Bordeaux is a city in South-West France, capital of the Aquitaine region and the department of Gironde. It's crossed by the River Garonne, and it's the place where you'll meet the Bordelais!
On a historical note, Bordeaux actually became an English town in the 12th century, following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, former wife of L...
Bordeaux is a city in South-West France, capital of the Aquitaine region and the department of Gironde. It's crossed by the River Garonne, and it's the place where you'll meet the Bordelais!
On a historical note, Bordeaux actually became an English town in the 12th century, following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, former wife of Louis VII. And the town remained thus for three centuries, becoming prosperous during the 13th century due to commerce with England. Its second period of prosperity began in the mid 17th century up until the French Revolution - due to the importance of its port for international commerce.
From a climate perspective - the weather - Bordeaux can be considered to be a cross between the north and the south of France. The culture follows very much along similar lines, being very elegant, perpendicular, classical in style, all originating from the previous English occupancy. The city also has a confident, professional air, clearly identifying with its position in international trade, particularly with the Dutch. There are also many fine examples of chateaux built out of a characteristic local white stone... a joy to behold!
But the heart of Bordeaux also beats to a Latin rhythm, undoubtedly due to its closeness to Spain. This is the other character of the city, one much more frivolous and given over to the fiesta!
Bordeaux's climate is of the Oceanic type, showing little marked difference between summer and winter. Winters are very mild and summers are hot. But you will also encounter rain throughout most of the year. Recently the city underwent a period of extreme dryness during the years 2002-2005.
The majority of the city of Bordeaux is located on the left bank of the Garonne, an area of wide and marshy expanses. There are a few hills, but they aren't high, and they are ideal for wine growing. It is here that you will discover the famous Medoc and Grave wine varieties.
The other side of the Garonne, the right bank, is entirely different, and it is made up almost entirely of chalk. And it's here that most of the world famous vineyards are located vineyards such as Pomerol, Fronsac and Saint Emilion famous around the world, not least for their expense.
Without a shadow of doubt, Bordeaux is the world wine capital. In this region, a single wine grower, or viticulteur, will produce several different wines, with several of these being amongst the most renowned in the world. These are identified specifically as "Vins de Bordeaux". Indeed around the Bordeaux region itself there are no fewer than 14000 local wine producers, some quite small. But collectively, these vineyards account for about 700 million bottles annually. Bordeaux wines are both white and red, with the famous red giving its name to the color known as Bordeaux, after the distinctive color of the wine.
And what about the cuisine of Bordeaux? In fact Bordeaux cuisine, indeed the cuisine throughout the whole of the Gironde, is considered to be one of the finest in France, a veritable way of life. Here the visitor will have his senses delighted by names of dishes such as "palombe" (wood pigeon, in English), "cepes de Bordeaux" (a variety of mushroom), "sauce aux echalotes" (a special shallot sauce), etc. Evidently, this will need to be accompanied by the classic Bordeaux wines.
And then of course there's the famous "canele" cake, a Bordeaux speciality made of tender pastry, with a lacing of vanilla and rum, finally covered with a thick caramelised crust. In fact this Bordeaux delicacy was the recipe of some sixteenth century nuns who used to make them to give to the poor of the town. But don't let that put you off... they are far from poor and most exotic... perfect when accompanied by a fine white wine, such as a Saint Emilion! But be careful, they are known to soften quickly after baking... don't worry simply put back in the oven and in a few minutes time they'll recover their famous crustyness!
Another unforgettable encounter in Bordeaux is with the "lamproie" (lamprey, in English), a very unusual fish. This fish possesses neither scales, nor jaws, nor bony backbone. You could compare it with a large eel. And don't forget "la sauce d'escargots" (snail sauce), known jokingly as the "Bordeaux truffle", which includes chocolate, grape and alcohol. Not to mention the famous Tome d'Aquitaine, a goat's cheese refined with a Sauterne wine, and the delicious "foie gras".
So I hope you spend a wonderful and delicious time in and around Bordeaux, meeting the many colourful Bordelais characters!
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For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Quebec in French, please visit Rencontres Quebec at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com rencontres libertines web site. Article source: www.reprint-content.com
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Food & Drink 
