Bordeaux
Scenic Diamond docks in the French port city this month. The ship’s cruise director, Sylvie Alison, shares the region’s secrets with Akash Arora.
Where should I go to stretch my legs? The city’s riverfront promenade, which is always alive with locals. Check out Bordeaux’s elegant 18th-century architecture. If it’s a hot day, the reflection pool in front of the Palais de la Bourse (bordeauxpalaisbourse. com) is the perfect place to cool down.
Where can I get a decent coffee? Sip Coffee Bar (sip-coffee-bar.com) is located on rue des Trois-Conils, between the Town Hall and the old Parliament district, and it offers a wide range of coffees. Where should I go for authentic French food? La Brasserie Bordelaise (brasserie-bordelaise. fr) is a popular haunt for locals. It offers a wonderful menu of regional produce from south-west France.
And for shopping? Rue Sainte Catherine is iconic but if you’re after a truly French experience, head for the Quartier Saint Pierre. Its old streets in the historic heart of the city are lined with boutiques. You can easily lose your sense of direction here but that’s half the fun. What’s your favourite bar in Bordeaux? A great place for evening drinks has to be the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel (bordeaux.intercontinental.com) or, more to the point, its rooftop. The views of the Grand-Théâtre and the river beyond are excellent from here.