Bordeaux is probably one of France's most bourgeois cities, having built its wealth on trading and wine. For many years its beautiful sandstone buildings had become neglected and grey and there was an air of stuffiness and snobbery about the place. All that has been thoroughly dusted down and transformed of late, a good example of how cites can be revived. Now there is a new tramway sytem, a cool river front and students using the many bicycle paths. Behind the recently restored Bourse is an area of streets and squares; a world away from the Hermes and Dior shops of the main street, l'Intendance. It's an altogether more interesting mix of small boutiques, cafes and bistros with terraces to sit and eat outside. The rythm here is one of late starts, so don't arrive before 11.00. Check out the following:

1)Au Denicheur Antique shop  This little treasure trove is a wonderful mix (see picture below)

2)Toscane 6 Rue Du Cancera  05 56 01 12 18. If you enjoy traditional Italian Degustazione menus you will just love this place,

3)La Fromentine Rue du Pas Saint Georges, a very individual creperie!

What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, than to go to a "vide grenier". This emptying of the lofts is a French tradition, which almost every village has. The events are well publicised by bill posters and flyers left on cars on market day. They are an opportunity to divest oneself of all the years' accumulated clutter, or to add some more.

They are a haven also for brocanteurs selling the left-overs from house clearances, but you never know you just might find.............