User:Avictory/Bordeaux

To be inserted here: Bordeaux

Culture
Bordeaux is the largest hub of culture, shopping, music, and gastronomy (including wine) in southwestern France. The city's official website has a comprehensive list of all museums, galleries, theaters, concerts, and various other events.

Arts & Architecture
Bordeaux, also known as the Port of the Moon, was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007. Second only to Paris, Bordeaux has more protected historical buildings than anywhere else in France. As most of the city's architecture dates to the late 17th and early 18th century, Bordeaux is renowned for its cohesive use of classical and neoclassical styles and elements, earning it the title "Little Paris". Numerous museums, government buildings, and concert halls feature original Enlightenment era stone work and stylistic features.

Since 1984, Bordeaux has held an annual event dedicated to the visiting of historical landmarks, monuments, and museums related to the city's history. Held over the third weekend of September, Journées du Patrimonie ("Heritage Days"), institutions like churches, archives, private art collections and galleries, and even private residences open themselves up for the public to view. Access to state-run or government sponsored sites is usually free, but private places may charge an entry or tour fee. While launched by the French Ministry of Culture, this festival actually coincides with the European-wide event known as European Heritage Days, which urges exceptional locations across the continent to celebrate their local history.

Music
The city is also known for its lively and diverse music scenes. An annual music festival, La Fête de la musique à Bordeaux, showcases various local musical acts, both amateur and professional, to audiences of thousands from across the Bordeaux region. Affectionately nicknamed the "City of Rock", Bordeaux is home to numerous local rock bands and music labels. Jazz, hip hop, electronic, and baroque music are also well-represented in the city.

The City of Bordeaux actively participates in the city's classical music scene. The city is home to both a National Opera headquarters and the region's conservatory orchestra. In May, the city hosts The Bordeaux Quartet, an event that features chamber music from across Europe and in July and August, the International Organ Festival.

Gastronomy
As Southwest France's capital of food and wine, Bordeaux is most know for its numerous wineries, food tours, and wine tastings. Every other year since 1998, alternating with the Bordeaux River Festival, the city holds the Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux Fête le Vin). The event, which usually occurs on weekends in June, attracts thousands of visitors from across the world as well as producers, restaurateurs, connoisseurs, and collectors. The event is started with a parade through the streets of Bordeaux, ending at the Place de la Bourse, where the wine tasting event is held. Over 80 vendors and wineries participate in the event as well as numerous restaurants and glass makers (selling wine glasses, decanters, stoppers, etc.).

In 2017, Bordeaux was named the top dining city in France, even beating rival cities Paris and Lyon. Twenty-six of the city's restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide, as well as forty-two in the Gault et Millau guide.