Bordeaux City Town Guide Bordeaux, the most classically elegant of all French cities, is the crowning glory of the most famous vineyards in the world. The noble architecture of this major trading port speaks of the sophistication of the Age of Enlightenment, and the undulating country around the city alternates depots for the world's finest wines with imposing châteaux, on either side of the broad river Gironde. It is a picture of the harmonious marriage of the land with the aristocracy. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Tour the rural countryside of the Bordeaux region, with its Roman churches and fortified villages, rounding off your afternoon with a visit to Saint Émilion, one of the most beautiful villages in France. -  Go in search of that special something: pay a call on one of the 45 secondhand goods dealers in the passage Saint Michel, or the 15 antiques dealers in Village Notre Dame. -  Visit the very curious château de Malle, surrounded by Italian gardens and Sauternes vines. -  Taste the wines from Cos d'Estournel, and visit the amazing wine store built in the Oriental style during the nineteenth century (Médoc). -  Enjoy Arcachon Bay's incredible balmy weather and uncover how 19th century vacationers passed their time. Sample famous Arcachon Bay oysters underneath the shade of pine trees, surrounded by birds. Time difference In France, summer time is set at GMT + two hours, and runs from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. To call Bordeaux Dial the international code followed by 33 for France, then 5 for Bordeaux and the 8 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Being in the South, and close to the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is mild and wet in winter and hot and dry in summer. Holidays These holidays are celebrated throughout France: - 1 January: New Year - Easter Monday (date varies) - 1 May: Labour Day - 8 May: 1945 Victory Day - Ascension (date varies) - Monday after Pentecost (date varies) - 14 July: National Day - 15 August: Assumption - 1 November: All Saints Day - 11 November: Armistice Day - 25 December: Christmas Getting around You can visit the historical centre of Bordeaux on foot. Catch one of the frequent buses to visit other points of interest outside of town, and rent a car to discover its vineyards. Bordeaux Tourism Office Bordeaux Tourism Office: 12, cours du 30 juillet 33080 Bordeaux cedex, France Tel: (international n° +33) 5 56 00 66 00 Fax: (international n° +33) 5 56 00 66 01 Bordeaux on the Web http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com See our Cultural calendar Back