Bordeaux: The Wine Capital of the World

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sa vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byeh. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-dsahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vehy voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tuhn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lahd-rehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vehy voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The history of Bordeaux dates back to around 300 BC when it was known as Burdigala, a name given by the Celts. The strategic location on the Garonne River made it an important center for trade and commerce.

In 60 BC, Bordeaux became part of the Roman Empire, flourishing as a significant trading hub. The Romans built impressive structures, including an amphitheater, temples, and baths. Vestiges of this era, such as the Palais Gallien, still stand today.

During the Middle Ages, Bordeaux thrived under the rule of the Dukes of Aquitaine. The marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II of England in 1152 brought Bordeaux under English control, enhancing its wine trade, which became a key economic driver.

Bordeaux played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The city remained loyal to the English crown until 1453, when it was finally reclaimed by the French after the Battle of Castillon, marking the end of the war.

The 18th century marked a golden era for Bordeaux. The city underwent significant architectural transformation, with grand neoclassical buildings and wide boulevards. This period saw the construction of landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre, reflecting the flourishing trade and wealth.

Bordeaux's reputation as a wine capital was cemented in the 18th and 19th centuries. The development of the wine classification system in 1855 further established its global influence. The region's vineyards, including prestigious names like Château Margaux and Château Latour, became synonymous with quality.

During World War II, Bordeaux was occupied by German forces. The city’s strategic port was used for submarine operations. The occupation left a lasting impact, but Bordeaux emerged from the war and began a period of reconstruction and modernization.

In recent decades, Bordeaux has undergone a remarkable renaissance, transforming into a vibrant, modern city while preserving its rich heritage. Urban regeneration projects, such as the restoration of the riverfront and the development of the Cité du Vin wine museum, have rejuvenated the city, attracting tourists worldwide.

Bordeaux is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD) serves international and domestic flights, and is located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city. Bordeaux is also a major hub on the French rail network, with TGV high-speed trains connecting it to Paris in just over two hours. Additionally, buses and car rentals are available for those who prefer to travel by road.

Bordeaux boasts an efficient public transportation system operated by TBM, which includes trams, buses, and river shuttles. The tram network is particularly extensive and connects key areas of the city. Buses cover routes that trams do not. For a more scenic travel option, the BatCub river shuttles offer a unique way to navigate the city along the Garonne River. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For those who prefer cycling, Bordeaux has an extensive bike-sharing program called VCub.

The official currency in Bordeaux is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, allowing for easy cash withdrawals. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Bordeaux is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas and neighborhoods like Saint-Michel and Victoire at night, as these have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places such as the tram and train stations. Pickpocketing can be an issue, so remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The city has well-equipped medical facilities, including the Pellegrin University Hospital. Pharmacies are available throughout Bordeaux, many of which have 24-hour service. It is advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, you can visit the nearest police station or call 17.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire, especially when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in religious sites. Avoid loud behavior and wear modest clothing. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' followed by a handshake. Avoid using first names unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and delicacies. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a social activity. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, usually around 5-10% if you are satisfied with the service.

To experience Bordeaux like a local, consider visiting the Marché des Capucins, a bustling market offering fresh produce and local specialties. Take a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River or rent a bike and explore the city's extensive cycling paths. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many wine bars in the Chartrons district. For a unique experience, attend a wine tasting workshop at the Cité du Vin. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share their love for the city.