This weekend saw our staff heading to Bordeaux for the annual weekend away.
The trip encompassed a tour round one of the premier cru vineyards in St Émilion, Couvent des Jacobins, which was once a Jacobean convent before becoming a bakery, and now the vineyard. Evidence of all three were very apparent, with stained glass windows and historical artifacts showing the traditional methods of wine production. Madame Gallhaud told us about the production process of their wines before we descended 11m underground, deep into their limestone caves where their wine is stored. After sampling a couple of reds, we were left to wander around the delightfully quaint town at our leisure and find a suitable spot for lunch. On the drive back to Bordeaux, we passed several stately chateaux, presiding over their straight rows of vines in anticipation of a 'good year'.
Back in Bordeaux, we wandered around the busy shopping area close to the Place de la Comédie and we noticed a long queue down the round and around the corner. On further investigation, we discovered that they were queuing to get a table at L'Entrecôte, an obviously extremely popular steak restaurant.
Our party ate at Le Port de la Lune was a lively affair, where we consumed typical French fare as well as good deal of wine and beer! Afterwards, we sauntered through to the bustling Jazz club next door to watch the live band, before moving on to enjoy the rest of the evening in smaller groups.
The next morning, several of us investigated the Sunday Market, located on the banks of the River Garonne. Despite the freezing winds whipping up along the riverfront, we all wished we had access to food markets like this back in the UK … fresh and sumptuous fruit and vegetables, bountiful breads and pastries, cheeses that looked too good to eat, and the wonderful aroma from fish brochettes and spit-roast chickens being cooked tempted us to wish we hadn't had breakfast back in the hotel. We walked back up through the fine 18th century buildings of the Quartier des Chartrons (the old merchants' quarter) to the Esplanade des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe, where you will find the Monument aux Girondins, the elaborate fountain monument dedicated to the Girondists sent to the guillotine by Robespierre during the Revolution.
After thawing out with a hot chocolate, we decided we should find somewhere to linger over a nice long lunch … Le Bistrot d'Edouard in the Place du Parlement fit the bill perfectly. The delicious set menu at €12.90 was great value, and filled in the time nicely until finally it was time to head home.
As usual, Monday morning saw a fair number tucking into the bacon sarnies and some even vowing to go on the wagon for the rest of the month, or at least until the next excuse to fall off!
