Bordeaux, the land of plenty

Visitors from all over the world come to Bordeaux to experience its fine wines, wonderful food, oodles of culture and rich history. The Bordelais in turn, love to share the treasures of the region with visitors by hosting events throughout the year to celebrate some of the most enjoyable and enticing attractions in Bordeaux.

Here is just a selection of events that will be taking place in Bordeaux in 2008:

January
Bazas Beef Festival (Fêtes des Boeufs Gras), 31st January - This is an annual celebration of the fatted oxen that turn in to the prized Bazas beef. Huge numbers of oxen are adorned with ribbons and garlands to take part in a race around Bordeaux city. Visitors can then enjoy this tender beef in restaurants around the cathedral square. Ville-bazas.fr

May
Weekend des Grands Amateurs, 17th-18th May– For one weekend every May, the region’s top wine Châteaux hold tastings for wine lovers. These are held along the quay where visitors can stroll and sup fantastic wines from some of the most famous Châteaux in the region. Selected Châteaux owners will also host visits, tastings and dinners within the prestigious properties themselves. Ugcb.net

VTV (Velo Tout Vigne) Le Medocain, 31st May – This bicycle race held annually allows visitors to cycle through the Châteaux where tastings and festivities are laid on for cyclists and spectators alike. Circuits are between 25km and 75km, all leaving from the town of Arsac. Medocainevtt.com

June
Fête le Vin, 26th-29th June – Europe’s biggest wine festival. Each appellation of Bordeaux has a tasting stand around the Place des Quinconces and along the river banks of the City. Visitors can try food & wine matching, watch barrel rolling competitions or take part in special initiation classes at the city’s official Ecole du Vin. This is a bi-annual event. Bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com

August
Oyster Festival, w/c 11th August – Many of the towns around the Bassin of Archachon hold festivals to celebrate the famous oysters of the region.

September
Marathon du Médoc, 6th September – This must be one of the world’s most attractive marathons – runners get to sample wines from some of the local estates as they run through 59 vineyards of the Médoc, including prestigious names such as Lynch Bages and Mouton Rothschild. Besides the wine tasting, rest stops along the route serve refreshments like freshly-shucked oysters and grilled beef. The winner is rewarded with their weight in wine! Marathondumedoc.com

October
Bordeaux Jazz Festival, end October (exact dates tbc) – 2008 sees the 8th annual festival which will host jazz bands and soloists in bars and other venues all over Bordeaux city. A pass is available to see any of the events for one fixed price. Bordeauxjazzfestival.com

This is just a selection of events held in Bordeaux throughout the year, to see a full calendar of events, visit Bordeaux.com.