Sabbatical in France – Fall 2016 Archives - Page 2 of 2

Three Spectacular Meals in Bordeaux

(Sept 2016) In addition to the excellent dinners I had most every evening in Bordeaux at Chez Sylvie’s – the gourmet chef who opened her home to language students, I also had three other spectacular meals. There are Hundreds of Charming Restaurants in Bordeaux Le Bordeaux Gordon Ramsay Brasserie at the Grand Hotel This Gordon Ramsay restaurant just opened in June of 2016, and we were very pleased with our experience here. I went with three other students who were attending my language school. We arrived around 1pm on a Thursday and had no trouble getting a table inside. The outside [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:33:14-08:00September 24, 2016|

Cite du Vin – Amazing Architecture and Wine Exhibits

(Sept. 2016) Probably one of the most exciting afternoons I spent in Bordeaux was visiting the new museum that just opened called Cite du Vin. Several years in the making, the unique modern architecture was designed jointly by the male and female team of Legendre and Desmazieres. The design is supposed to reflect the Garonne River that flows outside, and mesmerizes with its swirling mass of silver and gold metal with mirrors. The Swirling Architecture of Cite du Vin - to emulate the Garonne River The price of admission is 20 euros, which includes all of the exhibits plus a [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:33:36-08:00September 22, 2016|

Why Doesn’t Bordeaux Export More of Their Delightful Sparkling and Rose Wines?

(Sept. 2016) Bordeaux is known around the world for their sophisticated red wines. However, if you visit Bordeaux during the heat of the summer when the temperatures can soar into the mid 90’s F, it is difficult to crave a big heavy red wine. But guess what? That’s not what the residents of Bordeaux drink in the summer. They enjoy their crisp whites (which are widely exported), and also the refreshing Bordeaux rose and sparkling wines. Cremant de Bordeaux - A Lovely Sparkling Wine What? – you may be asking - Bordeaux produces rose and sparkling wines? The answer is [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:34:31-08:00September 19, 2016|

Great Wine Bars and Wine Shops of Bordeaux

(Sept. 2016) When in Bordeaux it is almost impossible to “throw a rock” without hitting a wine bar or wine shop. They are all over the city, and this is only fitting, because Bordeaux is one of the largest wine producing regions in the world, with more than 8500 wineries. Though there are many great wine bars and shops, I have three favorites, described below: CIVB Bar a Vin – Where You Can Drink Amazing Wine for Two Euros! This great wine bar called Bar a Vin, located across from the Tourist Office in downtown Bordeaux, is the brainchild of [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:35:05-08:00September 15, 2016|

The Other Side of Bordeaux – Beaches and Giant Sand Dunes

(Sept 2016) When most people hear the word “Bordeaux,” the first thought that comes to mind is usually “wine,” but Bordeaux is actually situated very near to the Atlantic Ocean and is home to many famous white sandy beaches, as well as the largest sand dune in Europe – the Dune of Pilat. On this trip I decided to explore the other side of Bordeaux, and enjoy some of the touristy sites located only a few miles from some of the famous vineyards. Of course, I also enjoyed some very fine wines! Beach Near Bordeaux Becoming a French Immersion Student [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:35:30-08:00September 14, 2016|