Bordeaux – Seeing is believing

Arguably ‘the wine capital of the world,’ Bordeaux has even more to offer than its famous Châteaux and wines. A true tourist destination, the region is full of 18th-Century architecture and many outstanding museums.

Here are a few happenings taking place in Bordeaux between March and May 2008:

April
Photography Festival (1st-30th April 2008)
Travel photographers exhibit at various venues open to the public around Bordeaux city, from galleries to bars. Ten photographers have travelled across the world to create these ‘works of art’. The festival exhibitions are free.
Itiphoto.com

May
La Nuit des Musées (17th May 2008)
All Bordeaux’s museums will be open until 1am for one night only and entrance is free. La Nuit des Musées offers a chance to whizz round the city's finest temporary and permanent collections, as part of a European-wide cultural initiative. Many museums also mark the night with concerts.
Nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/

Union des Grands Crus Wine Weekend (17th-18th May 2008)
For one weekend in May, the region’s top Châteaux hold tastings for the general public in central Bordeaux, with many offering visits and dinners in their properties. The downtown tastings are held along the Quai de Chartrons, but all information on tastings out in the vineyards can be obtained through the Union des Grands Crus.
Ugcb.net

VTV (Velo Tout Vigne) Le Medocain (31st May 2008)
This bicycle race is held around Margaux and competitors cycle through Châteaux properties that lay on tastings and festivities. This event is the southern Medoc’s version of Pauillac's Marathon, which is run through the vines. The race has three circuits between 25km and 75km, all departing from the town of Arsac.
Medocainevtt.com

Festival des Jardins (May – June 2008)
Bordeaux's annual Garden Festival spreads throughout the green areas of the city. Every park, from the Jardin Publique to the Parc Rivière, plus a few private gardens, open up and hold special events, from dance and opera to children's theatre. The aim of the festival is to create a particular appeal for each garden around town.
Bordeaux.fr