Bordeaux, Bordeaux City

Bordeaux is probably the most prestigious wine region of France and therefore the world. The techniques of wine production in Bordeaux have been copied all over the world. The region has a unique micro climate because of the Gironde flowing through it. I find it quite difficult to describe a region like Bordeaux because it is one of a kind with many facets concerning the so called terroir and the people likewise. I will elaborate on this later. This will probably be one of my biggest blog entries because the experience there was probably the most interesting one I ever had, definitely concerning the wine. If one is not yet acquainted with wine and wine production, the Bordeaux region is definitely the place where you can learn most about wine.

Bordeaux City

The city of Bordeaux is also quite a nice city with many nice restaurants along the river bank which locals like to frequent on summer evenings. Like in every city, one has to look around first and pick out the ones which look good, which I have successfully done I think.

City centre Bordeaux

City centre Bordeaux

Typical restaurant in the city centre

Church

Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins is the main fountain in Bordeaux. We were told by locals that the metal statues were supposed to be taken down during the occupation in World War 2 in order to be smelted and to be used as ammunition. The people of Bordeaux however dissembled the statues themselves and hid them from the Nazis and later reassembled them after the war. 

River

City view from the river

Place de la Bourse

Restaurant Fernand

This is a restaurant we found while wandering around the city. The locals frequent the restaurant around 9 p.m. It is conveniently located at the river bank. The atmosphere is very nice because you can really see that people are enthusiastic about the food they eat and you can see the locals glancing over at each others tables, looking what the others are eating. I decided to try a beaf tartare. I was more than surprised with the quality.

Waiter preparing the tartare at our table

Waiter mixing the marinade to taste

The waiter asked me how much salt, oil, ketchup, spices etc. I would like. it was interesting to see how they prepare it right in front of you. It does not really get any fresher than this. The presentation was perfect.

Steak Tartare freshly prepared

The end result of the tartare he prepared was, without exaggeration, simply amazing. This was a wonderfully fresh tartare with the combination of spices evolving in your mouth while you were eating it. 

Mixed sea food platter

We also had a mixed sea food platter which was also fresh with excellent taste. Around us, a lot of the locals had a large oyster dish which is also famous in the area and highly recommended. This is a typical place for people watching.

14th of July

As you probably know, the 14th of July is the French national holiday. People go wild on the streets for the whole night. Everybody goes out and eats and drinks wherever possible. It was interesting to see how cultivated the country is. People would either go to restaurants, which you would probably have to book way in advance, or they would get a bottle of wine, glasses and some cold cuts, baguette and cheese and just sit somewhere on a bench or along the street. Apart from that, there was a huge parade. If you want to have a nice evening on the 14th of July, or sit quietly in a restaurant, you can forget about that. Many people avoid big cities on this national holiday.

Vive la France!

Helicopter flying at the parade

Military Parade

Parachute jumpers

The enthusiasm and love of the French for their country could really be felt here on the 14th of July. It was an interesting experience. We found no place to sit, have glass of wine, dinner or anything else but still enjoyed the experience.

Elio's Ristorante

Elio's is a Sardinian restaurant which we discovered while wandering around the city of Bordeaux. After all the French wines and French cuisine, it was nice to have a simple Italian dinner.

Simple delicious pasta with bacon

Ravioli with meat filling in tomato sauce

The restaurant was simple and down to earth with simple seating and big portions we could barely eat. The wine was a Sardinian wine poured into a clay jug and then poured into our glasses. We also tried a sweet Sardinian wine as an aperitif. Overall a nice experience with friendly staff.