Bordeaux NOT just wine, a great city to visit
Yes, the wine is fabulous, but the city is amazing too. Green, vibrant, young, clean and small enough to walk almost everywhere. The have a great Tram system and clean.
The Mayor, Alain Juppé, has transformed the city into a young happening city. He has revived the whole waterfront, built parks, water fountains, green walkways along the Gironde river, had all the buildings cleaned and refurbished. It is a beautiful walking city.
The Opera House is magnificent. The Hotel Intercontinental Le Grand is across from it with beautiful
cafes on the square with lots of people watching. The square has not cars so it is stroll and be seen. Everyone is there and the Le Grand has the prime location. Rooms are elegant and traditional style and breakfast is on the first floor overlooking the square and a GRAND breakfast it is. I also found a small less expensive hotel two blocks away.
Visiting the villages for wine tastings is easy. I suggest tours as you cannot drink and drive. Also the roads are difficult to follow, most of them very narrow. St Emilion is a wonderful village to visit, I would stay overnight there. There is a fabulous Relais & Chateaux hotel there and many more options to choose from.
The high light of Bordeaux is “La Cité du Vin” The exterior is impressive and the interior is the same. I would recommend it for children, they would learn SO MUCH. Much of the space is for meetings and conferences but the museum is sound touch smell vision. Very impressive. Suggest you take the tour to understand how it all came about. Mr Juppé was the leader for the development of the area. If I were young, I would buy an apartment in the area. The old Less Halles has already been restored and all of the buildings are being renovated, lots of trees, water and on the tram lime.
Wine bars are everywhere! but you have to buy something to eat in order to order a glass of wine. It has something to do with the types of license they have?? Do Not know much about this but am checking on it. Tapas are the norm and they are SO good. Because you can walk everywhere it is easy to eat and drink.
There are museums and art for everyone. Bordeaux is a vibrant city hat is worth a few days visit. Many of the river cruise lines leave from the port (which is right in town) so it is great to combine them.
Drink the wines of Bordeaux and enjoy the city!
Raenette DeCicco
4 Seasons Travel Inc
San Juan PR 00907
tel 787-722-0660
