Bordeaux by dusk and nightfall

As my sister lives in France, we were very fortunate to have one of her friends, Greg, guide us  around the city; as only a local can.  First stop Place du Parlement.

The city is made for 'urban hikers' (thanks K.),

and we walked for miles and miles

......next stop: Place de la Bourse

In the evening, the water in front of the building creates a fabulous reflection (stay tuned).

I always find it amazing to see how the old blends in with the new.  Here are some perfect examples:

A swanky shopping venue

Modern art in an old courtyard
  

 Greg knew all right places to eat, so we headed to his favourite restaurant that specialized in 'open faced sandwiches', called Tartines.  As a starter we were offered a selection of

charcuterie and cheese, 'on the house'!!

I chose the foie gras and apples......

  while Trish opted for the smoked salmon

After such a fabulous meal, we had to walk it off, so headed back to the Place de la Bourse for the night show.  It was breathtaking!!!!

 Thank you Greg, for being such a gracious host.

Next up: The Pyla Dune

St. Emilion & Bordeaux

As a lover of wine, a trip to France is not complete without a visit to one of the best known areas in the  country!

Where better to start, than St. Emilion.  It is built on a hill,

with many cobblestoned paths,

housing inviting boutiques with too many temptations.

 Every inch of spare land is home to fields of vines just waiting to have feet stomp it into what will eventually go into MY glass!

Even if you don't like wine, the shear beauty of the village will impress you!

With only 2 days to pack in what we wanted to vist,

my sister and I set off for Bordeaux.

We booked an AirBnB spot; a new adventure for both of us, which tuned out to be alright.  Our hostess was charming; the lower level of the house and garden was just for our use, and it was clean!

 Althought the city centre was 6 tram stops away, it ran on dedicated tracks and was quick.

First stop; "Place de la Comedie" home of the Opera and a Grand Hotel, which boasts one of Gordon Ramsay's Restaurants;

 .......and, on the menu tonight.......

I wonder if this guy would be stopping in for dinner......

More temptations.......macarons

Walking, shopping and gawking is tiring work, so time to meet up wth my niece and have drink.

Not a shabby view from our cafe ....

Coming up.......Bordeaux at night

Toulouse, France

I have had the good fortune of visiting Toulouse, France, many times throughtout my life and I continue to fall in love with it each time I visit.  The stunning architecture exemplifies the grandeur of years gone by.

 

The city is a walker's paradise, with many grand buildings and statues.

One of my favourite restaurants is L'Entrecote!
 The only question they ask you is:
 how would you like your steak cooked?.
A light salad with walnuts starts the meal, followed by steak in a mustard sauce and fries.

With plenty for seconds

Every visit to France should include 

a glass of rosé on an outside terrace! 

Fountains and Carousels for adults and kids alike.....

 Such a lovely start to a Holiday.