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> Smith Haut-Lafitte and Planète Bordeaux: the best!
Château Smith Haut-Lafitte recently received the Special Jury Prize at the "Best of Wine Tourism 2003" awards. The Jury recognized "a well-rounded site: outstanding architecture, accommodation, sculptures, and the organization of various special events. On-site cooperage, 18th-century chapel, 18th-century chateau, 16th-century tower. The only complex of its kind in the world, thanks to the Sources de Caudalie **** hotel, 2 restaurants, and a Vinotherapy Spa."
The Maison des Bordeaux also received an award in the "Leisure Activity" category, for Planète Bordeaux: a fun experience and voyage of initiation into wine through 6 discovery centers: appellations, terroirs, vines and landscapes, winegrowing, wine châteaux, the transformation grapes, colors and materials, and introduction to tasting. Far-ranging information about Bordeaux wine is presented in a spectacular way.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Planète Bordeaux (together with the other 6 regional winners) will represent the city of Bordeaux at the International Grand Prix of the Réseau des Capitales de Grands Vignobles (Network of Great Wine Capitals) on October 8th 2003 at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
The other members of this very select "club" of major cities are: Bilbao/Rioja, Cape Town, Oporto, Florence, San Francisco, Melbourne, and Santiago de Chile.
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> "Bordeaux nouveau" is here!
It's time for a(nother) trip to Bordeaux. The vast, three-year urban development project is almost completed and the city's new look will be unveiled by next spring. The three main features are: space, shopping, and historic heritage.
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The feeling of space is most apparent along the redesigned waterfront, with the new promenade along the Garonne, from the Chartrons (traditional center of the wine trade) to the Pont de Pierre. |
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The superb, 18th century facades of the buildings along the river, emblematic of Bordeaux, have been given a remarkable facelift. Bars and restaurants by the river offer everything from local specialties to exotic cuisine.
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This open space provides leisure facilities in immediate proximity to the city center. New parks on both sides of the Garonne fit harmoniously into the urban landscape and, together with the promenade, give city dwellers a breath of fresh air. |
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The focal point of the new layout is the new pedestrian friendly walkway of the Place de la Bourse, which is even more attractive at night, thanks to sophisticated floodlighting. |
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It is an easy walk from there to Bordeaux' main shopping district, the famous Rue Sainte Catherine, the longest pedestrian precinct in Europe! The pedestrian streets also have a new look and several major retailers have recently opened outlets there, giving new impetus to the district.
The tram system is going to free-up several major streets from traffic and facilitate travel through the city. More space will be devoted to pedestrians and cyclists as well, making the city even more attractive and environmentally-friendly!
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> Sofitel hotel: even more luxurious and comfortable
Sofitel, the four-star hotel nearest to the Conference Center, is under renovation. Considerable efforts are being made to meet the expectations of today's most demanding guests.
The Sofitel will have 16 new suites, bringing the total to 23. The latter, along with the hotel's other 166 rooms, will be entirely redecorated and renovated, including double-glazing.
The hotel will also be equipped with a fitness center and relaxation area.
Even more practical
Access to the hotel will be optimized with two new entrances, one facing the Casino, the other opposite the Conference Center. Attractive landscaping will further enhance the hotel's appearance.
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> A new name and a new face
Mercure at the Cité Mondiale
The "Mercure Cité Mondiale Center de Congrès", formerly the "Hôtel Libertel Claret", is taking a new lease on life. This three-star hotel and conference center was built in 1992 as part of the Cité Mondiale du Vin and des Spiritueux (World Wine and Spirits Trade Center) complex.
Under the direction of the new manager, Jean-Jacques Ernadorena, a thorough renovation of the conference Center, panoramic restaurant, and wine bar will be started in December and completed by the end of the first quarter of 2004.
The "Mercure Cité Mondiale Center de Congrès", located in the heart of the Chartrons district (traditional heart of the Bordeaux wine trade), offers very attractive facilities: a 300-seat auditorium, a 1,300 m² multi-purpose area, 10 meeting rooms, a panoramic restaurant seating 350, and a public car park with 850 spaces.
It offers a useful complement to the Bordeaux Conference Center for medium-sized events.
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