Day 7 Politicians can make a difference

It’s tempting to believe all politicians are only interested in promoting their own ambitions. The city of Bordeaux proves that this is not always the case. A dozen or so years ago the mayor of Bordeaux and former Prime Minister Alain Juppe determined that Bordeaux needed a makeover. With a major infrastructure investment Bordeaux pedestrinanised its boulevards, restored its neo-classical architecture and introduced a system of functional, attractive, wireless trams. With the glory of the Garonne riverfront, bridges old and new, a glorious botanic gardens and the longest shopping 
street in Europe we find it hard to drag 
ourselves away. But we do!

By mid afternoon we head west to the seaside town of Arcachon. Not quite South West Rocks but there is sand, sun, sea and quite a few rather aged topless bathers. We stroll along the pier, take off our shoes and paddle in the surprisingly warm water. Later we enjoy an ice cream at the shop where the longest queue is an accurate indication of the highest quality.

By early evening we head back to Bordeaux and then in the opposite direction to the medieval village of St Emilion. Sensibly the crowds have gone home and we explore what could almost be described as a wine lovers theme park. Surprisingly and accidentally we witness the filming of a TV commercial where a ballerina on a suspended steep cable appears to fly over the ancient buildings.

We are so busy enjoying the sun that we almost forget to eat. In fact what we end up eating, very late that evening, is quite forgettable.