History of Bordeaux, France

In 1462, Bordeaux obtained a parliament, but regained importance only in the 16th century when it became the center of the distribution of sugar and slaves from the West Indies along with the traditional wine.

Bordeaux adhered to the Fronde, being effectively annexed to the Kingdom of France only in 1653, when the army of Louis XIV entered the city.

The 18th century was the golden age of Bordeaux. Many downtown buildings (about 5,000), including those on the quays, are from this period. Victor Hugo found the town so beautiful he once said: "take Versailles, add Antwerp, and you have Bordeaux". Baron Haussmann, a long-time prefect of Bordeaux, used Bordeaux's 18th century big-scale rebuilding as a model when he was asked by Emperor Napoleon III to transform a then still quasi-medieval Paris into a "modern" capital that would make France proud.

Bordeaux, bordö' or bor'do, formerly written Bour deaux, boor'do' (L. Burdig'ala), a city in the S.W. of France, capital of the department of Gironde, on the Garonne, 60 miles from its mouth, and chiefly on its left bank, and at the junction of several railways, 358 miles S.S.W. of Paris. Lat. 44° 50' 19" N.; lon. 0°34'32"W. It is one of the most flourishing cities of Europe in point of industry, commerce, and the cultivation of the arts and sciences. It is an archbishop's see, the seat of a university academy, a school of medicine, college, normal school, school of navigation, and a mint. In the old £ of the city the streets are crooked and narrow, but the new quarters, the allées, and the many public edifices are of great beauty and elegance. Among the most remarkable of these are the remains of the palace of Gallienus; the cathedral, a fine Gothic structure; the church of the Feuillants, which contains the tomb of Montaigne; the great theatre built by Louis XVI., one of the finest...

Bordeaux, a city in the SW. of France, capital of the department of Gironde (in Giuionne), on the Garonne, 60 miles from its mouth, on its left bank, and 368 miles SSW. of Paris. Lat. of the observatory, 44° 50' 7" N. ; Lon. 0° 38' 21" W. On the right bank of the river, here half a mile wide, is the suburb of La Bastide, with which it is connected by a modern stone bridge of 17 arches and a railway bridge. Bordeaux is one of the most flourishing cities of France in point of industry, commerce, and the cultivation of the arts and sciences. In the old part of the city the streets arc crooked and narrow, but the new quarters are very elegant. Of the fine public squares the principal is the Place de la Quinconoe, adorned with colossal statues of Montesquieu and Montaigne. Among the most prominent buildings are the mediaeval Cathedral of St. Andre, with a detached bell-tower or campanile, the Church of St. Michel, which has likewise a campanile, the great theatre built by Louis XVI., one...

1. Bordeaux Wine Tour:

Start your visit with a wine tour. Bordeaux is one of the world's most famous wine regions, and you can't miss the chance to explore its vineyards and taste its renowned wines. Consider a tour of the Medoc, Saint-Émilion, or Pessac-Léognan wine regions.

2. Bordeaux Wine Museum (La Cité du Vin):

Dive deeper into Bordeaux's wine culture at La Cité du Vin, a modern wine museum. You'll learn about the history of winemaking, enjoy wine tastings, and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.

3. Place de la Bourse:

This elegant square is one of Bordeaux's most iconic landmarks. Admire the stunning 18th-century architecture and the Water Mirror (Le Miroir d'eau) in front of it, which reflects the buildings beautifully.

4. Bordeaux River Cruise:

Explore the city from a different perspective by taking a cruise along the Garonne River. It's a relaxing way to see Bordeaux's historic waterfront and bridges.

5. Saint-Émilion:

A ...