Bordeaux

Take Versailles, add Anvers to it, you will get Bordeaux." That is the way Victor-Hugo, struck by the majesty of the 18th century buildings and the width of the river, defined the city. Bordeaux has managed to preserve its architectural heritage with an outstanding unity, and old Bordeaux presently constitutes one of the largest preserved areas in France. The world capital of wine, Bordeaux will of course be the starting point of numerous excursions on the way to discovery of the prestigious vineyards which made its fame. The Alliance Française offers a rich programme of linguistic stays throughout the year and a special programme for summer (July, August and September).

Website: www.alliance-bordeaux.org

To see in Bordeaux :

• Jardin public : this beautiful park, established in 1755, is the ideal place to get some respite from the frenetic pace of wine tasting. You could simply walk along the garden, visit the Natural History Museum or let your children play in the playground.
  

• Cathédrale Saint-André : the main part of the structure was built between the 13th and 14th centuries, but the exterior wall of the nave dates from 1096. King Louis VII married Eleanor of Aquitaine here. You can visit the interior of the cathedral, which is more attractive than the outside.
  

• Musée d'art contemporain : this former warehouse for the rare and exotic products of France's colonies now entertains contemporary exhibitions and installations, the majority of which are temporary.
  

• Musée d'Aquitaine : it illustrates 25,000 years of Bordeaux' history and ethnography.
  

• Musée des Beaux-Arts : Founded in 1801, the Musée des Beaux-Arts has a large collection of paintings, including Flemish, Dutch and Italian works from the 17th century.
  

• And of course Bordeaux is the place of wine tasting and chateau visits. Moreover, the area around Bordeaux offers easy cycling routes (particularly Arcachon), walking tours and great beaches.
  
  Source : www.lonelyplanet.com