Bordeaux: Three Sources of Water to Pass

Bordeaux
Three Sources of Water to Pass
Distance: about 4.3 miles, almost 7km
Start and Finish: Place des Quinconces

The fountain, the pool, the river. If you have no time for anything else in Bordeaux, there are three things that have to be seen before you leave. The first is the fountain at the base of the Monument to the Girondins and the Republic. The incredible thing about it besides the incredible details of the statues, is that it was originally destined like many metal statues in France, to be melted down to be shipped to the Germany Army in WWII. The pieces were so enchanting though, someone at the warehouse hid them away in storage so that they would be spared. It wasn't until 1985 though, that the city was able to fully restore it to its original grandeur. The next is the Garonne River which Bordeaux sits on one of its sensuous bends and so this run goes right along side it. The third, is the reflecting pool called the "Water Mirror" because as its water drains, it begins to reflect the entire 18th century Stock Exchange building. After the water is completely drained, a surprise is in store for you that you have to experience first hand. Take a break from the run to stand in the middle of the pool and see what happens!

- Starting at the Place des Quinconces, check out the fountain, then run north towards the main road, Cours de Verdun and turn right. At the fork in the road, take Cours Balguerie-Stuttenberg.
- Turn right on Cours de Médoc and take a right to run down the river side. You'll see the reflecting pool on your right but keep going and go across the bridge and back before stopping.
- From the reflecting pool continue back until the steps on the left that return back to the plaza with the fountain.

Posted by G8rGrl

Bordeaux: For Flower Lovers

Bordeaux
For Flower Lovers
Distance: Runner's Choice
Start and Finish: Jardin Public

For the small size of the city, Bordeaux must know some wonderful secrets about horticulture. Delicate flower beds are everywhere. Luckily, one of the best gardens in town is also located at a great place to run. The Jardin Public of Bordeaux covers over 12 hectares filled with energetic landscaping, a small lake with islands to cross onto, and a botanical garden. It's the perfect place for peace and quiet after long days of heavy wine drinking! The hard sand trails will leave your knees much happier then the usual concrete that you pound them on. There are even some convenient toilets so you have no more excuses not to do that extra lap, and a cafe that opens on the southwest corner in the late afternoons. Just watch out that the ducks don't nip at your ankles while you run.

- The park is 3/4 mile around and about 1/4 mile if you run up the middle to the other side, so run as many laps as fits your workout for the day.
- If you want to go a little further and see more flower, take Rue Ferrére out from the park to the river and take a right all the way until the misting reflecting pool. On the other side of it there are some more beautiful flower beds to enjoy. It's about another 3/4 miles to that point.
- Or take Rue David Johnston from the park, make a left on Blvd. du President Wilson, and a right on Ave. Carnot to get to the Parc Bordelais. It's a little over 1 mile from one park to the other.

Posted by RunnerGirl5