Bordeaux to Paris and a New Way to See the City

With our river cruise behind us, we boarded the TGV, France’s high speed train for Paris. It travelled very fast, indeed, reaching an incredible 300 mph.

Once we arrived at our hotel in Boulogne, we wasted no time in taking a taxi from Boulogne to the Eiffel Tower. From there, we planned to make our way to the Champs-Élysées. We got a little lost along the way, but that’s part of the fun of exploring a new place, right?

Eventually , I did fit in a little shopping time and a coffee, and we felt quite proud of ourselves for managing, especially as we do not speak French!

Last time we were in Paris, we took a bus to all the main tourist spots. It was a good way to see the highlights, but this time we walked and discovered so much more. Charming little streets and a cafe where the owner spoke a little English and was very happy to talk to someone from Australia!

While a bus tour is efficient, walking allows you to create your own memories and our short stay felt richer because of it.

A Night at the Bassins des Lumieres

One of the highlights of our recent cruise was an unexpected excursion to the Bassins des Lumieres. The venue is the world’s largest digital art centre, and its history is in stark contrast to its modern purpose. During WWII this colossal building was a German submarine base, with a roof nine metres thick, built to withstand aerial attack.

Inside, this industrial relic has been transformed into a living canvas. We were there to see a stunning exhibition of the Egyptian Pharaohs. As we wandered through the massive space, we felt like we were in the heart of the pyramids. It was a true sensory experience – towering images of pharaohs and their history were projected over the walls and floor, and onto the surface of vast pools of water. The music, combined with the shifting light and the shimmering reflections, made it an unforgettable journey.

The visit was more than just a light show. It was a blend of history, art and technology that was a powerful and moving experience. It was a true highlight of our cruise and a must-see for anyone visiting Bordeaux.

A Tour of Local Flavours and a Decorated Maison

Friday morning started with the Libourne market, a local hub that was a feast for the eyes and it was fascinating to compare it to the fresh produce we’re used to seeing in Australia.

While much of the fruit and vegetables were familiar, our attention was really caught by the huge, red tomatoes, seemingly so much bigger than we see at home. The prices, surprisingly were very similar. However, the star of the show was, once again, the bread! I know I go on about it, but the range was amazing with most of it we only encounter when we are overseas.

After soaking up the market’s atmosphere and enjoying a well deserved coffee, it was time for our next adventure: Maison Mulatô.

Approaching the house, the first impression was of a charming but unassuming facade. But stepping through the front door, the house revealed itself as a beautifully decorated guest house, a testament to the passion of its owners.

Every room reflected the couple’s love for their home. The attention to detail was incredible, from the elegant decor to the cozy, inviting atmosphere. The experience continued outside, from both an indoor and outdoor pool to the impeccably landscaped gardens.

It was amazing what this couple have achieved in four years, from office space and car park to a beautifully and thoughtfully decorated home.