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International Cultural days in BORDEAUX
We kicked off with a welcome cocktail reception and speeches in French and English by Muriel Hannart at the Café Maritime, a space big enough to accommodate almost 300 guests, near the Cité du Vin, a unique cultural facility dedicated to the world of wine. The building itself with its unique architecture stands as a landmark by the river Garonne.
On the first day, we enjoyed an interesting and varied program that offered a choice of excursions including trips to the Bassin d’Arcachon, the Palais Forteresses, dating back to the 14 th and 16 th century, the Gironde Estuary, the Saint-Emilion medieval town with wine tasting at Château Ferrant, Grand Cru Classé, and finally, a visit to the Château d’Arsac winery and gardens in the Medoc region.
On the second day, which focused on Bordeaux, we enjoyed a choice of visits including a walking tour of the historic centre, the Chartrons district and a cruise on the Garonne river followed by lunch. The city is known for its stunning, mainly 18 th century architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Port of the Moon and landmarks such as the Place de la Bourse and the Bordeaux gothic cathedral Saint André. The Chartrons district is famous for its classical architecture and wine wharehouses, which
have been transformed into chic boutiques, galleries and restaurants. It exemplifies Bordeaux’s blend of historic charm and modern urban vibrancy.
Gliding along the Garonne waters, we passed the stunning 18th century Place de la Bourse and the contemporary Cité de Vin. We learned about the Pont Chaban-Delmas, named after the former mayor of Bordeaux and Prime Minister of France, which opened in 2013. At 575 meters long it is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Its sleek, modern design includes four tall pylons that support the lifting mechanism, creating a striking visual landmark.
The free afternoon gave us the opportunity to indulge in some shopping and savour the delicious canelés and oysters from the Arcachon Bay , all while remembering to bring back a few bottles of Bordeaux wine.
We ended the day with an International Friendship Evening at the beautiful Musée d’Art Contemporain in a former 19 th -century warehouse, which blends historic industrial features with contemporary design providing an ideal setting for modern and contemporary artworks.
The International Cultural Days in Bordeaux truly highlight the club’s international dimension, fostering a sense of community in a culturally rich and stimulating environment.
A yearly event to look forward to next year, which will take us to the Southern Hemisphere, with an exciting journey to New Zealand.