I visited a walkable city just one hour from the UK - it’s pretty but there's a downside
The city is known for its wine, vineyards, gastronomy and architecture. Located just one hour from the UK, it's the perfect destination for a weekend city break.
Bordeaux is a city in southwestern France located on the river Garonne just one hour from the coast.
The port city is the sixth-most populated city in France and is a world capital of wine with chateaux and vineyards on the outskirts of the city and the surrounding areas.
I visited Bordeaux last month during a 30C heatwave and was blown away by the city's gastronomy, wine and breathtaking architecture. Keen to explore the city on foot, I decided to stay 15 to 20 minutes outside the city centre in the Mériadeck district.
The centre of Bordeaux was a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus journey away, however, with the sun shining and Bordeaux being largely flat, I didn't mind walking into the centre each day.
Unlike other cities in France such as Paris, Bordeaux is incredibly walkable. Being largely flat, compact and bicycle-friendly, it was easy to explore the city's narrow, cobbled streets and vast shopping areas on foot.
What to see in Bordeaux
If you are exploring Bordeaux on foot then there's no better place to start than at Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Located right in the centre of the city opposite the InterContinental Bordeaux Hotel, the opera house is a stunning building that was designed by the architect Victor Louis between 1731 and 1800.
The Grand Theatre is famous for its Neo-classical facade which includes 12 Corinthian-style colossal columns. Above the columns are 12 statues which are said to represent nine Muses and the goddesses Juno, Venus and Minerva.
I didn't enter the building but noticed the incredible piece of architecture was a spot to socialise for Bordeaux locals.
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La Grosse Cloche
Another highlight of Bordeaux is the beautiful clock tower, known as Grosse Cloche. The Clocktower is one of the oldest belfries in France and is located in the heart of the city.
The bell was cast in 1775 and rings just six times a year for particular occasions including Bastille Day, VE Day and Remembrance Day.
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The Place de la Bourse
One of my favourite spots was the Place de la Bourse, a square in Bordeaux that is probably one of the city's most famous sights.
The square, which also has a fountain, was built from 1730 to 1775 and is opposite the river Garonne. The plaza and buildings were designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel and have since been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Monument aux Girondins
Right next to the Place de la Bourse, is the Pont de Pierre - a bridge which connects the left bank of the river with the right bank.
Basilique Saint-Michel, a Gothic Church in the heart of the ancient quarter of the city, and the Monument aux Girondins, a fountain statue commemorating the Girondists, are also worth a visit.
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Canelé
There are a plethora of restaurants, bars and cafes in Bordeaux but it's easy to get sucked into a tourist trap if you're not careful.
Visitors simply must try the city's famous canelés. A canelé is a small French pastry that is flavoured with rum and vanilla so it has a decadent, caramel-like flavour.
The sweet pastry has a dark, thick caramelised crust and is made using flour, egg yolks and cane sugar. Canelés can be found in supermarkets but the best ones can be bought from Canelés Baillardran shops and cafés across the city.
(Image: Getty)