France is a country that I hold very dear to my heart. It is the first country abroad I ever visited, the country I have been to the most cities/towns (20, to be exact 😉 ) the country were I have made very special friendships and had many wonderful memories. So, whenever my dear friend Carmen invited me to her wedding in Bordeaux, I knew I had to be there for her!
I met my friend Carmen about 9 years ago while I was an intern at an advertising agency and ever since, we have been great friends. I felt very special because I was one of the lucky few that got invited to her glamorous wedding!
Carmen and her French husband Olivier were wonderful hosts, and they sure showed us a good time!
Bordeaux
I am sure the first thing you think about when you hear the word Bordeaux is wine…and duh! Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world! They have been making wine in this region since the 8th century and it has many beautiful historical buildings and fun things to do.
Fun Fact: After Paris, Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical buildings than any city in France
The best part of the trip, was making new friends and all the adventures we had during those 4 super fun days! 😉 Shout out to my #EuropeTravelFam! (missing a few members)
Things to see:
Cathedrale Saint-Andre
This cathedral dates back to the 12th century and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was part of the Route of Saint James pilgrimage trail and it is compared to the Notre-Dame in Paris in its grandeur and features an impressive façade. It is located right next to the Hotel de Ville.
Hôtel de Ville
The city hall of Bordeaux occupies an elegant palace built in the 1770s. The Hôtel de Ville is located in the center of the old town next to the cathedral, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies part of the building. There are many restaurants and patisseries near buy, so you can eat, drink some wine and enjoy the view.
Eats:
French restaurant Le Café Rohan, we really enjoyed the food and the awesome location and view
For dessert and coffee, check out he cute and delicious boulangerie Le Boulanger de l’Hotel de Ville just down the street.
Place de la Bourse/ Water Mirror
This beautiful neoclassical square was built between 1700s and it stands just above the banks of the Garonne River. In the center of the square you can see the Fountain of the Three Graces, surrounded by two beautiful pavilion-like buildings: the Bourse (Stock Exchange) and the Musée des Douanes (Customs Museum).
Just across the street you can find the “water mirror” and it gives you the chance to take the perfect IG worthy pic of Bordeaux. Day or night, it’s great!
Grosse Cloche (Big Clock Tower)
The Grosse Cloche is one of the few medieval monuments in Bordeaux that were built between in the 13th and 15th centuries. Down this road, you can find many restaurants (mainly Asian) and a couple of bars were the locals hang out. It is quite lively at night!
Basilique Saint-Michel
The Basilica of Saint Michael is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica took 200 years to build, from the 14th to 16th centuries and its architectural style, is described as “Rayonnant Gothic”.
Our Airbnb was just a few blocks away from this beautiful church and when you went to the roof top you could see it in the background! Santé!
Pont de Pierre
Another of the iconic sights in Bordeaux, is the Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge) it blends perfectly with the city’s riverfront buildings. The bridge spans the Garonne River with 17 graceful arches supported by foundation piles and its conveniently located between Basilique Saint-Michel and the Place de la Bourse.
La Cite du Vin
This unique museum is very modern and virtual and you can learn about wine from all around the world. The best part comes at the end, when you go to the top floor enjoy a wine of your choice and enjoy the beautiful view. It’s a must-see experience during your stay in Bordeaux.
Last but not least, the wedding at Château Pape Clément ! You might not be able randomly attend a wedding in such a beautiful chateau if you decide to go to Bordeaux, but here is a little sneak peak of Carmen & Olivier’s wedding. Don’t worry, you can always check out this lovely vineyard on a tour.
There are many great things about traveling, like is discovering new places, experiencing new cultures but the best part is making new friends and great memories!
Stay tuned for the next post of the vineyards of St. Emilion 😉
#adios
Dorina
Some wedding photos by: Artiste Associé Photographes
Other photos by: Victoria Urrego, Walter B.
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