BORDEAUX
The city spreads out in a fan-shaped pattern along the Garonne, the wide river that flows into the estuary. Walking along the quays, you can stroll from the Place de la Bourse, the Pont-de-Pierre, and the noble facades of the Chartrons. To describe Bordeaux, we need to mention its stone walls, its lacquered doors (blue, burgundy, water green, emerald green), its pedestrian streets lit by copper lanterns. The local stone has "the color of Sauternes". The work of the architects in the 18th century can be seen: old wrought-iron balconies, macarons, and old mansions still saltpetreous full of opulence. The city evokes wealth with its sumptuous buildings, with vast windows, high ceilings, marble fireplaces, patinated woodwork and Hungarian point parquet. Where yesterday, the city center looked like a highway, space has been given back to the pedestrian - Cours de l'Intendance, Place de la Comédie. As a result, there is plenty of time to contemplate the neo-classical facades of the Grand Theatre and the Grand Hotel. Same thing, long gone is the time when the quays were ignored, area of decrepit and ill-named hangars. The quays where ships used to sail to Lübeck and all the ports of the world have been resurrected.
We often stop at the Parliament Square at Café Karl. Around its fountain dating from 1865, we are in the heart of the majestic stone decor. Further on, the Big Bell, a remnant of the 12th century belfry that once indicated the signal for the grape harvest. Rue du Pas-Saint-Georges, Rue Saint-James, Rue des Remparts ... We walk them all, in search of Made in Bordeaux products.
Or, in the heart of the Bacalan district that writes the 21st century in the city, the Cité du Vin built in honor of wine. A building all in roundness, covered with glass scales and gold-colored aluminum plates. There is also La Boca, a brand new foodcourt that has taken over former slaughterhouses.
BORDEAUX
117 km