Travel: Say salut to Bordeaux
Set in the southwest region of France, the port city of Bordeaux is famed for its vineyards and wineries. But there is more to Bordeaux than Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot – that’s grapes to you and me.
Just a short trip across the channel, Bordeaux is home to one of Europe’s biggest 18th century architectural urban areas and boasts cinemas, museums and theatres as well as being the home of the National Opera of Bordeaux. With all this to offer it’s not surprising that the region is becoming a much sought after tourist destination. With many music venues, Bordeaux hosts festivals throughout the year making it the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway.
If you enjoy being educated while on holiday then Bordeaux has several renowned museums. You can satisfy your curiosity about wine by visiting the Vinorama, a talking wax museum that chronicles the history of Bordeaux wine, or the Bordeaux Wines Museum, which exhibits the history of the city’s wine merchants.
For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts has a vast collection that features art from the 17th to the 20th century. Among the many works by French and European artists, you can see Delacroix’s famous painting La Grece Sur Les Ruines De Missolonghi. The Museum of Modern Art exhibits contemporary works and often presents concerts and performances. The Museum of Decorative Arts features classic furniture, decorative paintings and sculptures.
If the theatre is more your thing you won’t be disappointed as Bordeaux’s Grand Theatre has been hosting operas, ballets and other musical performances for nearly 250 years. Nearly every night you can catch a production, concert or recital.
Even if you don’t manage to catch a show while visiting Bordeaux, it’s worth visiting the Grand Theatre itself as it’s claimed to be one of the most innovative and beautiful buildings in France. Twelve Corinthian columns decorated with statues representing the nine Muses and the Roman goddesses Juno, Venus and Minerva line the front of the building. Inside, the theatre has spectacular vaulted ceilings painted gold and blue.
Whether your trip is about sightseeing, cycling through the vineyards or a more civilised wine-tasting affair, a visit to Bordeaux is sure to be an exciting experience.
And after all that sightseeing you can wash down the culture with a glass of some the world’s most famous wine.
