Bordeaux (210 000 pop.), the world capital of wine and the capital of the Aquitaine region, not only enjoys the best location between wine chateaus and wide beaches, it also has a very own charm. Today Bordeaux has big-city cultural attractions and excellent shopping opportunities.

Cathédrale Saint-André Its worth seeing the king portal with the ten apostles. Place Jean Moulin

Esplanade des Quinconces With 126 000 sq meters it is one of the largest squares in Europe. t was created from 1818-28 on the riverside. The in 1902 completed, nearly 50 m high pillar with a Statue of Liberty recalls the 1792 executed Girondists Maison Calvet The wine cellar of the house Calvet, since 1818 family owned, can be visited recently 81, Cours du Médoc, June-Oct. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm.

Maison du Vin For lovers of wine duty: tasting and information about the wineries of the Bordelai. 3, Cours du 30 Juillet, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Place de la Bourse At the waterfront promenade shines the elegant Place de la Bourse. The center decorates the fountain of the Three Graces from the 19th century.

Place de la Comédie Here stands the magnificent, 1773-80 in the neoclassical style built Grand Théatre.

Tour Pey-Berland From the observation deck of the 47 m high, free-standing bell tower of the cathedral you can have a nice view over the city. July/Aug. daily 10am-7pm.

shopping The pedestrian street Rue Sainte-Catherine is the main address for fashion (such as Galeries Lafayette) and souvenirs. From Tuesday to Sunday is the market in Les Halles Capucine opened.

food                                                                                                                                                                          Baud & Millet Everything is cheese: In this restaurant with a cheese shop almost everything revolves around the dairy product: 200 varieties to choose. Sun closed. 19, Rue Huguerie                                                                                                                                         Le Chapon Fin An institution is this gourmet palace. A creative, but classic french kitchen. Sun/Mon closed. 5, Rue Montesquieu                                                                                                                                                             Chez Dupont Regional classics from foie gras to shellfish dishes in the trendy district of Chartrons. Sun/Mon closed. 45, Rue Notre Dame                                                                                                                                                                          Chez Jean A sleek interior in this brasserie, concentrate entirely on the classics of the southwest, including excellent meat dishes and wines from the region. Thu 7pm-8pm Happy Hour. daily. Place du Parlement                                                                        Tupina Regional dishes of caviar from Aquitaine to duck from the country. daily. 6, Rue Porte de la Monnaie

where to stay                                                                                                                                                             Continental Nice house from the 18th century in the "golden triangle" between Cours Clemenceau, Cours de l'Intendance and All de Tourny. The rooms are simple, but the hotel is because of its location, a good starting point for walks through the city. 51 rooms. 10, Rue Montesquieu                                                                                                                                                      La Maison du Lierre Also in the "golden triangle" located, comfortable hotel in a old walled garden. 12 rooms. 37, Rue Huguerie        Le Majestic Between the riverbank, Esplanade des Quinconces and the Place de la Comédie is this pleasant, small hotel. 49 rooms. 2, Rue Condé                                                                                                                                                               Hôtel des Quatres Surs The rooms are simple but bright and friendly, the situation could not be better. 29 rooms. 6, Cours du 30 Juillet                                                                                                                                                                          La Tour Intendance Very stylish, this modern hotel with beautiful wood floors and old, partly exposed walls. Moreover, it is in the middle of the events. 24 rooms. 16, Rue de la Vieille Tour

Trains The high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), makes the distance Paris-Nantes in two Paris-Bordeaux in three hours. For the TGV is a reservation required

Planes Air France flies to Nantes, Bordeaux and Biarritz, via Paris or Lyon to prices about 350 Euro, sometimes there are cheaper deals.