SOUTHWEST FRANCE... MY PLACE IN THE SUN

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 artistic
and 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

A visit to "ENTREPOTS LAINE" is an absolute must

Bordeaux by night is a very romantic city

And, at last, that for which Bordeaux is best known throughout the world, its sacred Vineyards:

Chateau Haut-Brion
(Photo: Haut-Brion Catalog)

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

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 Caudalie
Chateau 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