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BORDEAUX TOURISM & CONVENTIONS PRESS KIT 2015
BORDEAUXTOURISM & CONVENTIONS
PRESS KIT 2015
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SUMMARY
BORDEAUX, WORLD HERITAGE SITE
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BORDEAUXPORT OF CALL
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MAJOR EVENTS IN 2015
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BORDEAUX GOES GREEN
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THE GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS OF BORDEAUX
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BORDEAUXSHOPPING
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BORDEAUX GATEWAY TO THE VINEYARDS
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BORDEAUX’S MUSEUMS
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BORDEAUX METROPOLE CITYPASS: THE KEYS TO THE CITY
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BORDEAUX NIGHTLIFE
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A ROOM IN THE CITY
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THE BUSINESS TOURISM "BOOM"
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BORDEAUX’S GOLF COURSES
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MAJOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
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BREAKS AROUND BORDEAUX
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WHY BORDEAUX?P.2
BORDEAUX BY FIGURESP.34
2015 CALENDARP.33
PRESS CONTACTSP.35
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BECAUSE BORDEAUX HAS BEEN REJUVENATED!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.
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 Today, one could say that Antwerp has been replaced by Barcelona.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.
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*.
BECAUSE BORDEAUX HAS RISEN TO OTHER CHALLENGESOne 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
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.
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-WESTSurrounded 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.**
And in 2017, with the new LGV train connection, it will only be two and a quarter hours from Paris!
BECAUSE BORDEAUX IS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE 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.
WHY BORDEAUX?
* 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
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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!
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A BRAND NEW STADIUMWhat 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.
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.
"THE BORDEAUX RIVER FESTIVAL" WILL HOST THE SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO ERIC BOMPARD CACHEMIRE YACHT RACEAnother 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
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!
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
www.capc-bordeaux.fr/en/
www.bordeaux-river-festival.com
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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.
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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 U N E S C O - l i s t e d m o n u m e n t s : 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-and-coming 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 BORDEAUXBordeaux 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).
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
http://bit.ly/modern_architecture
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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.
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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 Atlantic-Canaries cruise, from Marseilles to Hamburg.
CRUISES ON THE GARONNE AND THE DORDOGNEBordeaux 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.
Bordeaux River Cruise offers wine-tasting cruises and summer-evening aperitifs in Bordeaux’s vineyards (€21).
THE BEST DEALYou 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!
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://bit.ly/croisieresburdigala
http://bordeaux-river-cruise.com
www.infotbc.com/en/boats-batcub
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BORDEAUX GATEWAYTO 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.com/uk
www.bordeaux-river-cruise.com
www.bordeauxwinebank.com/maxbordeaux.php
www.museeduvinbordeaux.com/language/en/
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
http://bit.ly/citeduvin
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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!
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HISTORYIn 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.
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".
FINE ARTSLocated 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 pain-tings by Rosa Bonheur, a native of Bordeaux.
To visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design (Museum of Decorative Arts and Design), with its collections of furni-shings and ceramics, one enters the Hôtel de Lalande, a sumptuous 18th century town house. There is also a delight-ful tea room.
CONTEMPORARY ARTThe 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.
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.
A LOVE FOR ARTIn 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).
LIFE IN THE BUNKERIn 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.
www.musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr/en
http://en.musee-douanes.fr
http://bit.ly/freecreation_museum
www.musba-bordeaux.fr/en
www.capc-bordeaux.fr/en
http://bit.ly/magrez_institut
http://bit.ly/artdecodesign_museum
http://bit.ly/submarine_base
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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: €252 days: €303 days: €35
Available from the Tourist Office, TBC network ticket offices, and online on
DON’T MISS: TWO EXCELLENT DEALS AVAILABLE
THROUGHOUT THE YEARThe 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 wine-producing 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 BOXBordeaux 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/citypass_en 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, environmentally-friendly transport and the importance the city attaches to
its green spaces.
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BORDEAUX’S STREETSThe 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!
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.
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 Happy-Moov, a bicycle-taxi service that can also advise on the city’s attractions.
There is also Citeis 47, the electric shuttle that operates eve-rywhere 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.
BORDEAUX’S PARKS AND GARDENSThe 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.
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!
DID YOU SAY DARWIN? Take a disused barracks, create a ‘co-working’ space for micro-business start-ups 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
www.infotbc.com/en
www.happymoov.com/bordeau.php
www.bordeaux-by-bike.com
www.vcub.fr
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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!
THE GASTRONOMICDELIGHTS OF BORDEAUX
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BORDEAUX’S MARKETSNumerous 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 TABLESThere 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 DIFFERENTStreet 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.
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 TRYMiles, 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.
STARS IN THE MAKINGA 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.
GOURMET WALKFor 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.
www.saintjames-bouliac.com/en
http://bit.ly/lagrandemaison_bordeaux
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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!
SHOPPING IN BORDEAUX
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FASHIONFashion 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.
BRAVE NEW CONCEPTAs in Paris, concept stores are springing up: a modern ver-sion of the bazaar, with a trendy, arty twist. Very designer bohemian, you can find everything: clothes, bags, accesso-ries, 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!
FLEA MARKETS AND SECOND-HAND SHOPSAntique 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.
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.
THE CHARMS OF "SAINT MICH"
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.
www.wanweb.fr
http://bit.ly/passagesaintmichel
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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!
BORDEAUX NIGHTLIFE
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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.
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 ever-popular 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 CURTAINFor 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.
MARVELLOUS ACOUSTICSThe 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.
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.tnba.org www.iboat.eu/Home/Welcome
www.opera-bordeaux.com
www.lerocherdepalmer.fr
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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.
A ROOM IN THE CITY
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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 SCENEBernard 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?
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.
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
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, well-proportioned spaces include a scented garden and a terrace. Serenity and 5 star comfort is guaranteed at this highly individual hotel.
ON THE WATERSIDEFollow 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.lagrandemaison-bordeaux.com/en
www.hoteldetourny.com
www.camping-bordeaux.com/en
www.yndohotelbordeaux.fr/en
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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.
THE BUSINESS TOURISM "BOOM"
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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 CENTRESLe 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.
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 HOTELSWith 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’.
A SUPER-SIZED CONFERENCEHeard 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 tourism-related 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.
THE CHÂTEAU LIFESTYLEBordeaux’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.
www.bordeauxconventionbureau.fr/en
www.itsworldcongress.com
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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...
BORDEAUX’SGOLF COURSES
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STAYING IN BORDEAUXHow 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).
GOURMET GOLFINGDestination 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.
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!
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.
www.golf-bordeaux-gironde.fr/en/
http://bit.ly/golfers-paradise
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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.
MAJOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
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TO THE NORTH, THE "CITY OF WINE", SYMBOLIZING A NEW DISTRICTAlexandria 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Opening in 2016.
TO THE SOUTH, THE COLOSSAL EURATLANTIQUE PROJECTThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
http://bit.ly/citeduvin
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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?
BREAKS AROUND BORDEAUX
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An oceanic gateway to Southwest France, Bordeaux offers a wide range of cultural, gourmet and sports activities.
45 MINUTES AWAYHome 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.
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 AWAYHead 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!
THE PERFECT TRIANGLEThere 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!
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
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2015 CALENDAR
JANUARYOF MICE AND MEN15 to 31 January 201516 performances, 8 places, and 9 nationalities for this 8th international festival of performing arts
FEBRUARYBORDEAUX INTERNATIONAL SHOW-JUMPING6 to 8 February 2015
"ODYSSEY, DESTINATION SPACE" EXHIBITION13 February 2016 to February 2016 Have you ever dreamt of a trip into space? Now boarding at the Cap Sciences Museum!
MARCH "QUATRE TENDANCES/5"18 to 26 March 2015Charles Jude and the National Opera of Bordeaux Ballet company celebrate contemporary dance at the Grand Théâtre
APRILBORDEAUX METROPOLE MARATHON 18 April 2015See focus
MAYBORDEAUX RIVER FESTIVAL AND THE SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO ERIC BOMPARD CACHEMIRE YACHT RACE22 to 31 May 2015A combined cultural, festive and sports event
NORMA22 May to 9 June 2015 Vincenzo Bellini’s opera in two acts
INAUGURATION OF THE STADIUM 23 May 2015With the last game of the FC season for the Girondins de Bordeaux
WEEKEND DES GRANDS CRUS30 and 31 May 2015Much awaited by lovers of Bordeaux’s fine wines
JUNECOD FESTIVAL IN BÈGLES5 to 7 June 2015A celebration of the time when Bègles was the cod capital of France
VINEXPO14 to 18 june 2015A major event for Bordeaux and the wine and spirits industry
JULYOUTDOOR SPORT AND DANCESMid-July to mid-August 2015Summer events beside the Garonne
AUGUSTSUN SKA REGGAE FESTIVAL7 to 9 August 2015The biggest French Reggae festival - University Campus of Pessac - Talence - Gradignan
SEPTEMBERMÉDOC MARATHON12 September 2015
OCTOBREINTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS CONFERENCE 5 to 9 October 2015World Forum on Sustainable Mobility
NOVEMBERBORDEAUX S.O GOODFood festival celebrating the specialities of Southwest France (S.O. = Sud-Ouest)
NOVART Contemporary performance arts festival
PESSAC INTERNATIONAL HISTORICAL FILM FESTIVAL The theme for this year’s festival will be "The East: so close"
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.
www.lecarre-lescolonnes.fr
www.jumping-bordeaux.com/en
www.bordeaux-river-festival.com
http://bit.ly/fetedelamorue
www.opera-bordeaux.com
http://bit.ly/newstade_bordeaux
http://bit.ly/we_grandscrus
http://bit.ly/4tendances
www.cap-sciences.net
www.vinexpo.com/en
www.reggaesunska.com/en
www.marathondumedoc.com
www.fifib.com/en
www.itsworldcongress.com
www.bordeauxsogood.fr
www.novartbordeaux.com
http://bit.ly/cinema_pessac
http://bit.ly/marathon_en
www.bordeaux.fr
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THE CITY• 6th largest urban area in France and the
capital of the Aquitaine region
• 730,000 inhabitants in the CUB (Bordeaux Urban Community), 242,000 of which live in the central Bordeaux area
• 1,810 hectares classified as UNESCO World Heritage
A FLOURISHING TOURIST INDUSTRY• 5.5 million visitors per year
• 39 cruise ship visits, corresponding to 30,000 passengers
• Airport: 4,380,185 passengers per year
• 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)
WINE• 60 AOCs (designated wine production areas)
• Production: 5.5 million hectolitres
• 7,000 wine-producing properties, 17,000 labels
• 23 bottles of wine from Bordeaux are sold every second all over the world
PLUS...• Hotel bookings rose by 66% between 2003 and
2013
• 800,000 people visited Bordeaux’s Tourist Office in 2014
• 26,500 vineyard tours were organized by the Tourist Office in 2014
• Cost of the guided city tour: €10
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
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PRESS CONTACTSGwenaëlle TOWSE-VALLETPRESS RELATIONSTel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 15Mail: [email protected]: @GwenaelleTowse
Sophie GAILLARD-MAIRALTel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 25Mail: [email protected]
OFFICE DE TOURISME DE BORDEAUX
12 cours du XXX Juillet - CS 31366F-33080 Bordeaux CedexLat: 44.84 366 | Long: - 0.57 446Tel. +33 (0)5 56 00 66 00
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COPY RIGHTSThe Photos that illustrate the content of this press kit are signed by Thomas Sanson, Vincent Bengold, Steve Le Clech, Swann Vidal, Jean-Michel Destang, Deepix Studio, Lucky Studio, François Poincet, Christophe Bouthe, Geoffroy Groult, Vincent Rochefort, Eric Bouloumié.
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