Viking Cruises

50 | France Destination Guide City Guide BORDEAUX Exquisite wines, stunning architecture and rich cultural scenes await. Nestled along the scenic Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux stands as a captivating "Little Paris," steeped in art and history. Its architectural marvels, meticulously preserved since its 18th‑century Golden Age, adorn the cityscape, from boulevards and churches to a UNESCO‑recognised port. As an honoured wine capital, Bordeaux boasts some of the world's oldest vineyards, adding to its allure and cultural significance. MUST SEES Bordeaux and its glorious 18th‑century buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world's largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its history, art and architecture, the city is full of elegant boulevards, immersive museums, grand churches, and lovely parks which are a delight to explore on foot. It is also a particular pleasure to wander through the heart of Bordeaux's Old Town, often called the "Port of the Moon" for its location on a crescent‑shaped curve of the Garonne River. Among its treasures, the neoclassical 18th‑century Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city, distinguished by its 12 Corinthian columns. Other highlights include the Place de la Comédie that fronts the Grand Théâtre, the Gothic Cathédrale Saint‑André, the decanter shaped Cité du Vin museum and the elegant Place de la Bourse, with its spectacular reflecting pool, the Miroir d'Eau. Bordeaux is also the capital of Nouvelle‑Aquitaine, France's largest agricultural region. The area is famous for its lush woodlands, thriving livestock and world‑class vineyards. BORDEAUX PROMENADE COUPLE ENJOYING BORDEAUX

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