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Grand European Tour: Bordeaux to Poitiers:
The Wine Capital of
France
Our journey began with a change of scenery as we traveled into
France across Gascony for an orientation of Bordeaux, the wine
capital of France. The city is an elegant blend of traditional and modern,
reputed for its stylishness.
We explored the area on foot, soaking up the atmosphere, admiring the façades of the old buildings, and enjoying some good shopping and dining. The Allées de Tourny leads down to the Place de la Comedie and the Grand Théâtre, home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux.
Bordeaux features large department stores, luxury brands,
leading nationwide ready-to-wear shops, Parisian couturiers, jewellers,
craftsmen, perfume shops, leather goods shops, and specialised boutiques of all
kinds. A simple walk across the Triangle, down the famous rue Sainte-Catherine,
or through Old Bordeaux revealed the incredible range of goods of all types on
offer. The hustle and bustle shows that Bordeaux is a very prosperous, alive,
and switched-on city.
After spending hours in the shops, we continued to some other
highlights; Place de la Bourse (Miroir d’Eau), Place de la Victorie (Victory
Square), Musée d’Aquitaine, Tour Pey-Berland.
Highlights
Place de la Bourse (Miroir d’Eau) – Personally we loved this
place. We thought it is just a fountain but they made a great attraction which
looks absolutely stunning!
Place de la Victorie (Victory Square) – is one of the busiest
areas with bars, restaurants, cafes, a chic tramway, and beautiful
architecture. There’s always a crowd in the Victory square, and events, parties
and concerts are often organized there.
Musée d’Aquitaine – It’s the museum to see in Bordeaux. It
features historical collections from within the region (all the way since
prehistory) but also from faraway lands since the age of great discoveries.
Tour Pey-Berland – the monument is the best spot to see the
panoramic view of the city. It’s also lovely to look at from down below.
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Poitiers: The City of the Black Prince
Next, we hopped onto the bus, and our stop was Poitiers,
known for its Black Prince fame. We arrived at the city centre late afternoon.
It has a small square in front of the City Hall and is surrounded by cafes,
where you can sit down with a glass of wine or coffee or get something to eat.
Other parts of the town may give you an impression of a ghost
town, especially during lunchtime, when the shops are closed. We dropped our
bags and quickly enjoyed the change in the weather and walked around admiring
the quietness.
Later that night we ventured out for a couple of night shots.
Notre Dame has light shows some evenings after dark. We didn’t get a chance to
look around Poitiers as much as we would have liked. Maybe another time.
This tour was a wonderful blend of culture, history, and
shopping. From the bustling city of Bordeaux to the quiet charm of Poitiers, it
was a journey to remember.
Our grand European tour from Bordeaux to Poitiers was a journey
of discovery, filled with culture, history, shopping, and unforgettable
experiences. It was a testament to the diverse beauty and charm of France, and
a trip we will always remember.
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Wonderful views, just as I expected from the French. I really love how the trams look so sleek yet how they seemlessly mingle with the quaint, narrow streets. In most other metropolises they look like industrial animals completely detached with the rest of the landscape.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to travel there while I lived in Brussels as it's reasonably close. But I didn't go so probably will have to plan from another place. I imagined myself just romaing around vinyards every day but you made me realize that there are many other things to see and enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteI love being in France, the smell, the sound, the street, the food, the lot! In fact, I just randomly booked a trip to Lille just because! Will keep Bordeaux in mind next time I crave being in France!
ReplyDeleteThis brought back some great memories of visiting Poitiers and Bordeaux many years ago. There was a great interactive museum called Futuroscope near Poitiers, well worth a visit. Did you find any nice restaurants in Bordeaux?
ReplyDeleteHi, we didn't have much time but we choose Le Petit. An iconic bistro, with dining rooms both sides of a narrow pedestrian street which served great seafood dishes.
DeleteHow nice it would be if I can travel to these places as well. Your pics are nice but it would have been more enticing if they were in bigger scale. :) :) :) Hope you had a good time there!
ReplyDeleteI just have been in Paris but for sure Bordeaux is a place to go, I am a wine lover :) But you show us that Bordeux is much more than just wine. Didn't know about Place de la Bourse, never heard, it looks so beautiful, your picture from there are great. How is the gastronomy there?
ReplyDeleteHi Fabio, Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteThings are changing and the city of Bordeaux is being put on the map as a centre for gastronomy with the help of world-class chefs. Michelin-starred French chef Joël Robuchon opened a restaurant at La Grande Maison – a small boutique hotel located on the city’s left bank owned by wine magnate and art collector, Bernard Magrez. Gordon Ramsay launched Le Pressoir d’Argent, in the heart of Bordeaux, opposite the city’s opera house. It’s a fine-dining restaurant situated in the five star hotel, Le Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa. Another Michelin starred French chef and host of Cauchemar en Cuisine – France’s equivalent to Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares, Philippe Etchebest, opened his newest restaurant, the Quatrième Mur next to the city’s theatre. With his first restaurant based in Saint-Émilion, the chef knows the region well, but his opening in the city of Bordeaux goes to show how important it is for him to be a part of the culinary culture of the region. And many of Bordeaux’s châteaux are also opening restaurants, attaching them to their vineyards to not only introduce the wines to visitors, but also to showcase how well their wines pair with food.
I have never been to Bordeaux (actually the only place in France I have been to is Paris so many years ago) but I think it would be the perfect place for me since I am a huge fan of good wine!Your pictures look amazing and I guess in December when there's the lower touristic season temperatures are just about right as well, right?
ReplyDeleteHi Ingrid, Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteThe middle of March is cool, but nice and most of the people you want to see are in Bordeaux, getting ready for the all-important April tastings. The middle of April is perfect as the en primeur tastings are completed and most people are in Bordeaux. With the exception of mid-June in odd numbered years, due to Vinexpo, Bordeaux is perfect to visit until everyone leaves for vacation in August. Starting from the beginning of September to harvest is once again perfect for visiting the Bordeaux wine region. From the middle of October until late November is also great for a visit to Bordeaux. By the end of November, Bordeaux can get quite cold and not be as enjoyable to visit for most people. Hope this heaps a little.
What a lovely place to visit. We always prefer to walk as well. You get to see more and explore areas you like a little better. Some very cool buildings and It looks like you got some lovely weather. Spring is starting to show itself. We have explored a little bit of France, but we haven't been here.
ReplyDeleteBordeaux is such a lovely place to visit. Wine tasting at its best. We totally loved the riverfront. Havent been to Poitiers yet, we love the small cities, they are essence of European travel
ReplyDeleteI didn't think much about Bordeaux prior to reading your post. Because I don't drink wine...it doesn't interest me in particular . But I can see there are other things to see and do here apart from romancing with wine. Like, some good architectures that one can marvel.
ReplyDeleteThough europe is one of the expensive city to visit i still want to see the beauty of any european country. Its a challenge for us Philippine passport holder though
ReplyDeleteFrance is simply just gorgeous. I haven't made it to Bordeaux yet, but I really look forward to the day I can! Your post gave me a bit of a teaser, haha. Lovely photographs as well :)
ReplyDeleteSo true, Bordeaux is really all about wine, but you've manage to show in your post that there's a lot to see and do in the city. For all that you saw, what was your favorite thing or experience there?
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your comment. My wife's best experience hands down was Shopping. Bordeaux is an elegant city, reputed for its stylishness. It features large department stores, luxury brands, leading nationwide ready-to-wear shops, Parisian couturiers, jewellers, craftsmen, perfume shops, leather goods shops, specialised boutiques of all kinds, etc. A simple walk across the Triangle (formed by Cours de l'Intendance, Cours Clemenceau, and the Allées de Tourny), down the famous rue Sainte-Catherine, or through Old Bordeaux will reveal the incredible range of goods of all types on offer.
DeleteOh, Bordeux! Such an elegant and classic city! I really admire the French architecture captured by your stunning photos. And oh, even the tram looks so beautiful! I miss being in France and now, it seems I have an additional place to visit aside from Marseilles and Lyons.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Bordeaux, mostly because of the wine region it is situated in. I am lucky that soon a friend of mine is moving nearby and I will definitely get a chance to visit. The Place de la Bourse is so pretty, I have seen photos with it before and the amazing effect the water does, making it look like the entire square is under a thin layer of fog.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by the European architectures in their countries. Its beyond imagination. I loved the feel of Bordeaux and I agree to the fact that exploring city on foot is the best way to know its soul.
ReplyDeleteI can't even tell you how jealous of your trip I am!! This looks absolutely amazing! My mother - in - law recently visited France and still can't stop talking about how much she loved it! Totally on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteGlad to get a sneak peek of Bordeaux. I have only studies about it back in school. I would love to go to France sometime.
ReplyDeleteThese days I have been badly wanting to visit France. I love how beautifully you have captured this beautiful city. Glad that I could atleast get a glimpse of this beautiful place. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you were able to go to a place that's been on my bucket list. I expected a lot of vineyards but I feel that the city is equally riveting.
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