Bordeaux is the world’s major wine industry capital, with the first vines introduced by the Romans in the 1st century. Bordeaux Wine, which has been primarily a local product, became more widely known when the English kings discovered it in the 12th century. The historic part of the city of Bordeaux is on the UNESCO world heritage list and is home to Europe’s largest town square “Esplanade des Quinconces”, laid out between 1118-1128, at a size of 450,000 sq. ft.

Bordeaux is a delightful city for walking. Take a stroll along the very scenic riverfront area along the Garonne River as well as Botanical gardens across the river.  Bordeaux features one of the finest Grand Theatres in France, with its 18th-century architecture by Victor Louis and inspiration from Charles Garnier when he designed the Opera house in Paris.   Bordeaux offers many historic buildings as well as several notable museums – Basilique St Michel, started in 1350 – famous for its 375-ft free standing bell tower; Musee d’ Aquitaine and the Flamboyant Gothic Cathedrale St Andre with dimensions that rival the Notre Dame in Paris.  Cathedrale St Andre is surrounded by three museums:  Musee des Beaux-Arts, Musee des Arts Decoratifs and Centre Jean Moulin.

Shopping aficionados will enjoy the Cours Georges-Clemenceau, a major luxury shopping area as well as the Place de la Comedie along the Cours de I’ Intendance, known as the Champ-Elysees of Bordeaux.  Here you will also find several exquisite Louis XV houses.
Bordeaux is also an important Atlantic sea-port and it is well worth visiting the port at the head of the Gironde River, where tankers and freighters from all over the world call in there.

To reach the vineyards of the region of Bordeaux, you can take a short river cruise such as a five day round trip Bordeaux cruise visiting the Haut-Medoc region north of Bordeaux, the Gironde estuary, as well as the St Emilion area.  Alternatively, you can get aboard a six night luxury barge cruise St Louis visiting the Graves region south of Bordeaux between Agen and Castets.  Both cruises will feature visits to vineyards and wine tasting.  There are also visits to historical land marks and, of course, great wine and food.  The St Louis also offers cycling on their barge cruise.