Bordeaux Blog: When the Parents came to stay

The french life of a 21 (yes I turned 21!!!!) year old: I've been keeping busy these past two weeks with a placement at the university. It's such a great opportunity, but means I haven't had much spare time, so I've been thinking about some of the best moments since being in Bordeaux, and my parents visiting in October half term is definitely one of them!

The fun-fayre at Quinconces with the Ferris Wheel and Fountain Girondins

They arrived the Wednesday around lunchtime, and I helped them check in to their hotel. They stayed at a hotel near to my house so it was perfect. We walked around Bordeaux, traipsing around Chartrons, which is a lovely unique district of Bordeaux which sells antiques, bric-a-brac and vintage boutiques. It's situated in the heart of Bordeaux, and is really french, I know that sounds silly but the shopping street is very touristy. The locals frequent there and tend to chill in the cafés there, instead of venturing more into the tourist part. I think my landlord Franck buys his the furniture for his apartment there.

Walking along the Garonne river bank with my mum

We headed to the cathedral and walked inside, astonished at how beautiful the inside is, as well as the exterior, and ended up going to the fun fayre at Quinconces. Daddy and I shared some apple candyfloss (barbe a papa in french) and we strolled along the river bank too and ended up at jardin public. It was such a lovely day for November and was great to show my parents completely different areas of Bordeaux. We popped back to my house so I could get changed, before going to their hotel, and then we had an apéro at a lovely bar. I had a glass of lillet blanc, my dad had a lillet rouge, and mum had a kir which is cassis with bubbly.

For dinner that night, we headed to a pizza restaurant with a wood oven. I had a delicious pizza whereas my parents both went for pasta. Even though we waited a long time for the food, it was delicious. The restaurant is called La Mama (http://www.pizzerialamama.fr/) if you fancy a good pizza and glass of wine.

L'Alchimiste café, it's almost like you're stepping into a box, I love the decor

The following day, I met my parents at 9am (although at 9:03 I did get slightly worried they were lost) for breakfast. We went to L'Alchimiste, one of my favourite finds in Bordeaux. They do the best cappuccinos ever, served in the nicest mugs. The whole aesthetic in this cute café is definitely worth a trip there.

Such an insta worthy breakfast, note the amazing cups

We caught the tram to Cité du Vin after breakfast, and spent the majority of the day there. I was advised to spend at least three hours there but we ended up spending more than five before heading up to the rooftop bar for a drink. It's a really great museum, but you have to be really willing to learn or else I'd say it's a waste of your money. I absolutely loved it, learning about the vineyards, different types of wines, the different tastes and feelings everyone has whilst drinking. It goes on, definitely recommend.

For lunch we went to Les Messieurs Croquent for a croque monsieur. Literally the best. Situated literally right on the Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop, this place is a hidden wonder. I am super excited to be going there this weekend with Anna. (https://www.messieurscroquent.com/) The man working there was lovely too, and made a special meat free croque for my mum. And the chips, omg delightful!!

Croque Monsieur time

We went for a nice stroll after lunch, at maybe 4pm.... before heading back to my parents hotel room for well deserved chill. We popped back to my house too to swap over some belongings too. For dinner that night, we went to... now my favourite restaurant in Bordeaux. L'Alysson. It's a french brasserie and genuinely does the best french food. It's a winner if you want traditional french cuisine but not too expensive, and still great quality. I had a monaco to drink and ordered duck, whereas Daddy has une bavette du boeuf and Mummy had salmon. For dessert, I ordered a creme brulée to share as we were all so stuffed but again, it was delicious!!

Confit de canard avec les frites : miam

We went for a stroll to place de la bourse for the photos, it's breathtaking at night!

The next morning, we went to Mona instead for breakfast, and had tartines with butter and jam. Not as nice as L'Alchimiste but I have since been plenty of time for cake, and Mona is great. We climbed Pey Berland tower for incredible views of the city, this is free for me and I think only 4 euros for my parents. The walk to the top actually takes your breath away (that's from the number of steps, not the views....) although the views are still terrific.

The view from Pey Berland Tower, looking out over the Cathedral roof, amazing architecture

We walked to Stalingrad, on the other side of the river and had Paul's Lemon Meringue Tarts too. They're top!

For dinner, we went to an italian which looks out over the cathedral, and afterwards, we had a drink at Bar a Vin, which seems so posh from the outside and the interior decor, but serves wine at such a reasonable price.

A Spaghetti Carbonara, and across the table, a Lasagne

My parents left the following morning, but thoroughly enjoyed their stay in Bordeaux. It's such a great city to share with people, I love the tourist aspect as well as knowing the more secret, hidden places the locals go to.

The amazing range of wines on sale at Cité du Vin

At Cité du Vin, enjoying our complimentary wine in the roof top bar

Keep posted for more updates on useful facts about Bordeaux (and random ones) as well as the typical life of an English girl trying to be French in a foreign city. 

Much love

Ellie xx