Trains to Bordeaux
Image: Deonitian reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic licence
Steeped in 2000 years of history, Bordeaux encompasses lavish neo-classical architecture and elegant avenues contrast against jumbled back-streets. Long described as a sleeping beauty, the city has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in recent years and has evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan centre. Above all the region is famed for its wine and is the place to be for tours of the Claret capital. As something of a railway hub, at only 3 hours from Paris by train, Bordeaux is perfectly placed for jaunts to the south of France... More
Bordeaux’s main station, Bordeaux-St-Jean, is home to the high-speed TGV link to Paris and local services to the Bay of Biscay. Trains depart Paris Montparnasse regularly and take just a couple of hours to reach Bordeaux-St-Jean in the city centre. The station also serves Nice and the Cote d'Azur on board the Lunéa night train. And there’s a direct link to Irun for those of you venturing across the border into Spain.
Sample classic Bordeaux with a trip to the enchanting riverside eateries on the River Garonne or pick up something typically Bordelaise at the Golden triangle. And if all this talk of Bordeaux makes you thirsty for a cup of Claret, we recommend a trip to Saint-Émilion for a taste fresh from the press...
Loco2 recommends
-
Port of the Moon
The ornate architecture of Bordeaux has captivated imaginations for centuries leaving playwright Victor Hugo smitten, declaring, “take Versaille, add Antwerp and you have Bordeaux.” More recently, the entire old town was granted World Heritage status, proof that Bordeaux's streets have come up shining following an extensive clean-up.
For minimal expense you can use the tram for unlimited travel around the old town until 1am. In summer the route swoops down to the Port of the Moon, so called because of its graceful curve along the waterfront. Trundle along miles of riverbank, beautifully restored to its former splendour, passing the beautiful Mirror fountain and chic Bordelais lunching in the open air at the water's edge.
The old quarter is a jumble of pretty narrow streets. Take in the Grand Théâtre, and the Place de la Bourse or simply stroll aimlessly before settling down for some al fresco dining of your own. The port is particularly mesmerising at night as lights glisten alluringly on the water’s surface. The quay offers a fine selection of restaurants, so order an Aquitaine steak and finish with melt-in-the-mouth St. Emilion au chocolat, a decadent coupling of macaroons and chocolate. Or simply sit back and drink in the atmosphere.
Image: Etienne Gérard reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution 2.0 Generic licence
-
Saint-Émilion Vineyards
If you like wine, you’ll like Bordeaux. As France’s indisputable capital of wine, and the premier red wine producer in the world, Bordeaux is a Mecca for wine enthusiasts. With over 10,000 châteaux in the region, and millions of bottles produced by hundreds of vignerons, you can discover first-hand the exquisite sophistication of the region’s best wines. Relax among 12th century vineyards with a glass of finest claret and look out onto picturesque surroundings.
Bordeaux is perfectly situated for exploring the vineyards that hem the city. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to taste tours but we recommend you take a day trip to the medieval town of Saint-Émilion to the east, just an hour away by bus. With tumbling cobbled streets and primitive churches, Saint-Émilion, on the banks of the Gironde, will easily captivate wine lovers and their taste buds.
You can really appreciate the vintage as you look out onto the hills of the Médoc to the north, and bask in the sunlight that creates the robust flavours. In the afternoon, leave the trestles behind and venture into miles of underground cellars. Here, hundreds of bottles are aged among the centuries old architecture that has afforded Saint-Émilion its heritage status.
Image: royalty free by kodakgold reproduced with thanks.
-
Ville de Bordeaux
If you’re on a hunt for extra special souvenirs, Bordeaux’s ‘Golden Triangle’ is the place to go for retail therapy. At the junction of three main roads, this area is easily navigable on foot and offers top notch shopping without the eye-watering Parisian prices. Elegant pedestrianised streets showcase the typically extravagant Bordeaux style. And rich window displays, overflowing with petits fours and macaroons tempt you inside.
Overpriced wine and tea towels decorated with vine leaves might fool the less imaginative shopper, but a discerning eye will find more unusual wares (and buy the same wine at half the price). Wander the Rue Sainte-Catherine from the Place de la Victoire, and explore the trendy café scene and grand arcades of Bordeaux's commercial quarter.
At the main avenue's north end you'll find the aptly named Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. A lavish neo-classical monolith, it's flanked by Corinthian columns and decorated with regal blue and gold on the interior. Here you can treat yourself to the kind of world class opera or ballet that once entertained the bourgeoisie (and let’s be honest, still does). If you’ve still got a little steam afterwards, take a nightcap at the L'Absolut Lounge to the sound of nu jazz or the more lively Le Calle Ocho for Cuban beats and mohitos.
Image: Etienne Gérard reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution 2.0 Generic licence
