We sailed up the Gironde river for about six hours to arrive in Bordeaux around 2am (not that we were awake to confirm the time).  We berthed right in the town which was very convenient, with only a short walk into the major attractions.

Seabourn Legend Downtown

The ship overnighted in Bordeaux so we had plenty of time for sightseeing.  We took an organised tour in the first morning, that drove around the town showing the sights and then headed to a Chateau for a winery tour and tasting.

Winery

Apart from making wine, the Chateau had a great collection of old French motor cars

One of the Chateau’s Motor Collection

After getting back to the ship, we had lunch and then set out on foot to explore the town.  Bordeaux has undergone a major revitalisation project, cleaning up old buildings and reinvigorating the riverfront as a community asset and the result is a most pleasant and picturesque town.

Basilica St Michael Bell Tower

Basilica St Michael and Bell Tower

St Eloi or Great Bell Gate

Medieval Cailhau City Gate

Bordeaux Cathedral

Rampant Horses – stolen in WW2 and only recently returned

Grand Bordeaux Hotel

Refreshment and People Watching Stop

Rue St Catherine Shopping Mall

Napoleon Bridge

At the end of the afternoon it started to cloud over and it was obvious a thunderstorm was coming.

Storm Approaching

Stormy Weather

Storm Clouds Gather

We just made it back to the ship before it started to pour.  After dinner we set out to capture some of the night lights.

While the storm had passed it was still raging not far away.

Thunderstorm

Night Time next to the Water Mirror

Promenade

Napoleon Bridge by Night

Old City Gate

Bordeaux by Night – Medieval Cailhau City Gate

Water Mirror

Old City Gate

The next day we had a slow start and headed out about 10am.  We wandered around for a while and stopped for a coffee in a street cafe.  However, as we had skipped breakfast the coffee stop morphed into brunch.

Brunch Spot

After brunch we made our way back to the ship to prepare for sail away.  As we left another thunderstorm was developing and followed us along the river, eventually catching up and dumping heavy rain and hail stones on us, as well as giving a great display of lightning and thunder.

Storm Brewing