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Bordeaux Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Bordeaux: Geography, History, Economy, and Culture

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Bordeaux: Geography, History, Economy, and Culture Study Guide

Bordeaux: Geography and Demographics

Bordeaux is located on the Garonne river and serves as the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but not the prefecture of the Gironde department.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bordeaux is indeed located on the Garonne river and is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but it also serves as the prefecture of the Gironde department.

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The term 'Bordelais' can refer to both male inhabitants of Bordeaux and the city's surrounding region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Bordelais' is used to refer to male inhabitants of Bordeaux and can also describe the city and its surrounding region.

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In January 2020, the city proper of Bordeaux had a population exceeding 1 million, while its metropolitan area was significantly smaller.

Answer: False

Explanation: In January 2020, the city proper of Bordeaux had a population of 259,809, while its broader metropolitan area was significantly larger, with 1,376,375 inhabitants.

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The Bordeaux metropolitan area was the fifth-most populated in France in January 2020, following Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille.

Answer: False

Explanation: In January 2020, the Bordeaux metropolitan area was the sixth-most populated in France, following Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Toulouse.

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Bordeaux is divided by the Garonne river, with the right bank historically more developed due to a deeper channel for merchant ships.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bordeaux is divided by the Garonne river into a right bank (east) and a left bank (west); historically, the left bank was more developed due to a deeper channel suitable for merchant ships.

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Bordeaux's climate is classified solely as oceanic (Köppen Cfb) and does not border on a humid subtropical climate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bordeaux's climate is classified as oceanic (Köppen Cfb), but it borders on a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), and the Trewartha system categorizes it solely as humid subtropical.

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The city proper of Bordeaux reached its largest recorded population in the 1954 census, exceeding its January 2020 population.

Answer: True

Explanation: The city proper of Bordeaux reached its largest recorded population of 284,494 during the 1954 census, which was higher than its January 2020 population of 259,809.

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According to 2019 data, the largest immigrant group in the Bordeaux metropolitan area is from Spain.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to 2019 data, the largest immigrant group in the Bordeaux metropolitan area is from Portugal, followed closely by Morocco, then Algeria and Spain.

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Bordeaux is twinned with several international cities, including Los Angeles, Munich, and Quebec City.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux is twinned with numerous international cities, including Los Angeles, Munich, and Quebec City, among others.

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The Bordeaux Metropolis, which includes Bordeaux and 27 suburban municipalities, was the fifth most populated metropolitan council in France.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bordeaux Metropolis, comprising Bordeaux and 27 suburban municipalities, was indeed the fifth most populated metropolitan council in France.

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Which river is Bordeaux located on, and what is its administrative status in France?

Answer: Garonne River; capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and prefecture of the Gironde department.

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What is the demonym for female inhabitants of Bordeaux?

Answer: Bordelaises

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What was the population of the broader Bordeaux metropolitan area in January 2020?

Answer: 1,376,375

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How did the Bordeaux metropolitan area rank by population among French metropolitan areas in January 2020?

Answer: Sixth-most populated

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How is Bordeaux divided by the Garonne river, and which bank was historically more developed?

Answer: Right bank to the east and left bank to the west; left bank was more developed.

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Which climate classification system categorizes Bordeaux solely as humid subtropical due to recent temperature increases?

Answer: Trewartha climate classification system

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When did the city proper (commune) of Bordeaux reach its largest recorded population?

Answer: 1954 census

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According to 2019 data, which country represents the largest immigrant group in the Bordeaux metropolitan area?

Answer: Portugal

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Which of these cities is NOT listed as a twin town or sister city of Bordeaux?

Answer: London

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Historical Development of Bordeaux: Ancient to Medieval Eras

The ancient name of Bordeaux, Burdigala, was given by the Roman forces who initially settled the region around 300 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The region of Bordeaux was settled around 300 BC by the Celtic tribe Bituriges Vivisci, who named the town Burdigala, likely of Aquitanian origin, before Roman arrival.

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The Battle of Burdigala in 107 BC resulted in a Roman victory against the Tigurini, securing Roman influence in the region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Burdigala in 107 BC resulted in a Roman defeat by the Tigurini, where the Roman consul Lucius Cassius Longinus was killed.

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Under Roman rule, Bordeaux became an important commercial center, and structures like an amphitheater were built.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under Roman rule, Bordeaux became a significant commercial center for tin and lead, and structures such as an amphitheater and Les Piliers de Tutelle were constructed.

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Bordeaux experienced a period of decline after being sacked by the Vandals, Visigoths, and Franks in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux was sacked by the Vandals in 276 AD and 409 AD, and subsequently by the Visigoths in 414 AD and the Franks in 498 AD, leading to a period of decline.

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Which Celtic tribe initially settled the region of Bordeaux around 300 BC, naming the town Burdigala?

Answer: Bituriges Vivisci

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What was the outcome of the Battle of Burdigala in 107 BC involving Roman forces?

Answer: A Roman defeat by the Tigurini, resulting in the death of Consul Lucius Cassius Longinus.

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What was Bordeaux's primary commercial role under Roman rule, and what structures were built?

Answer: Commercial center for tin and lead; an amphitheater and Les Piliers de Tutelle.

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By which groups was Bordeaux sacked in the 3rd and 5th centuries AD, leading to a period of decline?

Answer: Vandals, Visigoths, and Franks

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Historical Development of Bordeaux: Modern Eras (18th Century to WWII)

The Port of the Moon in Bordeaux was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 primarily for its historical significance in the slave trade.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Port of the Moon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 due to its outstanding architecture and urban ensemble, not primarily for its role in the slave trade.

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The 18th century was a 'golden age' for Bordeaux because its port became the busiest globally, surpassing London.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 18th century was a 'golden age' for Bordeaux because its port became France's busiest and the second busiest globally, after London.

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Bordeaux's wealth during the 18th and 19th centuries was almost exclusively derived from direct 'Triangular trade' slave expeditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Bordeaux was a major slave port, direct 'Triangular trade' accounted for only 5% of its wealth; the majority came from direct trade with the Caribbean involving colonial goods produced by enslaved labor.

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The slave revolt in Saint-Domingue and Haiti's subsequent independence led to a significant economic downturn for Bordeaux's port.

Answer: True

Explanation: The slave revolt in Saint-Domingue and Haiti's independence caused a collapse of Bordeaux's port economy, which was heavily reliant on colonial and slave trade.

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During the Bourbon Restoration, Bordeaux's economy was rebuilt through the construction of new bridges and the expansion of shipping to new French African colonies.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Bourbon Restoration, Bordeaux's economy was revitalized by traders and shipowners who undertook projects like bridge construction and expanded shipping to new French African colonies.

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Georges-Eugène Haussmann used Bordeaux's medieval layout as a model for modernizing Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: Georges-Eugène Haussmann used Bordeaux's extensive 18th-century rebuilding efforts and large-scale urban planning principles as a blueprint for modernizing Paris, not its medieval layout.

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During World War II, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul-general in Bordeaux, issued thousands of visas to refugees fleeing German occupation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul-general in Bordeaux, issued thousands of Portuguese visas to refugees fleeing German occupation during May and June 1940.

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The BETASOM submarine base in Bordeaux, used by Italian and German forces during WWII, was fully demolished after the war due to its strategic importance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The massive, reinforced concrete U-boat pens from the BETASOM submarine base were deemed impractical to demolish and are now partially utilized as a cultural center for exhibitions.

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When was the Port of the Moon in historic Bordeaux inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and for what primary reason?

Answer: June 2007, for its outstanding architecture and urban ensemble.

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What made the 18th century a 'golden age' for Bordeaux?

Answer: Its port becoming France's busiest and the second busiest globally after London.

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What percentage of Bordeaux's wealth during the 18th and 19th centuries came from direct 'Triangular trade' slave expeditions?

Answer: 5%

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How did the slave revolt in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) impact Bordeaux's economy?

Answer: It caused a collapse of Bordeaux's port economy, which was heavily reliant on colonial trade.

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How was Bordeaux's economy revitalized during the Bourbon Restoration in the 19th century?

Answer: By traders and shipowners undertaking projects like bridge construction and expanding shipping to new French African colonies.

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What did Georges-Eugène Haussmann use as a blueprint for modernizing Paris?

Answer: Bordeaux's extensive 18th-century rebuilding efforts.

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Who was Aristides de Sousa Mendes, and what humanitarian action did he perform in Bordeaux during WWII?

Answer: The Portuguese consul-general who issued thousands of visas to refugees fleeing German occupation.

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What is the current use of the massive, reinforced concrete U-boat pens from the former BETASOM submarine base in Bordeaux?

Answer: They are partially utilized as a cultural center for exhibitions.

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Economy and Key Industries

Bordeaux is a global hub for the wine industry and also plays a significant role in the aeronautics, military, and space sectors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux is recognized as a world capital of wine and is a central hub for the aeronautics, military, and space sectors, hosting major companies in these fields.

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The Bordeaux wine-growing area produces approximately 960 million bottles of wine annually across 57 appellations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bordeaux wine-growing area produces around 960 million bottles of wine annually and encompasses 57 appellations.

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Red Bordeaux wines are commonly known as 'claret' in the United Kingdom and are typically blends of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Answer: True

Explanation: Red Bordeaux wines are often called 'claret' in the United Kingdom and are typically made from a blend of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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Recent trends in the Bordeaux wine industry show a surge in the number of growers and area under vine due to increased global demand for generic production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Recent trends in the Bordeaux wine industry indicate a decrease in the number of growers and area under vine due to a wine glut in generic production and increased international competition.

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The Laser Mégajoule in Bordeaux is one of the world's most powerful lasers, used for fundamental research and technology advancement.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Laser Mégajoule in Bordeaux is indeed one of the world's most powerful lasers, utilized for fundamental research and the advancement of laser and plasma technologies.

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The aeronautic industry in Bordeaux employs approximately 15,000 people and includes major companies like Dassault and Thales.

Answer: True

Explanation: Approximately 15,000 people are employed in Bordeaux's aeronautic industry, which includes major companies such as Dassault and Thales.

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The Bordeaux wine-growing area has seen an increase in the number of grape growers due to rising global demand for all wine types.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bordeaux wine industry has seen a decrease in the number of growers and area under vine due to a wine glut in generic production and increased international competition, despite surging demand for prestigious labels.

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Which of the following is NOT a key economic specialization or international recognition of Bordeaux?

Answer: Major center for deep-sea fishing

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Approximately how many wine-producing estates (châteaux) are in the Bordeaux wine-growing area?

Answer: 10,000

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Which grape varieties are typically used for white Bordeaux wines?

Answer: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle

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What recent trend has affected the Bordeaux wine industry regarding the number of growers and area under vine?

Answer: A decrease due to a wine glut in generic production and increased international competition.

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For what purpose is the Laser Mégajoule in Bordeaux utilized?

Answer: Fundamental research and advancement of laser and plasma technologies.

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Approximately how many people are employed in the aeronautic industry in Bordeaux?

Answer: 15,000

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Education, Culture, and Heritage

In 2007, 40% of Bordeaux's city surface area was designated a World Heritage Site, recognized for its Enlightenment-era urban and architectural ensemble.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2007, 40% of Bordeaux's city surface area was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognized as an 'outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the age of the Enlightenment'.

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The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux is primarily a commercial wine tasting and sales venue.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cité du Vin serves as a museum and a venue for exhibitions, shows, movie projections, and academic seminars centered around the theme of wine, not primarily for commercial sales.

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The first university in Bordeaux was established by Pope Eugene IV in 1441 to train administrators.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Pope Eugene IV established a university in 1441, the *first* university in Bordeaux was established by the Romans in 286 AD, primarily to train administrators.

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Bordeaux accommodates approximately 70,000 students and boasts one of Europe's largest university campuses.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux accommodates approximately 70,000 students and is home to one of Europe's largest university campuses, spanning 235 hectares.

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Bordeaux is classified as a 'City of Art and History' and possesses over 362 national heritage sites, some dating to Roman times.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux is officially classified as a 'City of Art and History' and possesses more than 362 national heritage sites, with some buildings dating back to Roman times.

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Bordeaux's 18th-century architectural urban areas are notable for being among the first in France to undertake large-scale urban planning projects.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux's 18th-century architectural urban areas are among Europe's largest and were among the first French cities, after Nancy, to undertake large-scale urban planning projects.

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The Grosse Cloche is a 17th-century belfry that served as the main gate of Bordeaux's medieval walls.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Grosse Cloche dates from the 15th century and is the second remaining gate in Bordeaux's medieval walls, serving as the belfry of the old Town Hall.

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The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée du Vin et du Négoce are among the prominent museums in Bordeaux.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée du Vin et du Négoce are indeed listed among the prominent museums in Bordeaux.

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Modeste Testas was an Ethiopian woman enslaved by Bordeaux shipowners, and a memorial sculpture of her was unveiled in Bordeaux in 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: Modeste Testas was an Ethiopian woman enslaved by Bordeaux-based shipowners, and a bronze sculpture of her was unveiled in Bordeaux in 2019 as a memorial.

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Bordeaux was the second city in France, after Paris, to establish an architecture exhibition and research center in the 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bordeaux was the *first* city in France to establish an architecture exhibition and research center, Arc en rêve, in the 1980s.

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Michel de Montaigne and Montesquieu are listed as notable historical figures from Bordeaux.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michel de Montaigne and Montesquieu are indeed listed as notable historical figures from Bordeaux, alongside Ausonius and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

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The first university in Bordeaux, established in 286 AD, focused on teaching mathematics and science.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first university in Bordeaux, established by the Romans in 286 AD, focused on teaching rhetoric and grammar to train administrators.

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What percentage of Bordeaux's city surface area was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007?

Answer: 40%

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What is the primary purpose of the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux?

Answer: A museum and venue for exhibitions, shows, and academic seminars centered around wine.

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When was a university created in Bordeaux by Pope Eugene IV, and at whose request?

Answer: 1441, at the request of Archbishop Pey Berland.

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How many students does Bordeaux accommodate, and what is the approximate size of its university campus?

Answer: Around 70,000 students; 235 hectares.

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Which of the following is an engineering school located in Bordeaux?

Answer: ENSEIRB-MATMECA

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What is Bordeaux's official classification regarding art and history, and how many national heritage sites does it possess?

Answer: A 'City of Art and History'; more than 362 national heritage sites.

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What is notable about Bordeaux's 18th-century architectural urban areas?

Answer: They represent one of Europe's largest 18th-century architectural urban areas and were among the first French cities to undertake large-scale urban planning.

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Which of the following basilicas and cathedrals in Bordeaux are part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France?

Answer: Saint-André Cathedral, Saint-Michel Basilica, and Saint-Seurin Basilica.

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What is the Grosse Cloche, and what is its approximate age?

Answer: A 15th-century belfry and medieval gate, housing a large bell.

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Which of these is NOT listed as a prominent museum in Bordeaux?

Answer: Musée d'Orsay

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Who was Modeste Testas, and what was unveiled in her honor in Bordeaux in 2019?

Answer: An Ethiopian enslaved woman; a bronze sculpture.

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What significant cultural center related to architecture was established in Bordeaux in the 1980s?

Answer: Arc en rêve

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Which of these historical figures from Bordeaux was an influential essayist?

Answer: Michel de Montaigne

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Infrastructure and Transportation

The Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas is Europe's longest-span vertical-lift bridge, capable of raising its central span by 53 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas is Europe's longest-span vertical-lift bridge, and its central lift span can be raised vertically up to 53 meters.

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Rue Sainte-Catherine is a 1.2-kilometer-long pedestrianized street known for its exclusive boutiques located primarily at its southern end.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rue Sainte-Catherine is a 1.2-kilometer-long pedestrianized street known as one of Europe's longest shopping streets, with more exclusive boutiques located towards Place de la Comédie and Cours de l'Intendance (northern end).

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Bordeaux is connected to Paris by the A10 motorway and encircled by a 45-kilometer ring road.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux is connected to Paris by the A10 motorway and is encircled by a 45-kilometer ring road known as the 'Rocade'.

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All five road bridges crossing the Garonne River in Bordeaux are accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

Answer: True

Explanation: All five road bridges crossing the Garonne River in Bordeaux, including the Pont de pierre and Pont Jacques-Chaban-Delmas, are accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

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Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean is the main railway station, served by the TGV, connecting Bordeaux to Paris in two hours.

Answer: True

Explanation: Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean is the main railway station, served by the TGV, which connects Bordeaux to Paris in two hours.

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The Bordeaux tram system uses overhead cables throughout the entire city, including the historic center, for power supply.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the historic city center, the Bordeaux tram system uses Alstom APS, a ground-level power supply technology, to avoid overhead cables, which are used in other parts of the city.

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The average daily commute time using public transit in Bordeaux is 51 minutes, with a significant portion of riders waiting over 20 minutes daily.

Answer: True

Explanation: The average daily commute time using public transit in Bordeaux is 51 minutes, and 15.5% of riders wait for over 20 minutes on average each day.

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The Pont de pierre, one of Bordeaux's road bridges, was built in the 1820s.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pont de pierre, one of the five road bridges crossing the Garonne River in Bordeaux, was built in the 1820s.

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What is a key feature of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas bridge?

Answer: It is Europe's longest-span vertical-lift bridge, allowing tall ships to pass.

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What is Rue Sainte-Catherine primarily known for in Bordeaux?

Answer: Being one of Europe's longest shopping streets.

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Which motorway connects Bordeaux to Paris?

Answer: A10

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How many road bridges cross the Garonne in Bordeaux, and are they accessible to cyclists and pedestrians?

Answer: Five; all accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

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What is the main railway station in Bordeaux, and what high-speed train serves it?

Answer: Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean; TGV

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What unique technology does the Bordeaux tram system use in the historic city center to preserve aesthetics?

Answer: Alstom APS, a ground-level power supply system.

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What is the average daily commute time for people using public transit in Bordeaux?

Answer: 51 minutes

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Civic Governance and Sports

The current Mayor of Bordeaux, Pierre Hurmic, is an environmentalist who ended a long period of right-of-center rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pierre Hurmic, an environmentalist affiliated with The Greens (EELV), became the Mayor of Bordeaux on July 3, 2020, ending 73 years of right-of-center rule.

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Bordeaux is the capital of five cantons and the Prefecture of the Gironde department and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bordeaux serves as the capital of five cantons and is the Prefecture of both the Gironde department and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

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Bordeaux has 65 municipal councilors, with the majority held by the Right and Centre-Right opposition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bordeaux has 65 municipal councilors, with the majority (48 seats) held by the Ecologist and Left coalition, forming the majority, not the Right and Centre-Right opposition.

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The 2020 municipal elections in Bordeaux resulted in the continuation of right-of-center governance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2020 municipal elections in Bordeaux resulted in a significant shift to ecologist leadership, ending 73 years of right-of-center governance.

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The Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, opened in 2015, replaced the Stade Chaban-Delmas as the city's largest stadium.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, with a capacity of 41,458, opened in 2015 and replaced the Stade Chaban-Delmas as the city's largest stadium.

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Girondins de Bordeaux is a rugby union team, while Union Bordeaux Bègles is a football team.

Answer: False

Explanation: Girondins de Bordeaux is a football (soccer) team, while Union Bordeaux Bègles is a rugby union team.

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Who is the current Mayor of Bordeaux, and what is his political affiliation?

Answer: Pierre Hurmic, an environmentalist affiliated with The Greens (EELV).

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What is Bordeaux's administrative status regarding cantons and prefectures?

Answer: Capital of five cantons and prefecture of both the Gironde department and Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

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What was the significant outcome of the 2020 municipal elections in Bordeaux?

Answer: A shift to ecologist leadership, ending 73 years of right-of-center rule.

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What is the capacity of the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, opened in 2015?

Answer: 41,458

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Which of the following is a major rugby union team in Bordeaux?

Answer: Union Bordeaux Bègles

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