BORDEAUX

I love history so I was excited to travel here to Bordeaux and take in all the architecture and learn the history behind it. 

Controlled by the British for 300 years, Bordeaux is one of the most un-French cities in France. What was once a sleepy city (literally nicknamed "Sleeping Beauty" in French) is now a thriving tourist destination and mecca for wine enthusiasts.

This bridge that crosses the Garonne River is beautiful at night.  Its history is fascinating.  The river Garonne was a natural obstacle that caught Napoleon off guard on his way to conquer Spain in 1807.  The emperor was very displeased to have lost so many days trying to get his soldiers and their heavy equipment across in the ferries, and so he decided to build a bridge.  But the disastrous occupation of Spain and the lack of financial resources postponed the completion of the first bridge of Bordeaux, the Bridge of Stone, which was not inaugurated until 1822.  Nonetheless, while this work was ongoing, it also contributed in an indirect and unexpected way to the city's fame: The emperor was aware of lithography, invented in Germany, and had been using this new technique to reproduce the construction drawings of the bridge. A calligrapher from Bordeaux who was wandering on the construction site then discovered it, and had the idea of using lithography to print Bordeaux wine bottle labels.

After taking in some of the sights, I decided to stop and have lunch at one of the cafes that line the street leading to the St. Eloi bell tower.

After lunch I decide to check into my hotel before heading to dinner later on and a ballet at Le Grand Theatre.  I am going to stay at Le Grand Hotel  de Bordeaux which is right across the street from the Grand Theatre.  The hotel is located in the ‘Golden Triangle’ which is the finest shopping and pedestrian area of Bordeaux.

Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux 

 

 

For dinner I decided to try L’Estacade, a restaurant that is on stilts in the Garonne River. Enormous bay windows allow you to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the 18th-century Place de la Bourse on the opposite bank. The dinner recommendation I tried was prawn risotto, Saint-Jacques with pineapple and chorizo. It was a very fun atmosphere. Now off to the ballet!

Le Grand Theatre was built by Victor Louis between 1773 and 1780.  The Grand Theâtre is considered as one of the most beautiful 18th-century buildings in Europe. This theater was renovated in 1990 and 1991 in shades of blue, enhanced with gilt. The Grand Cafe welcomes spectators and visitors wishing to have a coffee or lunch. There are also tours available to learn some history behind the building. I’m excited to experience the ballet in this Grande Theater! Until next time…