The Digital Week organized in Bordeaux in late March was an opportunity for the city to demonstrate its standing as one of the best-performing cities in terms of innovative digital services.

Through its program entitled Bordeaux the digital city, Bordeaux has over the last few months developed several digital services destined for all users, starting with the 2D codes. Bordeaux chose the QR Code technology. The codes are like magic squares and allow owners of smartphones to get quick access to internet contents.

To date, more than 3000 codes can be found around the city, in car parks, on parking meters and display panels. Users simply have to take a photo of the code to get access to practical, cultural and sightseeing information (history of the city, its monuments, calendar, events...).

On the occasion of the Digital Week the city launched a new, original use of these QR Codes for visitors of the Jardin Public, who can now obtain botanical information directly on their mobile by taking photos of the 50 green codes dotted around the park’s 10 hectares.

Another initiative: next autumn the city of Bordeaux will be installing free Wifi in various public areas and parks.

(Source: Bordeaux 7- 22 March 2011)