Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitaine region and center of a famous wine region, is a historic city with a compact center that is easily visited on foot. You can see the principal sites in a day, but a longer visit will allow more time for visiting museums and shopping. Much of the city center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 350 classified monuments.

The Esplanade des Quinconces, a large open square that runs from the banks of the Garonne River to the Monument aux Girondins , is lined with trees arranged in groups of five, like the five on a die. The overall impression is of ranks of trees surrounding an open plain. The Monument of the Girondins is notable for its beautiful fountain and bronze sculptures. It commemorates the Girondists, deputies who died in the revolution.

Statues of Montesquieu (writer and wine maker) and Montaigne (mayor and philosopher) face each other across the open space.

Walk from here to the Waterfront and stroll along the river. You'll soon come to the Miroir d'Eau, a large flat fountain that provides a cool spot in the summer and beautiful reflections of the nearby Place de la Bourse, with its gracious 18th century buildings.

Wandering through the narrow streets you'll come upon the attractive Place du Parlement, with its beautiful buildings and choice of restaurants.

Down a few more streets is the Place Saint-Pierre, home of the church of the same name and more restaurants. The Église Saint-Pierre is one of several Bordeaux monuments on the Route of Santiago de Compostela.

The Rue Sainte-Catherine, a pedestrian street over 1 kilometer in length, is the heart of Bordeaux's shopping area. It starts at the recently renovated Grand Théatre. This 18th century theater has been beautifully restored, and guided tours are very popular and informative.

Just up the street from the Grand Théatre is the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux, with its wine bar where you can try some wines of the region and buy wines. The École du Vin de Bordeaux also offers some education courses.

The Cathédrale Saint-André, built between the 11th and the 15th centuries, is a large and graceful structure with beautiful stained glass. Its free-standing bell tower, the Pey-Berland Tower, offers beautiful views of the city to those willing to climb the 231 narrow, winding steps to the terrace. A golden statue of Notre-Dame d'Aquitaine graces the top of this 15th century tower. Note that the capacity of the tower is only 19 people, and you may have to wait in line to make the climb.

Signs on the terrace identify the monuments of the city. The Grosse Cloche, or large bell, is notably visible, as is the Basilique Saint-Michel. This Gothic Church, like Saint-André, has a separate belfry (open in the summer). It is also on the Route of Santiago de Compostela.

Bordeaux has a number of excellent museums, including the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts), Natural History, and, of course, a Wine Museum.

Bordeaux is a charming and lively city with a mild climate that makes it enjoyable throughout the year. It is also a great base for visiting the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and other wine regions in the area.

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