For many centuries. Bordeaux has been known as “the pearl of Aquitaine” and it's easy to see why - after even just a short visit. It's a relatively compact place with a population of just 240,000 people, but that's not to say that it doesn't have grand sweeping avenues and some genuinely impressive architecture. Its location in South Western France also means that it has a kind climate, and one which is ideal for growing the grapes to make Bordeaux wine. In fact there are no less than 287,000 acres of vineyards in the area, and that's more than an acre for every single member of the population.
