Shame on us! ("shame on us" for English speakers). We regularly talk about this architectural feat, this unique exhibition space in Bordeaux, without ever really taking the time to introduce this stunning, immersive place. Today, we fix that and take you to discover the Cité du Vin of Bordeaux!
A cultural place unique in the world
On Bordeaux's Bacalan quays, the Cité du Vin is an exhibition space dedicated to wine offering 13,350 m² of discoveries, initiations and immersion around wine, vineyards and its culture. Inaugurated on May 31, 2016 in the presence of Alain Juppé and François Hollande (who didn't come by scooter for the occasion, history says), this incredible building offers impressive architecture, closely tied to the scenography of the place. They're the fruit of a tight collaboration between Paris agency XTU architects and English scenography agency Casson Mann.
From any viewpoint you take, you can only be impressed by the beauty of the place. Bewitching curves, shiny or rough textures, a building simultaneously massive and light that seems to rise.
You've probably noticed, but the Cité du Vin looks like a decanting carafe. This architecture gives off a magnetic sensuality. All curves, steps from the Garonne that reflects it, the Cité du Vin keeps a coherence between what you feel looking at it and what you learn visiting.
Bold, this architecture has become a landmark today for tourists and Bordelais, who've claimed this fantastic place.
A CAPTIVATING IMMERSIVE JOURNEY
Beyond its architecture, the Cité du Vin offers a captivating, permanent immersive journey. Here, it's not just any wine initiation, but a real multi-sensory experience. Over more than 3,000 m² on the 2nd floor, you'll discover this journey split into 19 different thematic spaces:
- AROUND THE WORLD
- Vineyard flyover
- Wine planets
- Winegrower terroirs
- KNOW-HOW
- In the vines
- Wine making
- Six wine families
- THROUGH HISTORY
- The gallery of civilizations
- Beyond the rivers
- Beyond the seas
- The trends alley
- ART OF LIVING
- One-on-one with experts
- The 5-senses buffet
- A matter of taste
- To the table!
- IMAGINARIES
- Wine of intoxication
- Wine of love
- Divine wine
- BORDEAUX
- The great Bordeaux saga
- Bordeaux: city and vineyard
You're free to wander this space, discover what you want to discover, in whatever order and at whatever pace you want on each space... No constraint, the visitor is invited to contemplate, be amazed, discover at their own rhythm.
But you're not alone, since a small audio companion is handed to you just before your visit and lets you, by scanning small dots on each station, get audio info, trigger video vignettes and other surprises. Technically, it's pretty crazy and it works really well, and the immersion benefits a lot.
In turn active, passive, seated, standing, the visitor is invited to discover multiple experiences. Educational ones, immersive ones, some dreamlike... The richness of this journey is breathtaking!
The 5-senses buffet is a real favorite... Brilliant! I'll let you discover that station.
THE BELVEDERE, OF GLASS AND STEEL
On the 8th floor of this magnificent Cité du Vin, the Belvedere sits at nearly 35 meters high. It's the final point of the immersive journey you've lived. With your ticket, a tasting of a wine of your choice is offered... And you'll drink it at the very top of the Cité du Vin tower (so don't lose your ticket! Don't do like me… argh!).
What an amazing view! A moment suspended above Bordeaux! Magic!
A CITÉ DU VIN WITH A THOUSAND FACES
The Cité du Vin, or rather what it can offer you, doesn't stop there since it regularly offers exhibitions, shows (it has a 250-seat auditorium), screenings, meetings, debates... The Cité du Vin offers a cultural program that's rich, varied and full of good ideas.
Dining spaces are at your disposal: The "7", panoramic restaurant on the 7th floor, its wine bar, its gourmet snack and its cellar of world wines, a concept-store shop, a free reading lounge...
a garden few know...
And if your heart tells you, or rather your legs since you'll have walked a lot, the gardens of the Cité du Vin are free access and link the Cité du Vin, the Garonne and the vine... A unique way to enjoy the incredible architecture of Bordeaux's Cité du Vin.
Hard to sum up this Cité du Vin in a few words. So much to say, so much to see. A unique place you must visit. You'll certainly learn 2 or 3 things about wine, and you'll doubtless be dazzled by the beauty of the place.
Tested and approved by Bordeaux Confidentiel!
LA CITÉ DU VIN
Address: 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
Phone: 05 56 16 20 20
Website: https://www.laciteduvin.com/fr
