned for the future. One of its most innovative features is the use of a ground-level power supply in the city centre. This means that overhead wires don’t spoil the views. The architecture in the historic centre is stunning and has earned it an entry on the “Unesco World Heritage List” as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble.” And as the largest example of 18th century urban architecture in Europe, it is hugely popular with both tourists and film directors.

Around 40 cruise ships dock in Bordeaux every year, giving the passengers the chance to visit this historic city. Oddly enough, there is a large variation between high and low tides on the river Garonne, meaning that the ships are often forced to use an additional gangway on a different deck to deal with the height difference. One of the more unusual attractions is the former submarine base, constructed during WW2 by the occupying forces. These days around one-third of the original structure has been turned into a huge arts centre, which hosts an ever-changing selection of contemporary art.

Each year, February sees the world famous “Jumping de Bordeaux”, an important fixture on the international show-jumping circuit with horses and riders attending from around the world. The show also hosts the seventh stage for the carriage driving World Cup, where teams of four horses battle it out for final stage qualification. Even if you are not ‘horsey,’ the thrills and spills of competing in an indoor arena, mean that this is an event for all the family.

There is always a lot going on in Bordeaux and the sheer number of live music venues means that all tastes are catered for, from opera to folk, to up and coming groups. There’s also a huge range of festivals, events and exhibitions running throughout the year covering subjects ranging from International Athletics to writers conventions. And of course, many of these exhibitions or salons are devoted to those ever popular subjects, food and drink! There’s a Concours du Chocolat, le week-end des Grands Crus and le Bon Goût d'Aquitaine, a three day celebration of local produce. Famous regional specialities include the canelé, a small cylindrical shaped cake flavoured with rum and vanilla and le macaron or macaroon. The best macaroons are said to come from a small family run business in Saint-Emilion where the same recipe has been used since 1620.

No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without a trip to Arcachon, a seaside resort around 50 km south west of Bordeaux. Arcachon is a relatively new town, only around 150 years old and grew from the Victorian enthusiasm for bathing. As a result the architecture is very typical of the period and this is what gives the town is appeal. On the other side of the Bassin d’Arcachon lies the chic beach resort of Cap Ferrat, a popular holiday destination for celebrities, including French football star Zinedine Zidane. Just south of the town is Europe’s largest sand dune - the Dune de Pyla (or du Pilat) which is 3 kilometers long, 500 meters wide and reaching 107 meters in height. Climbing up is an exhausting business but well worth it when you reach the top!

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Bordeaux is one of Europe's greatest cities of culture and unarguably the wine capital of the world. It is therefore of little suprise that one can also find some wonderful property for sale. Located 45 minutes from the ocean (Dune du Pyla and Arcachon), 2 hours from Spain and 2 hours or so from the ski slopes of the Pyrenees, Bordeaux offers a perfect location to live, a wonderful lifestyle and a multitude of attractions. Bordeaux can truly boast that it is a city to work and play.

Bordeaux has lost none of its grandeur in the modern age, displaying an impressive number of historical monuments and cathedrals. Many of which are floodlit at night to show off their beauty and create a pleasant ambience across the city. Three of the monuments in Bordeaux are also graced as World Heritage Sites. Despite its magnificent eighteenth century buildings with their beautiful facades, its grand squares and roman arches, Bordeaux is very much a modern city and undergoing change. As such, Bordeaux is the 6th largest city in France with its centre having a population of around 230 000 inhabitants. Bordeaux is currently in the midst of a renaissance with substantial investment having already been made in a new tram system, cycleways and a complete rejuvenation of the river front (the quays). It now bustles with cafes, bars, boutiques and an active nightlife. And as a result, investment has created an attractive market for Bordeaux property.

With a far-sighted program, the river Garonne is once again integrated into the heart of Bordeaux and no longer acts as a barrier between the right and left banks. In fact, the quays on both sides of the water are the setting for such noteworthy events as the Fête le Vin (Wine Festival) and Fête du Fleuve (River Festival). Moreover, numerous cruise ships recognise Bordeaux as a noteworthy city by docking right in its heart against the Port de la Lune.

Bordeaux is twinned with ten large cities around the world including Bristol, Munich, Porto and Madrid. It now takes an international role and has become a major venue for trade fairs and conferences. As such, Bordeaux is truly a place of major interest to tourists, investors and those coming to live; a place worthy of its inhabitants who can be justly proud of it.