19 photos that show why Bordeaux was named the best city in the world for travellers
Lonely Planet recently released its ranking of the best cities in the world for travellers.
The go-to resource for travellers has just released its new book, "Best in Travel 2017." This year, it named Bordeaux the best place in the world for tourists.
Lonely Planet based its ranking on accessibility, new attractions and tourism amenities such as hotels and restaurants. In an emailed statement, it said the book's writers "visit almost every destination on the planet" to see which parts of the world make the grade.
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in.When it came to the world's best cities, Lonely Planet selected destinations that "have seen recent developments, or there is a new buzz about the place," and also offer travellers "new things to see and do."
While the Bordeaux region is famous for its vineyards and fine wine, the city itself is a cultural hub of southwestern France.
It is filled with ancient architecture, fine art and upscale restaurants, but there's also some surprising modern sights to see in Bordeaux, like the newly built museum of wine.
We've listed some of the best reasons to take a trip the city, from visiting one of the largest art galleries in France to taking a trip out of the city for a tour of the region's vineyards.
Here are 19 photos that show why Lonely Planet chose Bordeaux as the best city in the world for travellers.
Bordeaux is a vast, sprawling city in the south of France.
It sits on the river Garonne, and is divided into two parts: the right bank to the east and left bank in the west. You can view them both from the Pont de Pierre bridge.
Bordeaux may be famous for wine, but the city itself is filled with historic buildings, like the ancient Cathedral Saint Andre. It was consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096.
It's even more breathtaking on the inside.
The Place de la Bourse is the most popular attraction in the city, designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel in the early 18th century. It was named a UNESCO Heritage site in 2007.
The Place de la Bourse is also home to the "Miroir d'Eau," a fountain that creates an artificial mist around the building.
Most of the structures are still used today. Tourists can take in an opera at the Grand Théâtre in Bordeaux's Place de la Comédie.
Or take a stroll around the Old Town's cobbled streets.
If you prefer modern architecture, visit Bordeaux's unusually-shaped wine museum, the Cité du Vin, which opened in June. Inside, there is a 250-seat auditorium for screenings and classes.
There's also the Jacques Chaban Delmas bridge, which was completed in 2013. It is highest lift-bridge in the world, allowing major cruise liners to reach the city easily.
Art fans will love the modern sculpture placed around Bordeaux's historic buildings. This bronze statue of a girl by artist Jaume Plensa is right next to the Place de la Comédie.
Bordeaux is also well-known for its fine art collection. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux — established in 1801 by painter Pierre Lacour — is one of the largest art galleries in France outside of Paris. It contains artworks by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Anthony van Dyck.
Bordeaux is often packed with tourists. Around five million people visit the city every year. Fortunately, you can get away from the crowds by visiting its serene botanical gardens.
The city itself is surrounded by miles of gorgeous vineyards, like this one in nearby Saint-Emilion. The Bordeaux region is famous for growing five "noble grapes": Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Tour operators regularly run trips from the city to the region, and most vineyards offer tours and wine tastings of their own.
There's no shortage of upscale hotels. It's not uncommon to see dozens of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches parked outside the Grand Hotel Bordeaux.
The city itself is also one of Europe's top foodie destinations. There are five Michelin-starred restaurants in Bordeaux. La Grand' Vigne is the city's only two-star restaurant, serving classic dishes with a modern twist, like this perfectly presented dish of veal, farm vegetables, and fresh herbs.
It also has an excellent cheese selection, perfect for pairing with a glass of local Bordeaux wine.
The restaurant is just a short walk from the river, perfect for an after-dinner stroll.
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