Last month, early July, we took the train to Bordeaux - at last back on the road after 18 months of corona! Bordeaux is not difficult to reach by train. You take a TGV in Brussels, and this will bring you either to Paris or Marne-la-vallée. From there there is another TGV to Bordeaux. We travelled in 1st class; a bit pricier but better in the circumstances (more space, less people, so less).
It was evening when we arrived in Bordeaux. Our hotel - Hilton Garden Inn - was luckily not far away from the railway station (10-15 minutes) and we could immediately go to our room. According to the clerk behind the desk we had the best room in the hotel - which was true, after all. It was on the top floor and had a nice terrace looking over the river Garonne.
On the first day of our stay we made a discovery walk to see the highlights of Bordeaux, accompanied by guide Michael. We find that this is always the best way to get acquainted with a new place. The tour incluced tasting, too. We had some local pastries and at the end of the tour we could partake in in wine-tasting of some quality wines. There we had for the first time orange wine, which tasted more than excellent.
The following day we explored on our own. Helped by Michael's explanations, we discovered some quartiers we hadn't visited the day before. It was a long day of walking, so every now and then we sat down on a terrace to have a drink or enjoy lunch.
On Tuesday we had another tour booked, this one to Arcachon and the Dune de Pilat. After a ride of about an hour (the traffic was not too bad) we reached the coastal region and first visited the dune. The Dune de Pilat is the highest dune in Europe (more than 100m high) and from the top you have a nice panorama over the ocean and the inlets.
Later on that morning, we drove to the town of Arcachon, where we had a look at both the summer and winter village, and then we had lunch in La Teste. This is the place for oysters. If you like oysters, I can recommend this! The fishermen sell the oysters at bottom price, 1€ per oyster, and you can enjoy them on the spot. We sat down for a 'light' lunch, with big plates of oysters and other seafood. Pure heaven!
On Wednesday we took a regional train (30 minutes' ride) to St. Emilion, where the famous wine is made. When you arrive in the railway station, you have to take a road to the town which brings you along the many vineyards - all of them offer tasting. The town of St. Emilion is also worth seeing. Especially the Monolith Church, which its large underground rooms. Unfortunately, taking pictures there was forbidden. But the visit, organized by the local Bureau de Tourisme, was very interesting.
And the next day we had to return home, unfortunately! We had a great stay, though, and enjoyed it even more because we hadn't been abroad in so long a time!
