BORDEAUX CONFERENCE Thursday 28 March Sunday 31 March CPD hours

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1 BORDEAUX CONFERENCE 2019 Thursday 28 March Sunday 31 March CPD hours

Bordeaux isn t just a city with the same name as the famous French wine.

France, its no wonder even the Parisians are leaving Paris for Bordeaux.

If most of the area of Bordeaux listed on the UNESCO World Heritage dates back to the 18th century, the first traces of permanent human settlement on the

Many of its fortifications were built to defend against Germanic invasions, though these were ultimately unsuccessful.

Under King Henry II of England s rule, after his marriage in the 12th century to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the whole Gironde area prospered and developed its

Development through the ages Bastides were the new towns of the 13th & 14th centuries and were originally founded for economic and political reasons

2 Bordeaux isn t just a city with the same name as the famous French wine. With 350 historical buildings and monuments, dozens of museums and art galleries, a brand new wine experience center and some of the best food in all of France, its no wonder even the Parisians are leaving Paris for Bordeaux. The attractive city of Bordeaux has a rich history spanning at least two thousand years. If most of the area of Bordeaux listed on the UNESCO World Heritage dates back to the 18th century, the first traces of permanent human settlement on the site originate from the 6th BC. Early history The city of Bordeaux was the capital of the Roman region of Aquitania. Many of its fortifications were built to defend against Germanic invasions, though these were ultimately unsuccessful. Bordeaux was run by the Dukes of Aquitaine from the 10th century. Under King Henry II of England s rule, after his marriage in the 12th century to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the whole Gironde area prospered and developed its wine export business for the thirsty English drinkers. Development through the ages Bastides were the new towns of the 13th & 14th centuries and were originally founded for economic and political reasons throughout the south west of France. It was hoped that the creation of these towns would increase land that could be farmed and used to sustain a growing population, however their significance became ever more military as tensions rose between the French and the English. Apart from their feudal style of government the bastides were defined by their town layout. Mostly square in shape with streets dissecting at right angles, the market place was often in the centre square Expansion in the area was halted by the Hundred Years War after which the city of Bordeaux and surrounding areas fell under French rule. The French victory over the

English at Castillon in 1453 is still celebrated and re-enacted to this day. It benefited from the French colonial expansion which opened up trade routes across the Atlantic and to Africa.

3 English at Castillon in 1453 is still celebrated and re-enacted to this day. It benefited from the French colonial expansion which opened up trade routes across the Atlantic and to Africa. Many of the city s medieval walls were demolished in the 18th century and replaced with ornate buildings and majestic squares. Interestingly, the first bridge across the Garonne was only completed in Napoleon s time. But the establishment of a French empire around the world in the 18th century saw fortunes change and the city of Bordeaux expanded and thrived, becoming one of France s wealthiest commercial centres. This south-westerly corner gave support to Napoleon Bonaparte s wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and suffered badly after his defeat. Recent history Export business flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region benefiting from its location on rivers flowing to a sea port. Major exports included wine, tobacco and grains. Bordeaux became the home of the French government when both the First and the Second World Wars started. The Germans occupied Bordeaux and the Atlantic coastal region of France for much of the Second World War until they were defeated by the allies in Much of the recent regeneration of Bordeaux has been spearheaded by city mayor Alain Juppe (who came to office in the late 1990 s), with the main focus being on the riverside area. A new tramway, new parks and green space, pedestrianised areas, renovations to buildings and the reclamation of the Bassins à Flot and the Marina are just some of the measures that have been undertaken for the cultural, social and economic development of the city. Along the quays in the summer you will find that people flock to the area to stroll, run, roller blade, cycle and enjoy the many bars, cafés, restaurants and markets that can be found there.

Top ten things to do in Bordeaux Sitting on the Garonne river in south west France, Bordeaux s elegance has drawn crowds for centuries.

Make a splash Beat the city heat by heading to the Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux s most splendid square where the Water Mirror offers a place to cool off.

Cité du vin There are museums and then there is the Cité du Vin, an 80m project dedicated to celebrating the global history, culture and passion for wine.

Its exhibits cover everything from the romance of wine to the tipples of far-flung shores. The Belvedere, meanwhile, offers tastings from all over the world (laciteduvin.com, 20 entry).

The city s proximity to the coast allows for fresh oysters, served with style at Le Petit Commerce (22 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre, 0033 556 797 658).

4 Top ten things to do in Bordeaux Sitting on the Garonne river in south west France, Bordeaux s elegance has drawn crowds for centuries. The centre of the famous wineproducing region is full of breathtaking gothic architecture, incredible food and quirky corners. Make a splash Beat the city heat by heading to the Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux s most splendid square where the Water Mirror offers a place to cool off. Set beside the River Garonne, this 2cm-deep pool on a giant slab of granite alternates between a tranquil mirror reflecting the facades of the 18th-century buildings and a fine mist. Cité du vin There are museums and then there is the Cité du Vin, an 80m project dedicated to celebrating the global history, culture and passion for wine. Its impressive glass building is shaped like the swirl that wine makes as it s poured into a glass, and the interactive, digital and historical displays inside are mind-boggling. Its exhibits cover everything from the romance of wine to the tipples of far-flung shores. The Belvedere, meanwhile, offers tastings from all over the world (laciteduvin.com, 20 entry). Food, glorious food With so much wine on offer, you ll need something to soak up the alcohol and in Bordeaux you are spoiled for choice by the dining scene. The city s proximity to the coast allows for fresh oysters, served with style at Le Petit Commerce (22 Rue Parlement Saint-Pierre, ). Other local specialities include beef, with a side-order of vin rouge at Brasserie Bordelais (50 rue Saint-Rémi, , brasserie-bordelaise.fr) and the delicious rum and vanilla-infused cakes known as canelé, which can be snaffled at Baillardran s 12 outlets (baillardran.com). Hang out in the Chartrons district One of Bordeaux s hippest neighbourhoods, the Chartrons district, blends elegant mansions with former warehouses. It s home to a number of chic boutiques offering designer homeware, bric-a-brac and antiques, particularly along Rue Notre Dame. Take a table at Paul s Place, a charming bistrot rammed to the rafters with vintage paintings and unique objets d arts (76 Rue Notre Dame, , paulsplacebordeaux.com). Admire the architecture Two decades ago, Bordeaux was a bit on the scruffy side, but thanks to Mayor Alain Juppé, the city has spruced up its image and this year it celebrates a decade of its architecture being Unesco-listed. Head to the Places des Quinconces to visit the former Chateau Trompette, then on to the Cours du Chapeau Rouge to admire the Grand Théatre. Place de la Bourse has the most impressive view (see the Water Mirror above), and a leisurely stroll south will take you to the Porte Cailhau gateway and the Gross Cloche belfry (bordeaux-tourism.co.uk).

Climb a tower For the best views of the city, steel yourself to climb the 229 steps up the Pey-Berland bell tower, which stands separately from the SaintAndré cathedral.

It s a wheeze-inducing walk up to the top, some 50m above the ground, so lay off the wine until you ve admired the rooftops and the river beyond (pey-berland.fr/en, 6 per adult).

Here you ll find clothes, shoes and homeware shops.

SaintPierre district and you ll find trendy boutiques and quirky little shops for clothes and homeware.

On your bike Widely considered one of Europe s most cycle-friendly cities, Bordeaux s city bike share scheme V3 (vcub.fr) has 1,500 bikes available, and you can borrow one for just 1.50 a day.

5 Climb a tower For the best views of the city, steel yourself to climb the 229 steps up the Pey-Berland bell tower, which stands separately from the SaintAndré cathedral. The cathedral s own 12th-century tower wasn t up to the job of holding the weight of the tenor bell, so in 1440 they built this additional tower. It s a wheeze-inducing walk up to the top, some 50m above the ground, so lay off the wine until you ve admired the rooftops and the river beyond (pey-berland.fr/en, 6 per adult). Go shopping Bordeaux s newest shopping hangout is at the Quai des Marques, a converted warehouse next to the river in the newly developed Bassins à Flot area. Here you ll find clothes, shoes and homeware shops. Meanwhile, the lengthy Rue Saint Catherine in the old city offers department stores and affordable brands, but for something with a bit of je ne sais quoi, wander into the narrow streets of the SaintPierre district and you ll find trendy boutiques and quirky little shops for clothes and homeware. Finish up the day in a wine bar terrace (try the cosy Vins Urbains, 27 rue des Bahutiers, vinsurbains.fr) and discover Bordeaux s finest produce du vin. On your bike Widely considered one of Europe s most cycle-friendly cities, Bordeaux s city bike share scheme V3 (vcub.fr) has 1,500 bikes available, and you can borrow one for just 1.50 a day. Despite the traffic being on the heavy side in the city centre, there are bike paths galore with one of the best routes going along the waterfront promenade. For an easy ride out of the city, follow the picturesque and perfectly paved Roger Lapébie bike path along the river, doubling back before it turns inland. Get out of town Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the world s most prestigious vineyards and wine chateaux so get beyond the city limits to quaff to your heart s content. One of the coolest ways to do it is to hail a taxi the Wine Cab offers tours in three London Black Cabs, each complete with a tasting bar inside. And instead of cheeky repartee, these drivers will regale you with the insider knowledge you need for enjoying the best bottles at each wine chateau (wine-cab.com, half-day tours from 450 for two). Buy some wine Did we mention wine?

6 Cost for the weekend 895 per person sharing 925 single 500 non-refundable deposit required per person. To include: Dublin Bordeaux return flight and transfers 3 nights bed and breakfast at a 5 Star hotel in Bordeaux Welcome Drinks Reception and Dinner Thursday night Conference Business Sessions Friday and Saturday mornings, worth 8 CPD hours Gala Dinner and Reception Saturday evening Organised optional tour is available for an additional fee are available - details to follow There will be an on-site hospitality desk in the hotel lobby throughout the trip where guests can book and pay for additional private tour options directly. Reservation Please reserve my place at Annual Conference, Thursday 28 March Sunday 31 March 2019 (Please ensure all details are correct) Full Name: (As shown exactly on passport*) *Please note that any name changes made at a later date will incur the standard airline fee. This fee will be charged directly to the delegate. Given or called name : Firm: Address: Contact Number: Mobile Number: Accompanying person(s): Full Name(s)*: (As shown exactly in the passport) *Please note that any name changes made at a later date will incur the standard airline fee. This fee will be charged directly to the delegate. Given or called name(s) : How many places do you require? Deposit payment made via: (please tick) BACS Cheque Please send remittance to: ross@libra-events.com when paying by BACS I have scanned and ed a copy of my/our Passport/s along with this Form. (Alternatively you can post these to Libra Events) Some delegates may wish to extend their stay in Bordeaux by a few days or may plan to make their own travel arrangements. PLEASE NOTE - the delegate fee will not reduce if you do not avail of the group flights. All additional or alternative travel will be at your own expense in addition to the standard delegate fee. Closing date for receipt of deposits is Wednesday 17 October 2018 Payments for non-refundable deposits can be made with BACS or cheque using details below: Please note BACS details have changed from 2016 Sort Code: Account Number: Bic/Swift Code: DABAGB2B IBAN: GB93 DABA Or - Cheques made payable to: Libra Events Ltd and sent FAO: Ross Licence ( ) Libra Events Ltd, 8 Upper Crescent, Belfast, BT7 1NT Early booking is advised as places will be reserved on a first come first served basis.

7 CONFERENCE 2019 BORDEAUX Thursday 28 March Sunday 31 March 2019 Law Society House, 96 Victoria Street, BELFAST BT1 3GN, Northern Ireland Tel: Fax: DX 422 NR BELFAST

Splendors of Bordeaux

Splendors of Bordeaux O V E R 30 Y E A R S O F D I S T I N C T I V E T R A V E L Village Life in Dordogne September 29 to October 7, 2016 We are pleased to offer you this to further enhance your journey. To book your, please