Bordeaux history

Bordeaux traces its origins to Roman times, when a settlement was founded on the Rive Gauche (left bank) of the River Garonne. The site chosen was on a bend of the river, which formed a crescent-shaped harbour, known as Port de la Lune.

Bordeaux grew rich from a surge in international commerce in the 18th century. Inspired by their new-found wealth, the city's burghers decided to redesign their city. Its winding medieval streets were cleared to make way for grand squares and elegant tree-lined avenues, lined with monumental buildings.

Bordeaux is famous for wine, not surprising as it sits at the heart of one of the world's best wine regions, but the wine trade was not enough to prevent a slump in the 19th century, during which much of the city centre deteriorated. It has since been restored to its former glory, however, with landscaped quaysides and the colonial-era warehouses now housing trendy bars and restaurants, and beautiful parks giving the city space to breathe.