Online Program
Adventures Online: The Art & History of Bordeaux
Program No. 25621RJ
Delve into the vineyards, ancient roots and storied architecture of Bordeaux during an online adventure through French heritage, history and local life.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Day
1
Bordeaux Through the Ages
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Orientation
Orientation and Introductions
As we meet our staff, we will have a brief overview on how to use Zoom, the program’s topic, guidelines, and the daily schedule.
Session 1
History of Bordeaux
(Lecture)
An introductory lecture about Bordeaux that will explain the city’s Gallo-Roman origins, its history of commerce with and control by England, as well as its emergence as a major international port in the 18th Century.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Classic Bordeaux
(Field Trip)
We take a tour of the city to see its principal historical monuments, from the Porte Cailhau to the Palais de la Bourse. As part of this field trip we will learn about the fundamentals of French architecture and look at its finest expression in the eighteenth-century classical style
Q&A
We will have time for questions with program staff.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
2
Bordeaux Wine
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
The History of Winemaking
(Lecture)
This lecture will explore the history of winemaking in the Bordeaux region. When did viticulture first arrive? How did it grow to become so important? How has it shaped the city and wider region over the centuries?
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Saint-Emilion, Chateau, and Cite du Vin
(Field Trip)
We will pay a visit to the charming, medieval town of Saint-Émilion, renowned globally for its wine classification. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site, boasting a number of spectacular Romanesque churches because of its location on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. We will visit a vineyard in the famous Médoc region, which is protected by law. Here we will learn the crucial techniques for winemaking in Bordeaux and hear about some of the challenges faced in today’s climate. We will explore Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin, a museum housed in a breathtakingly modern structure that is dedicated to telling the story of wine and its importance to the city.
Q&A
We will have time for questions with program staff.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
3
Between the River and the Sea
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
The Garonne
(Lecture)
The Garonne River, which becomes the Gironde estuary, has been crucial to Bordeaux’s prosperity for millennia, connecting the city to its fertile hinterland and to the world. This lecture will examine the river’s history, following its course to discover some of the stories of the many beautiful villages and vineyards that line its banks
Bordeaux from the Water
(Field Trip)
In this field trip we will take to the water and see Bordeaux from the river. We will also visit the strategic town of Blaye, downstream from the river’s confluence with the Dordogne and learn about its famous fortifications bult by Vauban to control the river.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
The Birth of Bathing
(Lecture)
At the end of the nineteenth century, going to the seaside became a fashionable activity for the first time. In this lecture we will learn about the development of Belle Époque beach resorts around the stunning Arcachon Bay, which meets the Atlantic Ocean within striking distance of Bordeaux.
Arcachon Bay
(Field Trip)
In this field trip we will set out to discover some of the aforementioned resorts around the bay. We can admire the beautiful historic villas, beachfronts and learn about the local food culture, particularly famous for its oysters.
Q&A
We will have time for questions with program staff.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
4
Contemporary Bordeaux
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Dynamic Bordeaux
(Lecture)
This lecture explores the transformation of Bordeaux into one of France’s most dynamic and forward-thinking cities. We will examine how Bordeaux has reinvented itself through bold urban planning initiatives, a thriving economy driven by tech, wine, tourism, and aerospace manufacturing, as well as a vibrant contemporary art and architecture scene.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Bordeaux Today
(Field Trip)
This field trip offers an immersive look at Bordeaux’s contemporary identity, focusing on its economic vitality, artistic energy, and urban reinvention. We will visit Les Bassins des Lumières, a former submarine base turned digital art center, the Darwin Ecosystem, a hub for startups, urban agriculture, and street art, located in a repurposed military barracks. We will also see how the city has used its modern tram and boat network to reconquer its public spaces and riverfront, which has been transformed from a traffic-choked artery into a beautiful promenade.
Q&A
We will have time for questions with program staff.
Wrap-up
Program Wrap-up
We will recap what we’ve learned over the past few days and say farewell. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Program Conclusion
This concludes our program.