Bordeaux (Aquitaine, France)

An elegant, cosmopolitan city of vast, tree-lined squares and broad avenues, Bordeaux is divided into 12 "quarters" with a wider area measuring 12½ mls by 10½ mls.

Most of tourist interest is found in the city centre, which hugs the W bank on a loop in the river and boasts a wealth of historical buildings and monuments, including those found in the medieval religious quarter of St Michel and some of France's finest 18th-century architecture (with more than 5,000 examples); some of the most picturesque buildings can be found along the river, near the Quai de la Douane (Customs House Quay).

Downriver sits the vast esplanade des Quinconces, used for events such as this summer's big biennial Fête le Vin (1-4 July). At one end, the Monument aux Girondins is a bronze confection of fountains and sea life. South is the Grand Théâtre used for opera and dance events. Further attractions await along the Garonne. The deep-water docks of the Bassins à Flots still see shipping activity as well as new warehouse restaurants.

On the other side of the river, the long neglected Bastide or Rive Droite now features a botanical garden along quai des Queyries. The town centre is closed to cars on the first Sunday of the month, which sees bike and roller rallies, boat trips and free cycle loan.

Locality:

Bordeaux is situated in SW France in the region of Aquitaine, 40 mls E of the Atlantic coast., 360 mls SW of Paris, 140 mls N of the Spanish border and 8 mls E of Merignac airport. The area is concentrated on the W bank of the River Garonne, surrounded by gentle countryside dotted with some of the world's most famous vineyards. Commercial pine plantations can be seen in the outlying areas.