TO DO
SLEEPING
I stayed at the Grand Hotel. Interior by Garcia. Cardboard walls. Overall pleasant. Otherwise the Hôtel de Séze or the Hôtel des Quinconces: a small Sino-European style hotel. 6/10.
EATING:
For gourmets: Gordon Ramsey (in the Grand Hotel), Saint James, Chapon Fin (very nice interior). Brasserie: Le 4ème Mur (in the Opera House) (not very hospitable, nor very clean but very trendy). Low budget: l’Entrecôte. 7/10.
TERRASSE
A lot of terraces. Very nice.
VISITING
I recommend an open bus tour. Just under an hour and a general overview of the city. 7/10.
SHOPPING
There is everything but nothing special. Yes! The MOLLAT bookstore and a fun organic store that suggests all the ingredients for a menu.
BRIDGE
The Garonne river runs along the city but crossing the bridges is worth while. By bike of course!
SPORTIVE
A lot of youngsters and a lot of sports! And a lot of beautiful people.
BéMOL
Not for me but for the inhabitants of Bordeaux. The arrival of the TGV last July is already kicking up a fuss. We are clearly in a provincial city and as soon as there are a few more people than usual there is a sense of unease.
DARWIN
It's the upcoming area. Trapped by the Garonne, the city is trying to spread across to the other side of the river. Thus a new neighborhood has emerged: Darwin. Terraces, sports, painted walls, energy, modernity, a lovely promise for the future. 8/10.
MERIADECK
Area developed in the 70s-80s. The then mayor demolished an entire old and derelict district, just like the current one has renovated the Chartrooms quay with its water mirror. Mériadeck may not be really beautiful but is clean and interesting.
OUTSIDE: OYSTERS ARE NATURALLY CHIC by Philip Morgan Videaste
CHIC:
A small fishing village in the nineteenth century, Cap Ferret has managed to keep its wild and simple identity despite the massive wave of Bordelais and Parisians flocking there to appear alongside the "stars to small handkerchiefs" who are peninsula regulars. The view of the Arcachon Bay, the pinnaces and the famous Dune du Pilat are unique and all the more enjoyable during off season.
NATURAL:
Nevertheless Cap Ferret keeps a “feet-in-the-water” good natured quality. One enjoys long bike rides among the pines, or walks along the endless beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Do not forget to stop by Fredelian for a coffee and a delicious cannelé to watch the passersby going to the market.
OYSTERS:
This is of course the must of the bay. The most popular place is probably the restaurant Chez Hortense but I would rather recommend its new “appetizer” offspring, which is closer and sporting a breathtaking view of the bay : La Cabane d’Hortense.
