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Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine, is situated 350 miles southwest of Paris. One of the best known cities in France, its fine wines are appreciated the world over by millions of connoisseurs.
Since the 18th century, the city of Bordeaux has assumed a majestic air and prided itself on an elegance that it has never lost. Rich in history, culture, arts, music, legendary wines and fantastic food, Bordeaux is a wonderful place in which to discover the best that France has to offer. Today this illustrious city offers visitors the chance to visit one of the best-preserved 18th century city centres in the world. Its white stone facades, thriving gardens, original cobblestone streets and stylish boulevards are just some of the many aspects that entice visitors, and ranks Bordeaux among Europe's most beautiful cities.
Visitors to the city will also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, theatres, concerts and busy cafes. In addition, broad avenues and spacious squares, such as the Place de la Bourse and the imposing Esplanades des Quinconces, dominate the city and give it wonderful international flavour.
A visit to the Aquitaine region in which Bordeaux is located inevitably inspires interest in its past. The outstanding finds at Lascaux, La Madeleine, and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses, and châteaux, and the Gallo-Roman remains will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology.
Romantics will be fascinated by the social history of the region, the duchy ruled over by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. Married first to Louis VII of France, and later to Henry II of England, Eleanor bore ten children, including Richard the Lion-Hearted. One of the earliest feminists, Eleanor's court encouraged the flowering of the troubadour tradition and the development of the concept of romantic love.
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