<BR>I am considering a short stay in Bordeaux while I am in France in September. I'd like to hear personal experiences in this city. Is it worthwhile? What are some of the sights? I am interested in art, history, culinary delights, and WINE. I'll also be on a budget (but still able to stay in cheap hotels and such). Any comments?

Bordeaux is well worth a visit, and September is an ideal time to visit. I have a file on it I'd be happy to send you if you e-mail me with your real e-mail address.

<BR>StCirq,<BR><BR>Thank you for your reply. I would be very interested to look at your information on Bordeaux (note my "real" e-mail address above). I was lucky to score some cheap flight tickets to Paris for September, and am very excited about my trip. I am not very familiar with France, so I'm happy to hear about worthwhile trips other than Paris. Thank you and I look forward to your email!<BR><BR>If anyone else would like to register an opinion on Bordeaux and environs, please post!

I spent about four days in Bordeaux a few years ago, then a couple of pass-throughs recently. It's a wonderful city, interesting to visit a big city that's very different from Paris. Several good museums, lots of history (Elinor of Aquitaine got married in the church there, making the huge France/England who-owns-whom mess even worse). At the tourist bureau you can find several bus tours to vineyards; they are worth doing if you aren't going to be visiting vineyards on your own.<BR><BR>Bordeaux is near the sea, so really good seafood is in abundance. As for wine, well, hard NOT to find a good one at giveaway prices.

There is a lively flea market next to Eglise St Michel. The free standing bell tower is 114 m tall. I am not sure about what days, but I think every day ex Sat. <BR><BR>There are also some good food markets. March&eacute; Victor Hugo and March&eacute; des Capucins. I think the latter opens at midnight.<BR><BR>Pont de Pierre, the red brick bridge across the Garonne, is best seen at sunset from the other side of the river. And after dark when all the lamps are lit.<BR><BR>The museum of fine art is in the city hall, Palais Rohan (Rubens, Hals, Delacroix, Kokoscha). There is a new museum for contemporary art (CAPC, closed Mon) in an old warehouse for spices, near the Quai des Chartrons. I think this area has been renovated since I was there. The mayor, ex-Prime Minister Alain Juppe, has done a lot the last few years. <BR><BR>The Grand Theatre is said to be one of the most beautiful in France. It is possible to visit. Info from tourist office.<BR><BR>Place du Parlement and Place General Serrail are nice, with several outdoor cafes. Place Gambetta and Porte Dijeaux is another nice area. The oldest part of town is down by the river. A labyrint of dark streets and forgotten shops and eating places.<BR><BR>Baud & Millet is a shop and restaurant. Cheese only. More than 200 different. Open 9-24. 19, rue Huguerie.<BR>www.baudetmillet.com<BR><BR>I took a day trip to St Emilion, the most beautiful wine village surrounded by vineyards. There are only two trains a day or so. A taxi from Libourne (5 miles) is an alternative.<BR><BR>I also went to Pauillac, where I walked to Chateau Mouton-Rotschild. Medoc is not so attractive as St Emilion. I watched the grape harvest, but I can not recommend to go there unless you are very interested in wine.<BR><BR>Rick Steves did not like Bordeaux: "If i were offered a free trip to that town, I´d stay home and clean the fridge."<BR><BR>www.bordeaux-tourisme.com<BR>www.vins-bordeaux.fr<BR>www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com