Day one in Bordeaux we settled in to our new apartment. Day two we took a cute little open air train around town to see some of the architecture in the city center. World Heritage site "Bordeaux" is the 2nd city in France after Paris with historical buildings. The city has grand avenues, attractive squares, gardens, intricate carved stone work, Gothic churches and a new sleek tram system.
Grand-Theatre (opera house) 1773-1780 with modern city tram
Palais de la Bource (Business Exchange Complex)
Palace de la Bource (Business Exchange) has a nice Bistro du Gabriel with patio views of the river.
A charming tea salon is located in front of the Eglise Notre Dame (1684-1707). The city is known as the blonde city because of the color of the local limestone.
The local porous stone used in many of Bordeaux's buildings were marred by soot and pollution from the port and river over the centuries. By the 20th century many structures became quite dark and dingy. In 1995 a concerted effort began to clean up the center of the city and the efforts continue. A work in progress.
This fountain is located in the Esplanade des Quinconces, the biggest square in France. The beautiful bronze statues were dismantled during WWII by Germans in search for metal. Fortunately in 1944 they were recovered in Angers and returned to Bordeaux. The sea drawn chariots symbolize peace and happiness.
One of the 15th century gates of the city.
The Cailhau Gate is a military structure dated 1493 dedicated to King Charles VII
Jardin Publique (public garden)
This is the outside of our 19th century two bedroom airbnb apt located next to the public garden. These windows open to the living room. Three more windows like this in Master bedroom. $175 per night.
Dining room and living room. This apartment is huge and the location is great! We walk everywhere.
The l'Ecole du Vin two hour class was a good introduction to both the grape varieties and wine regions of Bordeaux.
We had people from Denmark, Wales, England, Australia, France, Canada, Egypt, Mexico and Chicago in our wine class today. We smelled, we tasted and learned about the terroir of the 6,900 wineries and 25,000 wine chateaus of Bordeaux.
A Washington state viticulturist in Bordeaux.
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