BORDEAUX

The heart of the city is known as the Triangle D'Or (Golden Triangle), its a mixture of serenely stylish architecture, high end retail experiences, stylish bars and restaurants. Adjacent to the Triangle D’Or you have the impressive open space of the Esplanade de Quinconces, the perfect open air venue, with its delirious statue, Le Monument aux Girondins.  The river front, once an industrial eyesore, has been transformed into beautiful open space where the old warehouses have been transformed into shops interspersed with lively bars and cafés. In distinct contrast to the city centre is the St Pierre district where wide avenues give way to medieval streets and squares, the streets are packed with an endless selection of bars and restaurants.  If you are looking for a truly lively atmosphere walk no further than Place de La Victoire, the headquarters of the student population in Bordeaux.  The bohemian sector is the Chartrons historically an area populated by the English, Irish and Dutch, now the cobbled streets have an artistic feel accentuated by a wealth of antique shops. Just to the South of the city centre you have the districts of Ste Croix and St Michel, they were historically the home of the port workers, today gentrification is well underway and these quartiers make for an interesting visit especially on a Sunday when the flea market takes over the whole of the St Michel.

Bordeaux whilst being incredibly diverse is compact, everything can be seen on foot.  Whether you base yourself in the countryside and just occasionally venture into Bordeaux for a little culture and sophistication or whether you see yourself as being seduced by the city and becoming a true Bordelais, it is certainly a wonderful place.  It is an enthralling regional capital with which very few other departments can compete.