Bordeaux Local Customs

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Bordeaux has some super graffiti, murals and street art, despite being such an ancient historic city. No doubt it is related to the fact there are over 60,000 students in the city! I came by train to Bordeaux and noticed there was graffiti 'peices' on almost every spare wall by the tracks for the last few km's of the journey.

The city council cracks down on illegal graffiti in the main touristy areas. However, several of the shops and bars have allowed murals to be painted on their roll-shutters - you will have to wait till they are closed to see the full effect. In addition there is a long stretch of wall on rue du Mulet near place Camille Jullian covered with excellent murals - I believe this backs onto a well known youth centre.

If you are staying at the Holiday Inn in Meriadeck there are several enormous colourful murals within a short distance.

www.fatcap.org

Bordeaux is a wine lovers paradise. Its famous red wines are recognised all over the world. The prices are good here and the quality is excellent. We tried many locals wines at the restaurants in the city and at a wine festival which coincided with our visit.

In most restaurants tipping is not required as service is included. Some restaurants will try to encourage you to leave an additional tip by bringing your change to you in small shrapnel. Don't worry, save the small change for paying buskers who play nearby and will be satisfied with any coins you have to hand.

Near of Basilica tower, on the parking place, I saw strange picture for me, a basket for playing basketball. For me it's strange place for playing. Marina, Lionel's wife, even once saw when people played basketball near of Basilica. Strange…

Murzik, or Mr Murzik, is a wild cat who sometimes visits Lionel house. The first visit of Murzik was bound up with nice smell of barbecue. Lionel told that Murzik was invited and it seems he liked it because in his next visit Mr Murzik caught mouse and brought it to the house :-). When I was a guest of Lionel, Murzik came but he was afraid to come cause of unknown me. He ate and disappeared straight away.

As you drive through Bordeaux, vine yards are scattered everywhere. This area has an outstanding microclimate and unique soils. Though the soil is composed of stones, sand, gravel, clay, silt.

In St Emilion alone, the average anual production exceeds 250,000 hectolitres.

lactaire (safran milk cap), girolles (chanterelle), bolets (boletus)and the more famous : CEPES de Bordeaux (boletus)

the last one is one important composant in local cooking, so if you want to appreciate a good meal ask Magret de Canard with these Cepes de Bordeaux

Sunday and bank holidays
Most shops and offices are closed on Sundays. Some Cafés, restaurants and grocery stores remain open however.

New Year: 1st January
Easter Monday: 21st April
LabourDay: 1st May
Liberation Day: 8th May
Thursday of Ascension: 29th May
Pentecost: 9th June
National Holiday: 14th July
Assumption: 15th August
Toussaint: 11th November
Christmas: 25th December