5. Bordeaux – Budget-Friendly Attractions
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away from the savannas of Kenya and the vibrant streets of Rio, my partner Leah and I, Safari, embarked on what we fondly called “The Great Frugal Adventure.” After exploring the romantic streets of Paris, the coastal beauty of Marseille, the culinary delights of Lyon, and the picturesque charms of Nice, our hearts were set on Bordeaux. With our trusty guidebooks in hand and a sense of humor that could light up any dull day, we set forth on our journey.
Our first stop was the majestic Place de la Bourse, a sight that looked right out of a fairy tale. The grand architecture towered over us, and beneath our feet lay the famous water mirror, reflecting everything like a giant pool of liquid glass. It was mesmerizing! I couldn’t resist joking with Leah, “If we dive in, do you think it will turn into a swimming pool?” She quickly retorted, “Only if you promise to be the mermaid!” With laughter echoing around us, we splashed around, capturing goofy selfies that would surely make our friends green with envy.
Next, we strolled down the Quais de Bordeaux, a riverside promenade picturesque enough to make even the grumpiest of folks crack a smile. The sun was setting over the Garonne River, and the gentle breeze ruffled Leah’s hair as we walked hand-in-hand. I entertained her with exaggerated tales of my lion-fighting adventures in the African savanna—okay, maybe just colorful embellishments—but a little creativity never harmed anyone! We paused along the way, reveling in the beauty of the scene and chuckling at the sight of boats leisurely floating by, as if they were enjoying a day off.
But what’s an adventure without a little countryside magic? Just a train ride away was Saint-Émilion, a charming town that seemed to leap straight from a fairy tale, complete with cobbled streets and whispering vineyards that held the secrets of age-old winemaking. As we roamed around, we quickly learned that appreciating the stunning vineyard views didn’t require spending a single euro. “Leah, look! Vineyards as far as the eye can see!” I proclaimed, pointing dramatically as if we were in a nature documentary. “And the best part? No ticket required to feast my eyes on this beauty!” she chimed in, laughing at how much we were enjoying the simple things.
A stunning view in Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval town in France’s revered wine region. The golden light illuminates the sprawling vineyards, creating a beautiful patchwork over the hills. Cobblestone streets meander among ancient stone buildings, adorned with wooden shutters and ivy. A historic church tower looms in the background, witnessing generations of winemaking tradition. The air is fragrant with ripe grapes and filled with the laughter of visitors relishing the area’s beauty.
As our adventures continued, our stomachs began to grumble, sounding like a hungry lion—perfect timing for a visit to the Marché des Capucins, purportedly the best affordable food market in Bordeaux. Stepping inside was like entering a culinary paradise, with scents of fresh fish, baked bread, and spices dancing in the air. I was on a mission to uncover the best local eats that wouldn’t break the bank! After sampling various nibbles for just a couple of euros, we discovered a stall selling Canelé—those delightful caramelized pastries, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They were a steal at €1-€3 each! “These are better than your mother’s secret recipe!” I teased, and Leah just chuckled, acknowledging that with pastries this divine, some dramatic compliments were absolutely warranted.
With our bellies full of local delights and a newfound spring in our step, we were ready for the cherry on top: Bordeaux’s finest wines! We found local bars offering tastings for just €5-€8. “We can pretend we’re wine connoisseurs without needing the degree!” Leah winked as we clinked our glasses, toasting to our budget-friendly escapades. A sip here, a laugh there, and by nightfall, we were practically Bordeaux experts, regaling fellow travelers with wildly exaggerated tales from our wine-tasting exploits.
As our day of exploration was starting to catch up with us, night crept in and we needed a cozy place to rest our weary heads. Luckily, we found the Central Hostel Bordeaux, where the beds were as affordable as the wines we had been sipping—just €25-€45 a night. The room felt cozy, and after our evening of adventures, all we needed was a place to recharge. “Who knew a budget could be this comfy?” I mused, stretching like a content lion after a hearty meal.
Even with our modest budget, we discovered another gem—a B&B Hotel Bordeaux Centre, where prices ranged from €50-€75 a night. “We’ll have to save up for another stay here next time!” Leah said with an optimistic sparkle in her eyes, while I couldn’t help but crack up at the thought of our next escapade, booking the hotel without a second thought.
And so, with hearts overflowing with laughter, bellies contentedly full of pastries, and adventure calls echoing in our minds, we drifted off into dreams filled with vineyards, wine, and a million more stories waiting to be discovered. That’s how Leah and I, the budget explorers, learned that joy doesn’t come from spending a fortune but rather from the experiences we share, even while counting coins along the way.
We would have stayed in Bordeaux to discover more wonders…
But we had to go to: