There Is A Wine Theme Park In France And It Looks Magnifique

As a general rule, stereotypes aren't a good thing. They lead to lazy generalisations about a group of people you haven't even met. However, one we can definitely get on board with is that the French love wine.

But if proof were still needed that our friends across the Channel can't get enough of the stuff, then here you go - welcome to the theme park devoted to it.

Located in the country's capital of vin, Bordeaux, La Cité du Vin is an enormous event space and museum, which promises to give visitors a totally immersive experience into the history of wine.

Oh, and don't worry, there's time to sample some of the local produce too. The park boasts a bar stocked with more than 50 different wines - around 14,000 bottles - from all over the world.

La Cite du Vin

And even better, you can enjoy a sip of some top-notch plonk from The Belvedere, on the eighth floor of the park, which has 360-degree views of the city.

Now, if that's not enough to get you interested, La Cité du Vin also hosts a variety of shows, concerts and events, including talks from some of the most knowledgeable wine experts around.

And it's even home to the Wine Culture Library and some beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for soaking up the Gironde sunshine.

But I guess all of this shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone, after all, they already have a wine-themed marathon.

La Cite du Vin

Historically, marathons are among the most gruelling of all endurance events, but the Marathon du Médoc in France offers runners the chance to gorge on as much vin et fromage as they want.

The route takes participants through a plethora of picturesque vineyards and estates - with a castle or two thrown in for good measure (it's France, after all).

Runners are given six and a half hours to complete the course, which organisers say is more than enough time for even amateur runners to enjoy the scenery, as well as a glass or two.

Tickets for the park's permanent exhibitions, start at €20.00 (around £17.89). But for more information about what you can do at La Cité du Vin, click here.

Topics: Food, World News, Wine, Interesting, France

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom