Located 70 miles inland from the Atlantic on the Garonne River, Bordeaux traces its origin to the 3rd century when it was Aquitaine's Roman capital called Burdigala. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. From 1154 to 1453 it prospered under the rule of the English, whose fondness for the region’s red wines gave impetus to the local wine industry. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises.
Bordeaux even served as the nation’s capital for one year in 1870, for a time at the beginning of World War I, and for two weeks in 1940 before the Vichy government was proclaimed. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises.
Its neo-classical architecture, wide avenues, and well-tended public squares and parks give the city a certain 18th-century grandeur. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. Excellent museums, an imposing cathedral and a much-praised theater add to the city’s attractions. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. The principal highlights, clustered around the town center, lie between Place Gambetta and the banks of the Garonne River. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises.
Surrounding Bordeaux are the world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking process - from growing the grapes to harvesting, fermentation and bottling these top-quality wines. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. The city’s single most important economic activity is marketing and exporting of Bordeaux wines. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises.
Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a palatial residence to a basic winery. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises. There are thousands of châteaux that rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous wines. Bordeaux, France Gay Cruises.
