Traveling solo and arrived today in historical Bordeaux to revisit the
city and to explore the small villages and towns in southwestern
France. Where I will glide along the riverscape of the Garonne, Dordogne, and
Gironde rivers. Stopping in the quaint communities of Cadillac (kad-e-yak), Blaye, Bourg,
Libourne, and Saint-Émilion, the most visited place in the Gironde.
Bordeaux
is a port city located in the southwestern region of France, known globally for
its famous wine production. After many years of revitalization, this "sleeping
beauty" has awoken from its slumber. With civic pride, a vision, and
a grand plan for urban revitalization, the Bordelais set in motion a
cosmopolitan renewal. Going about cleaning centuries of soot from historical
limestone buildings, removing walls and traffic from the ancient city center.
Demolishing and relocating riverfront warehouses and docks – creating a
riverfront promenade for tourists, cyclists, and joggers to explore this beauty
on foot.
Miroir d'eau (water mirror)
It
is a mix of historical and modern renaissance. In 2007, Bordeaux received the
classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring 1810 hectares in the
region, along with its historical buildings and sites. Situated along one
of its greatest assets, the Garonne River, flowing into the Gironde Estuary,
Gironde River, and the Dordogne, stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Bordeaux has become world famous for its wine regions and beautiful rivers.
The
city is beautifully restored and has a modern public transport system, known as
the TBM, Transport Bordeaux Métropole. You
can comfortably and economically use four tram lines around this historical
city, even reaching the Bordeaux-Mérignac airport.
Bordeaux is so much more than a place
of world-renowned vineyards and wine. Bordeaux abounds with unexpected and
heartwarming surprises, like experiencing the historical and heavenly Canelé,
dating back to the 19th century, created by the nuns at Saint
Eulalia. It is a bite-size, crispy golden-brown cake, with a thin
outer crust, slightly burnt and caramelized, hiding a luscious
melt-in-your-mouth treat permeating with a vanilla and rum fusion.
Surprises
like Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s oldest and largest historical covered
market, dating from 1749, still thriving in modern times. This market is often
called the “belly of Bordeaux” where the history of the market has stood still.
It offers regional delicacies like white asparagus from Blaye, briny oysters
from Arcachon, pork belly from the Médoc region, fresh lamb chops from Pauillac
(pojak) and more varieties of cheeses than one can imagine.
On
the other hand, discover the pilgrim’s trail to Le Chemin de St. Jacques de
Compostelle (the Way of St. James) through the heart of Bordeaux. The
pilgrim’s route is marked by the inlaid scalloped seashells throughout
Bordeaux. The route weaves through cobblestone streets beginning at Porte
Cailhau, loops past Sainte Pierre, and on to Saint-André Cathedral for 8.4km
through the historic city and beyond.
Bordeaux offers
unparalleled treasures to explore, noble chateaux, and breathtaking scenery.
Join me in savoring its best kept secrets.
October 19-October 30, 2023
Tram, Taxi, Recommendation in/around Bordeaux
Bordeaux-Mérignac airport
TBM Tram, Bus, train
Marché des Capucins (open Tuesday – Sunday)
Bordeaux Visitors Tourism
* bus from Bordeaux to Cadillac- take bus 481 from Stalingrad station.-Tram A
J. Christina is the author
and owner of Scribbles and Smiles. Through our blog, we share stories of the
wonderful discoveries we have made on our European travels. Christina
(Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina. Christie is
traveling solo on this adventure, 2023.
