Not just Wine: What to See in Bordeaux in a Day, Bordeaux, France

I was driving to Spain in the summer and a friend recommended I stopped in Bordeaux. ‘For 24 hours? I won’t even scratch the surface.’

She was right. Although it will make you want to return and stay longer, even in 24 hours you get a feel for the city - for its charm and its unique energy. And let me add, although the wine was certainly a highlight, Bordeaux offers so much more!

It is a city steeped in history, with incredible architectural highlights, and a beautiful river running right through it. Even if you only have 24 hours, when you arrive you will realise it is not a city you want to rush through, it’s a city you want to savour in the little details. Like with wine, in the city itself, it is quality over Quantity. Less is more!

Once upon a time, There was a Celtic settlement near the mouth of the Garonne river, called Burdigala. the Romans came, saw its potential, and conquered it. The city became an important trading port. especially for metals coming in from the British Isles, and wine and olive oil going in the opposite direction.

The fall of the Roman Empire ushered in a period of turmoil and invasion, from which the city emerged as capital of a Duchy. The port remained important, but the city had to fend off the Arabs first, and the Vikings later. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).