Bordeaux, France

ART & CULTURE

Works of Art As far as the cultural scene is concerned, the international wine capital is certainly full of surprises. If you're specifically looking for works of art, the impressive museums and many small galleries are the places to head for. At the Musée des Beaux Arts you'll find masterpieces by Breughel and Rubens, as well as many fine examples of 20th-century art (Matisse, Picasso). The CAPC contemporary art museum is the number one destination, if you're interested in the evolution of art since the 1960s: over six hundred pieces await your inquisitive eyes.

History and Literature The large Musée d'Aquitaine is the ideal spot if you want to learn more about Bordeaux and the surrounding area. A tour around this impressive building will give you a thorough insight into the history of the Aquitaine region. Lovers of French culture will also be well cared for in Bordeaux; don't miss the houses of Montaigne, Jeanne Lartigue (the wife of Montesquieu), or the Centre François Mauriac, which also offers a great view of the city.

Nature and Science Visitors interested in natural history and the animal kingdom won't be disappointed either. The area surrounding Bordeaux offers some wonderfully preserved natural domains as well as several superb eco-museums (such as the Ecomusée du Libournais). In town you'll also enjoy the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and science enthusiasts definitely shouldn't miss Cap Sciences, a large and cleverly thought-out center where laymen will soon catch the experts up, thanks to regular themed exhibitions.

Other Places of Interest Among the smaller spots, one obviously can't miss the city's wine museums. Two of the most interesting are Vinorama and the Ecomusée de la vigne et du vin. Other less well-known spots, are the Musée national des douanes (customs museum), the Musée des arts décoratifs, the Centre Jean Moulin (dedicated to the French resistance movement) and the fabulous Colbert Warship that lies on the banks of the river Garonne and is open to visits. And a great way to get to know the city from a slightly different angle is the Aérolune, a hot-air balloon that offers a magnificent view of Bordeaux.

CINEMA

Bordeaux is equally well equipped as far as cinemas are concerned. Around the thriving Place Gambetta you will find the city center's largest commercial movie theatres as well as the wonderfully old-fashioned Cinéma Jean Vigo, which specialises in old movies and art-house productions. Another great spot for cultural and underground movies is the Cinéma Utopia, a five-screen cinema that is set in a beautifully restored old chapel, in the heart of the attractive Saint Pierre area.

If you're into multiplex theatres, Bordeaux won't disappoint on that front either. The Méga CGR is a great place, and the Mégarama is an even more thrilling experience since the cinema is set inside a huge historical monument, on the right bank of the river Garonne—the former Orléans train station.

THEATER & DANCE

For those of you who are interested in theatrical productions and dance, Bordeaux offers some very high quality shows, as well as many smaller places where you're sure to find a wide and varied choice of cultural entertainment. The Molière Scène d'Aquitaine, the Théâtre du Port de la Lune and the Théâtre de la Pergola are three favored spots, but if you're looking for more amusing plays, why not try the Théâtre des Salinières. There is also a large underground theatre scene in Bordeaux; La Théâtrerie and Théâtre La Lucarne should not be missed if you're into more obscure productions.

For dance enthusiasts the Théâtre des Quatre Saisons offers an exciting program and you'll also find a wide selection of dance shows, from classical choreography to contemporary work at the Molière Scène d'Aquitaine and, of course, at the Grand Théâtre, which is also a magnificent historical monument.

MUSIC

Classical If you want to hear some pure classical music while you're in Bordeaux, you will certainly have a lot to choose from. Opera lovers should visit the Le Grand Théâtre, where great French and international performers flock all year round. The décor in itself is worth a look, as is that of the Chapelle de Mussonville whose concerts mostly feature Renaissance work and other early classical music. The Salle Jacques Thibaud, Conservatoire de Région, definitely offers one of the most diverse programs in France, ranging from early chamber pieces to the very latest in contemporary music, composed and played by both talented students and confirmed professionals, depending on the show.

Jazz-blues Although Paris unquestionably provides France's major jazz and blues scene, Bordeaux does possess some unbeatable venues for those of you who enjoy these timeless styles. One spot that certainly shouldn't be missed is the Thélonius, in the North of the city, and the Tempo, in the Quais area, which boasts some pretty hot jazz concerts several nights per month.

Rock The Bordeaux rock and pop scene is thriving at the moment, and the many local reggae and salsa bands add to this excitement. For the best concerts try Le Jimmy, Rock School Barbey or Krakatoa. These aren't huge venues, so their ambiance is intimate and buzzing—ripe ground for hot new talent. Many small concerts take place on weekends in the town's bars and cafés; Le Plana and Le Fiacre are two that regularly hold good concerts. Great national and international names often stop off in Bordeaux's Patinoire Arena, so be sure to keep an eye on the many billboards and advertisements in the weekly free magazine, Clubs et Concerts, that you'll find in most of the city's bars.

House, electronic music If this is your idea of good music you've definitely come to the right place. Just check out the concerts at Space Opéra, O'Ventilo, or le Zoobizarre. These are just three of a very long list of great spots that organize excellent modern electronic music shows. It's definitely worth a serious look.

NIGHT CLUBS & SHOWS

For Parisian style cabaret shows, Caesar's is the place to go. The setting itself is sumptuous and you won't find a more refined atmosphere anywhere in Bordeaux. L'Ange Bleue is another good spot for this type of timeless spectacle.

Young and trendy clubs come by the dozen in Bordeaux and here are some of the best places to try out: you could start with the Nautilus, a large dock warehouse on the banks of the river to the North of town. The concerts and DJ sessions there are without doubt among the hottest in France at the moment. In the Quais area you can't miss Le London, the house music club in Bordeaux. Another great place, where the décor will surely amaze you, is le Quatre Sans, a huge warehouse club (and concert hall) with a rather diverse musical program and some unbelievable live electronic music shows. And last but not least, The In'n Out, an up and coming gay club in Bordeaux where one tends to find a more and more heterogeneous crowd, ever willing to have a good time.

GARDENS & PARKS

For those who enjoy taking a stroll and relaxing in a pleasant green and wooded environment, Bordeaux certainly has a lot to offer. Le Jardin Public and le Parc Bordelais are two of the city's most peaceful spots, wonderful havens of tranquility when the bustle of the streets gets too much. The Cimetière de la Chartreuse is also worth a look, as long as the somewhat morbid side of French graveyards doesn't upset you. Slightly out of the city center you'll also be able to relax in the Parc de Mussonville or the Parc municipal de Thouars, spots where you'll feel surprisingly far away from modern urban life without having to drive for miles on end.

The Domaine départemental d'Hostens or the Domaine départemental de Blasimon, two preserved natural areas, are both a bit further away from the city, but equally relaxing for those who enjoy trekking in unspoiled areas of countryside.

SPORTS & THEME PARKS

For a city of its size, Bordeaux is extremely well equipped for sports amateurs and professionals. The reputations of the Girondins de Bordeaux football team and the Bordeaux-Bègles rugby team are well established, and the city can boast a high level of capability in all major sporting fields. Whatever your particular interest, you can be sure to find people in Bordeaux who share your favorite sports and leisure activities. As far as the city's sports monuments are concerned, don't miss the impressive Stade Lescure or the Stade Vélodrome.

If you're looking for a good day out at a theme park, be sure to give the watery Aqualand a try; don't forget, Bordeaux is only half an hour's drive from the coast. La Ferme exotique de Cadaujac is also an impressive spot where children and adults will appreciate the exotic animals and plants. For a smaller but equally entertaining zoo, you could also try the Bordeaux Pessac Zoo.

And if you're in the Southwest of France for a while, you definitely should not miss the Futuroscope, in Poitiers. The European image theme park is roughly an hour and a half away by car or train and worth a good look. What's more, with the new TGV speed train link, there will soon be quick and easy access to the theme park.

Considering the size and prestige of the city, Bordeaux needs to have a large number of hotels and other accommodations to keep up with the constant influx of tourists coming from all over the world. In Bordeaux, people live at night and the impressive number of restaurants, bars and cinemas will make you choose a hotel in the city center or in the nearby suburbs. You will always find a place to meet your needs.

The Saint-Jean quarter If you arrive in town by train, take advantage of the hotels near the train station. Choose the Hôtel Ibis Saint-Jean, the Climat de France Saint-Jean, or the Soretel Saint-Jean if you like big chain hotels. If you want to spend only one night in town, many other inexpensive establishments will allow you to remain close to the train station. In this area you will also find the Victoria Garden Hôtel, which is a good solution for people planning on an extended stay.

The Mériadeck quarter For those who want to be in the city center, Bordeaux has many options: there are luxurious places such as the Holiday Inn Meriadeck, or the Best Western Grand Hôtel Français, which are three-star hotels, or more affordable ones such as the Hôtel des Quatre-Soeurs, the Hôtel de l'Opéra, the Hôtel Bristol, or the Hôtel d''Aquitaine.

Of course, those with a tight budget will also find numerous small family hotels with comfortable rooms: La Belle au Bois Dormant, Hôtel de la Boétie, the Lafaurie or Hôtel Studio.

The Outskirts of Town You do not need to stay in the heart of Bordeaux in order to get around; those with a car may choose the outskirts of the town at Hôtel de la Cité, the Hôtel Alton, or La Pelouse—all have many services and varied prices. For lower prices, try Les Cèdres, or the Walien Chanterel in Bordeaux Bastide.

Outside the City If you arrive in Bordeaux by plane, you will certainly need to find a nice place near the Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. A few minutes away from the airport itself, you will find a large number of hotels, with varied services and prices, including Aérogril, Hôtel Ibis Bordeaux Aéroport, Novotel, and the Travel'Inn. Furthermore, when traveling by car, it is also not necessary to go to the city center in order to find a place to spend a night. Many nice and comfortable hotels are available and we advise you to choose a chain hotels, including Hôtel Campanile, Formule 1, or B and B. Among these numerous hotels you will surely find the one that suits any budget and preference.

Moreover, we shall not forget the residential hotels which can be found a little bit everywhere in Bordeaux and in the suburbs such as Les Citadines.

The Chartrons quarter Hotels are also very useful for people in town on business who need to find a place to spend one night near Bordeaux, or for those who are in Bordeaux for a convention, a meeting or an exhibition and who want to gather with colleagues. For these purposes, choose from Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre de Congrès, Relais Mercure Lac, or Libertel Claret, if you want a three-star hotel, or La Méridienne, Le Provençal, or les Balladins for more modest prices. These are all excellent choices to reconcile work and relaxation.

The Cream of the Crop Finally, some of the best hotels in Bordeaux and the surrounding area are Hôtel Burdigala, the Hôtel Sofitel Aquitania, the Hostellerie des Criquets, and the Château St-James...just to make you dream!

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Bordeaux, should it be for one night, a few days, or longer. You will certainly find the right place to suit your needs.