Hygge Lifestyle and Travel

(ARCHIV- Artikel from Kleine _ Schwester _ Blog 17/7)

Facts about Bordeaux: Région: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Département: Gironde, Taille: 49,36m², Résidents: 254.436

Grandezza, Grands Crus – the biggest classicistic town ensemble of France owned by Bordeaux for over centuries. However, the metropolis is very hip in design, art and culture. A city where young ideas transform into established addresses and trend aims.

If you are a first time visitor, this tour will be perfekt for you to get to know Bordeaux:

Day 1:

Start your tour at the Place de la Victoire

PLACE DE LA VICTOIRE  is an impressive square which is recognized by ehe 18^th century Arc and the marble Obelisk at its centre. The square, located at the southern part of central Bordeaux, connects some of ehe biggest streets in the city. Among them the popular Sainte Catherine.

MARCHÉ DES CAPUCINS  – Obviously it’s never too early in the morning for starting your gastronmie experience in Bordeaux. Therefore, I recommend going to the Marché des Capucins. That’s the biggest daily market in the City and has everything from fruits, vegetables, sweets, spices a bunch of lively Cafes and Restaurants, where you can enjoy a coffee or an early lunch.

SAINT MICHEL NEIGHBORHOOD – Until quite recently Saint Michel was not the most popular place in Bordeaux. In recent years a younger population moved into the neigborhood and gave it a second life. The mixture of fancy french cafés and the shops from people with a different backgrounds and cultures makes it a great authentic place. There are so many things to do and see in this area. For example, the Basilica of Saint Michel, which was classified in 1998 as a world hereitage of UNESCO. It’s located in the heart of the main square, the Place Meynard which is surrounded by lots of lovely Cafés and Restaurrant’s and Bar’s. The la Flêche Saint Michel, which is right next to the Basilica, is also one of the main monuments of the city. On the top you have a magnificent view over Bordeaux.

GROSSE GLOCHE – From Place Meynard take the Rue des Faures to get to one of the main streets in the centre of Bordeaux (Rue Victor Hugo), which will lead you from St. Michel neighborhood to ehe Quartier de la Grosse Cloche. Those beautiful paved streets if this small neighborhood will definetly leave their charm on you. The Grosse Cloche is the most prominent symbol of the City.

SHOPPING ON RUE SAINTE CATHRINE  – The Rue Sainte Catherine is the longest pedestrian street in France full of clothing Boutiques and the only place in the centre of Bordeaux where you can find all main retail stores.

PLACE PEY BERLAND – the Place Pey Berland is one of the central places in Bordeaux and the home of the Town Hall and one of the biggest Cathedrals „Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux“ of ehe City. Located nearby there are a few of the main museums.

MUSEUMS –  There are three museum’s which are a must to visit. The first I like to introduce to you, is the Musée des Beaux Arts Museum and one of the largest galleries in France. Second, the „Musée of Decorative Arts“ installed in a beautful Chateau, the museum is a home to collections of furniture, ceramics, and many other objects dated from 18th century and 19th century. Third, „the Musée d’Aquitaine„, if you want to learn about the history and archaelogy of Bordeaux and its region this is the best source.

GRAND THÉÂTRE – the Grand Théâtre is a beautiful and impressive 18^th century building on Place de la Comedie, which is home to the National Opera of Bordeaux. It’s worth a visit to see a concert or a ballet. If not, they also offer a tour through this building.

Day 2:

Start at Place du Station (Tram A)

VISIT THE SQUARES OF SAINT PIERRE NEIGHBORHOOD – This is the touristic heart of Bordeaux. There aren’t any major monuments to see but ehe little paves streets and the beautiful lively squares are what makes it one of the more pleasant place in Bordeaux. Just take a few hours to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.

MIROIR D’EAU – This modern monument was built in 2006 and is the world’s largest reflecting pool which is located on ehe Quai to the Garonne river. The surface is made from blue granite covered in water reflecting the from 18^th century Place de la Bourse.

TAKE A WALK ON THE QUAI – Enjoy the boardwalk of ehe Garonne river. That’s one of Bordeaux Highlight’s. The Quai becomes often one of the hotspots hosting many events and festival’s during the summer.

Shop and Dine at the Chartrons Market.

PONT CHABAN DELMAS –  That bridge was built in 2013. It was named after a mayor of the City Bordeaux. It’s the longest vertical-lift Bridge in Europe and seeing it elevating to let the tall ships pass is a very impressive sight.

MARCHÉ DES BACALAN –  This covered market is new. It was built in 2017.

BOAT -TRIP TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GARONNE –  Take the Navette at „La Cité du Vin“ and get off at the boatstop „Stalingrad“ (on the other side of ehe river).

JARDIN BPTANIQUE – Once you got off the boat walk over to the „Jardin Botanique“ which is a beautiful park which is a great spot for a pause. The Park was created to allow the public to discover exotic plants. If you are not interested in plants and don’t need a break please continue straigt to „Darwin“ which is just a few minutes walk from the park.

DARWIN – That is probably one of the most surprising places in Bordeaux. An old Military Base turned into an urban space with work space/incubator for Start-ups, a skate-park, restaurants and many other surprises. All with an agenda of ecological awareness.

This is the end of your week-end journey in Bordeaux!