Bordeaux

After settling into our new digs it was time for us to go out and explore the local area. We were very centrally located in the Saint Michel neighbourhood of Bordeaux and there was lots of action all around us. As we were so close to the Pont de Pierre that crosses the mighty Garonne river, we decided to walk across it to take a look around. The river is tidal and flows very quickly when the tide is going in or out. Bordeaux also has a large tram network and the trams are as long as our trains! They are sleek and very modern - they look fab. After crossing the bridge, which is very long, we crossed back.

We wandered up the main boulevard Cours Victor Hugo to buy some grocery supplies, and found a lovely ‘bio’ store where we purchased yogurt, fruit, bread, coffee and milk. We dropped these off at the apartment and headed out for an early dinner to Place Meynard, a square located just around the corner from us. It is full of bars and restaurants and seems to attract a young crowd. Here there is also the impressive Bell Tower of Saint Michael and it’s associated Basilique.

We found a lovely brasserie called Chez Thérèse where we had a great meal. Ian had fish and I had steak tartare followed by some ice cream (Ian had cassis and I had pistachio) and espressos. We then headed home for a relatively early night as we had our tour to the Medoc region in the morning. Before retiring, we indulged in a digestive, a glass of dessert wine from Chateau Mercuès.Read more