Country: france
Visit Bordeaux, France, with me on this interactive live virtual tour out on location! I’m excited to take you off-the-beaten path and share some of the special gems of the well-preserved historic center of town. You’ll be able to ask me questions and chat with fellow participants on this livestream walking tour packed with royal history, chic street culture, and captivating scenes.We’ll start by the river, with a look at the sweep of 18th century styled homes that take their architectural inspiration from the Place de la Bourse. Here we’ll also spot the world’s first technological tram system.Bordeaux was once a Roman town, before becoming English from the 1100s to the 1400s. We will see the first of the two remaining medieval gates - the stone gate - and hear some stories related to this lovely early renaissance style building. We’ll then go through to the pretty Palace Square, passing by some street art. The palace is, alas, no more but it and its 1000-year reign will be invoked as we take in the local cafés, a great wine shop, and an intriguing silver stone fountain. We’ll also enter some of the narrow Old City streets with names related to the crafts that took place here! Traversing another narrow road, we will find a Basque association and hear about the history of our famous duchess and twice queen, Aliénor of Aquitaine.Crossing a main artery that was once a river, we’ll leave the Roman city behind us, and enter into the heart of the Medieval city. This area is filled with street art, an important road whose looks belie its past, and lovely local shops and cafes. Here the shops are not branded stores but privately owned. Into the market square and up the famous Rue St James, we’ll follow in the footsteps of pilgrims. Passing the first printer of Montaigne’s Essays, we’ll arrive at our final destination: the imposing and beautiful medieval gate, Porte St Eloi, known to locals as “Big Bell Gate”. There are so many wonderful surprises I look forward to sharing with you on this live virtual tour; both majestic and historic. I've lived here for decades and can't wait to show it to you! Be sure to mention your interests on the form when you book so I can cover what you most enjoy! Allons-y – let’s go!
Highlights: Bordeaux
Your guide: Sarah Graham-Beck