Hello. I will be traveling to Bordeaux in July for a French class, as I am currently trying to learn French. Is there anything interesting to do in Bordeaux or the area? I know Rick doesn't like the city, but I chose it for the language program, rather than the city itself. I am now trying to figure out where to go and what to do while I am there for the month. I will also be staying in the University area, since that is where I will be taking the course. So with this in mind, can anyone recommend activities, restaurants, cafes, attractions, weekend trips, etc.? Please and thank you
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Do you have a guidebook?
Posted by
OP
San Juan, Puerto Rico
4 posts
Sadly I have yet to find one. Every guidebook I can find is centered on wine. As much as I love wine, I need help with all areas. Is there any guidebook you recommend?? I have read some things in Lonely Planet's website, yet there isn't much information. Any guidebook or website suggestions?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
Andrea, I found this website and it has some good info and links to lots of things to see and do around Bordeaux. http://www.hoteltravel.com/france/bordeaux/guides/overview.htm Also, there might be a Michelin Green Guide to Bordeaux, you can try to find one at your local library. They are usually pretty detailed.
Posted by
OP
San Juan, Puerto Rico
4 posts
Thank you very much! The site has a lot of information, and I just found a site for the Michellin green guidebook to Bordeaux. This is definitely very helpful. thanks again!
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
and Rough Guides publishes one for France.
Posted by
Plano, Tx
65 posts
Andrea,
We love this area of France!!! You are just a short distance from the heart of the Dordogne region (Rick steves does give some attention to this area). If your interested in castles, divine cuisine, incredible wines, prehistoric cave drawings and beautiful villages then you'll be in travel paradise. Also, you are in the company of the greates wines of the world. Visit, tour and taste all the first growth chateauxs you can. Hop over to St Emilion for a fun town and a totally different style of Bordeaux wines.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi, I had to change trains at Bordeaux from Paris to Toulouse. You're there for a month, so would you have time for a day/overtrip to Toulouse, ca. a little over two hours away on the TGV? I like Toulouse, spent four days there...a worthwhile trip.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
We recently spent a night in Bordeaux, and wished we had some more time there. It's a beautiful and interesting city. The University area is a great area for walking, very convenient, and there are plenty of outdoor cafes around it. As for excursions, there's the nearby wine regions, as well as the Dordogne and even Gascony. I did a posting from our brief stay in Bordeaux; you can also find other posts about our stay in Gascony and the area near Bordeaux.:
http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2012/04/bordeaux.html
Posted by
OP
San Juan, Puerto Rico
4 posts
Thank you all very much! I was actually already considering a trip to Toulouse, so now I am convinced I should go. I guess I am also obliged to do a wine tour, not that I mind. The idea of the Dordogne I will look into it because it sounds quite amazing. Also thanks for saying that the university area is great, because I was kinda freaking out thinking it's too far away from everything. Thanks again!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Hi Andrea - The current issue of France magazine has an article on Bordeaux, if you can find a copy. We took a walking tour of the city from the tourism office and enjoyed it. There is a Sunday market along the river that was wonderful. Be sure to have dinner at La Tupina. If you like history, Eleanor of Aquitaine was married in the Cathedral St Andre. The Centre Jean Moulin is devoted to the French resistance movement in WWII. I also enjoyed the Musee des Beaux Arts. Loved walking in and chilling out in the public garden. You could visit Arcachon and/or Cap Ferret on the Atlantic coast. Cap Ferret has very wide sandy beaches. We stayed at the Hotel des Pins and loved it. I know lots of people recommend it but I wasn't crazy about St Emilion. Enjoy!