Bordeaux – what a treasure in the south-west of France!
the network of trains is such a wonderful way to be effortlessly transported from one end of the country to the other.
Meeting up with Heidi, Adrian, Amia and Jesse was, of course, the highlight. They had just ridden on one of the Euro Velos down the west coast of France – kiddies in the trailer behind and camping for 6 weeks before we arrived.
Our apartment for our time in Bordeaux was right in the heart, minutes from shopping and more shopping, seconds from endless cafe/bars and restaurants, the ice cream shop round the corner and parks only a stone’s throw from our door.
It was worth the 69 stairs many times each day! sharing the ancient historical buildings – stone walls, narrow staircases, shuttered windows – traditional French design.
A visit to Saint Emillion (akin to the Barossa Valley) at Bordeaux’ door step reminded us of the region’s culture, tradition and history. the site was chosen by the monks in 700AD for its potential with the grapes … providence or divine guidance, Bordeaux’ wines are sort after the world over.
Friday 6pm the French National anthem could be heard from behind the counter in every Boulangerie, every Bar, every Fromagerie … Football – World Cup kicked off … France v Germany … the pain of losing was felt well into the night.
Dinner with Phillippe and Isabelle and their 3 chidren (friends Heidi and Adrian had met cycling) gave us such a local insight and perspective – Phillippe’s job was to woo the North American wine market bring Bordeaux wines to the US pallet.

Eight hours plus on the TGV to cross the south of France from west to east.
Antibes – comfortably positioned between Cannes and Nice is the harbour of choice for m(b)illionaires toys – amazing yachts with gold plated toilets and crew to deliver every conceivable service. Luke spent four months working here on a yacht with Nathan and Suze in 2007.
We wandered the cobbled alleys, bought food and drinks and icecreams, joined tourists lured by the ‘soldes’ sales in every boutique shop, swam in the Med with Amia and Jesse and a million others.
Enjoyed the summer fruit and fresh bread on every corner. At midday everything closes for 2 hours while the family has lunch or attends to other business; Monday – it is unlikely that anything will be open as Monday is the rest day, at the owner’s discretion. Hopefully the Musee de Picasso will be open tomorrow (Tuesday) after a walk through the Port, some cafe cremes, spot of shopping etc.

It will be hard to leave Antibes – a Mediterranean jewel – everyday a perfect 28 deg – the daily routine included an inviting dip into the Mediterranean with a view across to the snow topped alps and the France/Italy border. No day would be complete without croissants, cafe cremes, ice cream (la glasse), cuisines to answer every whim and cafes and restaurants a-plenty; a spot of shopping; timeless wanders through the cobbled alleys; the ritzy Cap d’Antibes and nearby Juan les Pins; opening the doors of a Musee and being lost in both the ancient architecture and the art; walking through the Port full of yachts of every size in both feet and $$ … PLUS what a bonus traveling with family AND Heidi’s fluent french.
We’ve walked Antibes as Luke had and know that we followed his footsteps to this French paradise.  “live the moment”