Planet Ocean Montpellier

Planet Ocean Montpellier is home to over 3,500 sea and ocean animals of 400 species, with animals from all over the world:  from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, from the South African coast to the Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon.  In addition the museum is interactive with an simulation of a ship in a stormy sea and a 3D underwater exploration experience, as well as France's largest covered tank, 10 meters (33 feet) high and 18 meters (59 feet) wide.

We enter and wander.

Creatures of the sea

Ship's bridge in stormy sea

More creatures

One great exhibit features fish of tropical coral reefs, with a simulated reef and tropical islands.

Creatures of the reef

And, what would an aquarium be without lizards, iguanas, frogs, and parrots?

Other creatures

A few more fish

As we reach the end of our visit, we find a space theme, with planets, asteroids, space suits, and ET.

Space theme

Viewing the stars and exploring space

Outside Planet Ocean are statues of famous world leaders, including Mao Zedung, Mohamed Ghandi, Franklin Roosevelt, Vladimir Lenine, Golda Meir, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle.

Tour of world leaders

Planet Ocean Montpellier offers an incredible experience!

Dining in Bordeaux

We have two dinners in Bordeaux, both at La Brasserie Bordelaise.  We have a reservation for Saturday dinner at the restaurant and Friday, when we are walking through the old town looking for a place to dine, we spot an interesting-looking restaurant and menu, walk in, and then realize it is the same place (and a great choice).

Our first dinner begins with a charcuterie platter, followed by entrees of cod and river eel.

Charcuterie platter, bread and pâté

Cod, river eel

The next day, they recognize us and, with our bread and pâté, bring us a plate of Iberian ham.  We then share oysters, followed by cod (again, it's really good!), veal chop, and profiteroles.

Bread and ham (and pâté), oysters

Cod, veal

Sides:  salad, frites

Profiteroles

The walls of La Brasserie Bordelaise are covered with awards the restaurant has received and pictures of famous diners.

Restaurant walls

While on the subject of food, we should mention the breakfast we have at our hotel, l'Hôtel Cardinal, in Bordeaux.  The hotel does not have a restaurant, but serves breakfast in the room.  And, what a great breakfast it is!

Breakfast in the room

Although this is a short stay in Bordeaux (we'll be back), we experience some great food (and wine) in the markets, restaurants, and in our hotel.