Finding the best of Bordeaux City

With only three days and three nights in the city, I wanted to use my time efficiently and still enjoy the very best Bordeaux has to offer. After checking into the luxurious, Old World-style Grand Hotel on Place de la Comedie, the historic center, I strolled around admiring the elegant buildings as they glowed from mammoth cleaning and restoration projects.

Going along the Garonne River on Quai Louis XVIII was ideal for a jog. This once drab waterfront now sparkles with trendy restaurants and upscale night-life spots. Le Miroir d'Eau, a large shallow pond, adds fun and drama to the Place de la Bourse's impressive buildings.

Being outside and active certainly cleared out my jet lag. On returning, I treated myself to a massage in the hotel's spa and dinner at its elegant restaurant, Le Pressoir d'Argent. Chef Pascal Nibaudeau (one Michelin star) proposed a dinner of fish and other seafood that turned out to be superb.

In the morning I took a brisk walk in the public garden, which is a haven in all seasons. Stylistically, it emphasizes the great French classic gardens inspired by Le Notre, landscape designer of Versailles and Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte in the era of Louis XIV, the Sun King.

For a midmorning tea pause, the Baillardran Cafe had been recommended to me for canneles — the little cakes for which Bordeaux is famous — and also for croissants. Once I was fit and fed, it was time to improve my mind, so I visited the Museum of Modern Art. It was easy to get around on foot since everything I wanted to do and see was centrally located within a few historic blocks, but time was flying by.

At Le Noailles, a typical Parisienne brasserie, I enjoyed a light lunch. The Musee des Beaux Arts exhibits and vast collections of art from the 17th to 20th century also were a must-see. In addition, I toured the Museum of Decorative Arts' classic furniture and decorative objects.

Afterward, grateful for the glorious weather, I strolled around the elegant Place de la Comedie, entering from the Grand Hotel and leaving from the Grand Theatre.

Dinner was at Le Chapon Fin, one of the city's best restaurants. One-star Michelin Chef Nicolas Frion is renowned for his gastronomic cuisine with regional influences from the southwest: canard confit a la creme de romarin et gelee de porto, bar aux noix de pecan, alose aux zestes d'agrumes (a sneak peek in my dictionary for agrumes revealed that it means citrus fruits), agneau de Pauillac au beurre de sauge — oh my heaven!

The following morning began with another walk along the Garonne River. Then I went shopping at Quartier Les Grands Hommes and le Triangle Bordelais, where I delved into choice boutiques carrying well-known local and international high fashion and a variety of products that ranged from food and textiles to decorations and gifts.