We walk through the Bordeaux old town to the Garonne River and head up the esplanade toward the the Cité du Vin wine museum and the port of Bordeaux (Bordeaux Port Atlantique), which is about 55 km (34 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean. We first pass the Pont de Pierre, the Place de la Bourse, and the flower gardens along the river.
Pont de la Pierre, Place de la Bourse
Flowers along the river
River taxis run up and down the Garonne shortening the trip along the esplanade for those who prefer a ride on the water.
River taxi, esplanade
In the distance, Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, crosses the river near the wine museum, with river cruise boats tied up half-way to the bridge and museum.
Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, river cruise boats
We pass a statue honoring Marthe Adelaide Modeste Testa, a slave brought to Bordeaux from East Africa and later deported to Saint-Dominique to work on a plantation. Born in 1765, she became free in 1795 and lived until 1870 (105 years), while her grandson became president of the Republic of Haiti in 1888. The statue pays tribute to the 150,000 slaves who were deported to the Caribbean through the Port of Bordeaux.
Marthe Adelaide Modeste Testa
Passing the river cruise boats, we reach wharfs converted into shops and restaurants.
Getting closer to the bridge, passing the cruise boats
Former warehouses, now shops/restaurants
The old port
We are nearing the Port of Bordeaux and start to see ocean-going vessels.
Serious ships
At the locks near La Cit
é du Vin and alongside
Les Halles de Bacalan food hall, artists have brightened up the industrial feel of the lock buildings and controls.
Decorating the buildings of the locks
Returning down the esplanade, we find a ceremony at the statue of Marthe Adelaide Modeste Testa, celebrating the day with song and speeches
Ceremony at the statue
Meanwhile, along the esplanade, people are relaxing and enjoying the music of a small band that has assembled to play for us all.
Relaxing on the esplanade
Entertainment
The walk from Pont de Pierre to Pont Jacques Chamant Delmas is about 3 km (1.8 miles) and treats us to a lot of variety, fun, sights, and sounds.
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