Bordeaux has been officially included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as of 28 June 2007. This distinction recognises the beauty and unity of style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries and remained remarkably well-preserved. The Bordeaux World Heritage site is the largest urban entity to be so honoured. It covers 1,810 hectares, or half of the city, from the outer boulevards to the banks of the Garonne. A rich concentration of monuments in a dynamic cityWith over 350 historic monuments in a protected area of 147 hectares, as well as 3 churches (Saint-André, Saint-Michel, and Saint-Seurin) that were already listed as World Heritage sites on the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela, Bordeaux had a number of assets to convince the jury.
Bordeaux, an 18th century architectural gem, owes its beauty to architects spanning a number of periods: Jacques Gabriel Les Allées de Tourny, Victor Louis Le Grand Théâtre, Jacques d'Welles the municipal stadium, and Richard Rogers, who designed not only the Beaubourg Centre in Paris, but also the Bordeaux Court of First Instance.
Above and beyond its lovely architecture, Bordeaux was chosen for its attractive, vibrant, and cosmopolitan districts. From the narrow streets of the Saint-Michel quarter to buildings from the 60s and 70s in Mériadeck, these districts reflect the life of a city that has evolved without losing its character or identity.
Bordeaux's successful bid as a World Heritage site also relied on several ambitious urban renewal projects begun in 1996 under the impetus of mayor Alain Juppé. These include development of the quays along the Garonne River, the restoration of many façades, and a light rail transit system. An even greater attraction to touristsTourism in Bordeaux had already developed considerably following the city's extensive facelift. However, it will now be entering a new dimension thanks to the UNESCO listing, undoubtedly exceeding the 2.5 million visitors a year Bordeaux currently welcomes. As of Saturday, 7 July, and in order to celebrate this event, the Bordeaux Tourist Office is organising a new tour within the perimeter defined by UNESCO - a night time tour to discover the city's most beautiful monuments under floodlights!
The Tourisme Office propose you a BORDEAUX DECOUVERTE PACKAGE STARTING reserved for individuals and includes:
Booking : http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/uk/preparer_son_sejour/forfaits/forfaits_bordeaux_decouverte.html
Listen to Bordeaux (not included in the package)Enjoy a night out at the Opera House and discover its varied programs of opera, concerts and ballet in this splendid XVIIIth century monument recently classified by UNESCO.Opera House / Information & booking : www.opera-bordeaux.com / tel.: 33 (0)5 56 00 85 65