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 manygenerations were baptized, married and ultimately laid to rest.
Surrounding landscape of the rolling hills of Lot et GaronneWelcome 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 havefound 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's2009 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
My favorite Spa, Les Sources de Caudalie, was just rated by Conde Nast as the best spa in the world. I stayed at the spa with my parents a few years ago on a short trip home.
Les Sources de CaudalieChateau Smith haut Lafite
Maisons Cote Ouest/No. 84 Oct-Nov 2009
Story: Caroline Mesnil/Photos: Francois Goudier
All photos by Francine Gardner unless otherwise credited
Posts
Wow, gorgeous! I must make a trip there, first off, Bordeaux is my favorite wine and the city is beautiful with great architecture. I never realized that Bordeaux was close to the beach? The "wine hotel", the water sculpture, I love the contrast between the architecture styles of the city. Hmmm, perhaps for your readers there will be a Francine Gardner hosted Bordeaux tour in the future;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Jaime
I always thought of Bordeaux as a grey city compared to Toulouse.... But these pictures are beautiful! I love all your travel pictures. Can I be your "Dame de compagnie" in your travels?
ReplyDeleteFatou
Francince - I ask you, how could a person ever leave Bordeaux? In the eyes of a girl from a small country town in Washington State, Bordeaux seems like a place only dreams are made of. The architecture, the vineyards, the squares, all so spectacular. Were you and your husband married at the church as well? It looks magical. How is your mother since her surgery? I hope she is well and your father is doing fine? Your father resembles my father very much. Such a great photo of him & your cousin. Francine visiting your blog is such as education. You live the life that I so admire. Thank you for letting us take a peak into your world. I hope the holiday sales are robust at the show and your family is enjoying Dec. thus far? All the best to you x deb
ReplyDeletep.s.-thanks for reading Sunday's post. Jenny is an incredibly hilarious blogger. She says it like it is & with very colorful language. I could never write in that style but I admire that she can & not worry about what others think. Likely the reason why she's successful & I'm still struggling for my place!!
Share more of Clermont-Dessous, very interesting! Love the images.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are looking forward to "nesting" at home this year, we are sure that slllooww quiet time will be very meaningful.
Paul & Anita
Francine,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, great to read your comments! When you have the chance, you should definitely make a visit to Art Basel, truly amazing. In regards to Bordeaux...wouldn't that be fab, count me in!
I hope all is well with your mother and you are enjoying the holiday season.
All the best,
Jaime
Just beautiful! Bordeaux is certainly my next stop in France. Last time, we covered Avignon and much of Provence. (though starting in Paris) I know who to ask for advice and suggestions when the time comes to return.
ReplyDeleteThat rooster is awesome! My Mother loves them, also. I'm looking for one like that but smaller for her home. Also, that store with the wine looks unbelievable.
Thank you for sharing such great images...what memories! My heart longs to return to this place...I fit in so well and felt so at home...
Francine - your comment on Renee Finberg's blog today was such a tender memory of your dear mother. It brought tears to my eyes. She is in my prayers xx
ReplyDeleteWow - what beautiful images. Thank you so much for taking us on this trip with you -such special, personal places (not to mention stunning!)
ReplyDeletexo
Francine - your posts about your travels are always a treat. Gorgeous gorgeous photos and views as always. What must that spa look like on the inside if it's ranked the best in the world? That VAT room at the winery is the cleanest and most pristine one I've ever seen - just gorgeous. I have a friend who is nuts about wine and so I must recommend that hotel with the spiraling wine racks to him.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post! Thank you for sharing.
Cheers,
Karen Olivia
These photos are fabulous~
ReplyDeleteI'm with Deb- thanks ever so much for allowing us to see bits of your world. Bordeaux looks fantastic. I can't believe I have never been. Need to start planning!
ReplyDeleteYou've been in my thoughts and hope all is going OK.
Is this where you are right now? so beautiful!! Thanks for your comment and your support :)
ReplyDeletewonderful tour!
ReplyDeleteHow ideal...nice meating you Francine; your store is a feast for the eyes :)
ReplyDeleteBest,
Michelle
Was waiting for another post to reply, but I'll just post twice on this one! For bigger dog coats, they had quite a good selection online at the store I mentioned handsnpaws.com and Orvis has several as well!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful. So happy I found you snice I'm planning a trip to Europe for my honeymoon!
ReplyDeleteWow amazing photos, I just love the 12th century church. Your place is lovely, and you are a very lucky person, if you wake up in the morning and see that beautiful view, that was cool. Thanks
ReplyDeleteVive la France ! Amazing and beautiful photos !
ReplyDeleteXX