The port city of Bordeaux, France, is a port city which is situated on both sides of the the Garonne River in southwestern France. It is the world's capital of the wine industry, and the sales of wine brings in more than 14.5 billion euros every year.
Originally a settlement of a Celtic tribe, Bordeaux is to the north of the Bourde River and was once called Burdigala. In 60 BC, the city fell under Roman rule and soon became the capital of Roman Aquitaine. The city was prosperous, being rich in lead and tin, particularly during the third century until 235, known as the Severus Dynasty. In 276, the Vandals, and following that, by numerous other tribes, including the Visigoths and the Franks. In the sixth century, Bordeaux re-emerged as an archdiocese in the Merovingian kingdom of the Franks. During this period, the city became quite well-known and beloved for its wines, and it prospered.
In May of 1152, Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, who had previously been married to and divorced from King Louis VII, married Count Henri Le Mans, soon to be Henry II. At that point, Bordeaux fell under English rule. This triggered the first of a 300-year series of armed combat for the region's sovereignty, ending with the 100 Year War. Bordeaux finally had a peacetime on October 3, 1585.
In the 16th century, Bordeaux was a distribution hub for slaves and sugar from the West Indies and for their wines. The city was annexed by the Kingdom of France in 1653, and became a prosperous city during the 18th century.The French government moved the seat of government to Bordeaux during the Franco-Prussian War, something they did again during both the First and Second World Wars. The same century finds Bordeaux the second largest port in Europe, after London. At around the same time, Dutch begins to import Bordeaux wine for the American Colonies.
Twenty-first century Bordeaux has expanded greatly and is now surrounded by suburbs. The expansion has caused a shift of population as well as economic activity throughout the city.
Recommended Resources
Best Western Grand Hotel Francais
Describes the historic section of Bordeaux in which the hotel is situated, accommodations and services, the restaurant and lounge, and the building itself. Further allows online booking of rooms.
https://grand-hotel-francais.com/eng/
Offers details for visitors to the city including details on wine tours, the Quarters of Saint Pierre, Saint Michel, Sainte Croix, and Sainte Eulalie as well as architectural sites around the region. Further allows the viewer to book a package or simple accommodations online.
http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/index_uk.html
Emile Garcin Properties: Bordeaux
This site features information about properties for sale in Bordeaux. Searchable by area or by price, this site displays a detailed description of the home and the area, the price, offer details, and the opportunity to save the page to a personalized account.
http://www.emilegarcin.com
The official website of this 2-star hotel in Bordeaux displays photographs of the rooms offered as well as a virtual tour of the establishment. Every room has a shower or bathtub and a toilet, and a black-out curtain, as well as a free WiFi connection. There is also a list of services and useful information. Directions by car, train, an airplane are also here, along with a map.
http://en.hotel-gambetta.com
