Bordeaux

From Bilbao we were off to Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a small port city in southwest France. It is not the cheapest city but it is still worth to visit, as it is said to be France’s most elegant city.

This was the view when our coach was just approaching this glamorous city in France.

For Jo’s Monday Walk

On the right hand side is The Pont de pierre, or “Stone Bridge” which connects the left bank of the Garonne River to the right bank.

The heart of Bordeaux is made up of narrow streets as well as grand boulevards lined with stately mansions, neo-classical squares and a frequented shopping district. © French Moments Ltd

This is Place de la Bourse, a lovely square with a reflecting pool. It is within the historic part of the city that has been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was built from 1730 to 1775 along the Garonne River and is a perfect example of French architecture.

Just over the road is the Miroir d’Eau, which is the world’s largest reflecting pool of water. And when we were there in September, the water system allowed it to create mist every 15 minutes. (I just read that this operates only in the months of April to October so we were lucky that we chose the correct month as it looked so amazing.)

Just on the opposite side was the Fountain of the Three Graces in the same Place de la Bourse.

A few minutes away was The Monument to the Girondins (Monument aux Girondins) which is one of Bordeaux’s most distinctive landmarks. A statue atop a 43-metre high column, it is completed at the base by an ornate fountain, cast in bronze. It can be found on the Esplanade de Quinconces, a wide promenade next to the River Garonne.

About a few minutes walk took us to the Rostrale Columns, Esplanade Des Quinconces, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For Ludwig’s Monday Windows

Bordeaux, aside from its monuments, has astounding architecture and you can see most of it in its main city. The tram runs through the centre of it all.

Next in the agenda was lunch and we just had sandwich while walking along the alleys and narrow streets.

This square is called Place de la Comedie and it is a place where the main streets of Bordeaux converge, including the main shopping street.

This 7 metre sculpted female face, is entirely made of cast iron. It is named Anna and was created by Jaume Plensa and has been in the Place de la Comedie since 2013.

One of the beautifully designed buildings on the square is the Grand Théatre which is topped by the 12 statues of Berruer. This was inaugurated in 1780 and as you can see here, the facade is very elegant in its architecture.

Facing the Opéra National de Bordeaux-Grand Théâtre stands the InterContinental Bordeaux, aka Le Grand Hôtel, one of the most luxurious places to stay when you’re in town. And like the Grand Théâtre, it was designed by Victor Louis so no wonder, it features the same neoclassical-inspired façade.

And this was where our coach waited for us … and with the view of the tree line tram tracks, we were off to our next destination.