Continuing to Wander in Bordeaux

Walking out of Bordeaux's old town to the north, we enter a square with the Intercontinental Hotel facing the Opera, filled with great sculpture, restaurants, and people enjoying the day.  In the distance,, the Monument des Girondins towers over the Esplanade des Quinconces, a 12 hectare (30 acre) open space that serves as a venue for concerts, fairs, and other events throughout the year.

Hotel Intercontinental, Opera

Monument aux Girondins

Statue next to the Opera

Continuing to stroll, we come across random great sights, including turtles crossing a square, a depiction of Bordeaux and Pont de Pierre on a wall, and bicycles suitable for the weather, keeping small ones warm and dry on their ride.

Turtle, Pont de Pierre

Transportation

Back near our hotel, we enter the Cathedral Saint-Andre and find a grand space, with much to offer all of us who are absorbing the impact of this fabulous building.

Cathedral Saint-Andre

Outside, the sun is setting, illuminating the river, the streets of old town, and the square outside the cathedral and the city hall.

Sunset at the cathedral and city hall

In the square outside the cathedral, the restaurants are starting to fill, initially with those of us seeking an aperitif, later with more serious diners.

Restaurants filling up

It's time to start thinking seriously about dinner.