The city of Bordeaux is the administrative capital of the Acquitaine region. It sprawls over two banks of the river Garonne. The residents of the city are commonly referred to as Bordelais. Though the city is large and its population is almost 1,000,000, there are only two bridges over the river: the old bridge Pont en Pierre (literally meaning 'Bridge of Stone') and a modern one. This is most probably due to the fact that historically, the left bank part of the metropolis has always been much more developed.

Bordeaux boasts a long and interesting history as a traditional residence of the upper classes and location for their luxurious villas. The first settlement on the site was founded by the Romans more than 2,300 years ago and named Burdigala. Later, a large part of the area became a feudal possession of the English monarchy. The town experienced its first economic boom during the 18th Century, thanks to the flourishing trade with countries in the Carribean.

The location of Bordeaux was of great importance to the development of trade relations with exotic countries. The city is situated at a latitude allowing ships to sail with the steady and powerful trade winds that take them across the Atlantic in the fastest and easiest way possible. During the military conflicts of the 19th and 20th Centuries, Bordeaux gained importance as a temporary seat of the French government in a situation of crisis.

Two things about Bordeaux have remained constant throughout its turbulent history. One of them is the city's position as a major educational centre. Bordeaux is home to a 70,000-student population and a 235-hectare campus, which is one of the largest in Europe. The four universities of the city bear Roman numerals, Bordeaux I, II, III and IV, and offer degree programmes in natural sciences, medicine, liberal arts and political science.