For my half-term break, or basically the first of the two "spring" breaks the schools here have, I was able to escape the grey, drab life of the UK. I jet-setted almost directly south to the lovely city of Bordeaux, the 7th largest city in France. It has a population roughly twice the size of Madison, but with much narrower (and somewhat claustrophobic) streets and lovelier architecture. I was told by many that it had rained for three weeks before I arrived, but the entire week I was in France the weather was mild (50-60 degrees) with mostly brilliant blue, and sunny skies.
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| Bordeaux Train Station |
I got there on Friday, got settled in, and then on Saturday morning my friend Nick, who I was visiting there, and I hopped on a train to travel two hours south to visit the Basque Country. I didn't know anything really about the Basque Country before my trip, but the majority of it lies in northern Spain, with a smaller area in southwestern France. We went to three of the biggest cities in the French region; Bayonne, Biarritz, and St. Jean-de-Luz. All of the towns were very beautiful, but the best part was that each one had its own distinct feel about it. Bayonne is situated on the river Ardour, and had a lovely old-world charm about it.
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| One side of Bayonne as seen from one of the bridges |
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| Bayonne at Night |
Biarritz was rather commercial but is right on the ocean, complete with a few random rock formations that people can venture out onto to get a spectacular view of not only the Biarritz coastline, but also the Pyrenees Mountains in the not so far off distance.
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| Tiny little park on an island in Biarritz |
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| Pyrenees very faintly in the distance |
St. Jean-de-Luz also had beach-front territory, but more so in the form of a lovely crescent bay. We found an excellent viewing spot on one edge of the bay, and sitting there taking in the scenery was one of the best parts of the trip. Of course, with the others being exploring the local churches, shops, and restaurants.
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| One slice of the bay with the Pyrenees right behind... |
We also took a short day-trip to the quaint wine-making town on Saint Emilion, which was a mere 30 minute train ride from town. This was quite possibly my favorite part of the week I spent in France, and most of it was simply putzing around this tiny, quiet village, along with wine tasting/drinking (of course), a nice cheese plate, and a lovely tabby we decided to name Percy who kept us company whilst doing so. The weather couldn't have been more perfect; it was the kind of day you just have to savour as slowly as possible.
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| Saint Emilion as seen from the top of the 13th century "Tour du Roy" |
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| Percy - my new best friend (I miss my cats!) |
The rest of the week I spent in Bordeaux I wandered about mostly aimlessly, which is my favorite thing to do when the weather is cooperating. I saw abit of the Musee-des-Beaux Artes, a few relatively impressive shopping areas, and of course lovely various structures throughout the city.
I shall label these later, but in conclusion, France was most excellent and I cannot wait to go back with Elizabeth. I was able to rely on having a friend who is fluent, but when Elizabeth and I go it's pretty much all on me, so I am practicing!
Salut!
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