Bordeaux is a city in South-West France, capital of the Aquitaine region and the department of Gironde. It’s crossed by the River Garonne, and it’s the place where you’ll meet the Bordelais!

Of historical interest is the fact that Bordeaux actually belonged to the English from the 12th century and for the following three hundred years, due to the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the former wife of the King of France. During the following years, the city became increasingly prosperous due its emerging commerce with England. Its second burst of prosperity came in the 17th century due to the development of its port for international trade.

From a climate perspective - the weather - Bordeaux can be considered to be a cross between the north and the south of France. The culture follows very much along similar lines, being very elegant, perpendicular, classical in style, all originating from the previous English occupancy. The city also has a confident, professional air, clearly identifying with its position in international trade, particularly with the Dutch. There are also many fine examples of chateaux built out of a characteristic local white stone… a joy to behold!

But that’s not all there is to Bordeaux… beneath the sophisticated surface of professionalism lies a heart which beats to a rhythm altogether different… a Latin tempo. Doubtless this is due to its close proximity to Spain. And in this lies the other side of Bordeaux one given over to festivals and all manner of frivolity. You’ve been warned!

Bordeaux’s climate is of the Oceanic type, showing little marked difference between summer and winter. Winters are very mild and summers are hot. But you will also encounter rain throughout most of the year. Recently the city underwent a period of extreme dryness during the years 2002-2005.

The left bank of the river Garonne, where the majority of the town is located, comprises wide, often marshy, plains; and although there are a few hills, the typical altitude is low. However these hills are ideal for viticulture. And in this, Bordeaux is a meeting place between the Medoc and Grave wines.

However the right bank of the river is very different, being almost completely made of chalk. It’s on this bank that the world famous vineyards are located… those such as Saint Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac - some of the most expensive wines in the world.

Without a shadow of doubt, Bordeaux is the world wine capital. In this region, a single wine grower, or viticulteur, will produce several different wines, with several of these being amongst the most renowned in the world. These are identified specifically as “Vins de Bordeaux”. Indeed around the Bordeaux region itself there are no fewer than 14000 local wine producers, some quite small. But collectively, these vineyards account for about 700 million bottles annually. Bordeaux wines are both white and red, with the famous red giving its name to the color known as Bordeaux, after the distinctive color of the wine.

And what about the cuisine of Bordeaux? In fact Bordeaux cuisine, indeed the cuisine throughout the whole of the Gironde, is considered to be one of the finest in France, a veritable way of life. Here the visitor will have his senses delighted by names of dishes such as “palombe” (wood pigeon, in English), “cepes de Bordeaux” (a variety of mushroom), “sauce aux echalotes” (a special shallot sauce), etc. Evidently, this will need to be accompanied by the classic Bordeaux wines.

On the sweeter side of things, how about the well-known little “canele” cakes, a local speciality made from light tender pastry, a lacing of vanilla and rum, topped off with a thick tasty caramelised crust. Indeed this Bordeaux delicacy has its origins with a group of 16th century nuns who made them regularly to give to the poorest people of the town. However, these are sme of the most exotic delicacies, even more so when accompanied by a glass of famous Bordeaux white!

Another unforgettable encounter in Bordeaux is with the “lamproie” (lamprey, in English), a very unusual fish. This fish possesses neither scales, nor jaws, nor bony backbone. You could compare it with a large eel. And don’t forget “la sauce d’escargots” (snail sauce), known jokingly as the “Bordeaux truffle”, which includes chocolate, grape and alcohol. Not to mention the famous Tome d’Aquitaine, a goat’s cheese refined with a Sauterne wine, and the delicious “foie gras”.

And with that, we wish you an unforgettable and delicious time, as you eat your way around the Gironde and the famous city of Bordeaux, no doubt in the company of many colourful Bordelais characters! This is Southern France at its finest!