MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, April 18 — Google has announced that users of its Street View navigation service can now explore the medieval city of Saint-Emilion and several wineries in the Bordeaux region.
Wine enthusiasts can visit the châteaux where some of the world’s most prestigious vintages are made, and even take a stroll through the vineyards.
The first wineries to arrive on Street View are the Châteaux Lafon-Rochet, Coutet, La Conseillante, Corbin Michotte, La Brède, Malle, Pressac and Agassac.
Users can also visit Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known not only for its wines but also for its remarkable medieval city and churches.
The Museum of Aquitaine in Bordeaux is also among the new arrivals to Google’s service.
Google last year signed partnerships with around a dozen wineries in the Bordeaux region to bring the sites to the Internet. The operation allowed Google to bring its “trekker” to France for the first time.
The technology involves a backpack-like device capable of taking 360-degree panoramic photos, even in remote places or locations that are thought to be inaccessible.
The goal is to promote French cultural heritage by inviting Web users around the world to explore the region, its châteaux and its vineyards.
The initiative is the latest step in Google’s inclusion of French heritage sites on its platform, where users can already see the Mont Saint-Michel, the Eiffel Tower and the Château de Versailles. — AFP-Relaxnews
