After the mental rush around Paris, we were both feeling pretty shattered and looking forward to a few chilled days around Bordeaux. We arrived later in the evening, checked into our new apartment and headed off in search of some dinner - luckily there was a little supermarket at the top of the road so we managed to eat in and save a bit of cash.

Our little studio apartment was nice, although pretty warm (luckily there was a fan!) and it was nice and central so we didn't have to do much in the way of big missions. To be honest, it was just quite nice to have our own space for a few nights and spread out a bit.

So, our first day in Bordeaux; legs and feet were aching a lot after Paris, so we took it easy, had a bit of a lie in and then headed out in the midday sun - ouch, it was hot - was above 30 and quite humid…so we walked slowly. A nice amble down the river and through some public gardens, soaking up the relative calm compared to the past few days. Later that day we went wandering to find a little bar for a quick aperitif before dinner and found somewhere opposite a magnificent church - although we couldn't agree on which one it was on the map, which caused us some issues trying to find our way back home again later! It was so nice having a bit of space to chill, put some music on and play some cards without feeling in the way.

We had planned to get up early and to get the first train to St Emilion…when the alarm went off at 6.30am, we very quickly decided that we'd just get the next one at lunchtime (I'm so glad that we booked most of our train travel in advance - it's quite pricey getting them on the day of travel!). James had been there with work a few times before, so sort of knew where to go. Got in around lunchtime and went in search of some steak frites…it's a really cool little town, lots of wine shops and absolutely packed with tourists so finding somewhere on the cheaper side and not full was quite difficult. It's a bit tricky sometimes to work out whether you can just go in and sit down somewhere, or whether you need to wait to be seated. So we hung around outside one with another group of people waiting for a table to come up…after about 10 minutes when nothing seemed to be happening (the waiting staff were basically just ignored everyone) we went in search of somewhere else. Had a lovely lunch, James got his steak frites…I ordered my duck to be cooked 'medium' (note to self - go for rare next time!), it came out well done. Boo.

Anyway, feeling rather full after lunch, we headed up to an old monastery where they sell bottles of the local Cremant (fizzy wine to you and me!). I don't think it's still in use, but it was beautiful up there, really chilled, quiet surroundings in which to slowly drink away the afternoon in the sunshine.

In hindsight, probably only one bottle would have sufficed…but, when in Rome and all that! We managed to pick up some macaroons on the way back to the train station…mmm, yummy fresh macaroons - but why so expensive?!

And that was it, our time in Bordeaux was at an end. Back home to pack up, clean up and spend our last night in France before the train to San Sebastian then next day. Ooo, a new country! J

xx