There are really two areas here. Bordeaux is one of France’s larger cities, with a colourful history.
Henry II of England’s marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century meant that British influence in
this region held sway for over three centuries. Commerce thrived and an important wine export trade developed.
Outside its renowned wine industry, Bordeaux's other claim to fame is its three temporary turns as the capital of
France, each occurring when the country was on the verge of defeat. It assumed the mantle of capital first during
the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71; then at the beginning of WWI (1914) and most recently, for two weeks in 1940,
just before the Vichy government was proclaimed.
Bordeaux is a great rendezvous point and is worth visiting for
a day or two, and combined with the area east of Bordeaux known as the Périgord, or by some as the Dordogne Valley,
is perfect for a Sandquist Europe journey. The food is rich and hearty, often based around the abundant local
inhabitant – the duck. Foie gras, salade au gésiers, magret or confit de canard, all wonderful local specialties
that marry perfectly with the famous wines from this area.
There are artisans galore who have set up shop here
lured by the beautiful landscape and the softer climate. Some of the oldest ever discovered vestiges of pre-history
have been found in the area including the well known cave de Lascaux, discovered in the 1930s. There are the
wines of Sauternes, the Médoc and St-Emilion, as well as other smaller appellations such as Bergerac, Saussignac
and Pécharmant. The land is rolling and pastoral, crossed by walking trails that have existed since the pilgrimages
to Santiago started nearly 1000 years ago. Small paved roads also abound and make for excellent cycling along the
valley floor or rolling through the surrounding hillsides. Beautiful châteaux hotels and private rental properties
abound, and serve as launching points for a journey of discovery in this rich and captivating region.
