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Bordeaux

Bordeaux-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Bordeaux, with a population of 259,809 as of 2020, is ideally located along the banks of the Garonne River in southern France. This port city functions as the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the prefecture of the Gironde department. Bordeaux, situated within a modest municipal area of 49 square kilometers (19 square miles), has influence that goes beyond its city boundaries. The Bordeaux metropolitan area has a population of 1,376,375, ranking it as the sixth-largest urban agglomeration in France, behind Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Toulouse.

The city’s administrative framework consists of the Bordeaux Metropolis, an indirectly elected metropolitan government that encompasses Bordeaux and 27 adjacent municipalities. This metropolitan council, with a population of 819,604 as of January 2020, is the fifth most populous in France, highlighting Bordeaux’s important position in the nation’s urban framework.

The identity of Bordeaux is intrinsically connected to its globally acclaimed wine industry. The city is internationally acknowledged as a wine capital, with its adjacent hills in the Gironde region adorned with esteemed châteaux and vineyards. Bordeaux’s reputation is further solidified by its hosting of Vinexpo, the foremost wine exposition globally, attracting industry experts and lovers worldwide. The event highlights the region’s viticultural excellence and functions as a venue for international trade and cultural interaction in the wine industry.

In addition to its wine reputation, Bordeaux has emerged as a culinary hub, gaining acclaim as one of France’s gastronomic hubs. The city’s robust culinary heritage, shaped by its maritime geography and agricultural wealth, has established it as a gourmet center. Bordeaux’s esteemed reputation, together with its advanced infrastructure and cultural amenities, has established it as a premier destination for business travel, especially in the context of international congresses and conferences.

The economic environment of Bordeaux is varied and vibrant, encompassing more than just its traditional wine and culinary industries. The city has become a vital hub for the aeronautics, military, and space sectors. This aerospace cluster hosts prominent international corporations, including Dassault Aviation, recognized for its military and business jets; Ariane Group, a significant contributor to the European space sector; Safran, a global manufacturer of aircraft engines; and Thalès, a frontrunner in aerospace, defense, and digital security. The city’s connection to aviation started in 1910 when the inaugural airplane flew over Bordeaux, signifying the onset of a prolonged and prosperous engagement with the aerospace industry.

Bordeaux is a prominent center of knowledge and innovation in scientific research and higher education. The city is home to one of only two megajoule lasers globally, demonstrating its dedication to advanced scientific research. This institution enhances Bordeaux’s scientific reputation and draws researchers and projects internationally. The intellectual environment of Bordeaux is notable, with a student population above 130,000 in the metropolitan region. This significant academic community enhances the city’s dynamic intellectual environment and drives innovation across several disciplines.

The appeal of Bordeaux beyond its economic and scholastic advantages encompasses a profound cultural and architectural legacy. The city features an exceptional 362 historic monuments, a quantity exceeded in France alone by Paris. This architectural heritage encompasses centuries, illustrating Bordeaux’s transformation from a Gallo-Roman colony to a contemporary city. The historical core of the city, referred to as the “Port of the Moon” because of the crescent configuration of the Garonne River traversing Bordeaux, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in June 2007. This acknowledgment recognizes both the exceptional architectural and urban composition of Bordeaux and its substantial worldwide significance over the last two millennia.

The city’s dedication to safeguarding its legacy while adopting modernization has been acknowledged. In 2015, Bordeaux was designated the European Destination of the Year in an online survey, underscoring its allure to visitors and travelers from Europe and beyond. This award exemplifies Bordeaux’s effective fusion of historical allure and modern conveniences, providing tourists with a distinctive experience that merges cultural discovery with contemporary comforts.

Bordeaux’s global reputation is further bolstered by several accolades and rankings from international organizations. In 1957, the city received the Europe Prize for its endeavors in advancing European principles, illustrating its initial dedication to European integration and collaboration. Bordeaux has just been designated as a Sufficiency city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, acknowledging its capacity to offer a good quality of life for its inhabitants while sustaining an environmentally sustainable urban setting.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

300 BC (as Burdigala)

Founded

+33 5

Calling code

261,804

Population

49.36 km² (19.06 sq mi)

Area

French

Official language

1-42 m (3-138 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Time zone

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