This year's Continental Scrabble Championship (CSC) is a 17 game event and will be held at the Hotel Ibis Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck, 35 Cours Marechal Juin, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
Getting to Bordeaux couldn't be easier - there are many direct international flights from cities such as London, Dublin, Bucharest, Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin etc. If there isn't a direct flight from where you live, there is a high-speed train link (TGV) from Paris which takes just two hours.
The hotel has been chosen for its proximity to the historic centre of Bordeaux and also because it is on the main bus route between Bordeaux airport and the central train station.
In 2017 Bordeaux topped Lonely Planet's list of world cities to visit. Set on the banks of the Garonne river, it is full of history and is easily accessible on foot. The tournament venue is just a couple of hundred meters from the town hall and the imposing Cathedrale Saint-Andre. Just a 15 minute stroll away is the waterfront with its wide vistas, perfect for sitting and watching the world go by. Facing the river is the Place de la Bourse with its water mirror. Watch the water jets flood the pavement, crating a shallow pool where the surrounding buildings are perfectly reflected. You can even paddle if you wish!
Bordeaux is of course world famous for its wine, and there is no shortage of charming bars in which to sit and take in the atmosphere with a glass of red. Throughout the city there are eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, many within a couple of minutes walk of the hotel.
Having lived in the region for three years now, I can confirm that the local produce of the region is always top quality. Be sure to try 'entrecote a la bordelaise' a rib steak cooked in a rich gravy made from Bordeaux wine. Just 45 mins from Bordeaux is the world-renowned wine producing area of St Emilion. It really is worth a trip to this stunningly beautiful village with its dozens of wine shops set amongst historic surroundings. A tasting session or two is a must!
In short, Bordeaux is a wonderful place to amble around, taking in the local colour. Perhaps you will find the central market with its stalls piled high with fresh produce, or the central shopping street Rue Sainte-Catherine with its fashionable shops, or even the splendid water feature at the Monument aux Girondins.
Come to Bordeaux in October, the weather will be fine, and I promise you, you won't regret it!
Article with thanks to Terry Kirk. You can contact him here for all enquiries.
Bordeaux in October