Awarded “Best of 2017” by Lonely Planet, and an official UNESCO world heritage site, Bordeaux, known locally as the sleeping beauty is wide awake and rearing to go! Come along, I'll take you for a stroll along the banks of the Garonne.
Sneakers at dawn
Bordeaux holds its marathon every year in March, and the riverside is perfect for a run on the “Two Bridge Round”. Just over 4 magical miles to get your training in when the sun comes up.
Down by the water
Paddleboard, kayak... Throughout the year, Marins de la Lune organises watersport outings on the river.
Mirror, mirror on the... square?
Definitely the most photographed spot in Bordeaux. Created in 2006 by the landscape artist Michel Corajoud, and the fountain designer Jean-Max Llorca, and a Modern World Heritage Site, the Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror) alternates between ephemeral reflections of light and mist.
Anchors aweigh!
Bordeaux is also a port, where 20-30 cruise liners moor every year between Place de Quinconces and Les Chartrons. You will also find river cruisers to take you on a tour of the vineyards and heritage sites.
A skater’s (and photographer’s) delight
The Colbert Skate Park, opposite Hangar 14, is one of the largest of its kind, and paradise for skaters, rollerbladers, and even BMX bikers.
Wine, a living art
A place dedicated entirely to wine. A journey spanning eras and civilizations. And a panoramic tasting 35m up
A break in no hurry at all
At the Chantiers Garonne you can sample a Darwin Beer, steaks, and seafood from your chaise longue, with your feet doodling in the sand…
Alternative, you say?
Darwin is an alternative space, an environmental and activist venue occupying the old Niel barracks. Graffiti on the walls, skate park, brunch at the Bistrot-Réfectoire, and an extensive organic store... You can also get a tattoo or buy a motorbike!
Get the night off to a good start
See you opposite Louis Visconti’s Fountain of the Three Graces for dinner in the square, in an 18th century interior.
Where next?
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By Marie Tchin
With mixed Asian and European heritage, Marie Tchin lives in Bordeaux where she wears a number of hats. She provides galleries with visual rumours of the city. Find her: [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/marietchin) [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/marietchin)
