Here’s my second post focusing on the sites we came across as we were exploring Bordeaux.
An outstanding image – and not mine. This pops up a lot when googling the city and was an imposing image with a purpose. Built along the Garonne river during the reign of King Louie XV it displayed a welcoming yet prestigious image to travelers. It is considered one of the most representative works of classical French architecture of the 18th century. The reflecting pool is the largest in the world inaugurated in 2006.
Here is my photo. Between the reflecting pool and buildings was a busy thoroughfare. My second photo (with some water) has their city tram pictured.
Adrienne and I made it a point to get there before most of Bordeaux was awake……a few hours later I was able to capture this shot.
I know, I know. My random photo doesn’t compare to others that waited for perfect conditions, but I was kind of hoping for better. In the summer, the water is on a 15 minute cycle where it produces plumes of mist creating a thick fog. Once the fog disappears there is 2 cm of clear water. They have a drainage system that recirculates the water every 15 minutes, keeping it clear and fresh.
A little harder to see in the photos above was the fountain in Place de la Boursin (square in front of the buildings).
My first shot of the day: Fountaine des Trois Graces.
Another shot showing a few more details. The ladies at the top are Zeus’s daughters: Aglae (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth) and Thalia (Good Cheer).
As this faces the river, there was (naturally) a nearby bridge. It was the first stone bridge in Bordeaux, commissioned by Napoleon and opened in 1822.
Why cross the bridge – besides the obvious – to see the blue lion sculpture. Once you know what you’re looking for you can almost see it in the above photo.
Created by a local artist a number of years ago it makes a striking figure. Hmmmm only two in the photo. Where’s Eric?
Once we got Eric up and about, we had two last places to visit. One was Basilique St Michel.
It is the largest church in Bordeaux but politics was not kind and focus had been on Cathedral St Andre for restoration and preservation. Eric had not been interested in visiting this church initially due to reading all of the original stained glass windows had been removed.
But you might notice, there are colorful windows. The glasswork was much more contemporary. Eric was a fan, I was not.
Still the church had many beautiful things to offer.
The woodwork was carved oak.
They still had their organ at the back of the church.
They also had a bell tower, separate from the building. I read the 114 metre spire is the second tallest building in France.
Our second place to visit…………….back at the Marche des Capucins for oysters. Both of us read (independently) that Chez Jean-Mi was THE place for oysters.
Before the oysters arrived there were drinks. Yep I had the coffee.
Oysters and bilots were enjoyed. Let me tell you the oysters were very salty – loved that! I had tried the bilots earlier in the week and didn’t need a repeat.
One more post is coming from Bordeaux and is one of our favorite ways to immerse ourselves into the culture.
Darden Travels 