Département: Gironde
Bordeaux, chief town of the region of Aquitaine and département of Gironde and the commercial and cultural center of southwestern France, lies on the left bank of the Garonne, which a short distance upstream joins the Dordogne to form the wide funnel-shaped estuary of the Gironde and,
90km/55mi farther on, flows into the Atlantic, Bordeaux is France's sixth most important port, the see of an archbishop and a university town. As well as shipbuilding, the chemical and foodstuffs industries and oil-processing (refineries at Ambès, Pauillac and Le Verdon) make major contributions to the economy.
The Roman Burdigala, an important port and commercial center, was one of the leading cities of Gaul and became capital of the province of Aquitania. In the fourth century the town became the see of a bishop, and in the Middle Ages it alternated in allegiance between the Duchy of Aquitaine and Gascony. For three centuries, from 1154 to 1451/1453, it belonged to England, and during that period its extensive trade made it a major economic and cultural center. The city center, with its streets and squares along the Garonne, is a magnificent example of 18th century urban architecture.
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