BORDEAUX

BORDEAUX
TOURISM & CONVENTIONS
PRESS KIT 2015
SUMMARY
WHY BORDEAUX?
P.2
MAJOR EVENTS
IN 2015
BORDEAUX,
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
BORDEAUX
PORT OF CALL
P.3
P.5
P.7
BORDEAUX GATEWAY
TO THE VINEYARDS
BORDEAUX’S
MUSEUMS
BORDEAUX METROPOLE
CITYPASS: THE KEYS TO THE CITY
P.9
P.11
P.13
BORDEAUX
GOES GREEN
THE GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS
OF BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX
SHOPPING
P.15
P.17
P.19
BORDEAUX
NIGHTLIFE
A ROOM
IN THE CITY
THE BUSINESS TOURISM
"BOOM"
P.21
P.23
P.25
BORDEAUX’S
GOLF COURSES
MAJOR URBAN
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
BREAKS AROUND
BORDEAUX
P.27
P.29
P.31
2015 CALENDAR
BORDEAUX BY FIGURES
P.33
P.34
PRESS CONTACTS
P.35
1
WHY BORDEAUX?
BECAUSE BORDEAUX HAS BEEN
REJUVENATED!
the Port de La Lune ("Port of the Moon"), after the
crescent shape bend in the river, Bordeaux has its
sights set on becoming a full moon.
The buildings’ dark facades have been cleaned
and restored to their bright 18th century elegance.
The abandoned docks and the river have been
relandscaped and reintegrated into the city.
This spectacular revitalisation of its heritage has
resulted in Bordeaux being classified as a UNESCO
world heritage site in 2007.
And in 2016 the opening of the Cité des civilisations
du vin, a unique new educational and exhibition
space, will give Bordeaux the opportunity to
become the cultural as well as the economic
capital of wine.
BECAUSE BORDEAUX
REPRESENTS THE HUB OF THE
SOUTH-WEST
Victor Hugo once said, "Take Versailles, add
Antwerp and there you have Bordeaux".
Today, one could say that Antwerp has been
replaced by Barcelona. For the beautiful capital of
the Gironde has embraced a more sunny style, with
trams in the streets, outdoor cafés in the squares,
trendy bars, and busy shopping areas packed with
designer stores.
Surrounded by world-famous vineyards, Bordeaux
is also just 45 minutes from Arcachon Bay and the
Atlantic coastline with its spectacular beaches,
one hour from Cognac and its distilleries, an hour
and a half from Sarlat and Périgord, and two hours
from the Pays Basque and Toulouse. This superb
location offers a beautiful way of life. A way of
life that is much appreciated by the French, who
recently voted Bordeaux their second favourite city
after Paris.**
Rejuvenated, vibrant and flourishing, Bordeaux
has mastered the art of quiet, enjoyable public
transport with its tram system, "Vcub" bicycle
and electric car hire service, providing a perfect
example of the benefits of slow tourism*.
And in 2017, with the new LGV train connection, it
will only be two and a quarter hours from Paris!
BECAUSE BORDEAUX HAS RISEN
TO OTHER CHALLENGES
BECAUSE BORDEAUX IS
ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE
One of the key aspects of the city’s reconnection
with its past is to improve the integration of the river
in future developments: the new Chaban-Delmas
bridge has recently opened, and the regeneration
of life along the banks of the Garonne is steadily
progressing, with the emergence of new districts
such as Ginko, the environmentally-friendly
development in Bacalan; the area around Saint
Jean train station and the Euratlantique project;
and the Brazza district on the right bank around
the Chaban-Delmas bridge. Known historically as
In 2014, Bordeaux was the first French city with the
"Destination for All" label offering a wide range of
touristic products and facilities for disabled people.
* Inspired by the slow food movement, this new
approach to tourism promotes the appreciation
of closer destinations at a slower pace, using
environmentally friendly forms of transport.
** BVA survey, April 2013
2
MAJOR EVENTS IN 2015
An active, festive city with a keen interest in sport, Bordeaux
is always on the go. Never short of projects, the city is
constantly adding new events to its busy calendar. And
2015 promises to be a fine vintage!
3
A BRAND NEW STADIUM
What weighs twice as much as the Eiffel Tower, is
green in the middle, and can seat 42,000 people?
Bordeaux’s new stadium! It will have taken 26
months to erect this 4.6 hectare new generation
giant (only one hectare of which is the pitch),
designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. The
dimensions are impressive: 37 metres high, 210
wide and 233 long, with 24 kilometres of terraces,
making it the largest stadium in south-west France.
The construction consists of an innovative blend
of steel and concrete, resulting in a much lighter
effect than if it had been made entirely of concrete.
Designed as a social environment, it will obviously
host sports events, but will also be able to present
shows, concerts, and business events, thanks to its
adaptable infrastructure, with conference facilities
and restaurants etc.
2013, tens of thousands of people were present for
the departure of the 45 yachts competing in the
race. A hugely successful event that is back again
by popular demand! Be there for the arrival of the
boats on 22 May!
Inaugurated in the spring, the new stadium will host
all of the Girondins de Bordeaux matches for the
2015-2016 season, and the semi-finals of the 2015
Rugby Top 14 on 5 and June 6. The ultimate test
will then come with the Euro 2016 UEFA football
championship, from 10 June to 10 July 2016.
This superb programme is a fitting complement
to Bordeaux’s ambitions and the magnificent
new stadium that has earned the city the title of
"European City of Sport" for 2015, awarded by the
Association of the European capitals of sport.
www.bordeaux-river-festival.com
JODOROWSKY: AN EXHIBITION
THAT WILL MOVE TO
BORDEAUX’S MUSEUM OF
CONTEMPORARY ART (CAPC)
Novelist, film director, actor, scriptwriter: Alejandro
Jodorowsky’s talents are as rich as they are diverse.
In the theatre, he has worked with Roland Topor
and Fernando Arrabal, in the world of comics he
has collaborated with Moebius (The Incal) and
George Bess (Le Lama blanc - the White Lama);
he has also directed films (El Topo and The Holy
Mountain) and more recently The Dance of Reality.
His novels include, Where the Bird Sings Best and
Albina and Dog Men; he has also written several
books on tarot divination. In what promises to be
a major event on Bordeaux’s cultural calendar,
the CAPC pays tribute to him from 28 May to 27
September with a retrospective exhibition that will
attempt to cover the wide range of fields in which
this remarkable artist displays his fascination with
esotericism, the fantastic and his constant desire
to provoke.
http://en.nouveau-stade-bordeaux.com
"THE BORDEAUX RIVER FESTIVAL"
WILL HOST THE SOLITAIRE
DU FIGARO ERIC BOMPARD
CACHEMIRE YACHT RACE
Another Bordeaux River Festival is on its way; the
theme for 2015 is "The Tree and the River". This
major festival focuses on the Garonne River and
its estuary, and takes place every other year,
alternating with the Bordeaux Wine Festival. The
programme, from 22 to 30 May, includes activities
on the river, cruises, exhibitions, dance classes on
the quays, concerts and fireworks. The restored
three-masted Belem is due to call into port once
again, and for the second time, Bordeaux will host
the departure of the Solitaire du Figaro Eric Bompard
Cachemire, one of the world’s longest yacht races,
now in its 46th year, that takes place in stages. In
www.capc-bordeaux.fr/en/
4
BORDEAUX,
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Bordeaux was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 2007: the city was recognized for the unity of its
architectural heritage, which dates from the Age of
Enlightenment through to the first half of the 20th century.
5
With 1810 hectares on the UNESCO inventory and 347
buildings listed as Historic Monuments, Bordeaux is the
largest urban environment to be acknowledged in this way.
Transport in the city centre prioritizes trams and bicycles,
making it easy to travel from one neighbourhood to another,
with the Garonne as the unifying link.
To the north, there is the Chartrons, formerly the wine
merchants’ district, now more known for its antique dealers,
second-hand shops and designer stores. Then comes
the vast Quinconces square. Behind its plane trees, the
Grands Hommes district pays tribute to our great thinkers,
from Montaigne to Diderot: it is also known as Bordeaux’s
‘Triangle’ on account of its luxury stores, beautiful town
houses and the majestic Grand Théâtre, a masterpiece of
design by Victor Louis.
It adjoins the Saint-Pierre district, an epicurean paradise
with its narrow pedestrian streets filled with restaurants. From
here you emerge into the Place de la Bourse with its 18th
century facades, the Place du Parlement, and Saint Pierre...
Don’t forget to look up at the "mascarons" on the sides of
the buildings; these carved stone faces are a speciality in
Bordeaux.
Another
short
walk and you are
in Pey Berland,
which
contains
no less than three
UNESCO-listed
monuments:
the Pey Berland
tower,
which
offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city, Saint André
cathedral and the Rohan palace, which serves as the town
hall. To the south, the Porte Cailhau gate and the Grosse
Cloche lead to the Saint-Michel district: this cosmopolitan
neighbourhood will charm curious visitors with its aromas of
spices, the busy Capucins market and second-hand shops.
Place de la Victoire is the heart of the students’ area, with its
outdoor cafés and bars.
Finally, across the Pont de Pierre bridge are the green spaces
of the right bank, such as the Botanical Garden; an up-andcoming district, there is, of course, a superb view of the other
side of the river and the quays. It has a few surprises too: a
blue lion in Place Stalingrad, the Niel barracks, and the new
Chaban-Delmas bridge...
For Bordeaux also has a taste for modern architecture with,
for example, its County Court by Richard Rogers, the Mama
Shelter Hotel by Starck, and the new stadium by Herzog & de
Meuron.
CONTEMPORARY BORDEAUX
Bordeaux is not just an 18th century city,
as is demonstrated by the Bordeaux
Tourist Office’s "Bordeaux Contemporary
Architecture" trail, created in partnership
with the Arc en Rêve architectural centre.
The route presents a series of buildings
that were built or have been renovated
since the 1950s that include a warehouse,
a court, a hotel, a bank... presenting a
more modern side of Bordeaux, from the
1951 Benauge barracks to the brand new
Chaban-Delmas bridge (2013).
http://bit.ly/modern_architecture
A NEW TABLET OFFERS A
REMARKABLE VIRTUAL REALITY
EXPERIENCE!
Stroll along the docks of the "Port of the
Moon" at a time when three-masted ships
would set off for the Americas, climb the
steps to the Grand Théâtre as seen through
the eyes of its architect Victor Louis…
Imayana, a tactile tablet designed by the
Bordeaux-based company Heritage Prod,
recreates the golden age of Bordeaux
and its classical heritage in 3D. It’s as if you
were there! Two and a half hour tour (€10).
Departure: Bordeaux World Heritage.
www.imayana.fr
6
BORDEAUX - PORT OF CALL
Bordeaux has a new challenge: to become the "Port of
the Moon" once again. A splendid return to the past is
seeing increasing numbers of boats moored beside the
long-abandoned quays.
7
A CRUISE SHIP PORT OF CALL
Bordeaux has become a fashionable destination for cruise
ship passengers. And it has to be said that docking in the
middle of the city, opposite the 18th century facades, is a
spectacular experience! Add the internationally famous
vineyards, to which excursions are organized during
stopovers, and it is obvious why Bordeaux has become so
popular with cruise ship operators. Around thirty ships visit
every year, such as the MS Prinsendam, Europa 2, Adonia
and the Star Legend. In 2015 the Seven Seas will be dropping
anchor on its route between Venice and Amsterdam, and in
May, the new Costa Neoromantica will call in on its AtlanticCanaries cruise, from Marseilles to Hamburg.
THE BEST DEAL
You can, in fact, enjoy a cruise for the
price of a tram ticket. The river shuttle, run
by Batcub, provides transport from one
side of the river to the other. The route
goes from Stalingrad to Lormont, past
Quinconces and the Hangars, offering a
beautiful view of the city from the river: a
delightful 30 minutes!
www.infotbc.com/en/boats-batcub
CRUISES ON THE GARONNE AND THE
DORDOGNE
Bordeaux has also established itself as "terminus" for
companies specializing in travel on the river. CroisiEurope
was the first to embrace the charms of Bordeaux, organizing
cruises on the Garonne and the Dordogne, on its boats the
Princesse d’Aquitaine and Cyrano de Bergerac. They were
joined by Viking River Cruises and Uniworld in 2014, while
Scenic Cruises and Grand Circle Travel, two other specialists
in river cruises, are planning to offer their services in 2015.
These boats offer one week cruises on the estuary and the
Garonne, going as far as Cadillac, and on the Dordogne, to
Libourne, supplemented with stops at Bordeaux’s vineyards.
If you just want a day on the river, then there is a cruise
through Bordeaux and its seven bridges, going as far as
Cadillac or Blaye.
http://bit.ly/croisieresburdigala
Bordeaux River Cruise offers wine-tasting cruises and summerevening aperitifs in Bordeaux’s vineyards (€21).
THE SICAMBRE: FROM
ISTANBUL TO BORDEAUX
What floated all the way from the
Bosphorus to the Garonne? Answer: the
Sicambre. This old Istanbul ferry boat
has become Bordeaux River Cruise’s star
attraction, with its double bridge and
100m2 terrace with room for 300 people.
Along with two other boats, the company
offers a tour of the estuary and its
islands, including Verrou Vauban and its
fortifications, and the vineyards, seen from
the river, with wine-tasting and gourmet
cruises, heritage tours and dinner-cruises,
on a day or half-day basis.
http://bordeaux-river-cruise.com
8
BORDEAUX GATEWAY
TO THE VINEYARDS
Bordeaux is both a city and a vineyard, renowned for
its wines all over the world. The variety of these wines is
remarkable! 60 "appellations d’origine controlée" (AOCs or
PGIs) spread over 110,000 hectares with 7,000 properties,
ranging from family vineyards to grand châteaux.
Bordeaux’s Tourist Office offers a wide range of wine tourism activities, with over sixty
tours, that include an introduction to tasting, visits to châteaux, harvest workshops,
and evenings with a wine producer...
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ENJOY AN EXCURSION TO THE
VINEYARDS
For example, in the area around Saint Emilion, with Châteaux
and Terroirs, you can visit a property, taste its wines and
explore the town of Saint Emilion and its underground
monuments. Half day €38.
For a more private affair, join a small group of no more
than eight people for a visit to a Grand Cru Classé and a
charming family property in the Graves or Médoc area.
Half-day from €85.
For a really special experience, visit three of the thirteen
Médoc Grand Cru Classés of 1855 for a tasting and lunch in
one of them. Day €115.
In the autumn you can join in the harvests: spend a day
alongside the winegrowers learning about the vinification
process and tasting wines with lunch at the château.
Day from €70.
THERE IS ALSO PLENTY TO DO
WITHOUT LEAVING BORDEAUX!
Learn about wine tasting at the Ecole du Vin in the
beautiful 18th century building that houses the Conseil
Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (Bordeaux Wine
Council) (2 hours €35). Test your new expertise at the Bar à
Vin on the ground floor, that serves numerous wines by the
glass, from €2.50 to €8 depending on the appellation.
COMING SOON!
An amazing new exhibition space! The
Cité des civilisations du vin will confirm
Bordeaux as the cultural capital of wine.
A window onto the wines of the world,
the Cité will celebrate all aspects of wine
in a spectacular setting. The building’s
audacious architecture is inspired by the
swirling movement of wine in a glass. It is
located next to the new Chaban-Delmas
bridge, providing a focal point for the
up-and-coming Bassins à Flots district.
Opening in 2016.
http://bit.ly/citeduvin
www.bordeaux.com/uk
Visit the fascinating Musée du Vin et du Négoce (Museum
of Wine and the Wine Trade) with its vaulted cellars, for a
presentation of three centuries of wine in Bordeaux.
www.museeduvinbordeaux.com/language/en/
Take a cruise along Bordeaux’s quays and enjoy an aperitif
on board a boat with a presentation of the wines by their
producer. May to October. €21 cruise and tasting with
Bordeaux River Cruise.
www.bordeaux-river-cruise.com
GIFT SUGGESTION: a "tasting card" for Max Bordeaux, a wine
bar specializing in Bordeaux’s Grand Cru Classés; the card
has a certain amount of credit that you gradually use UP AS
YOU TASTE THE WINES. An opportunity to sample Bordeaux’s
finest! From €25.
www.bordeauxwinebank.com/maxbordeaux.php
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BEST OF BORDEAUX TOUR!
This tour presents "the best of wine tourism
in Bordeaux" with properties that have
won the Best of Wine Tourism award. A
memorable day full of surprises that takes
in three different appellations and three
exceptional properties. Day €102 May to
October.
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
BORDEAUX’S MUSEUMS
Where can you see works by Delacroix, Matisse, Picasso
and Monet? In Bordeaux. Rodin, Buren, Annette Messager,
Richard Long, Combas, and di Rosa? In Bordeaux.
With fifteen museums, seven of which are municipal, Bordeaux has something for
everybody. And with the Bordeaux Métropole CityPass, access to museums is free!
11
HISTORY
In the former Faculty of Letters and Sciences, the Museum
of Aquitaine presents the history of Bordeaux and its region,
from prehistory to the present day. A new "Bordeaux
International Port" section presents the opening up of the
city to the world after the French Revolution.
www.musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr/en
You can then continue to the Musée National des Douanes
(Museum of Customs): it is housed in a superb 18th century
town house on the Place de la Bourse and presents this little
known Bordeaux institution, with the various uniforms that
were worn, models, measuring instruments etc. There is also
a famous picture by Monet, the "Cabane des Douaniers".
http://en.musee-douanes.fr
FINE ARTS
Located in the wings of the Rohan Palace, the Musée des
Beaux Arts contains 330 pictures and sculptures, ranging
from Titian to Picasso. They include beautiful animal paintings by Rosa Bonheur, a native of Bordeaux.
www.musba-bordeaux.fr/en
To visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design (Museum
of Decorative Arts and Design), with its collections of furnishings and ceramics, one enters the Hôtel de Lalande, a
sumptuous 18th century town house. There is also a delightful tea room.
A LOVE FOR ART
In a superb 1773 private mansion, Bernard
Magrez (owner of many Grand Cru Classé
Châteaux) shares his love for modern art
at the Bernard Magrez Institute. It promotes
access to art to everyone, with exhibitions,
artists in residence, opportunities to meet
them and workshops for children. The
Institute also includes Château Pape
Clément (conferences), Château La
Tour Carnet (literature) and Château
Fombrauge (music).
http://bit.ly/magrez_institut
http://bit.ly/artdecodesign_museum
CONTEMPORARY ART
The place to go is Bordeaux’s CAPC (Museum of
Contemporary Art); located in a 19th century warehouse
which supplied food to the colonies; this superb exhibition
space presents new trends in the international contemporary
art scene. The museum has collections from the 1960s to
the present day and offers a steady stream of temporary
exhibitions, various events relating the history of modern art
and workshops for children. Don’t miss: lunch at the Café
Andrée Putman.
www.capc-bordeaux.fr/en
Lovers of unrefined art will enjoy the Museum of Free Creation
in Bègles, with nearly 14,000 works, five exhibitions and eight
new artists every year.
http://bit.ly/freecreation_museum
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LIFE IN THE BUNKER
In 1941, the Germans built a submarine
base in Bordeaux’s Bassins à Flot, one of
five along the Atlantic coast that were
intended to harbour their U-boat fleet.
This imposing structure (43,000m2) is
now an "underground" cultural space.
Suffused with the location’s unusual
atmosphere, exhibitions, concerts, dance
and theatre events take place throughout
the year. Located in the up-and-coming
Bassins à Flot district, it has developed a
very contemporary style, unlike any of
Bordeaux’s other cultural spaces.
http://bit.ly/submarine_base
BORDEAUX METROPOLE CITYPASS:
THE KEYS TO THE CITY
This intelligent tourist pass, equipped with NFC technology
is valid for one, two or three days. It provides visitors with free
access to museums and temporary exhibitions, guided
tours, monuments, sightseeing trips etc.; it also enables
the use of all forms of public transport, and entitles the
holder to reductions on numerous other activities, such as
cruises on the Garonne and excursions to the vineyards.
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ALL OF BORDEAUX’S MAJOR SITES:
• Free access to more than 20 museums and monuments
(CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of
Aquitaine, Museum of Fine Arts, National Customs
Museum*, Museum of Decorative Arts and Design,
Museum of Free Creation, Pey Berland Tower*, Porte
Cailhau, Rohan Palace and the Saint Michel Spire, among
others)
• Free public transport on the TBC network (tram, bus and
"BatCub" river shuttle)
• Free UNESCO Bordeaux heritage guided tours
• Free panoramic tour in a double-decker bus
• Reductions on excursions to the vineyards, river cruises,
leisure activities etc.
(*from 1 March)
NEW IN 2015 (FROM 1 MARCH)
1. Inclusion of surrounding areas, especially those of
historical interest, most of which have been classified as
UNESCO world heritage sites.
With the Citypass, Bordeaux strengthens its position as the
ideal "base camp" from which to explore Saint Emilion (free
tour of the monolithic Church), Arcachon (free guided
tour of the 19th century villas), Blaye (free guided tour of
the Vauban Citadel), and many other sites and historical
monuments.
2. A worldwide innovation: "personal destination
concierge service". Holders of the Bordeaux Metropole
CityPass can now benefit from a personal assistant during
the card’s period of validity, in the form of the "Wiidii"
Iphone or Android application. Using voice recognition
or the keyboard, users can ask any question, and Wiidii
will answer within minutes, in French or English.
Visitors can use the concierge service to book a transfer
to the airport, find a good restaurant and make a
reservation, quickly find a doctor who speaks English,
or deal with any other query that requires in-depth
knowledge of the destination.
PRICES :
1 day: €25
2 days: €30
3 days: €35
Available from the Tourist Office,
TBC network ticket offices, and
online on
http://bit.ly/citypass_en
DON’T MISS: TWO
EXCELLENT DEALS AVAILABLE
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The traditional city tour every day at 10am
(except 25 December and 1 January).
A concentrated tour of Bordeaux’s top
sites and monuments on foot or by bus
(Wednesday & Saturday). €10
Want to experience Bordeaux’s vineyards
but don’t have much time? This "express"
excursion takes you to the main wineproducing areas over a half-day with
the "Château Trail" through the Médoc,
the golden vineyards of Sauternes, the
Entre-Deux-Mers region and Saint Émilion.
The programme includes visits to two
properties with a tasting or Saint Emilion
with a tour of the medieval town. €38
TRIP IN A BOX
Bordeaux Box offers a convenient option
for a couple or a great gift: a complete
package presented in a box. It includes
two nights with breakfast in a hotel or
guesthouse and a 3-day Citypass, with its
range of free tours, discounts on activities
and excursions, and free public transport.
Choose a box to suit your requirements,
and your budget: €260 for two people in
2** accommodation, €360 in 3***, €550
in 4****. Available through:
http://bit.ly/bordeauxbox_en
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BORDEAUX GOES GREEN
Bordeaux is France’s second favourite city (after Paris),
which makes it the top "provincial" city! An honour that is
owed in part to its commitment to quiet, environmentallyfriendly transport and the importance the city attaches to
its green spaces.
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BORDEAUX’S STREETS
The city centre is largely pedestrian thanks to the tram,
inaugurated in 2003, with three lines that cover 44 kilometres.
And it is a beautifully quiet tram thanks to the ground-level
supply system: no more ugly overhead lines!
www.infotbc.com/en
There is no excuse not to get on a bike, with 163 km of
cycle paths corresponding to 7 routes (6.5 - 33 km), as an
alternative way to explore the city.
Self-service bicycle stations have been operating since 2010
with 1,700 bicycles available at 161 «Vcub» stations.
www.vcub.fr
And for residents of Bordeaux,the Pibal is free from the
Maison du Vélo: an elegant cross between a bicycle and
a scooter, this versatile form of transport was designed by
Philippe Starck especially for Bordeaux.
Environmentally friendly transport is available with HappyMoov, a bicycle-taxi service that can also advise on the
city’s attractions.
www.happymoov.com/bordeau.php
There is also Citeis 47, the electric shuttle that operates everywhere in the city centre.
Various themed routes are available to explore Bordeaux by
bicycle with a guide: "City Centre", "Art Déco in the suburbs",
or "As the crow flows" on the hills of the right bank. 16 to 26
km, approximately 3 hours. €25.
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE:
SUBURBAN REFUGES
Inspired by a tree trunk, a hammock,
a star, an owl, a cloud, and a wyvern
(a dragon-like beast), these six rather
eccentric looking refuges designed by
a young architect provide basic shelter
for hikers. His idea was to enable people
to make a circuit on foot of Bordeaux’s
outlying suburbs and to sleep in refuges
that offered a link with nature. Great fun
in the summer, with family or friends. And
it’s free!
www.bordeaux-by-bike.com
BORDEAUX’S PARKS AND GARDENS
The residents of Bordeaux reconnected with their parks
and gardens at the same time as their newly-landscaped
quays: the Public Gardens, the Parc Bordelais (Caudéran),
Majolan (Blanquefort), Palmer (Cenon)… scores a total
of 15m2 green space/ inhabitant! The Botanical Garden,
jewel of the Bastide district; is divided into six sections with
a water garden, the edges of Garonne, an arboretum...
and a greenhouse with examples of bush vegetation and
carnivorous plants.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS...
The Chartrons skate-park (110m long, 2,350m²) is one of the
biggest in France. Quai Richelieu, the Maison Eco-citoyenne
is an environmental resources centre that hosts exhibitions,
talks and practical workshops.
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DID YOU SAY DARWIN?
Take a disused barracks, create a ‘coworking’ space for micro-business startups specializing in green and creative
initiatives; add an organic restaurant,
an organic minimarket, a skate-park,
and a well-being space (an "eco-lodge"
is in the pipeline)... and you have the
Darwin centre, a hip new development
on Bordeaux’s right bank that is attracting
well-deserved attention.
http://bit.ly/darwin_en
THE GASTRONOMIC
DELIGHTS OF BORDEAUX
Hooray! The American blog Thrillist declared Bordeaux to
be "the world’s best food city" in 2014! Perhaps this is not
surprising for a city with a thousand restaurants, surrounded
by 7,000 wine-producing châteaux, and with all the best
produce of the south-west in its markets...
Oysters from Arcachon Bay, foie gras, duck from Landes and Périgord, chickens
from Chalosse, asparagus from Blaye, milk-fed lamb from Pauillac, beef from Bazas,
lampreys, strawberries and truffles from Périgord, canelés (caramelized pastries), Lillet
(fortified wine)... enough to fill any gourmet’s basket!
17
BORDEAUX’S MARKETS
Numerous specialities can be found at the Capucins market,
a Bordeaux institution. On Sundays stop by John-Mi’s for a
seafood platter to the sound of jazz. Or take a stroll along
the quays to the Chartrons market where you can sample
oysters, tricandilles (chitterlings), pork tripe cooked in garlic,
or grenier médocain (a type of sausage), as you survey the
view of the Garonne.
STARRED TABLES
There is plenty that glitters in the Bordeaux sky, with Nicolas
Nguyen at the Chapon Fin, Vivien Durand at the Prince Noir,
Stephane Carrade at the Grand Hôtel, Cédric Béchade
at the Hostellerie de Plaisance and Aurélien Crosato (Le
Solena), nominated a "chef of the future" by the Gault &
Millau guide. These new talents are all keen to rise to the
challenge met by their predecessors and win a star! And
then there is Philippe Etchebest, the chef in France’s Kitchen
Nightmares television show, who is rumoured to be setting
up a kitchen in Bordeaux.
FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Street food: having been successful in Los Angeles and
Paris, food trucks have arrived in Bordeaux with a range of
specialties: burgers from ByOliver, Mexican from El Taco del
Diablo, or organic from the Green Gourmet.
STARS IN THE MAKING
A major gastronomic event has recently
occurred in Bordeaux: Joël Robuchon has
arrived! With 26 stars, he is the most starred
chef in the world, and is no doubt planning
to add three more at La Grande Maison,
a new luxury restaurant at the Bernard
Magrez Institute. The establishment offers
two dining rooms with 45 seats, a lounge
bar and an exceptional wine list with 259
Bordeaux Grand Cru Classés.
http://bit.ly/lagrandemaison_bordeaux
Chez Manu: this street kitchen is famous for its pigs’ feet
in vinaigrette sauce with chopped boiled eggs, gherkins,
capers and herbs, and its delicious tripe; just next to "La
Fabrique" bakery (bakers and millers since the time of Louis
XIV and the best in the Saint Pierre district)!
Or enjoy Sunday brunch, the new fashion in Bordeaux, at
the Plume Small Kitchen, an American style bakery, the chic
Café Putman or the relaxed Les Tontons, the trendy Mama
Shelter, British style at the Breakfast Club, or organic at the
Darwin Centre’s Magasin Général.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Miles, the new driving force of Bordeaux gastronomy. The
"Fooding guide" has just nominated it "Best Table in France"
(joint first place), on account of the ethnically diverse, often
startling cuisine offered by its four young chefs.
Bistrot style cooking: international cuisine or snack food: the
Saint-James restaurant’s cookery classes have something for
everyone, from beginners to experienced chefs. From €45.
www.saintjames-bouliac.com/en
18
GOURMET WALK
For serious gastronomes, the Tourist Office
proposes a gourmet walk, a discovery
tour of the region’s specialities (oysters,
chocolate, cannelé pastries, Aquitaine
caviar, wines...) and the Capucins market,
with the city’s finest stalls, all accompanied
by a snack basket of regional specialties.
3 hours - €22.
SHOPPING IN BORDEAUX
Fashion and designer stores, galleries, antiques, tableware
and kitchen accessories, souvenirs... Bordeaux’s elegant
streets will not disappoint the most devoted fashionistas,
or anyone else!
And the city centre’s pedestrian zones make shopping even more enjoyable.
Pedestrianized in 1984, the Rue Sainte Catherine is the central artery: 1,145 metres
long, it has more than 230 shops; the Bordelais will proudly tell you that it is the longest
shopping street in Europe!
19
FASHION
Fashion victim, fashion addict or just an enthusiastic window
shopper, step one is to choose your district. A taste for luxury?
Head for the "Triangle", between the Cours Clemenceau, the
Cours de l’Intendance and the Allées Tourny, where you’ll
find all the luxury brands. The Rue Sainte Catherine and the
neighbouring streets tend to offer franchises and department
stores, as does the new Ilot Cheverus development. The Saint
Pierre and Saint Eloi districts have more designer stores, the
"bohemian chic" style can offer some delightful surprises.
Those who appreciate a bargain should head for the Quai
des Marques, beside the river opposite the Chartrons, where
the old warehouses have been converted into factory outlets
for top brands.
DO YOU HAVE A BOOK BY...?
The Mollat bookstore is a book lover’s
paradise: 2,500m2, 15 departments,
160,000 titles and 1,900,000 books sold
every year... It is the largest independent
bookstore in France. Run by the Mollat
family since 1896, the store moved to
its current location in 1928, in the former
residence of Montesquieu: a good omen
if ever there was one! It is also a publishing
house.
BRAVE NEW CONCEPT
As in Paris, concept stores are springing up: a modern version of the bazaar, with a trendy, arty twist. Very designer
bohemian, you can find everything: clothes, bags, accessories, jewellery… W.A.N (We Are Nothing) presents colourful
displays with its recycled, quirky selection, the epitome of
‘slow design’, it is an Ali Baba’s cave of salvaged objects!
THE CHARMS OF "SAINT
MICH"
www.wanweb.fr
FLEA MARKETS AND SECOND-HAND
SHOPS
Antique hunters have a choice between the Rue Bouffard,
with its beautiful window displays and art galleries, and the
Rue Notre-Dame in the Chartrons: the Village Notre-Dame is
an institution that was created more than 30 years ago and
brings together 35 antique dealers. This is the place to find
that lamp you always wanted! The entire district becomes a
giant flea market every year during a weekend at the end
of October, accompanied by "bourru" (partially fermented
wine), hot chestnuts and jazz bands.
20
The antique shops in the Saint Michel
district are of a more bohemian character.
For example, the Passage Saint-Michel is
full of second-hand dealers and artists.
You can find everything, from the 18th
century to the 1970s: furniture, jewellery,
toys, crockery etc. The location alone
is worth a detour to see the old banana
ripening room. There is a brasserie on site.
http://bit.ly/passagesaintmichel
BORDEAUX NIGHTLIFE
With 70,000 students, Bordeaux is a young city that likes
to party. Saturday night fever begins here on Thursdays,
when it is traditional to go for an aperitif in one of the
squares or wine bars, followed by concerts in offbeat
venues, underground dance-floors... the revelry continues
late into the night!
21
EASY LISTENING
Live music bars: Bordeaux has a busy, eclectic musical
scene. There are numerous bars where you can listen to a
band and enjoy a glass of wine: the Apollo in the pretty Place
Fernand Lafargue specializes in independent jazz, the Azuli
offers techno; for rock, go to El Chicho or the Wunderbar,
a favourite venue of the organizers of the Bordeaux Rock
Festival... There are usually about twenty concerts scheduled
at very reasonable prices.
Bordeaux’s concert venues offer a wide range of musical
entertainment. The Rocher de Palmer’s programme includes
jazz, rock, classical, and music of the world; the site has
been offering superb concerts since it opened in 2010, with
three halls that can hold from 200 to 1200 people and its
own brasserie, Ze Rock. In 2015, concerts are scheduled by
artists such as Marcus Miller, Brigitte, Michel Portal and Youn
Sun Nah, among others.
www.lerocherdepalmer.fr
Rock School Barbey offers a varied programme; it is also
music school and provides a springboard for young
musicians; then there is the Casino Barrière and the everpopular Krakatoa in Mérignac.
Clubbing: to continue deep into the night, head for the
Bassins à Flot, the new party district, with the Tiradito, a
colourful
barge
with a cool music
scene and regular
DJs; or the Theatro,
an up-and-coming
nightclub; or the
soon-to-open Black
Pearl. If you want
to stay in the city
centre, there are
several late-night venues, such as the Grand Hôtel’s very
chic private club, the Black Diamond.
Rooftops: two outstanding addresses in this category, the
terrace of the Mama Shelter hotel designed by Starck and,
equally magical, the top of the Grand Hotel, which looks
down over the Place de la Comédie.
RAISE THE CURTAIN
For the theatre lovers, there is the TnBA, (National Theatre of
Bordeaux in Aquitaine), one of the region’s major cultural
sites. A varied programme includes shows, dance, circus,
readings, meetings with artists, and courses in theatre.
www.tnba.org
MARVELLOUS ACOUSTICS
The Grand Théâtre was built by Victor
Louis in 1780. Since then, this 18th
century architectural masterpiece, has
been renamed the ‘Opéra National
de Bordeaux’, and delights music and
ballet fans with its 120 piece orchestra, 38
dancers and 40 person choir that offer 200
performances every year in Bordeaux and
internationally. The ‘Auditorium’ extension
was opened in 2013, this 400 seat hall
has perfect acoustics, and offers a rich
programme ranging from classical to
contemporary music, from electro to jazz.
www.opera-bordeaux.com
ACTION IN THE BASSINS!
It’s night-time and you can see docks,
cranes, buildings under construction...
where are you? New York? No, Bordeaux,
in the Bassins à Flot! A permanently
moored barge, the I.Boat has become a
popular venue on Bordeaux’s late-night
scene: electro club, alternative scene, the
eclectic programme goes from rock to
hip-hop, with a workshop and exhibition
space for local artists, designers and
dancers. This thriving multidisciplinary
environment is impossible to classify, as is
the entire up-and-coming area.
www.iboat.eu/Home/Welcome
22
A ROOM IN THE CITY
Hotels, guest houses, furnished apartments, hotel
residences, two youth hostels and a campsite: the
accommodation supply has risen sharply - with nearly 400
establishments - in response to the growing demands of
Bordeaux’s tourist industry.
23
BUSINESS HOTEL OR DESIGNER
LUXURY?
Beautiful 4 and 5 star hotels in the city centre and just outside
Bordeaux complement their luxurious environments with spa
centres, some of which have an international reputation
(such as Bordeaux’s Grand Hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie
and the Hotel de Sèze).
For people in Bordeaux on business, the hotel chains are
concentrated in three main areas - Merignac, Mériadeck
and Bordeaux Lac. With 215 rooms the Mercure Château
Chartrons is currently considered to be the largest hotel in
Bordeaux, while the Pullman Bordeaux Lac offers comfort
and elegance within easy reach of the vineyards of the
Médoc. For hotels with a gourmet focus there is the Relais
& Châteaux Cordeillan Bages in Pauillac (2 Michelin stars)
and the Relais & Châteaux St. James in Bouliac (1 Michelin
star) on the edge of Bordeaux, while the city centre is seeing
growing numbers of concept hotels. The Seek’oo paved the
way with its futuristic design, followed by the Boutique Hotel
(a hotel and wine bar) and more recently Mama Shelter,
designed by Philippe Starck (with one of the most beautiful
rooftop terraces in Bordeaux!).
NEW ON THE SCENE
Bernard Magrez’s luxurious new establishment, La Grande
Maison, has just opened in a former 19th century private
mansion. After enjoying a dinner prepared by top chef Joël
Robuchon, why not continue with a night of luxury in one of
the six Napoleon III style suites?
MULTI-STARRED/ A NEW 5
STAR HOTEL
Luxury, peacefulness and elegant design
can be found at Yndo, Bordeaux’s
brand new hotel, located in a converted
mansion next to the Place Gambetta.
10 rooms and 2 suites offer a refined,
very original atmosphere, created by
talented designers. The generous, wellproportioned spaces include a scented
garden and a terrace. Serenity and 5
star comfort is guaranteed at this highly
individual hotel.
www.yndohotelbordeaux.fr/en
www.lagrandemaison-bordeaux.com/en
At the entrance to Bordeaux’s ‘Triangle’, the Tourny Hotel
has 12 discreetly luxurious rooms in an eighteenth century
residence. This new boutique hotel opened in January
2015 and offers stylish decor accompanied by personalized
service.
www.hoteldetourny.com
ON THE WATERSIDE
A GUEST HOUSE BOOM!
There were just two establishments in the guest house
category in Bordeaux in 2001. There has since been a
spectacular rise: in 2013 there were 64! With a preference
for the top-end of the market, the owners of beautiful town
houses have opened their doors, offering a chance to
experience the authentic Bordeaux lifestyle (Une Chambre
en Ville, La Maison Bord’eaux, and L’Hôtel Particulier). And
the Darwin centre will soon be opening its "new generation"
eco-lodges, with shared spaces
24
Follow sandy paths to reach cottages,
fishing cabins and colourful wooden
chalets right on the water: you can almost
hear the ocean! Welcome to the Village
du Lac, a 4 star campsite, 8 km from
Bordeaux’s centre. Each unit is comfortably
equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom
and terrace. There is also a swimming
pool, restaurant, bar and grocery store.
www.camping-bordeaux.com/en
THE BUSINESS TOURISM
"BOOM"
Another achievement to add to the list! Bordeaux is now
France’s 4th largest city for business tourism. It also has a
strong position in the sector at a European level.
25
In 2013 there were 81 conferences, attended by more than
30,000 people, a third of whom were from outside France,
generating 22 million euros for Bordeaux’s economy.
Bordeaux owes this success to several factors: an exceptional
urban setting, boosted by its classification as a Unesco World
Heritage site; the renovation of its hotel accommodation;
and the creation of new business tourism facilities.
Add to this several areas of thriving economic activity:
Bordeaux presents the Atlantic face of France’s aerospace
industry; it is a leader in optical and laser technology, and
has strong nanotechnology, biotechnology, neuroscience
and health sectors. Not to mention the pool of talent formed
by 70,000 students, four universities and 11,600 researchers.
TOP 5 CONFERENCE CENTRES
Le Palais des Congrès (Conference Centre): 1,850 seats
in three amphitheatres and an 800-seat conference room;
light-filled architecture by Wilmotte benefits from a natural
setting beside the lake. 1,200 hotel rooms, 15 restaurants, a
tramway station and a casino are easily accessible nearby.
Le Parc des Expositions (Exhibition centre): 80,000m2, 4
modular halls spread over 30 hectares, for international fairs,
such as Vinexpo, which will take place in 2015 from 14-18
June.
Hangar 14: in the Chartrons, on the banks of the Garonne,
5,400m2 on two floors, suitable for trade or consumer fairs
and product launches.
Cité Mondiale : on the waterfront in the heart of the city with a
300-seat amphitheatre, ideal for meetings and conferences.
A SUPER-SIZED CONFERENCE
Heard of ITS? ITS stands for Intelligent
Transport Systems, and involves the
application of digital technology to
transport with a view to developing more
sustainable forms of mobility. Bordeaux
is to host an international conference, in
what will be the largest business tourismrelated event ever to be held in Bordeaux
apart from Vinexpo. 3,500 participants
are expected to attend from 60 countries,
with 10,000 visitors, 300 talks, technical
demonstrations and tours. 5 to 9 October
2015.
www.itsworldcongress.com
Palais de la Bourse: for a touch of class, with its 18th century
lounges, 1,200m2 hall and superb view of the Garonne, the
Bordeaux reception venue "par excellence"!
A RANGE OF HOTELS
With 150 hotels, 10,000 rooms, including 6,300 in the city
centre, and 1,800 in the 4 and 5 star category, Bordeaux
has a broad range of accommodation, from business hotels
near conference centres to châteaux in the vineyards, guest
houses in the centre of town, and even a 4 star campsite
with 240 bungalows.
GOOD TO KNOW...
The Bordeaux Convention Bureau provides a single point of
contact for conference and incentive tourism organizations.
A very helpful guide is published with details of locations,
activities, service providers etc., entitled the ‘Bordeaux
Meeting Guide’.
www.bordeauxconventionbureau.fr/en
26
THE CHÂTEAU LIFESTYLE
Bordeaux’s wine-producing chateaux
are a major asset for business tourism. At
least twenty are open to visitors, offering
tours of the cellars and tastings of their
internationally famous wines: conference
facilities and private dining are available
at Château Haut-Bailly, themed tours
at Château Kirwan, receptions in the
cellar or the gardens at Château Pichon
Longueville and Château Agassac, while
others such as Smith Haut Lafitte and
Château du Tertre offer accommodation.
BORDEAUX’S
GOLF COURSES
There are fifteen golf courses less than an hour and half
from Bordeaux, so keen golfers can easily fit in a round
or two. They also offer an opportunity to explore four
different types of landscape, depending on what you
are looking for...
27
STAYING IN BORDEAUX
How convenient, a golf course in the city! In fact there are
five within the CUB (Bordeaux Urban Community): the golf
Bordelais (18 hols) just a few minutes from the city centre,
Bordeaux-Lac with two 18-hole courses and a pitch & putt
in a lush green setting; Cameyrac golf course (18 holes)
offers a family atmosphere; while Pessac golf course has a
stunning 120 hectares of lakes and pine forest.
OCEAN SIDE
There are five golf courses
around Arcachon bay, where
you can practice your swing in
the sea air, pleasantly scented
by the pine forests: Aiguilles
Vertes in Lanton has a 9-hole
course that offers a perfect warm-up; the Golf International
d’Arcachon (18 hols) enjoys an exceptional location on the
edge of the beautiful Bay and close to the highest dune
in Europe; Gujan golf course (27 holes) is reminiscent of
Florida with a varied style that follows the natural landscape;
Biscarosse is more technical with narrow fairways, nestled
between two dunes; lastly, the most recent, in Cap-Ferret,
opened in 2013 with the region’s only floodlit 9-hole course.
BETWEEN THE SEA AND THE VINES
Head for the Médoc, with its fine wines and endless
beaches. Lacanau golf course (18 holes) offers a superb
setting in the heart of the pine forests. Margaux (18 holes)
has a spectacular 45 hectares of forests and small lakes with
beautiful views of the estuary. With its moors, pine trees and
wide fairways bordered by heather, the Médoc golf course
seems to have a hint of Scotland. The two 18-hole courses
and 4* resort-hotel have won numerous awards: it was rated
third best French golf course by the Rolex guide in 2010,
placed in the Top 5 French golf courses by a professional jury,
and voted No. 1 by Fairways magazine in 2014. And South
of Bordeaux, discover the Golf des Graves & Sauternais (18
holes).
ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE!
One destination, four different landscapes:
the Bordeaux region’s 15 golf courses are
united by the Golf in Bordeaux Association.
Its goal is to promote Bordeaux and North
Aquitaine as a golf destination. The
website is full of information for visitors to
the region, with the latest special offers
for golf and accommodation packages
and lessons. Take up the offer of a free
introductory lesson for beginners! Just fill
out the form, choose your golf course and
click!
www.golf-bordeaux-gironde.fr/en/
ANOTHER GOLF DESTINATION
Biarritz is another beautiful golf destination
on the Atlantic Coast. The lighthouse has
exceptional golf courses along the ocean
and welcomes international tournaments.
Biarritz is also the starting point to discover
the most beautiful golf courses of the
Basque Country and the South of the
Landes region thanks to the Golf Pass.
http://bit.ly/golfers-paradise
GOURMET GOLFING
Destination Dordogne: Château des Vigiers golf course has
everything you could want with a 17th century château
converted into a 4* hotel, three restaurants and three
9-hole courses that enable several 18-hole combinations.
Near Saint Emilion, Teynac has a charming 18-hole course,
among the hills and vineyards; there is also a restaurant in
the former winery and accommodation in the pigeon tower.
28
MAJOR URBAN
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Bordeaux has many projects in progress, such as its Cité
des civilisations du vin and a railway station that is set to
become the second largest in France, accompanied by
new urban districts, and a seventh bridge. All of these
projects are gradually progressing, boosted by the arrival
of the LGV train which, in 2017, will put Paris just two hours
away. The ultimate goal is to make Bordeaux one of the
major European cities of the 21st century.
29
TO THE NORTH, THE "CITY OF
WINE", SYMBOLIZING A NEW
DISTRICT
Alexandria brought light and thereby knowledge
to the Mediterranean coastline with its lighthouse,
which was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. In 2016, Bordeaux will have its
"Cité des civilisations du vin", a "lighthouse"
which will illuminate the entrance to the city and
present the story of thousands of years of wine
civilization. Sidney has its opera house, Bilbao has
its Guggenheim museum, and now Bordeaux will
offer another iconic contemporary monument that
enhances the city and connects it to its famous
historic product.
TO THE SOUTH, THE COLOSSAL
EURATLANTIQUE PROJECT
This vast, swirling glass tower on the banks of the
Garonne is located in the up-and-coming Bassins
à Flot district. The Cité des civilisations du vin will
present the cultivation of grapes and production of
wine in the civilized world.
The new MECA (Centre for Creative Economy and
Culture in Aquitaine), which in 2017 will host the
FRAC Aquitaine, and regional cultural agencies
dedicated to the performing arts and cultural
activities.
Visitors will be
taken
from
ancient
times
to the present
day, from the
arid vineyards
of Mesopotamia
to San Francisco
Bay, from the gravelly hills of Bordeaux to the vast
expanses of Australia.
A monolithic sandstone arch will stand beside the
Garonne, maintaining a link with the 18th century
facades along the riverfront. Bjarke Ingels, the
Danish architect, designed the space to be open
to the public, to provide a balance between the
urban and artistic worlds.
At the centre of the Bordeaux Euratlantique project,
it’s one of the largest urban development projects in
France (740 hectares) and will provide 500,000m2
of offices, 15,000 homes and 100,000m2 of shops
and hotels around the Bordeaux train station.
The Cité does not fit into the category of museum
or theme park, but takes the best of each, placing
emphasis on the imagination and the senses, with
a spectacular multimedia experience.
At the top of the tower, a panoramic viewpoint will
enable visitors to look down on Bordeaux and its
vineyards.
With the opening of the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique
in 2017, the latter will become the second largest
station in France, with 18 million passengers /year
and Paris just 2,5 hours away.
Its location has been carefully chosen in the rapidly
developing Bassins à Flot. This new district covers
160 hectares, including 13 areas of water, 5,400
new apartments, extensive public facilities and lots
of new residents! On the banks of the Garonne,
next to the new Chaban-Delmas bridge, the Cité
des civilisations du vin is set to become the new
symbol of a city that is in the process of reinventing
itself.
The project also includes a new 540-metre long,
44-metre wide bridge that will connect Bordeaux
to Floirac. The architect, Dutchman Rem Koolhaas
wants a bridge for the twenty-first century with social
environment. It will also host major events such as
the Bordeaux Wine Festival and concerts.
Opening in 2016.
http://bit.ly/citeduvin
30
BREAKS
AROUND BORDEAUX
The Ocean or the Pyrenees?
The massive forests of the Landes or the gastronomic
delights of Périgord?
The vineyard landscapes of Bordeaux or those of Cognac?
Biarritz or Pau?
31
An oceanic gateway to Southwest France, Bordeaux offers
a wide range of cultural, gourmet and sports activities.
45 MINUTES AWAY
Home to seagulls, secret
islands,
the
Vauban
fortifications, and little fishing
huts perched on the river
banks - the Gironde estuary
offers a unique, fascinating
world that can be explored by
car or, for a more authentic
experience, via one of the
river cruises that leave from
Bordeaux.
Châteaux and vineyards
as far as the eye can see:
Médoc, Graves, Sauternes,
Saint
Emilion,
Bordeaux’s
vineyards are the most famous in the world. Their landscapes
offer a rich variety of walled villages, abbeys and churches...
AN HOUR AWAY
Visit Arcachon and its bay with its Belle Epoque resort,
listed villas, the Dune du Pyla, little oyster ports, and Cap
Ferret, which retains its charm despite having become a
playground for the rich and famous...
If you want crashing waves, open spaces, endless beaches
and fragrant pine trees, then head for the coast and the
Landes forest, the largest tree-covered area in Europe, a
paradise of walks and bike paths through the greenery.
THE PERFECT TRIANGLE
There are two destinations within easy
reach of Bordeaux that offer a pleasant
change of scenery and lots to do. First,
head for the Unesco World Heritage site
of Saint Emilion; enjoy a walk through
the narrow medieval streets and take the
amazing underground tour of France’s
largest monolithic church. The beautiful
village is surrounded by vineyards.
Then, for a change of atmosphere, take
a trip to Arcachon Bay, a remarkable
expanse of inland sea that offers superb
views of the Dune du Pyla, Ile aux Oiseau
(Bird Island) with its old fishing shacks
built on piles, and the Arguin Bank. The
surrounding area consists of ten different
communes made up of oyster ports and
seaside resorts that all express the bay
spirit in their own special way!
AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY
...This would give you enough time to drive to the Charente,
to the north of Bordeaux, famous for its Cognac distilleries,
which offer tours of their cellars to visitors.
TWO AND A HALF HOURS AWAY
Head east to the delights of Périgord with the Lascaux
caves, splendid châteaux, gourmet markets in Sarlat and
Périgueux, and the wines of Bergerac.
Or head south, for a definite change of scenery in the
Basque Country, with its sturdy little villages and festivals, to
the beauty of Biarritz with its surfing beaches, and the port of
Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Then there is the neighbouring Béarn, the
land of Henry IV, Pau and its British charm, a land of unspoilt
valleys, beautiful hiking and ski resorts. Go a little further...
and you are in Spain, just over the crest of the hill!
32
BORDEAUX CONFIRMS ITS
STATUS AS A WORLD CLASS
BRAND FOR TOURISM!
Bordeaux (the city, its vineyards, the
Gironde estuary) has been recognized
"outstanding tourist destination in France"
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Along
with 10 other French sites/cites, Bordeaux
(with Biarritz - Basque Region) has now the
privilege to be listed as an international
destination by French government.
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
2015 CALENDAR
JANUARY
OF MICE AND MEN
15 to 31 January 2015
16 performances, 8 places, and 9
nationalities for this 8th international
festival of performing arts
www.lecarre-lescolonnes.fr
FEBRUARY
BORDEAUX INTERNATIONAL
SHOW-JUMPING
INAUGURATION OF THE STADIUM
23 May 2015
With the last game of the FC season
for the Girondins de Bordeaux
http://bit.ly/newstade_bordeaux
"ODYSSEY, DESTINATION SPACE"
EXHIBITION
13 February 2016 to February 2016
Have you ever dreamt of a trip into
space? Now boarding at the Cap
Sciences Museum!
www.cap-sciences.net
MARCH
"QUATRE TENDANCES/5"
18 to 26 March 2015
Charles Jude and the National
Opera of Bordeaux Ballet company
celebrate contemporary dance at
the Grand Théâtre
http://bit.ly/4tendances
APRIL
BORDEAUX METROPOLE
MARATHON
18 April 2015
See focus
MAY
BORDEAUX RIVER FESTIVAL AND
THE SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO ERIC
BOMPARD CACHEMIRE YACHT
RACE
22 to 31 May 2015
A combined cultural, festive and
sports event
www.bordeaux-river-festival.com
NORMA
22 May to 9 June 2015
Vincenzo Bellini’s opera in two acts
www.opera-bordeaux.com
5 to 9 October 2015
World Forum on Sustainable
Mobility
www.itsworldcongress.com
WEEKEND DES GRANDS CRUS
30 and 31 May 2015
Much awaited by lovers of
Bordeaux’s fine wines
http://bit.ly/we_grandscrus
6 to 8 February 2015
www.jumping-bordeaux.com/en
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT
SYSTEMS CONFERENCE
JUNE
COD FESTIVAL IN BÈGLES
5 to 7 June 2015
A celebration of the time when
Bègles was the cod capital of
France
NOVEMBER
BORDEAUX S.O GOOD
Food festival celebrating the
specialities of Southwest France
(S.O. = Sud-Ouest)
www.bordeauxsogood.fr
NOVART
Contemporary performance arts
festival
www.novartbordeaux.com
http://bit.ly/fetedelamorue
VINEXPO
14 to 18 june 2015
A major event for Bordeaux and the
wine and spirits industry
www.vinexpo.com/en
JULY
OUTDOOR SPORT AND DANCES
Mid-July to mid-August 2015
Summer events beside the
Garonne
www.bordeaux.fr
AUGUST
SUN SKA REGGAE FESTIVAL
7 to 9 August 2015
The biggest French Reggae festival
- University Campus of Pessac Talence - Gradignan
www.reggaesunska.com/en
SEPTEMBER
MÉDOC MARATHON
12 September 2015
www.marathondumedoc.com
OCTOBRE
INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT
FILM FESTIVAL
www.fifib.com/en
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PESSAC INTERNATIONAL
HISTORICAL FILM FESTIVAL
The theme for this year’s festival will
be "The East: so close"
http://bit.ly/cinema_pessac
GET IN TRAINING FOR THE
BORDEAUX METROPOLE
MARATHON
18 April 2015 will already be circled
in keen runners’ diaries: Bordeaux
is holding its first marathon. A
marathon with a difference, in that
it will be run at night, the only one of
its kind in France! Running through
the moonlight was only logical
for the Port of the Moon... 7,000
participants will start from the Place
des Quinconces, follow the banks
of the Garonne and loop around
the city’s major sites (Pont de
Pierre bridge, Grand Théâtre, Porte
Cailhau, and the Public Gardens)
before heading for Pessac, Talence,
and Mérignac beside the vineyards.
The finish line will be in the Place de
la Bourse. Hopefully this marathon
by moonlight will be a resounding
success and enable Bordeaux,
once again, to celebrate its UNESCO
heritage.
http://bit.ly/marathon_en
BORDEAUX BY FIGURES
• 4th French touristic destination (tripAdvisor 2014)
• 1st most welcoming French city for cyclists, survey BVA (April 2013)
• Best food city in the world according to the New-York webzine thrillist.com
(October 2014)
• "European city of sport 2015" thanks to its new stadium, being a host city
of the Euro 2016 and for the organization of major events such as the
Solitaire du Figaro yacht race and the Night Marathon
THE CITY
WINE
• 6th largest urban area in France and the
capital of the Aquitaine region
• 60 AOCs (designated wine production areas)
• 730,000 inhabitants in the CUB (Bordeaux
Urban Community), 242,000 of which live in the
central Bordeaux area
• 7,000 wine-producing properties, 17,000 labels
• Production: 5.5 million hectolitres
• 23 bottles of wine from Bordeaux are sold every
second all over the world
• 1,810 hectares classified as UNESCO World
Heritage
PLUS...
A FLOURISHING TOURIST
INDUSTRY
• Hotel bookings rose by 66% between 2003 and
2013
• 800,000 people visited Bordeaux’s Tourist Office
in 2014
• 5.5 million visitors per year
• 39 cruise ship visits, corresponding to 30,000
passengers
• 26,500 vineyard tours were organized by the
• Airport: 4,380,185 passengers per year
• Cost of the guided city tour: €10
Tourist Office in 2014
• Accommodation: 26.000 beds available
(hotels, tourist residences, guest houses)
• 14 starred restaurants in Bordeaux and the
surrounding area
• Visitor demographics: 65% French, 35%
international (primarily United Kingdom, Spain,
North America, Germany, Australia, China,
Japan, Italy, Switzerland)
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PRESS CONTACTS
PRESS CONTACTS
ACCESS TO OUR ONLINE
PHOTO LIBRARY
Gwenaëlle TOWSE-VALLET
PRESS RELATIONS
Tel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 15
Mail: g.towse@bordeaux-tourisme.com
Twitter: @GwenaelleTowse
Step 1: select your photos
www.flickr.com/photos/bordeaux-tourisme/sets
Step 2: submit your selection via this form
Sophie GAILLARD-MAIRAL
http://bit.ly/Photos-Bordeaux
Tel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 25
Mail: s.gaillard@bordeaux-tourisme.com
Step 3: you will receive a link with your photos in HD
including the copy rights
Please send a copy of the article after publication
to g.towse@bordeaux-tourisme.com
OFFICE DE TOURISME DE BORDEAUX
12 cours du XXX Juillet - CS 31366
F-33080 Bordeaux Cedex
Lat: 44.84 366 | Long: - 0.57 446
Tel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 00
www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
COPY RIGHTS
Digital version of the press kit:
http://presse.bordeaux-tourisme.com
The Photos that illustrate the content of this
press kit are signed by Thomas Sanson, Vincent
Bengold, Steve Le Clech, Swann Vidal, JeanMichel Destang, Deepix Studio, Lucky Studio,
François Poincet, Christophe Bouthe, Geoffroy
Groult, Vincent Rochefort, Eric Bouloumié.
Press kit designed by Mobilibook:
Contact: François Moraud
Mail: f.moraud@mobilibook.com
Website: www.mobilibook.com
Tel. +33 (0)6 59 36 11 85
Some visuals may be used for the promotion of
Bordeaux, with our agreement.
Please send your request to:
communication@bordeaux-tourisme.com
and specify the use of the photo before being
granted permission to use it.
Graphic design: Magali Samacher
Web: Patrick Samacher
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