Bordeaux in south west France is a region as well as a city and if you are looking to visit somewhere that is both vibrant and diverse, with culture, good wine and food then Bordeaux has it all in abundance.
There are many places to visit in the centre of the city such as the Musee D'Aquitaine, the Aquitaine Bridge and the Victory Arch, while venturing beyond the city centre allows you to experience the many vineyards that are famous in this region as well as the beaches of Arcachon and other seaside towns that are a feature of this region.
Flights to Bordeaux-Merignac airport (BOD) arrive regularly from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Luton (LTN) as well as from other European cities such as Madrid (MAD) and Amsterdam (AMS). As the flight time from London is only 2 hours this makes Bordeaux a great place to visit for a weekend getaway at any time of the year. Getting from Bordeaux flights into the city could not be easier. There is an express bus that stops on demand as it makes its way into the city or you can take a public bus to the downtown area of the city from where you can catch a tram into the centre.
When you first arrive in Bordeaux you will be struck by how much there is to see and do and getting around could not be easier. The best way to see the city is to walk, however there is a an efficient bus network and tram/electric bus system as well as a bike sharing scheme meaning there are plenty of choices.
If it is outdoor attractions that you are looking for then the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens) are definitely worth a visit, as are the Victory Arch and the Aquitaine Bridge. The city boasts two museums, the Musee D'Art Contemporain (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the Musee D'Aquitaine as well as the Saint Andre Cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As with all great cities, Bordeaux boasts many squares worth visiting which will give you the chance to sit in a café, watch the world go by and admire the monuments and architecture.
If you decide to venture outside the city to explore this region you will not be disappointed. To the west of the city is the Atlantic coast with miles of sandy beaches and seaside towns, including Arcachon, famous for its oyster production. Close to Arcachon you can also visit Europe's largest sand dune and the Hourtins' Lake, the largest freshwater lake in France.
However it is the wine that is likely to draw most people out of the city centre and in this region there are wineries and vineyards in every direction. To the north is the region of Medoc where famous names such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Château Margaux and Chateau Mouton Rothschild are all located. At the opposite end of the region is the Graves Region, home to some of the oldest vineyards as well as some beautiful towns such as Bazas and Malle. This area is also home to Sauternes, famous for its dessert wine. To the east of Bordeaux is the UNESCO Heritage Village of Saint Emilion as well as Chateau Petrus.
Bordeaux has a lot to offer any visitor. As well as the wine, there is the history coupled with the culture and vibrance of a city that is moving with the times. Find cheap flights to Bordeaux by using TravelSupermarket's price-comparison tool.
