Come winter, this famous Lamrery  is to be found on many a Bordeaux restaurant Menu, cooked in the traditional style  “a la bordelaise”.  Sea lamprey is fished between February and May, when it swims towards the estuary. A black eal- like creature, that can grow up to 50 cm’s in length, lamrey may seem like an unapetising prospect. Yet, as a regional speciality it is definitely worth a try, and cooked  in the Bordeaux style is exceptionally tasty. The fish is marinated in a  rich red wine sauce with leeks and various spices, provided a rich flavour to accompany  the meat like density. La Tupina, one of Bordeaux’s oldest and best known bistros seasonally specialises in serving up a Lamery or two. From a cozy corner table, soak up the atmosphere of this authentic French restaurant as you watch your fish being cooked over a big wood open fire.

If the lamrey doesn’t tickle your fancy, other fishy treats are in store. Only a few  miles away from the bay of Arcachon, Bordeaux cuisine is definitely skewered towards the sea. An indulgent splurge would certainly be an oyster feast. Les huitres (oysters) are traditionally served with bloody sausage, known as crepinettes and some fresh bread and butter. The Restaurant La Boite a Huitres is by far the best place to sample this aphrodisiacal delicacy, and where you can choose from a range of oyster types, sizes, and sauces. The fish soup as a starter is also a must.

Monkfish and turbot are also regulars on a Bordeaux restaurant menu. The best in town can surely be found in restaurant Fernand, which is  located in the elegant place to the bourse on the waterfront.  The bustling bistro atmosphere makes you feel instantly at ease, the staff readily at hand to advice you on which wine to complement your fish, and the food is exquisite.
Yet for more original mouthful, why not buy your own fresh fish from Bordeaux’s fantastic fish sellers. The Sunday morning  farmers market along the river front sells top local produce- local confitures, breads and pasteries, homemade wine, and it is here that you can find fresh muscles, langouistine, muscles and much more. There is also an option to buy pre-prepared paella which is a perfect option on a sunny day, to eaten on a picnic rug on a shady spot in the beautiful  Bordeaux public gardens.

Bon Appetit!

A perfect start t your evening activities would be Le bar a Vin, a light spacious bar attached to the wine school. The bar stocks a great range of wines by the glass at disarmingly low prices. With the choice of new wines as well as classic vintages, and with seriously savvy staff on hand to give you advice on any red, white, sweet or sparking that takes your fancy, wine tasting here is an opportunity not to be missed. From the outside you are presented with an 18^th Century old building, yet once inside the neoclassical facade is quickly forgotten, as you step into a cool contemporary decorated interior with a chic yet intimate vibe. From the low tables and comfy armchairs, you can admire the artworks and wall tapestries, all with a vineyard theme. Come summer, the outside terrace will be the incontestable preference, which is positioned to looks out on to the stunning Grand Theatre. A heavenly place to sit back, sip a glorious glass of red and watch the world go by.

Next port of call, would have to be the rather eccentric Le Petit Bois.  The bar has an intimate and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a seductive rendezvous. The main attraction however, is without doubt the real and rather incredible tree that is placed in the centre of the bar, spreading its branches across the bar roof top, which is decorated with twinkle lights. In this wonderland setting, there is a range of fantastic wines to choose from, and some cold bites and breads on offer too.
If romance is not on the cards this far, La Robe would perhaps be the next wine bar of preference. The glitzy bar was born out of a Frenchman’s desire to combine the two passions of life: wine and women. To fulfil this dream, the owner Alain created the bar which is dedicated to serving wines exclusively produced by women wine growers. You will be able to choose among around a hundred different labels, which are displayed in wine racks dotted around the bar, allowing customers to browse the shelves at leisure, allowing you to actively choose your perfect bottle. Wine related themed evenings are regularly organised, and make for a sociable and entertaining evening.

For by far the most breathtaking panoramic view of the city, entails a bit of climbing.  Right in the heart of the old city, the Tower Eglise Pey Berland is a free standing bell tower which stands 112 metres tall next to the Saint Andre Cathedral. Built between 1440 and 1446, originally to provide the Cathedral with larger bells, the tower itself is a testament to prestigious Bordeaux gothic architecture, with perturbing steeples and gargoyles lining the upper balcony. After climbing the 228 stone steps, twisting steeply around a narrow staircase, the reward is a remarkable view of the adjacent cathedral and provides the opportunity to snap an amazing city landscape photo, where french tiled roofs outstretch to the distant horizon.

An unmissable building to catch on camara is the impressive Grand Theatre which is probably the finest architectural pieces of the city, and Bordeaux’s most iconic monument. Built as a tribute to the Bordeaux Bourgeoisie, the building is now one of the last remaining 18^th century theatres in the world, and is stunningly beautiful.  The opera house also offers both theatrical and musical performances, and a chic restaurant that overlooks the main town square.

If head shots are what you are after, an alternative perspective can be found on a Sunday morning at the Saint- Michel market. This particular area is home to a large immigrant population, and people from all nationalities and ages flock to buy and sell antiques, vintage clothes, records, food, making for an authentic and lively atmosphere. After the market is over, you can choose from one of the many Moroccan cafes in the St Michel main square to have a fresh mint tea and admire the attractive white stone church nearby.

Etymologically speaking, Bordeaux translates as “beside the water”, and so documenting your trip would not be complete without a trip to the water’s edge. Here you will find the famous Miroir D’eau (Water mirror), locate on the quay directly in front of the Place de La Bourse.  An ingenious 21^st creation, the piece consists of a large shallow body of water, which acts as a magical mirror reflecting the symmetrical architecture behind.    Every half an hour, a light spay is set off, and on summer days both children and adults kick off their shoes and get lost in the water vapour, creating a feeling of mirage and mystique for passersby.  Perhaps to really get caught up in the Bordeaux experience, this is the time to put down the camera for a second, and have a splash around too.

Although this all sounds very fanciful, vinotherapy is based on very valid research that professes the healing power of wine.  The concept links back to the late 20th Century French Paradox theory, which concluded that the French, despite their cholesterol high diet of pastries, cheese and white bread have astonishingly low levels of heart disease, which scientists believe to be due to their red wine consumption. Grape seed extract actually contain a wealth of powerful antioxidants, which extensive research has linked to a number of health benefits such as  improving cardiovascular circulation, and promoting healthy skins and eyes. Based on this research, hotel owners Mathilde and Bertand Thomas Cathiard launched a line of wine-based beauty products, which after becoming extraordinarily successful, was the premise for the  genius Vinotherapy spa hotel idea.  The name of the hotel, “Caudalie” is even inspired by wine, meaning the persistence of wine of the palate.

The magnificient hotel is set on the exquisite estate of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, with has its own private lake, a vast 163 acres of land, a gym and a golf course. If this isn’t enough to keep you busy, the estate has a cellar of 13, 000 wines, a Michelin-star restaurant, a cigar salon, and provides personalised wine-tasting tours at the nearby chateau. The hotel itself stretched out over five building with rooms which range between five different sizes and prices. All are uniquely decorated with artful themes, such as wine growing and merchant ships, and are styled by antique furniture, yet equipped with all the modern comforts and facilities necessary.

Just South of Bordeaux centre, and only 10 minutes from the airport, Les sources de Caudalie is in a perfect location, and is a truly irresistible accommodation destination. After all, when finding yourself in a regional wine Mecca, why be so conventional as to just drink it, when you can literally bathe in it instead?