Most people equate Bordeaux with the famous wine region that bears its name, and touring some of the 3,000 wine chateaux near the city can be a wonderful travel experience. However, the city itself is filled with interesting sites and history dating back to the third century when Bordeaux was a prosperous Gallo-Roman city. Of course, even then it was the wine that made Bordeaux prosperous. European cities like Bordeaux always seem to be so vibrant and fascinating. Residents walk more and shop daily. There is always lots of activity in the streets, small shops, and sidewalk cafes. People watching will never be better than from a European sidewalk cafe, and with such a lovely backdrop!