Bordeaux. French elegance
City-gourmet, city-port, city of exquisite vines — all this is about Bordeaux. A vine leaf is considered one of the city’s symbols. The grapes are being grown there almost everywhere: on the outskirts, on the heights, in the valleys. So, maybe you’ve seen photos that show the grapes growing even along the restrictive bars of the airport. However this hospitable city can impress its guests not only with a delicious cuisine and excellent vine. The architecture of Bordeaux is worth-seeing as well. For example, you’ve probably watched the videos about the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, founded on the end of 18th century, remains one of the most beautiful buildings of the world. The Opéra National de Bordeaux is another pride of the locals and a pilgrimage for all the amateurs of dramatic art. Here you can see staging of any genre – from a classic ballet to contemporary performances in a style of street dance.
Place de la Bourse is also a famous symbol of Bordeaux. Its main jewels are an ancient building of the burse and the fountain Miroir d’eau. The square faces the quay that impresses tourists with an unusual fountain – actually a large reflecting pool. It looks really fascinating. It seems like people are walking on water just like on earth. In the evenings there is also a magical show with different illumination.
The bridge over the Garonne, called Pont Pierre, was built in honor of The Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But firstly it was intended only for a comfortable movement of the army to Spain. However the bridge turned out to be very picturesque, and till the late sixties of 20th century it had been the only “threat” connecting the left and the right banks of the city.
The best view of Bordeaux opens from the most beautiful bell tower of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, the patron saint of sailors and ships. This tower is crowned with the statue of the Mother of God, the preserver of the city according to beliefs.
