FRANCE - Bordeaux

As promised here is a post about the city of Bordeaux, beautifully situated on the River Garonne.  Its a city that of course made its money on wine and has a wealth of stunning buildings from the Grand Theatre through to those in lining the Place de la Bourse.  The easiest way of getting round is by tram and a one day ticket is 5 euro. The trams are very frequent and because they are right there rather than buried underground you tend to jump on and off more. Just remember to always touch in on each tram you use (the tickets are also valid on the buses and river bus). Oh and of course I have several times waited on the wrong side of the road for a tram!!

Grand Theatre

Place de la Bourse

In front of the Place de la Bourse is the Miroir d'Eau. The idea of this is that small fountains cover the area with water and then stop, as the water settles and slowly drains away it should reveal a perfect reflection of the buildings. However, in practice in today's world, most tourists simply want a picture for Instagram of them splashing in the water which rather spoils the effect.

Downstream in an area that is being regenerated is the Cite du Vin. Not so much a museum but a series of interactive audio visual presentations about wine. I'm going to be honest in that I don't interact very well with interactive exhibits so although I went it wasn't really my thing - having said that the view from the top is amazing and the ticket includes a glass of wine. The building itself is supposed to reflect the swirling of the wine in a glass.

One thing i did notice from the top that I went to look at on the ground was this building.

Apparently it is a submarine depot that the Germans built during WW2. You can see that you could simply "drive" your submarine straight in for maintenance. In true German building style of the period the place is virtually indestructable and consequently is still sitting there all these years later.

Here are a few other pictures of my time in Bordeaux

Monument aux Girondins

Rue Notre Dame

Bordeaux Cathedral

Bordeaux Cathedral

Port Caihou

There used to be an "umbrella street" in London - don't know if it is still there.

Napolean's Pont de Pierre

Well that brings this tip to an end. Tomorrow it's a morning train back to Paris for a Eurostar to London and home. I hope you have enjoyed following this trip, my next adventure is Milan and Turin in Decemmber - see you then.