Bordeaux

27 - 29 July
We found a campsite close to Bordeaux and from here spent the afternoon in the city. Public transport is really well organised. We drove a short distance to a "Park and Ride" where we parked the car and took a "tram" - which is really a very modern light rail system. The cost for parking and tram tickets return for the two of us was only E2.60 - about NZ $5. The rail network was very easy and convenient to use - a bit like an underground rail system, but all above ground.
Bordeaux reminded us of Paris with its stone buildings 3-4 storeys high with wrought iron balconies. The centre is very spacious and mainly pedestrian, although lots of people were riding bikes (and taking them on the trams which made for a squash at times).
The park land along the edge of the wide river Garonne has been developed quite recently and was very pleasant to stroll along. A very popular feature was the "Eau Miroire" - a simple idea but most effective. It was a large rectangle, about the size of a hockey field. The black tiles were covered in a few centimetres of water, giving a mirror effect. People were paddling around in it (lovely on the feet on a hot day!), but they seemed to be hanging about waiting, then suddenly cool steam erupted from vents creating a fog which was high enough to blot out all the people. After a few minutes that dispersed and smaller fountains of water played. This sequence was repeated over and over. Such a simple idea, but enjoyed by kids of all ages!
We spent the afternoon walking about the city - many impressive historic buildings in light coloured stone.