{"id":1782,"date":"2018-02-26T12:00:20","date_gmt":"2018-02-26T12:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aerlingus.com\/?p=1782"},"modified":"2024-10-16T21:53:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T21:53:19","slug":"bordeaux-next-city-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aerlingus.com\/hub\/bordeaux-next-city-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Bordeaux should be your next city break"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sitting elegantly on the crescent-shaped Garonne river in south-west France, Bordeaux boasts a beautiful blend of classical charm and modern innovation.<\/h3>\n

Our Aer Lingus Crew recently spent 48 hours in the wine capital of the world\u2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n

GETTING THERE: <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Dublin to Bordeaux is a quick 90-minute flight<\/a>. When you land, take the 30-minute direct shuttle bus to Saint-Jean train station.\u00a0With three connecting tramlines running throughout Bordeaux, getting around the city couldn’t be easier. The whir and the beeps of the trams will ring familiar to Dubliners – the Luas is operated by the same French company.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t

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DAY ONE<\/h4>\n

CUISINE DE FRANCE: <\/b><\/h4>\n

One of the great pleasures about a visit to France is, of course, indulging in the heavenly local food. Start your trip with a classic petit d\u00e9jeuner in the ornate Caf\u00e9 Napol\u00e9on 3, right in the heart of Bordeaux. Sitting down for a crispy golden croissant and frothy caf\u00e9 au lait is sure to inspire some of that famous joie de vivre.<\/i><\/p>\n

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SMART TIP: <\/b><\/h4>\n

After breakfast, head to the nearby tourism office to pick up a Bordeaux city pass<\/a> (\u20ac29 per day). This includes free transport and entry to many of the city\u2019s best attractions.<\/p>\n

MORNING AT THE WINE MUSEUM:<\/b><\/h4>\n

<\/b>Opened in 2016, the spectacular 10-storey Cit\u00e9 du Vin<\/a>\u00a0is the must-visit attraction in Bordeaux.\u00a0Perched on the riverfront, the museum makes a bold architectural statement. When you arrive at the Cit\u00e9 du Vin tram stop, take some time to admire the dazzling gold and silver structure as it changes colour and shimmers in the light.<\/p>\n

The unique shape of the building represents a swirling glass of wine and the continuous flow of the Garonne river. The design beautifully captures the \u2018spirit of wine\u2019 and its special connection to Bordeaux.<\/p>\n

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LEARN AND EXPLORE:<\/strong> <\/span><\/h4>\n

The huge permanent exhibition is a truly multi-sensory experience.\u00a0Have fun with the interactive exhibits and watch huge screens showcasing vineyards from around the world. Test your sense of smell at the \u2018buffet of the five senses,\u2019 listen to leading wine experts offer practical wine tips, and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n

WINE WITH A VIEW: <\/b><\/h4>\n

Round off your visit with well-earned glass of wine (or two) in the gorgeous eighth-floor bar. Put your newly-acquired tasting skills to the test and enjoy sweeping views the historic port below.<\/p>\n

SMART TIP: <\/b><\/h4>\n

Arrive early in the day to get the most out of your experience – Cit\u00e9 du Vin fills up rapidly after lunch. As I ended my three-hour visit just after 3pm, the crowds were beginning to descend.<\/p>\n

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DINNER<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

Bordeaux is brimming with incredible bistros, but tables\u00a0do book up quickly in the city centre. Make reservations in advance, especially if you’re visiting over a weekend.<\/p>\n

Try the chic and cosy\u00a0Restaurant Loulou <\/a>for fantastic French cuisine with a twist. Daily specials will be presented by the charming owner Lou Lou. The melt-in-the-mouth monkfish and chorizo on a bed of butternut squash pur\u00e9e is a\u00a0must-try.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t

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DAY TWO<\/h4>\n

STYLISH BREAKFAST:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

La Plume\u00a0<\/a>is a great choice for a different French breakfast. Fresh fruit platters, fabulous brioche and excellent coffee awaits.\u00a0Take a table near the window and enjoy a front row seat as brides-to-be search for the perfect dress in the glass-front wedding\u00a0boutique across the cobbled street.<\/p>\n

MORNING WALKING TOUR:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Bordeaux is home to grand stretches of beautifully restored neoclassical buildings. More than 1,800 hectares of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Take a\u00a0walking tour of Bordeaux (daily tours can be booked in the tourism office) and get to know the city’s rich history.<\/p>\n

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Affectionately known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty (La Belle Endormie<\/em>) of France,’ Bordeaux\u00a0has undergone an incredible transformation over the past two decades.\u00a0In a 1995 decision by former mayor Alain\u00a0Jupp\u00e9, all property owners within the city centre were required to wash their buildings to bring back to life the warm limestone facades.<\/p>\n

Look out for the still-dirty buildings sitting between the pristine properties – these property owners chose to pay a hefty fine rather than getting their facades restored!<\/p>\n

PHOTO OPP:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Don’t miss a visit to\u00a0Miroir d\u2019Eau,\u00a0<\/em>the most Instagrammable spot in Bordeaux. Located across from the beautiful\u00a0Place de la Bourse, <\/em>the\u00a0spectacular pool switches between a mirror effect and artificial mist in the most captivating way.<\/p>\n

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LUNCH:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

After your walking tour, pop into\u00a0Nom D’Une Crepe<\/a>\u00a0for a delicious galette. These savoury Breton pancakes are best enjoyed with a local cider.<\/p>\n

TAKE A WINE TOUR:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

No trip to Bordeaux is complete without a visit to nearby\u00a0Saint-\u00c9milion<\/a>, the medieval village right in the heart of the world’s leading vineyards. Take a step back in time in this beautiful World Heritage Site and stop into some of the incredible local wine vendors to sample the latest Grand Cru\u00a0<\/em>from the area.<\/p>\n

Round off your trip to\u00a0Saint-\u00c9milion with a visit to one of the nearby chateaux for some wine tasting. Get to know your Cabernet Sauvignon from your Merlot, and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your favourite tipple from leading wine experts.<\/p>\n

Daily tours (\u20ac45) leave from the tourism office at 1pm.<\/p>\n

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BON APPETIT: <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Round off your flying trip to Bordeaux with a first-rate dinner in La Brasserie Bordelais<\/a>. Choose from 700 wines and a fabulous menu of traditional French fare. The chocolate fudge is one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted.<\/p>\n

SLEEP: <\/strong><\/h4>\n

The 4-star\u00a0<\/strong>Hotel Vatel<\/a>, just around the corner from Cours de Medoc<\/em> tram stop, is a cosy place to stay on a short mini-break.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Find flights to Bordeaux.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Book Now<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":1780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2270,1469,1430],"class_list":["post-1782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-city-trip","category-destinations","category-routes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Bordeaux should be your next city break - Aer Lingus Hub<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n