Giant Pastries of Bordeaux, France

By living in Bordeaux, France you get to see a few things you wouldn't normally see as a tourist. Perhaps it's because the French don't want you to know about certain things so that they remain genuinely French and unscathed by tourists. Honestly though I think everyone should find this place and see for themselves the giant pastries of Bordeaux.

When you think of Bordeaux, the finest red wine would normally come to mind. This is because the Aquitaine region grows some of the largest and best quality fruits in the world. They're bigger and better in quality than anything else you will find. I remember eating strawberries the size of fists and grapes as big as table-tennis balls. No joke!

Bordeaux grows great produce but one small patisserie shop near the giant bell tower gate shown below specializes in baking giant pastries. The gate is an old entrance into Bordeaux during a time when the city was enclosed in a protecting wall to help thwart invaders who once sought to plummet the wealthy port city. Theses bell towers are scattered throughout Bordeaux and this one in particular marks the spot of the giant pastry shop.

Now, I couldn't find the exact location or street name, because, well I never really paid attention to those details. Besides let's face it, road names in France are pointless because they change at every intersection (I think it's a joke they play on foreigners). Plus, it's much easier to find your way around using distinguishable markers.

To get there you have to first find the famous St. Catherine's street. It's a street dedicated to pedestrians and there are fine stores and great shopping. You'll find everything you'll ever need on that street. Anyway, follow that street south-east for as far as the stores go. The street ends at the University of Bordeaux but if you go off of the beaten path to your left you will find narrow streets. Now look for the tower and try your best to make your way towards it. It should now be close by so look around for the store.