During my October trip home to visit my mother during her surgery, I took a few hours break every few days from my hospital vigil. Camera in hand I wandered through my native village of Clermont-Dessous and later, Bordeaux to show you this beautiful region that I call home.
Clermont-Dessous, my village in Lot et Garonne, where my family has lived for generations:
The view from my bedroom window 
The 12th Century church where all my family going back many
generations were baptized, married and ultimately laid to rest.
Surrounding landscape of the rolling hills of Lot et Garonne
Welcome to Bordeaux
Bordeaux, one of the largest cities in France, is ideally located on the Garonne River Delta and the home of the most beautiful and famous vineyards in the world. Bordeaux is also very close to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. 
Bordeaux Riverfront
Miles of magnificent walkways along the banks of the Garonne
My father and my dear cousin Anne-Marie on the permanent artisticand architectural installation Le Miroir D'Eau. 
The Bordeaux "Water Mirror" is the largest water sculpture in the world.
A man needs a dog to be whole.
Medieval times meet contemporary architecture. 
The "Palais de Justice" (Bordeaux Courthouse)
Le Grand Theatre
What would France be without its outdoor Cafes?
One of many Plazas spread around the city
Could the brilliant Catalan Architect Antonio Gaudi have
found some of his inspiration in Bordeaux?
Another Bordeaux Plaza Square
Bordeaux, A City for Children
Bordeaux by night is a very romantic city And, at last, that for which Bordeaux is best known throughout the world, its sacred Vineyards:
The Vat Room at Chateau Haut-Brion where the vineyard's
2009 Vintage now ferments.
Your Bordeaux Guide (Me, of course) sampling Chateau Haut-Brion's 2005 vintage
Chateau Petrus. Vintage 2004 now available at $1800/bottle. Ouch!!!
My Favorite Store in Bordeaux, L'Intendants...
The Ultimate Hotel for Wines
Les Sources de Caudalie
Chateau Smith haut Lafite
Maisons Cote Ouest/No. 84 Oct-Nov 2009
Story: Caroline Mesnil/Photos: Francois GoudierAll photos by Francine Gardner unless otherwise credited
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