Bordeaux used to be nicknamed “La Belle au Bois Dormant” (Sleeping Beauty), but not anymore.In this episode of The Audio Travel Guide, we break down how Bordeaux actually works: the history that shaped the city’s skyline, where to stay and wander, the best viewpoints and must-see landmarks, how to use the tram system like a local, what to eat (beyond just wine), and the best day trips into vineyards and the Atlantic coast.You’ll learn:• Why Bordeaux feels relaxed (and why people call it “Little Paris”)• The English rule legacy and how it still shows up in the city’s vibe• Why the historic center has no skyscrapers (and why that matters)• The neighborhoods: Saint-Pierre, Grands Hommes/Gambetta, Saint-Michel, the river quays, and La Bastide• Must-see spots: Place de la Bourse + the Water Mirror, Pont de Pierre, and the Jacques Chaban-Delmas lift bridge• Viewpoints: Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux Cathedral tower tips (bag rules), and Saint-Seurin crypt• Wine, culture, and museums: La Cité du Vin, Musée d’Aquitaine, CAPC• Getting around: walking, trams with ground-level power, bike sharing (and the deposit hold)• Where to shop: Rue Sainte-Catherine• What to eat: Arcachon oysters, entrecôte, and the local specialty lamprey in red wine• Best day trips: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves, Arcachon, and Dune du Pilat⏱ Chapters00:00 Bordeaux: From “Sleeping Beauty” to Revival00:29 How Bordeaux Works (Vibe + Practical Focus)00:55 The English Influence (300 Years of Rule)01:21 “Little Paris” Rivalry + Stone Architecture01:46 Why There Are No Skyscrapers (Geology)02:35 Waterfront Revitalization (What Changed)02:56 Student City Energy (60,000+ Students)03:31 Neighborhoods Overview03:42 Saint-Pierre: Pedestrian Old Town03:57 Grands Hommes + Gambetta: Upscale Bordeaux04:20 Saint-Michel: Diverse + Budget-Friendly04:37 River Quays + Place de la Bourse04:47 La Bastide: Best Skyline Views + Botanical Garden04:58 Top Sights Start Here05:04 Place de la Bourse + Water Mirror (Best at Night)05:48 Pont de Pierre (Napoleon’s 17-Arches Signature)06:12 Jacques Chaban-Delmas Lift Bridge (Cruise Ships)06:39 Porte Cailhau Viewpoint06:50 Grosse Cloche Bell Tower07:02 Bordeaux Cathedral + Tower Tip (No Large Bags)07:26 Basilica of Saint-Seurin (11th-Century Crypt)07:38 La Cité du Vin (Immersive Wine Experience)08:14 Museums: Aquitaine History + CAPC Modern Art08:27 Parks: Jardin Public + Botanical Gardens08:43 Getting Around (Walkability + Trams)08:55 Tram Tech (No Overhead Wires Downtown)09:19 V3 Bike Sharing (Card Deposit Hold)09:36 Driving Warning + Park Outside, Tram In09:50 Shopping: Rue Sainte-Catherine10:19 Food & Where to Eat (Rue Saint-Rémi)10:31 Local Specialties (Oysters, Entrecôte, Lamprey)11:13 Safety Basics (Trams + Busy Streets)11:30 Best Day Trips (Vineyards + Coast)11:46 Dune du Pilat + Arcachon12:06 Why Bordeaux Is Worth It (Final Takeaway)