The e-news from BORDEAUX GIRONDE CONVENTION BUREAU
Nr 31 - September 2007
Bordeaux listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Bordeaux has been officially included in 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 city
With over 347 historic monuments in a protected area of 150 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, the capital of the Gironde department and 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 tourists
Tourism 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.
The Bordeaux Tourist Office suggests for your meeting in Bordeaux a new tour within the perimeter defined by UNESCO – a night time tour to discover the city's most beautiful monuments under floodlights!
The Bordeaux Gironde Convention Bureau has joined the AIVFC (Association Internationale des Villes Francophones de Congrès)
Founded in 1975, the AIVFC gathers today more than 50 members representing conference towns spread in three continents: Europe, Africa and America.
The aim of AIVFC is to help its members work more efficiently in a very competitive world together with protecting the conviviality and the singularity of the exchanges between its members.
The Irish National rugby team stays for 4 weeks at the Sofitel Bordeaux Aquitania
From September 5th till September 28th, Sofitel Bordeaux has welcomed the Irish National Rugby team during the World Rugby Cup in France. The preparation for this event has started more than a year ago and necessitated all the know how of the hotel employees as well as a well performing organisation to meet the needs of international sportsmen.
During 4 weeks players and staff members of the Irish team make use of the many rooms and equipment of Sofitel Bordeaux. The hotel has put to their disposal over 1000 m² of space to accommodate a ‘living room’, a video room and a 300 m² private sport room!
Frédéric Coiffé, our Chef has contributed greatly to the composition of the menus, to the preparation of all the meals, strictly checking the requirements given by the team’s nutritionist.
The Irish team, being the opponent of French players, has received the best possible accommodation and food during this World Cup.
If you are looking for an original and dynamic activity that combines business and pleasure, the Velodrome Stadium at Bordeaux Lac will be glad to help you organise your meetings.
Formerly reserved for an elite, the Velodrome Stadium at Bordeaux Lac is now open to the public for track cycling. Everyone can now experience the thrills of this sport in a well-equipped facility, unique in France, in which world records have been set. Our monitors will be pleased to introduce you to track cycling in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
However, the Velodrome Stadium is also a superb multipurpose venue ideal for all sorts of events: meetings, symposiums, trade fairs, shows, etc. Our team will make sure to take into account your desires, preferences, and budget.
Thanks to its many possibilities, attractive appearance, and infrastructures, the Velodrome Stadium has all it takes to make your meeting original as well as successful.
We offer tailor-made solutions for memorable evenings:
• Cocktail receptions and catered meals in the centre of the track or in a function room, depending on the number of participants
• Introductions to track cycling (including bikes, helmets, and a monitor)
• Demonstration of track cycling with the France “Espoir” team
• Themed challenges
• Ability to look after all technical aspects, decoration, etc.
Combine work with relaxation at the Relais de Margaux Meeting & resort hotel****L Golf & Spa
Enjoy the Spa (without treatment) for 15 € instead of 30 € for a relaxing time. This offer includes access to the Spa for one person per day. Bathrobe, towel and mule are provided. The Spa has a Moorish area with Turkish bath, a sauna and a room with heated table for oriental treatments. It also offers a heated indoor swimming pool equipped with massage jets, a fitness room with the revolutionary FITVIBE vibration device and a full range of standard bodybuilding apparatus. From the relaxation and aromatherapy room with a sun terrace of exotic wood you will enjoy the panoramic view over the estuary, the golf course and the lake.
The renovation of the Mercure Meriadeck Hotel is now complete, and the hotel is ready to welcome you in a contemporary atmosphere.
You will also rediscover the restaurant where the chef prepares inventive dishes.
Offering a wide range of services,the refurbished Mercure Meriadeck Hotel is the ideal venue for organising conventions and seminars.
During the Rugby World Cup, Keolis Gironde carries the resident national teams of Ireland and Canada, as well as all the other teams playing in Bordeaux.
In order to offer the best service, KEOLIS FRANCE has acquired 25 new coaches dedicated to the event.
The Agence des Grands Crus, a DMC specialised in meetings & incentive trips in the Bordeaux region has opened a new web site.
Go to www.agence-des-grands-crus.com and discover all the activities that the agency can suggest for your next meeting or incentive trip in our region.
With over 347 historic monuments in a protected area of 150 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. 
Formerly reserved for an elite, the Velodrome Stadium at Bordeaux Lac is now open to the public for track cycling. Everyone can now experience the thrills of this sport in a well-equipped facility, unique in France, in which world records have been set. Our monitors will be pleased to introduce you to track cycling in a warm, friendly atmosphere. 
We offer tailor-made solutions for memorable evenings:
