Europe

[Visited: August 2022]

Bordeaux - a city with a very French name and international fame, mostly for its wines of course. The name is even synonymous with the wines grown in the region. I had never been to the city, other than a change of trains back in my Interrail years, so I was looking forward to exploring it on an August visit. Not knowing much about the city, I am soon surprised by the high number of classical buildings lining the streets of its compact city centre. The weather is great during my stay, and I criss-cross the streets all day long. I am rewarded by seeing classical architecture, coming across impressive monuments, fountains, city gates, but also modern additions like the Miroir de l'Eau which I keep on coming back to. This is my first sight of the city at the end of the afternoon: many people are around, and the stately buildings in the background are reflected in the water.
Instead of making a list of sights I want to see, I mostly just walk randomly through the city, with only a few goals in mind. I am interested in learning a little more about Aristides de Sousa Mendes, a Portuguese diplomat who served in Bordeaux during the Second World War and who saved people from extinction by issuing passports and visas persecuted people fleeing wartorn Europe. He did so against the orders of his own government. It is estimated that he managed to protect around 30.000 persons this way. I find the former Portuguese embassy building with a plaque in his honour, as well as a monument at the Rue du Chateau d'Eau. I find the so-called Dutch houses, built in the 17th century by a Frenchman but with a gable that resembles houses in Flanders. They are the only houses on the riverbank with gables, and as such still stand out. The ensemble of the old city and harbour of Bordeaux is called the Port of the Moon, and was recognised by Unesco as World Heritage.
After coming back to the Miroir de l'Eau in the morning, I discover that it is not always filled with water. The excitement when the fountains open and the area fills with water. Soon enough, the buildings are reflected again, doubling their beauty. Fortunately, there is not much wind. Then, a kid comes with a surfboard and plays in the water. While he destroys the reflection, it is fun to watch what locals can do with this addition to their city. I then walk to the Pont Saint Jean, one of the bridges spanning the Garonne, and from there to the Porte de Bourgogne and later the Grosse Cloche, two monumental city gates. Later, I end up at the cathedral of Saint André, and climb the Pey Berland with my travel companion, the clocktower offering great views all over Bordeaux in all directions. Apart from the exploring walks through the city centre, we also enjoy the food. After giving the city attention, we go out to explore the highest sand dunes of Europe, and inevitably, the wine region surrounding Bordeaux with its chateaux and picturesque villages, towns and landscape of rolling hills. A thoroughly enjoyable visit.

Around the World in 80 Clicks

inspiring you to travel

Bordeaux city centre (France)

Bordeaux city centre > France > Europe

[Visited: August 2022]

Around the World in 80 Clicks