Bordeaux

Monday, 3 April 2017

Bordeaux : My First Week

I am just one week into my one month stay in Bordeaux, and what a busy week it has been.

Despite its 17th and 18th century feel, there are some Roman and Medieval attractions. Notably, the 11th century St. Andre's Cathedral, where Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future King Louis VII. Some years later she divorced Louis to marry Henry I I of England. They were the parents of (amongst others ) King Richard the Lionheart.

I spent all day Friday at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has an extensive collection of 16th and 17th century art including works by Rubens, Van Dock, Titian, and Rembrandt.

Their 19th and 20th century collection includes Carot, Buland, Rodin, Seuart, Matisse, Marquetry, and a fabulous Russian sculptor, Ossip Zadkine.

On Sunday I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the Ballet. It was a wonderful performance and I was able to see the stunning ballet/opera house.

A busy and very enjoyable week. Hope you enjoy the pictures, and many thanks to my sister Anne for the new picture of Bordeaux,

Saturday, 22 April 2017

Bordeaux just got better and better !!

Veronica came to spend two weeks with me in Bordeaux!! We had such a wonderful time visiting the museum, the Cité de Vin where there was a terrific art show, climbing two church towers, enjoying the river, the Water Mirror which becomes a cooling mist on hot days, a puppet show in the park, and visiting a church where St. Veronica relics are entombed.

There were many meals at outdoor cafés with lovely Bordeaux wines, plus croissants and hot chocolate for breakfast.

This was the home of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her family, so , not only was it a thrill to be in the church where she married the future King Louis VII, but to visit the tower that was once part of her family’s palace.

It was fabulous to enjoy the city with my daughter and her fluent French!!

There are lots of pictures. ...