Bordeaux

About

While Bordeaux’s history predates the Romans, its golden age came in the 1700s. Described by Victor Hugo as Versailles mixed with Antwerp, Bordeaux’s 18th century beauty was used as the model for rebuilding the still quasi-medieval Paris. Today, the city’s 18th century architecture still symbolizes the city, particularly the Place de la Bourse. Built in the 1720s by Louis XV’s favourite architect, Jacques Gabriel, its beauty was amplified when the huge Water Mirror reflection pool was installed in front of it. The city’s gorgeous Gothic cathedral and two basilicas are on the the way of Saint Jacques de Compostelle. Along with the older historic monuments, the city’s sparking new ‘City of Wine’ Museum has 10 hours of audiovisual material celebrating the history of wine around the world. Of course, the other most important stops to make in the city are for wine, and the delectable Canelés pastries.