Bordeaux (Part 7 of France)

When we arrived in Bordeaux, we first went to the 'Cité du Vin', a large, modern wine museum (in an equally modern building). There, we learned interesting and quirky facts about the history, cultivation, and tasting of wine at various multimedia stations, which could easily fill a whole day of exploration. In the end, we got to taste a glass of wine from the region.

The next morning, we explored the old town, which is partially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Monument aux Girondins

One famous sight is the 'Grosse Cloche', a large bell located in one of the city's former gates. It used to be rung not only during fires, but also at the beginning of the grape harvest.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Andrew is particularly stunning, with its richly adorned facade. The main entrance between the towers leads directly to the side of the altar, and the nave extends transversely to it.

Cathedral of St. Andrew

Adjacent to the cathedral is the 113-meter-high freestanding bell tower called Tour Pey-Bertrand. We decided not to climb it because only 19 people are allowed up at a time, and the line of waiting was already quite long.

On the banks of the Garonne River, you'll find the Place de la Bourse with its fountain and stock exchange building.

From there, we strolled along the banks of the Garonne and enjoyed the beautiful weather along with many other walkers.

For lunch, we went to a crêperie where we ordered a menu: first, a galette (savory buckwheat crêpe), and for dessert, a sweet crêpe with chocolate sauce and ice cream. In France, it is common to have a long and multi-course meal.

Finally, we walked through the various alleys of the old town and eventually strolled along the long pedestrian street, Rue Sainte-Catherine.