Declan & Me vs. Southwest France
🌧️ Saturday, 15 July 2023 — “Planes, Trains & Baguettes in the Rain”
After a truly cinematic Friday night journey involving planes, trains, and automobiles (not necessarily in that order), Declan and I landed in Bordeaux ready for adventure. We crashed at what was most likely the Mercure Bordeaux Aéroport, though let’s be honest—we could’ve been in a shed with Wi-Fi and we’d have been fine. Unwittingly, we arrived as Bastille Day was ending, hence all the fireworks popping off across the country, which we saw from above as we flew in on this night flight. The French celebrate the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which was a pivotal event in the French Revolution, symbolizing the uprising of the modern French nation and the end of absolute monarchy. (UK take note!).
Woke up with big plans and questionable logic: we decided to walk from the airport into the city... in the warm rain. Why? Because we are noble fools. It took two hours of damp socks and determination.
On the way, we found a Carrefour Market (like a French Spar, but French and not grotty). We grabbed baguettes, cheese, and tomatoes—basically French travel fuel—and had a glamorous picnic on a stone ledge outside a cemetery. Based on our path, it was probably the Protestant Cemetery on Rue Judaïque, but we can’t rule out the possibility it was just a really fancy yard.
By afternoon, we checked into the cozy and lively Hostel 20 at 20 Rue Borie, tucked into the Chartrons district. Great vibes, nice people, and just the right level of mildly chaotic backpacker energy.
The rest of the day? Bar-hopping, sightseeing, and wandering through Bordeaux’s beautiful centre, soaking in the architecture, atmosphere, and literal rain. Saw the prominent twin spires of Basilica of Saint Michael (Basilique Saint-Michel) and Grosse Cloche (Great Bell), which is one of the oldest belfries in France located on the Rue Saint-James. Also walked down the side of the huge Garonne River. We clocked a casual 32,000 steps, which surely earns us points. Got back around 11 PM, knackered but smug.
☁️ Sunday, 16 July 2023 — “Eggs, Lakes & Unexpected Dumplings”
We emerged from bed around 10 AM like victorious slugs and inhaled the hostel breakfast, which involved boiled eggs, cucumber, red peppers, and bread. Very continental chic. Honestly, we felt like stylish goats grazing at a picnic.
The goal of the morning: a walk to Le Lac (yes, that’s its actual name), an artificial lake in Bordeaux‑Lac, north of the city. It’s a proper green retreat with trees, paths, and that weird peaceful energy you only find near still water and joggers.
We stumbled on a pop-up Chinese market—like a lakeside car boot sale mixed with delicious smells and mystery dumplings. It was totally random and kind of amazing. Vendors sold everything from steamed buns to knock-off phone cases.
We then wandered through woodland trails near the lake, where we sheltered under trees from more rain, because apparently Bordeaux in July was feeling dramatic. At one point, we crossed what we’re 99% sure was the Passerelle du Lac, a rope-style pedestrian bridge that made us feel like we were on a budget jungle expedition.
By afternoon, we were back in the city and sauntering from bar to bar again—not for wine (we’re not French, after all), but for the vibes, the fizzy things, and the joy of pretending we were locals who “just happened to walk 26,000 steps” today. Casual.
😅 Monday, 17 July 2023 — “The Bag, the Bar, and the Bloody Flight”
Our last day in Bordeaux and, honestly, we just wanted to chill out and soak in a bit more of this beautiful city. No plans. No step goals. Just two classy lads, feet sore but spirits high. Declan, by the way, is excellent company—as much my best friend as he is my son.
We did a bit of Bordeaux Cathedral, formally known as the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, with its impressive Gothic architecture and also Rue Sainte-Catherine is famous for being the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe.
We drifted from bar to bar again—soft drinks, rosehip cordials, and the occasional espresso ONLY JOKING! We had beer and more beer!. Somewhere between our fifth sit-down and seventh bad pun, it was time to head to the airport via tram.
Then came… THE BAG INCIDENT.
About halfway to the airport, I had that terrible, soul-leaving-your-body realisation:
“WHERE’S MY RUCKSACK?”
And not just any rucksack—this was the one containing my passport. And we were already on the tram. Heading away from it.
Cue emergency tram exit. We jumped off at the next stop like bargain-bin Bourne identities, waited for a tram heading back the other way, and shot back toward the city.
Miraculously, the last pub we were in had kept it safe—some kind soul had stashed it behind the bar. French hospitality? Fate? Just luck? We don’t know. But we are grateful.
With nerves jangling, we finally made it to the airport… only for RyanAir to delay our flight. Not enough for compensation (of course not—it’s RyanAir), but just enough to ensure maximum inconvenience and zero sleep.
Landed in Manchester at 2:30 AM, and finally reached Bangor by 5:00 AM. Just enough time to squeeze in one glorious hour of sleep before I was due at work. Living. The. Dream.
🥖 Summary Stats
| 📅 Day | 🥾 Steps | ☔ Weather | 🍷 Wine Consumed | 🧀 Cheese Consumed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 15th | 32,000+ | Warm rain | Zero | Abundant |
| Sun 16th | 26,000 | Light rain | Still zero | Obviously yes |
| Mon 17th | Unknown (lost count) | Mostly dry, until RyanAir rained on us | Still none | Somehow, yes |
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