Bordeaux Bicycle

Turning off the total length of cycle routes to Bordeaux, you would have achieved the equivalent of the Suez Canal, and the range of a Scud-A missile. A 143 km long, the bike paths in the French metropolitan city helped influence his ascension in the first level European cycling cities rows. 
To further promote this event, launched by Mayor Alain Juppe held until January 20, 2012, in collaboration with the event is top french designer Philippe Starck. He and thousands of Bordelais will meet and share views, opinions and ideas of design for what has been coined the 'Bordeaux bicycles'. Its purpose is to interweave with the needs of the public of the city - the need for a compact, easy to carry and walk, oftransportation light so that it looks as elegant as the Bordeaux itself - and available for everyone to take in the landmarks and artistic city. 
Speaking of which, there is a route in the center of Bordeaux, which is five miles long, and has some of the most famous and interesting attractions Bordeaux. It can be easily cycled using a bicycle provided by the city. Find a bike is not difficult either; There are 139 cycle plants around Bordeaux and can be found in most places in the bus and tram stops. From these stations you can pick up and leave a bicycle in charge of 1 € for the day. What impresses most is that you can leave a bicycle while pop into a restaurant for lunch, and grab a different one when finished - the freedom and comfort of this seriously reduces stress and cost of traffic emissions .

Saint-Michel 

Saint-Michel in the Aquitaine Museum 

The journey begins in the magnificent Basilica of Saint-Michel, right on the edge of the Garonne River and near the Pont de Pierre. There is a meeting in Saint-Michel, which is an easily recognizable and accessible for cyclists point. Find the nearby Cours Victor Hugo and follow it west to the Museum of Aquitaine. Along the way, keep your eyes on the right of an art installation of a green car whose front tentatively projecting from a multi-storey carpark. Once you get to the Museum of Aquitaine, feel free to walk around inside, reveling in its historical, archaeological and ethnological discoveries. With its arches and pillars of the 19th century, this museum helps offset the epitome of Bordeaux as a UNESCO City. 

Museum of Aquitaine Grands Homme Marche 

Leaving the museum, turn right onto Rue Duffour Dubergier and see the cathedral of Bordeaux, Saint-André left. It stands as an imposing rock among pebbles in a city adorned with buildings whose roofs are light brown, and whose facades display rows of food and drink quality - restaurants in Bordeaux makes you want to jump off the bike and slide through the doors as if in a trance. But it is in the 'Market Great Men' for now. Follow Rue Pere Jabrun Rue Louis Gross, through the narrow streets made ​​for cyclists who want to avoid traffic. Crossing Cours de l'Quartermaster and go straight until you emerge in a large bulging market. It is one of the many traditional markets in the city, and from 10 am-8 pm Monday through Saturday. 

Marche de Grands Cap Homme and Sciences 

Head east now, towards the Garonne river. Once you reach it, turn left and parallel along its shores cycle. There are bike paths all the way over here, making it even more comfortable and enjoyable for users. This will be the longest leg of the journey, but Cap Sciences, Bordeaux amazing science museum, is a worthy reward. There are dozens of events, workshops and exhibitions at the museum, and schedule 14: 00-18: 00 (and until 7 pm on weekends) it becomes an activity after the perfect meal. On the way to the museum, however, note that this section of the walk is a great vantage point to enjoy the panoramic scenes of the river and city. Look back and count the arches under the Pont de Pierre, for example, before heading onwards.

Bordeaux 

Cap Sciences in Water Mirror 

From here, it's a return trip in the same way to one of the most unique attractions of Bordeaux and a must-see: the Water Mirror. Outside the gates of the 18th century Place de la Bourse is faulted weather forecast. Fog descends around a particular place along the river banks, but this "fog" is actually dense vapor water, created by the computerized system below the water surface. Feel free to take the bike for a while and walk, or sprint through the cold misty fog - it's definitely a safe way to cool yourself off after touring bike a hot day. At night, the reflection of the spectacular building is reflected in the water surface of half inch shimmering effect. It's instant-win money any photographer. 

The mirror of water that depends on you ... 

Of course, the time of day will determine what to do next. You can float on your back to the point of meeting of Saint-Michel, or take a tangent - always other options available will make things easier when deciding what to do things. For example, since the water mirror turn left through the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge ever built in town, and follow the tree-lined avenue Thiers for a couple of miles to Cenon; you will find yourself in a completely different way to what you left behind. It's as if someone took a ruler and divide the city into two, with the architecture, streets and alleys of one hand, and flowering shrubs with green rolling pastures on the other. Although the city center strives to be environmentally green, Cenon and beyond is literally the greenest part of Bordeaux, and is ideal for a spot of rural cycling. 

With the number of cyclists in Bordeaux tripling in fifteen years, and 7-9% of its residents commuting by bike every day, there has never been a better time to two wheels around itself a complex and artistic city like this .

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48 Hours of Château Siaurac, Bordeaux

I realize there are many benefits to my work. Being personally invited to spend the weekend as a guest of the family in the Château Siaurac is definitely one of them. Few people have the opportunity to get into the grand facade of one of Bordeaux chateaux, see what makes it tick and understand what makes it unique. Fewer still get open access to the owners, Aline and Pau Goldschmidt, whose hospitality can only be surpassed by his passion for his art; winemaking. 

The Legacy of Nature 
Château Siaurac is the largest property Lalande de Pomerol and covers more than 60 hectares. Its exterior is lined by a long gravel road that is surrounded on both sides by woods, before opening his view on rows of vines methodically stretched beyond a peaceful picturesque stream doing business. After the gravel path and around the courner the newly decorated tasting room, landscaped garden awaits. Designed in the nineteenth century from a plan drawn up in 1832 (by the great great grandfather of Aline) soon becomes apparent that Château Siaurac is more than a conveyor belt for grapes that everything is fine. 
Aline is our host and passionate and she knows nothing of the wildlife, trees and plants in this plot of 15 hectares devoted to forests and wildlife not worth worrying about. She knows that each flower has studied the evolution of all the trees and has even devised his own guided walk for visitors (using cards with numbers written down) so that everyone can appreciate this natural paradise, with or without their expert advice in person. In short, she is both genuinely committed, fiercely protective of the natural heritage of the château. And it is a pleasure to witness.

Châteaux Siaurac 

It's in the History 

Given the six generations have worked tirelessly to build, maintain and develop Château Siaurac is not surprising Aline is protective of its heritage. The photograph of her grandmother with her new husband, a naval officer and writer Baron Louis Guichard, hangs proudly in the tasting room (and keepsake postcards) as a reminder of his legacy. After their marriage in 1919 the couple adds' Vray Croix de Gay 'to Siaurac and Prieure in 1949 In fact, today the three Chateaux being part of the "Baronne Guichard Wines' Aline and Paul now have. 

In 1978 Louis Olivier died and his son took over the properties, the launch of a large modernization project in 1998, which consisted of taking the winemaker Yannick Reyrel (student of the prestigious winemaker Pétrus). When Olivier died in 2004, the future of the three estates hung in the balance until Aline and Paul decided a sell-out was not an option. They took the helm and once again a restoration project that took them until 2007 began - when they left their homes and businesses in Paris Siaurac to live in full time. It then says Aline, the adventure really began.

Châteaux Siaurac 

Vision 

The adventure has seen Aline and Paul transformed the castle, so it is habitable, while preserving the history and essence of your core. The rooms are high, large and decorated with paintings and antiques that would make any antiquarian weak in the knees. My room had its own separate bathroom hidden behind a screen that would not look out of place in an adaptation of Jane Austin. The silver cutlery sets, cutlery and china plates also had me focus more on what I'm used to when setting the table for dinner. In fact, if the mantra is Château Siaurac respect the earth is to live for gastronomy and innovation, both of which adhere Goldschmidt with a passion. 

Innovation of the couple is more prominent in his work with wine. If the garden and Château are all about maintaining harmony with the heritage, then the process of promoting the fruits of their labor is one of the changes. Aware that the wine industry is growing and Bordeaux have to stay on their toes to keep up with the switch in tastes and preferences of people, Châteaux Siaurac is not one to rest on the laurels of a good reputation . 

In fact, despite winning awards for excellence - the last being an international award for 'Best of Wine Tourism 2012' for Bordeaux Châteaux in the category of 'Product and Innovation' (there's that word again) - Château Siaurac is doing its more accessible than ever with customized tastings, workshops, field days and even packages for families kids wines. Their tasting room can even be rented for events or functions.

Châteaux Siaurac 

the Future 

So what for the future? As my stay came to an end and I sat down on the bun fresh milk still warm from the local bakery that I could not help but feel energized. Not for the sweetness of bread butter or sugar in my freshly squeezed orange juice, or even the aerobics cockatoo recently adopted Aline (found in the vineyards). Was the realization that you can have the best of both worlds. Although no one can predict the future of the global wine market, or even the fickle public behavior, you can be sure that Château Siaurac continue to drive itself forward while remaining true to its values; in fact, as Paul points out, the wines they produce are not fancy techniques but rather, they are reduced to an expression of the exceptional quality of its soil and the hard work of the winemakers in the vineyards. 

One for the road 

With all this hard work, come rewards and as my hand luggage-only restrictions spoiled my plans for across the Channel with my own stash personnel-pay hot, you'll be pleased to know that you can buy wine Châteaux Siaurac outside l 'hexagone - although, needless to say choosing your favorite is not an easy task (Pomerol only bowed to me). 

So with a list in hand and a final tour of the oldest estates vines (survivors of the 1956 frost that hit the area) under my belt, I headed back to the gravel road back to Bordeaux. This time however, with a certain joie de vivre that comes from spending a weekend in the company of those who exemplify the art of living to enjoy and celebrate great wine. I'll say cheers to that.

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Paradisaical Paris

The great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright said, "A doctor can bury his mistakes but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines." 
The first part of the quote is a bit creepy, but no matter; This article does not refer to the incompetent professionals. In fact, by the incompetent or architects are not concerned; refers to the architecture of Paris, and suffice to say that there are not many vines hanging over the French capital. 
If we assume that people are the soul of a place and the buildings are the body, Paris is the architectural equivalent of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie merged into an androgynous being that transcends all before-known degrees of hotness. It is an absolute corker, to put it bluntly. 
How I started to look the way it did is an interesting story, although a little long, so we've all kindly We condensed down perfectly manageable portions complete with buildings of different ages * you should visit. 
* All brackets are approximate date and architectural styles inevitably overlap by varying degrees 
Roman Paris (50-500 AD) 
Paris started life about 2,000 years ago as a Roman settlement called Lutetia. The Romans, who were light years ahead of his time, devised a grid pattern and is used specifically for their buildings. Unfortunately, his empire collapsed in the V century and he spent most of Lutetia. By the early Middle Ages, which were largely populated with people of light years behind time, the city was unrecognizable from its former glory. The grid system was mutated in a tangled and the concrete had been replaced with wood and straw. Everything went better with time, of course, but precious little remains today to suggest not so humble beginnings of Paris. 
Watch for the ... 
Rue Saint-Jacques a straight road that cuts through the center of town and follows exactly the same line of an old Roman road. 
Later Medieval Paris (900 - 1500) 
As the Middle Ages progressed, Parisians began his game a little. They began the construction of religious buildings of stone (unlike secular counterparts) and as such some have survived to this day. The Romanesque style, so called because it had some resemblance to Roman architecture, became prevalent in the 10th century, and this was followed by the Gothic style, which was characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and pointed needles. Another important development in this period was the emergence of hotels, built to house the aristocracy. This marked the turning point for the architects were, for the first time since the Romans, which became heavily involved in the overall design and layout of the city. 
Watch for the ... 
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest and best preserved Romanesque churches of the city, and Notre Dame, an exquisite example of Gothic architecture and one of the most beautiful churches in the world. 
Renaissance Paris (1500 - 1600) 
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and gradually spread throughout Europe during the next 300 years. He arrived in Paris just after the turn of the 16th century with the enthronement of Francis I, who was an avid believer in the new ideals, coming off a renewed interest in the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. The Renaissance was a humanist at heart, and this clearly shows in the new style of architecture, which can be seen as a reflection of the human form: the solid base (often with arcades) as the feet, the slender means as the body and short, steep roof peak and hat. 
Watch for the ... 
Place des Vosges, a beautiful square surrounded by symmetrical houses built in the Renaissance style, and the neighborhoods of the Latin Quarter, which have been built in the same style. 
Baroque and Rococo Paris (1600 - 1750) 
This is a very significant in the history of Parisian architecture period, as it is when the city began to develop his own unique style. The classical influence remained, but rather as a basis for new approaches to defining an item. There was an emphasis on large planes and strict symmetry, reflecting the harmonious and restrained nature of fashion in the early Renaissance, but complement this, the architects were experimenting successfully with more lush and ornate styles. Rococo (it was hot on the heels of Baroque), in particular, was a decidedly more playful and creative approach to the extent of entire rooms are designed as works of art in their own right. 
Watch for the ... 
Les Invalides, a complex of more recognizable (in an architectural sense) for its massive dome, which was directly inspired by St. Peter at Rome buildings. But beside the obvious classical influence are lots of Baroque and Rococo in the form of decorative windows and doors. 
Neo Paris (1750 - 1850) 
Neoclassicism emerged after a renewed interest in Greek and Roman architectural theories (which in part was prompted by the recent rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum), and acted as a kind of reaction to earlier styles of Baroque and Rococo, which was dominated by emotion rather than practicality. As such, the new style was intensely logical and devoid of decorative elements, which were considered unnecessary. Although the new form XVI condemned, which continued even after his execution, as revolutionaries could relate strongly to Athens because it was the birthplace of democracy, which was his ultimate goal, ie, architecture began during the reign of Louis remained very important in his eyes. 
Watch for the ... 
The Pantheon (the name of the Roman pantheon) is one of the earliest and finest examples of neoclassical architecture. 
Haussmann in Paris (1850 - 1870) 
Opinion on Baron Haussmann is divided: either is the man who ruined old Paris, or the man who created New Paris. He was employed by the Emperor Napoleon III (who had been strongly attracted by the urban fabric of London) and the task of regenerating a city which by this point was in serious danger of expansion, with a population of over one million and 80% households that lack basic services. Impact of Haussmann was remarkable. Within only 20 years, renovated Paris: the style of his apartment blocks are now the Parisian standard, its sewage system continues to operate and their reorganization of the road network is praised to this day. 
Watch for the ... 
The Town Hall, a strikingly handsome building, which was commissioned by Baron Haussmann in the 13th district. 
Art Nouveau Paris (1870 - 1920) 
A brief but glorious charm of Art Nouveau ("new art") flashed on the turn of the century, with the architects be inspired by the massive increase availability of very strong materials like iron and steel, due to the growing Industrial Revolution. They tried to convert the status quo inside out, literally, by designing buildings that were supported from abroad, which meant that it was both possible to see how they are put together and also to release large amounts of extra space inside . In a decorative note, Art Nouveau is characterized by swirling lines and a lack of corners; essentially it is supposed to reflect the nature. 
Watch for the ... 
The entrances to the Metro stations, which, with its forged steel frames twists and turns and its universal green paintjobs that reflect the life of the plant, are classic examples of Art Nouveau. 
Art Deco, Post-War and Contemporary Paris (1920 - 2012) 
Art Deco was in vogue in the period between the two world wars. Architects tried to imitate optimism and freedom of the time with angular shapes that were meant to reflect the new cruise ships carrying people about the place. After the Second World War until the 1970s Parisian architecture took a turn for the worse, and it's probably better if we leave that dark period where it is. But from 1980 to the present, the French capital was lucky to have Francis Mitterrand to control it. President from 1981 - 1995 some radical new projects, despite early concerns, are now one of the most famous and iconic architectural symbols of Paris began. 
Watch for the ... 
The Palais de Tokyo an Art Deco structure that houses a gallery of modern art, and the glass pyramid outside the Louvre, one of the bright new symbols of the influence of Mitterrand.

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