One Day in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an interesting port city located on a sweeping crescent-shaped bend of the River Garonne in South-West France.  Known as the Port of the Moon because of its shape, this UNESCO world heritage site has a rich history.  For more than 2000 years the city has operated its port, facilitating the exchange of human values and commerce as the capital city of the famous wine region.  One day in Bordeaux was not enough time!  

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Gilets Jaunes: A traveller’s perspective

I have recently returned from a 24 day trip to France.  A trip that I had been planning for over a year.  The Australian Government was already recommending travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to high threat of terrorist attacks before I paid for our flights, but we decided to go anyway, and to be mindful of our surroundings.  Then in November 2018, we started seeing news of the protests in France by the Gilets Jaunes.  While unsettling, I was hoping that the situation would have resolved itself by the time we made our appearance in January-February 2019.  As the day of our departure grew closer, it was becoming evident that the demonstrations would be likely to continue throughout our time in France. 

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Chenonceau – Chateaux of the Loire Valley

The elegant chateau we see today spanning the Cher River in France was built between the years 1515 – 1559, starting first with a residence on the river accessed by a bridge.  Later, an arched bridge on the other side was constructed, reaching all the way to the opposite bank.  The bridge would eventually include a grand gallery and a floor of rooms above that.  Chenonceau is built entirely across the middle of the river Cher! At each end of the chateau there are access walkways to the riverbanks. Women who have inhabited this chateau throughout history have influenced its design, including its gardens.  Chenonceau is often described as “the ladies chateau” for this reason.

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Villandry – Chateaux of the Loire

In the Loire Valley of France, you will find many marvellous chateaux surrounded by beautiful gardens.  Having visited a healthy number of these chateaux, I can say that the gardens at Chateau de Villandry were the most impressive that I have seen.  An easy 9 mile car trip from Tours will drop you at the castle car park, which is free.  Entry to the gardens will cost € 7, or for a look in the fully restored chateau as well as the gardens you pay €11.

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