Bordeaux is a dynamic, 21st century metropolis, with a population of over 700,000, yet the city has managed to preserve and restore its magnificent 18th century heritage that dates from the city’s “golden age”.

Although the Bordeaux region has long been famous for its wine production, both region and city also enjoy the riches of a diverse, dynamic economy.

The vibrant economy of the Aquitaine region and its capital attracts economic activity with high technological content - the area is thus becoming an increasingly popular destination for localisation activities. In 2003, the French economics magazine, l’Entreprise, put Bordeaux at the top of its list of cities with populations of over 150,000, with respect to their attractiveness to businesses. As well as more traditional sectors like the agro-food industry and the wood and paper industries,  high-tech industrial and service industries have developed in fields such as:

• aerospace,
• automobiles,
• electronics,
• health,
• telecommunications,
• strategic tertiary services...

Today, the region is experiencing significant scientific and industrial growth in key technologies such as life sciences, new materials, image technologies and, lastly, photonics, where a vast land planning operation is underway in support of the Laser Megajoule program.

Flagship products developed in the region include boosters for Ariane rockets, Falcon aeroplanes, medico-surgical equipment, femtosecond lasers and plasma torches.
Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport is the biggest airport in south-west France and the 5th largest provincial airport in the whole of France. 13 national and international airlines operate from the airport, flying to 38 destinations throughout France, Europe and the world and there are 19 one-hour shuttle flights to Paris every day.
The arrival of the Atlantic TGV means that Paris is now only 3 hours away by train, Lille five hours and Brussels six. Excellent road links make the big cities of  France and Europe quick and easy to reach .

The Bordeaux Gironde Convention Bureau (BGCB) is the first port-of-call for conference, seminar and incentive-tour organisers. Its mission is to develop business tourism in Bordeaux and the Gironde region, advise organisers about possible activities, venues and service-providers that meet their requirements and help them set up their events. The BGCB offers help and advice with every aspect of your program at every stage, from planning through to completion. Its qualified staff, equipped with a thorough knowledge of the region, can help you find the very best the area has to offer.