Bordeaux is an exciting city, which is situated in the south of France and is a haven for tourists who visit from countries all around the world. There are many activities you can partake in while you are visiting Bordeaux.

Visit Vieux Bordeaux or downtown Bordeaux, where there are a variety of bistros, wineries and cafés, which offer a wide variety of quality wine. The city of Bordeaux is synonymous with both red and white wine. Each year, the region produces 800 million bottles of the finest wine in the world. Sample the wine by visiting the charming castles, which make up Bordeaux’s countryside. La Maison du Vin next to the tourist office downtown offers vineyard guides and maps.

Art lovers will love the Museum of Fine Arts, which has a vast collection of art from the 17^th to the 20^th centuries. Among the many works by French and European artists, you can admire Delacroix’s famous painting called “ La Grece Sur les Ruines” by Missolonghi. The Museum of Decorative Arts features classic furniture, decorative paintings and eye-catching sculptures. A must for art lovers!

History buffs will love the Museum of Aquitaine, which chronicles the history of the region, from pre-historic to modern times. Tour the Natural History Museum, which exhibits animals and fossils, which were found in this region of France. Another great way to appreciate the culture of Bordeaux is simply to walk through the city’s streets. Many buildings in Vieux Bordeaux have retained their character and charm throughout the years. Walk through the Quartier Saint-Eloi, where you can see the Grosse Cloche, or the great bell, which once rang from the Old Town Hall’s belfry. Continue along Victor Hugo Avenue and walk under La Porte de Bourgogne, a huge stone arch that was once one of the gateways to the city.

A visit to Saint Andre’s Cathedral is a must for any visitor to Bordeaux. It was once the site of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s wedding to England’s Henry II, the cathedral is a combination of architectural styles combining eclectic and modern designs. Recently renovated, this 11^th century sandstone cathedral is decorated with various paintings by a variety of different European artists.

Whether you are visiting the Saint-Seurin Basilica, strolling the Esplanade des Quinconces, which overlooks the Garonne River, or enjoying French cuisine at its best, Bordeaux is a quaint city, which blends the old, and the new in perfect harmony.