10 facts about Bordeaux you didn't know

Bordeaux's secrets: 10 fascinating facts you never knew about France's wine capital

Buckle up, wine lovers and history buffs! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the hidden gems of Bordeaux, France's wine capital. This stunning city isn't just about world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. Oh no, there's so much more beneath the surface that'll make your jaw drop faster than you can say "Château Margaux"!

Nestled along the banks of the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a city that oozes charm, history, and sophistication. Its elegant 18th-century architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and of course, those rolling vineyards have been captivating visitors for centuries. But what if we told you that there's a whole world of lesser-known facts about this UNESCO World Heritage city that'll blow your mind?

Did you know, for example, that Bordeaux was once the capital of a short-lived kingdom? Or that it's home to Europe's largest reflecting pool? How about the fact that this wine mecca used to be more famous for its white wines than its reds? Intrigued yet? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks! Let's dive into ten mind-boggling facts about Bordeaux that'll make you the star of your next dinner party conversation. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on these juicy tidbits!

1. The English Connection: Bordeaux's Royal Past

Hold onto your berets, because we're about to drop a bombshell! Believe it or not, Bordeaux was once part of England. Yes, you read that right! In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet, who later became King Henry II of England. This royal union brought Bordeaux and the entire Aquitaine region under English rule for a whopping 300 years[1][2]!

But here's the kicker: this English connection is actually what propelled Bordeaux wines to international fame. The English developed a serious thirst for "claret" (their term for Bordeaux red wine), and trade flourished. In fact, at one point, Bordeaux was exporting over 50,000 tons of wine to England annually. Talk about a special relationship! So next time you're sipping on a glass of Bordeaux, raise a toast to good old Blighty for helping put this wine region on the map.

2. Europe's Largest City Square: Place des Quinconces

Think you've seen big city squares? Well, prepare to have your mind blown! Bordeaux is home to the Place des Quinconces, the largest city square in Europe. Covering a whopping 12 hectares (that's about 30 acres for our American friends), this massive public space could fit nearly 18 football fields[1][7]!

But size isn't the only impressive thing about this square. It's also a historical and cultural hotspot. The square features a stunning monument to the Girondins, complete with bronze horses and fountains. And get this - during World War II, the Nazis were so impressed by the monument that they decided not to melt it down for ammunition. Talk about a close call! Today, the Place des Quinconces hosts everything from music festivals to circuses. So, if you're ever feeling claustrophobic in Bordeaux (unlikely, but hey, it could happen), just head to this gigantic square and stretch out!

3. The World's Largest Reflecting Pool: Miroir d'Eau

Get ready for some serious Instagram envy, because Bordeaux is home to the world's largest reflecting pool. The Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) is a stunning architectural marvel that spans a jaw-dropping 3,450 square meters[1][7]. That's larger than an Olympic-sized swimming pool!

But here's the best part: every 15 minutes, the pool alternates between a mirror effect and a cooling mist. It's like magic, but better because it's real! On a sunny day, you'll see the magnificent 18th-century Place de la Bourse perfectly reflected in the water, creating a mesmerizing optical illusion. And when the mist kicks in, it's like walking through a dreamy, urban cloud. Who needs special effects when you've got the Miroir d'Eau? It's no wonder this spot has become one of the most photographed locations in Bordeaux. So, don't forget to bring your camera - and maybe a change of shoes if you're tempted to splash around!

4. The White Wine Capital That Turned Red

Here's a plot twist that'll make wine enthusiasts do a double-take: Bordeaux, the red wine capital of the world, was primarily known for its white wines until the 1970s! That's right, folks. For most of its history, Bordeaux's vineyards were dominated by white grape varieties[9][12].

In fact, up until the 1970s, over 80% of Bordeaux's vineyards were dedicated to white wine production. Varieties like Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle reigned supreme. So what caused this viticultural revolution? It was a combination of changing consumer preferences and a devastating frost in 1956 that wiped out many white grape vines. Winemakers seized the opportunity to replant with red varieties, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, red wines make up about 85% of Bordeaux's production. But don't worry, white wine lovers - Bordeaux still produces some stellar whites, including the world-famous sweet wines of Sauternes. It's like they say: everything old is new again!

5. The Hidden Roman Amphitheater: Palais Gallien

Prepare to channel your inner Indiana Jones, because Bordeaux is hiding a 2,000-year-old Roman secret right in the heart of the city. The Palais Gallien, the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, stands as a testament to Bordeaux's ancient past[14].

Built in the 2nd century AD when Bordeaux was known as Burdigala, this amphitheater could once seat up to 17,000 spectators. Imagine the gladiatorial contests and wild animal fights that took place here! Today, only a small portion of the original structure remains, but it's enough to fire up your imagination. The best part? Despite being smack in the middle of the city, many tourists (and even some locals) walk right past it without realizing its significance. It's like having your own private time machine in the middle of a bustling modern city. So next time you're in Bordeaux, take a detour to the Palais Gallien. Who knows, you might just hear the echoes of ancient Roman cheers!

6. The Bordeaux Canelé: A Sweet Accident of Wine Making

Get ready for a tasty tidbit that'll make your mouth water and your wine-loving heart sing. Bordeaux's signature pastry, the canelé, owes its existence to the wine industry. But not in the way you might think[12]!

Back in the day, Bordeaux winemakers used egg whites to clarify their wines, a process known as fining. This left them with a surplus of egg yolks. Not wanting to waste these golden treasures, clever nuns from the Annonciades convent came up with a recipe that used the leftover yolks, along with flour, sugar, and vanilla. And voilà! The canelé was born.

These little caramelized, custard-filled cakes quickly became a local favorite. Today, you can find them in every bakery in Bordeaux, their crunchy exterior hiding a soft, custardy center flavored with rum and vanilla. It's like biting into a piece of Bordeaux's wine-making history! So next time you're enjoying a glass of Bordeaux, don't forget to pair it with a canelé. It's not just delicious - it's deliciously historical!

7. The Bordeaux Blue Period: A Royal Decree

Hold onto your paintbrushes, because we're about to reveal a colorful secret from Bordeaux's past. Did you know that for a brief period in the 18th century, all the buildings in Bordeaux were painted blue? It's true, and the reason behind it is as bizarre as it is fascinating!

In 1767, the Marquis de Tourny, who was responsible for much of Bordeaux's urban planning, issued a decree that all buildings should be painted blue. Why blue, you ask? Well, he believed that the color would repel mosquitoes, which were a major problem in the marshy areas around the city. The decree was short-lived, but for a while, Bordeaux must have looked like a scene from a surrealist painting!

Today, you won't find many blue buildings in Bordeaux (unless you count the reflections in the Miroir d'Eau). But this quirky historical fact reminds us that even the most elegant cities have their oddball moments. It just goes to show that sometimes, the craziest ideas can come from trying to solve everyday problems. Who knows? Maybe blue buildings will make a comeback. After all, mosquitoes are still annoying!

8. The Underground Labyrinth: Bordeaux's Hidden Tunnels

Prepare to have your mind blown, because beneath the elegant streets of Bordeaux lies a secret world that would make any urban explorer's heart race. The city is home to a vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, some dating back to the Middle Ages!

These subterranean passages, known as "carrières" or quarries, were originally created to extract limestone for building the city's grand edifices. Over time, they've served various purposes - from hiding places during wars to secret meeting spots for resistance fighters during World War II. Some tunnels even connected to wine cellars, allowing merchants to move their precious cargo unseen.

Today, most of these tunnels are closed to the public for safety reasons. But a few are open for guided tours, offering a glimpse into Bordeaux's hidden underbelly. It's like stepping into a real-life Dan Brown novel! So next time you're strolling through Bordeaux's sun-drenched streets, remember - there's a whole other city lurking beneath your feet. Who knows what secrets are still waiting to be discovered down there?

9. The Bordeaux Hug: A Quirky Street Name Tradition

Get ready for a linguistic twist that'll make you smile. In Bordeaux, there's a charming tradition of naming parallel streets in a way that creates a "hug" or "embrace" when said together. It's called the "Bordeaux Hug", and it's as delightful as it sounds!

For example, you might find a "Rue du Loup" (Wolf Street) running parallel to a "Rue de la Brebis" (Sheep Street). Or how about "Rue du Puits" (Well Street) next to "Rue de la Corde" (Rope Street)? It's like a citywide game of word association! This quirky naming convention dates back centuries and adds an extra layer of charm to Bordeaux's already enchanting streets.

But here's the best part: this tradition isn't just cute, it was also practical. In the days before street numbers, these paired names helped people navigate the city more easily. It's like having a built-in GPS system, Bordeaux style! So next time you're wandering through the city's winding streets, keep an eye out for these hugging street names. It's a linguistic treasure hunt that's uniquely Bordelais!

10. The Bordeaux Time Capsule: A 17th-Century Ship

Brace yourselves for a maritime mystery that'll shiver your timbers! In 2021, archaeologists made an incredible discovery in the heart of Bordeaux: the remarkably well-preserved remains of a 17th-century ship, buried beneath a former Wet Dock.

This 40-meter long vessel, dubbed the "Wet Dock Ship," is a treasure trove of historical information. It's one of the best-preserved shipwrecks of its kind ever found in Europe. The anaerobic conditions of its burial site kept the wood in excellent condition, allowing researchers to study 17th-century shipbuilding techniques in unprecedented detail.

But here's the kicker: nobody knows exactly how or why the ship ended up there. Was it deliberately sunk? Was it abandoned? Or did it meet with some maritime misfortune? It's a 400-year-old mystery waiting to be solved! The discovery has turned Bordeaux into a hotspot for marine archaeologists and history buffs alike. It just goes to show that in Bordeaux, you never know what incredible secrets might be hiding just beneath the surface!

And there you have it, folks! Ten mind-blowing facts about Bordeaux that prove this city is so much more than just a wine lover's paradise. From its English royal connections to its underground labyrinths, from its world-record-breaking public spaces to its quirky street names, Bordeaux is a city full of surprises.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, Bordeaux has something to captivate you. It's a city where ancient Roman ruins coexist with cutting-edge modern architecture, where world-class wines pair perfectly with pastries born from kitchen thriftiness, and where every street corner might be hiding a fascinating secret.

So the next time you find yourself in this enchanting corner of southwestern France, remember: there's so much more to discover beyond the bottom of your wine glass. Bordeaux is a city that rewards the curious, so keep your eyes open, your mind ready for surprises, and your taste buds prepared for delight. After all, in Bordeaux, you never know what amazing discovery is waiting just around the corner or beneath your feet!