The vineyards of Bordeaux produce, on average, more than 700 million bottles of wine each year, ranging from everyday table wine to some of the most prestigious wines in the world. While most are red wines, Bordeaux vineyards also produce a wide range of rosé, dry white, sweet white, dessert and sparkling wines. The region is divided into the left bank and right bank by the Gironde estuary. Don’t miss the opportunity to take an excursion to a château and taste some of the world-renowned wines of this area.
The gracious Place de la Bourse is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Built during the reign of King Louis XV, it’s the perfect example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture. Once home to the city’s stock exchange, the majestic and imposing buildings now house the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the world’s largest reflecting pool.
See authentic Bordeaux by browsing markets and antique stores in Les Capucins. Visit the Marché des Capucins, a market that is always abuzz with residents buying everything from garden-fresh produce and oysters on ice to homemade cakes and bread. Swing by the flea market Les Puces de Saint Michel and shop for even more antiques in Les Brocanteurs du Passage Saint Michel, a cluster of 18th-century townhouses and warehouses brimming with rare and precious merchandise.
Bordeaux’s skyline is dotted by the spires of churches that are so stunning that they’ve been deemed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For instance, visit the Basilique Saint-Michel, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, to see a depiction of Saint Michael slaying a dragon.
The Basilique Saint-Seurin has a history dating back to the 6th century, making it one of the city’s oldest sanctuaries. The jewel in the crown is the Cathédrale Saint André. Comparable in size to Notre Dame in Paris, one wall of the nave dates back as far as the 11th century, while most of the structure was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is also home to the Marcadé Collection, a treasure trove of famous medieval paintings.
This museum and the adjacent Galerie des Beaux-Arts house an impressive collection of European art from the 16th through 20th centuries. Built in 1881, the museum recently re-opened after several years of in-depth renovation. Between the two wings housing the exhibits, there is a pleasant garden that you can stroll around and enjoy.
Approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Bordeaux, the preserved medieval village of Saint-Émilion is as famous for its red wines as for its special macarons. There are also plenty of historical landmarks in the town. The 13th-century city walls are still reasonably intact, and you will delight in seeing the fascinating Église Monolithe, a 12th-century church carved into a cliff above the village. The 13th-century Trinity Chapel is a tribute to Saint Émilion, the 8th-century monk for whom the town is named.
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Sarah Rosner, a self-proclaimed foodie, is a member of the Regent marketing team. She finds joy in spending time with her beloved family while her extensive travels to over 20 countries and nearly all 50 US states have offered her a treasure trove of enriching life experiences.
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