The next morning we headed into Bordeaux, greeted by heavy fog as we crossed into the centre of the city over Pont de Pierre. This was the first bridge over the Garonne River at Bordeaux, planned and designed on the orders of Napoleon I.
We enjoyed a walk through Place des Quinconces and stopped for a local pastry. We stood drinking in the sight of the Monument aux Girondins which depicts Lady Liberty standing atop a pillar flanked by two pools containing spectacular statuary. This monument memorializes the Girondists who were originally part of France’s legislative assembly and supported the French Revolution when it began. Later they were executed by the revolutionaries during the Reign of Terror after they began opposing the movement.
It was a leisurely walking tour that Joceline had meticulously timed in advance to ensure that she would get us back to our ship in plenty of time.
The streets of Bordeaux yielded wonderful sights, sounds and smells, the architecture was amazing and visits to cheese and pastry shops had us enthralled.
After a nice lunch at a café in the center of town where you'll find a huge choice, we visited Le Miroir d'eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool (above), located on the quay of the Garonne in front of the Place de la Bourse, one of the most recognizable buildings in Bordeaux, originally built as a royal square dedicated to King Louis XV.
Our whirlwind visit to Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux was wrapping up as Joceline drove us the 100km back to Le Verdon-sur-Mer to continue on our cruise.
We were already planning our next adventure in France by then – one visit is never enough.
Note: Bordeaux has been voted the "Best European Destination 2015"... see P 27
Bordeaux Tourist Office