It was super interesting learning about the process of making wine - we had a great guide who also works at the vinyard. She told us how the wine starts in steel barrels for a certain amount of time, but all wines finish in the oak barrels. Each barrel costs about 650 €, so it's rather important to take care of them.
We were able to try at least three different wines and even purchase some for as cheap as 6 €!! After our wine adventure, we went into Bordeaux, which is an amazingly beautiful city! They are restoring many of the buildings because apparently limestone turns black from pollution.
Grand Théâtre, a large neoclassical theater built in the 18th century
Bordeaux has one of the largest squares in Europe with a huge fountain at the front with many intricate carvings. Besides the beautiful, amazing architecture, Bordeaux was also the site of thinkers like Michel de Montaigne and Montesquieu.
Montesquieu
One side of the incredible fountain
After touring the city and taking copious amounts of photos, we came to the Cathedrale St. Andre, which was dedicatd by Pope Urban in 1096. It was where Eleanor of Aquitane married the future Louis VII. The bell tower was actually constructed separately because it was so large the builders were afraid it might damage the interior of the cathedral.
Cathedrale St. Andre
Separate bell tower
There are just far too many things to see and learn about in Bordeaux, so I will definitely have to come back to visit on another weekend. It is possibly even more beautiful by night...
Another place I visited is Lourdes, which is only 30 mins from Pau. It is kind of like a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics because Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to a woman named Bernadette there in 1858. Besides an incredible castle, there is also an amazing church where thousands of people flood in the summertime to see the place where many believe the Blessed Virgin appeared to Bernadette multiple times.
It's really strange to get used to such incredible structures that are so lavishly decorated. Inside the church, there are amazing matted tiles that depict the story of Jesus' life. What was really interesting is seeing the explanation of the story in 5 different languages.
The angel appearing to Mary, telling her of Jesus
It's incredible how massive all the churches are, and again, how intricately they are created. So much time and many skilled craftsmen created this beautiful work of art.
Check out the castle in the background which just happens to be a fort that was beseiged in 778 by Charlemagne. For a few centuries, it was home to numerous Counts until the 17th century when it became a royal prison. It was a state prison after the French Revolution until the 20th century when it became the largest museum of popular arts and traditions in the Pyrenees.
The huge sign on the tower says Welcome in probably over 20 languages. When I get more time, I am going to go back for the tour of the museum!
