Latest news with #Eleanor
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
TribCast: Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative session
In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk with politics reporter Jasper Scherer about education funding, the effort ban THC and how conservative priorities are sailing through the legislative session in Texas this year. And the gang discussed what Eleanor learned about state politics from a recent tennis match. Watch the video above, or subscribe to the TribCast on iTunes, Spotify, or RSS. New episodes every Tuesday. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art Deco Girl Names That Radiate Vintage Glamour Charisma
If you've ever admired the sleek, glamorous vibe of The Great Gatsby or wandered through buildings with intricate geometric patterns and metallic finishes (the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are two of the best-known examples!), you've experienced the magic of Art Deco. A design movement that gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a sense of modern elegance. Art Deco was all about embracing the future while still honoring the past, blending both with a touch of glam that made everything from architecture to fashion feel sophisticated. And its easily-recognizable mix of sharp lines and soft curves showed just how harmoniously different things can work together. But Art Deco wasn't just about high style — it was also, in itself, a whole vibe. It was a reflection of the time, catching the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. It was the era of extravagance, jazz, and a new kind of optimism, which is exactly why Art Deco had such staying power. Think about the sleek lines of a vintage car, the glitter of a jazz club, or the elegance of a 1920s ballroom — the style was as much about setting trends as it was about making a statement. We've put together this list of girl names inspired by the Art Deco era that embody the same sense of boldness, refinement, and timeless elegance. Each name is a nod to an aesthetic — but also a reflection of the sophistication and strength that defined the period. If you're looking for a girl name that's chic, glamorous, and full of character, you've come to the right era. More from SheKnows The Newest List of Most Popular Baby Names Was Just Released - See What's Topping the Charts Now Best of SheKnows There's Something So Beautiful About the Bond Between Brothers Tween & Teen Slang 2025: A Definitive Guide to 'What the Hellyante' Your Kid Is Saying Right Now Celebrity Moms Who Were Honest About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss — Because It Matters The meaning of Athena remains uncertain, but the name is most famously tied to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who also served as the patron deity of Athens. It's believed that her name likely originated from the city, rather than the city being named after her. Zara first appeared in William Congreve's 1697 tragedy The Mourning Bride, where it was the name of a captive North African queen. It's believed that Congreve may have drawn inspiration from the Arabic name Zahra, meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant.' In 1736, the name gained popularity when English writer Aaron Hill used it as a translation for Zaïre in his adaptation of Voltaire's French play Zaïre. Lenore is derived from the Old French version of the Occitan name Alienòr, and its roots stretch back to one of history's most powerful women: Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the 12th-century queen of both France and England, Eleanor wielded immense influence, and was initially named Aenor after her mother. To distinguish her from her mother, she was known by the Occitan phrase alia Aenor, meaning 'the other Aenor.' Opal comes from the English word for the iridescent gemstone, a dazzling birthstone for those born in October — but it's beautiful any time of year! The name itself traces back to the Sanskrit word उपल (upala), meaning 'jewel,' capturing the essence of something precious and radiant, and it's a vintage gem that's poised to make a comeback. Vera is a name that means 'faith' in Russian, carrying a sense of deep and unwavering strength. It's said to stem from the Latin word verus, meaning 'true.' With its simple yet striking sound, Vera channels the clean lines and timeless sophistication of the Art Deco era. Maeve is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Medb, which means 'intoxicating,' evoking a sense of allure and power. In Irish legend, it was the name of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht — known for her fierce leadership and commanding presence. Eloise originates from the Old French name Héloïse, which itself is likely derived from the Germanic name Helewidis — combining the elements heil, meaning 'healthy' or 'whole,' and wit, meaning 'wide.' This timeless name is sometimes linked to the Greek word ἥλιος (helios), meaning 'sun,' symbolizing light and brilliance. Greta is a short form of Margaret, which originates from the Latin name Margarita, itself derived from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarites), meaning 'pearl.' It's got a classic silver screen vibe and glamorous feel. Vivienne is the French form of Vivian, which is derived from the Latin word vivus, meaning 'alive.' This vibrant name carries an aura of energy and vitality, with a bit of sultry sophistication mixed in. Daphne comes from the Greek word for 'laurel,' a symbol of honor and achievement. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree by her father to escape the relentless pursuit of Apollo, making her a figure of strength and independence. Clara is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus, which means 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'famous.' This name radiates elegance and brilliance, perfectly capturing the luminous charm of the Art Deco era. Iris means 'rainbow' in Greek, and in Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess who personified the rainbow and served as a messenger to the gods. The name also connects to both the vibrant iris flower and the colored part of the eye, symbolizing both beauty and clarity. Genevieve is said to be derived from the medieval name Genovefa, and its origins are somewhat uncertain. It may be derived from the Germanic elements kunją ('clan' or 'family') and wībą ('wife' or 'woman'), or it could trace back to Gaulish roots, with the Celtic element genos meaning 'kin' or 'family.' One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, meaning 'sorrows,' which originates from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores ('Our Lady of Sorrows'). Although the name carries a solemn meaning, Lola has taken on a lively and glamorous persona, especially since its rise in popularity during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and '30s. Celeste is the feminine form of Caelestis, a Late Latin name derived from the word caelum, which means 'heaven' or 'sky.' This name evokes the celestial beauty of the stars, carrying with it a sense of elegance and grace that makes it a perfect Art Deco name. Esme comes from the Old French word meaning 'esteemed' or 'loved,' which is the sweetest name meaning we can think of! With its elegant simplicity and gentle sound, Esme evokes the refined sophistication of the Art Deco era, where beauty and grace were celebrated. Gisele is derived from the Old German element gisal, meaning 'hostage' or 'pledge.' Originally (and sadly!) it may have been a descriptive nickname for a child who was pledged to a foreign court. Fortunately for modern times, though, it's just a beautiful name choice. Delilah comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' In the Old Testament, Delilah was the lover of the powerfully strong Samson, whom she betrayed by cutting his hair — the source of all his strength — leading to his downfall. Despite the complexities of her character, the name Delilah gained popularity among the Puritans in the 17th century. With its sultry sound and dramatic history, Delilah perfectly captures the bold, glamorous spirit of the Art Deco era. Marceline is the glamorous-sounding French feminine form of a name derived from Marcus, a Roman praenomen (given name) which likely originates from the Roman god Mars — the deity of war and strength. Yvette is the beautiful French feminine form of Ivo, a Germanic name that originally served as a short form for names beginning with the element iwa, meaning 'yew.' The yew tree, known for its longevity and strength, symbolizes resilience and endurance. Florence comes from the Latin name Florentius or its feminine form Florentia, both derived from florens, meaning 'prosperous' or 'flourishing.' This name evokes a vibe of growth and success — not to mention a cool vintage feel. Lyra is the name of a constellation in the northern sky, home to the brilliant star Vega. The constellation is said to be shaped after the lyre of the legendary Greek mythological musician Orpheus, evoking a sense of harmony and celestial beauty. Selene means 'moon' in Greek and was the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, a Titan who radiated beauty and mysticism. Often associated with the goddess Artemis, Selene was depicted driving her chariot across the night sky, illuminating the world with her celestial glow. Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, derived from the Greek word κλέος (kleos), meaning 'glory.' The name evokes the regal power and timeless beauty of the legendary queen, who remains one of history's most iconic figures. It has a sleek, confident sound perfectly befitting of the Art Deco era. Isolde is the romantic-sounding German form of the name Iseult, made famous in the 13th-century German poem Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg. The origins of the name are uncertain, but some sources suggest it may be of Germanic origin, derived from a name like Ishild, which is composed of the elements is ('ice') and hilt ('battle'). Juno is a name of uncertain origin, but some sources say it's related to an Indo-European root meaning 'young' or derived from Etruscan influences. In Roman mythology, Juno was the wife of Jupiter and the queen of the heavens, revered as the protectress of marriage, women, and even finance. Odessa takes its name from the Ukrainian city on the north coast of the Black Sea — which was named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos, though its exact meaning is unknown. The name evokes a sense of mystery and timeless beauty. Evangeline comes from the Greek εὖ (eu), meaning 'good,' and ἄγγελμα (angelma), meaning 'news' or 'message,' together signifying 'good news.' The name was popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem Evangeline and later appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) as the full name of the character Eva. With its elegant flow and rich literary history, Evangeline embodies the timeless glamour of the Art Deco era. Paloma is a soft and melodic-sounding name — and it means 'dove' in Spanish, symbolizing peace, love, and grace. Lucienne is the sophisticated French feminine form of Lucien, which itself comes from the Roman family name derived from the praenomen Lucius. The name is linked to Lucianus, a 2nd-century satirist and author from Samosata (the modern-day town of Samsat, in Turkey).
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
The 10 best movies we saw at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
CANNES, France — Saturday's awards ceremony put a capstone on another edition of the Cannes Film Festival, but the bruises we received from some of our favorite films are ones we'll be rubbing for a while. A more vicious Cannes? Undoubtedly. Directorial debuts were especially bold and if you were an auteur returning to claim the throne, let's hope you brought plenty of firepower. In the case of the 10 titles below, they certainly did. You'll hear us raving about these in the coming months. Proceed with caution. Some of them have a sting. If you've spent years waiting for Lynne Ramsay's films to come around — she's very cautious about committing — then you know how exquisite it is when they finally do arrive and they still knock you back. A dependable upsetter of expectations, Ramsay tries something completely different here, pushing an actor to the very edge of mania and dislocation. It helps that the actor is Jennifer Lawrence, who lately — especially in 'No Holds Barred' and the underseen 'Causeway' — seems to want to fling herself into new territory. 'Die, My Love,' about a new mom saddled with a husband she nearly hates and a rural home that feels like a tomb, turns its star into a casually violent supernova, throwing off sparks and pain and ruination. It's the most punk thing Ramsay has ever done and, for the maker of 'Ratcatcher' and 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' that's saying something. — Joshua Rothkopf Everybody loves June Squibb, who, at 95, has only now landed her second starring role. (Her first, the crime-fighting comedy 'Thelma,' was just last year.) Squibb is great fun to watch cutting loose. Here, her incorrigible Eleanor barks at a grocery store clerk to fetch the kosher pickles and cackles with glee informing her grandson that his mother's high school nickname was the 'class mattress.' But Eleanor goes too far when, out of loneliness, she falsely claims to be a Holocaust survivor and doubles down on the lie rather than admit the truth. First-time director Scarlett Johansson grounds this small New York story in empathy. You sense that she's made the kind of character-driven charmer she wouldn't mind acting in herself in five decades. An easy, breezy recommendation, 'Eleanor the Great' makes only one stumble, a scene that blurts its themes outright, but I suppose that's in keeping with its leading lady's big mouth. — Amy Nicholson If forgiveness is sometimes the only way forward for those seeking justice, then memory is the enemy of that healing. And there are some things you just can't forget. Like the sound of a false leg, upon which every step becomes a little wheeze. We hear it right away — the guy with this leg has a family, a pregnant wife, a daughter and, on their drive home, some car problems. But the more he walks around (wheeze) and the more people hear it (wheeze), the more it becomes clear this isn't any old customer, but a former torturer who had his way with them in the old days. But can they be sure, even without their blindfolds? Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, jailed and banned frequently, has never allowed his work get mawkish. Yet this film is the closest he's come to expressing the rage of living under someone's thumb. It's his 'Death and the Maiden' and all the more major for it, with a gracefully devastating conclusion that you owe it to yourself to experience. — JR Leave it to Kelly Reichardt, who turned Michelle Williams into a seething sculptor with frenemy issues in 'Showing Up,' to make the gentlest, most self-deprecating heist movie imaginable. As such, she's invented a whole new genre. The year is 1970 but don't expect anything Scorsesian to go down here. Rather, this one's about a half-smart art thief (Josh O'Connor, leaning into loser vibes) who, after snatching canvases of a lesser-known modernist from an understaffed Massachusetts museum, suffers grievously as his plan unravels. Reichardt, herself the daughter of law enforcement, is more interested in the aftermath: hypnotically awkward kitchen conversations with disappointed family members who won't lend him any more money and would rather he just clear out. (The exquisite period-perfect cast includes Alana Haim, Bill Camp, Hope Davis and John Magaro.) Danny Ocean types need not apply, but if you hear skittering jazz music as the soundtrack of desperation, your new favorite comedy is here. — JR Director Harry Lighton's boundary-testing romance opens with a shy British lad named Colin (Harry Melling) in the back of his parents' car, gawking out the window at a leather-clad biker (Alexander Skarsgård). The soundtrack swoons with the '60s pop ballad 'I Will Follow Him.' Colin sure does — first to the local pub, then to a dark alley, then to the sexy stranger's house where the brute orders Colin to cook dinner, sleep on the floor and service him on command. Demeaning? Absolutely, but Colin is eager to please and genuinely loves to grovel. 'He says I have an aptitude for devotion,' the smitten boy beams, with his master's padlock chained around his neck. Lighton is curious to explore how submission gives Colin the confidence to go after what he wants. No one in the theater is in for a traditional love story, yet we, too, happily accept the terms of the deal. — AN The title of Kleber Mendonça Filho's Brazilian crime movie does it a disservice — put out of mind anything as creaky as Le Carré. Yes, bad things are happening in 1977 in the city of Recife: political disappearances, murder in the streets, a thorough sense of 'mischief,' as one early title card calls it. But the movie really rests on the soulful eyes of a superb Wagner Moura as a widower and scientist targeted by shadowy forces, someone who only wants to reconnect with his young 'Jaws'-obsessed son, who's beginning to forget his mother. Because this is Mendonça, the inspired maker of 'Bacurau' and 'Pictures of Ghosts' (a lovely ode to shuttered movie palaces), the new film is filled with vivid bits of cultural debris: tabloid stories about a disembodied leg that goes on a kicking spree of its own; or the sound of a theater audience screaming at 'The Omen.' This was the fullest meal I had at Cannes. — JR Somewhere on the road to nowhere, a group of semi-tough strangers roll into the desert in speeding trucks. Look for meaning if you must: There's some chat about 'the end of the world' and also a missing daughter somewhere. Neither matters all that much, nor is any kind of rationale necessary to fall sway to director Oliver Laxe's deliriously cool survival story, gassed by a pedal-to-the-metal need for speed and pounding EDM music which, if played at the proper volume, should rattle your rib cage. 'Sirât' seems poised at the finale of civilization, but everything about it (including one shocking moment of destruction) is offered in the pursuit of pure exhilaration. Unconcerned with smallness, the movie comes within scraping distance of Michelangelo Antonioni's cryptic 1970 'Zabriskie Point' and maybe 'Quest for Fire' too, except this is a quest for beats, even as bodies break down. I'm totally fine with this being the end of the world. — JR Michael Angelo Covino's sprightly comedy about self-destructing relationships opens with a bang: Carey and Ashley (Kyle Marvin and Adria Arjona) dodge a fatal highway crash, inspiring the latter to announce she's been cheating. Carey runs out of the car, into the wood and into bed with Julie (Dakota Johnson), his best friend's wife. Both couples claim they're hip enough to make non-monogamy work. Yeah, right. Everyone talks a big game to salvage their marriage and their pride and winds up looking ridiculous. (And while the hypocrisy is centered on the bedroom, it's applicable elsewhere, too). I'm unconvinced the naturalistic cinematography was the right call — it makes the script's fizzy hijinks come off a tad too mumblecore — but there's a fantastic sequence of Carey getting buddy-buddy with Ashley's lovers and a brawl that goes much further than you expect. People don't just lose their dignity: They lose their eyebrows. — AN The 28-year-old actor Harris Dickinson first came to Cannes in 2022 as the himbo lead of Ruben Östlund's 'Triangle of Sadness.' Now he's back with his own film about a streetwise addict and it turns out he's a heck of a director, too. Dickinson plays a supporting part in 'Urchin' as a feral bum who steals wallets and harangues shopkeepers, but what you really notice is his generous spirit. He's given the film's starring role to Frank Dillane, who delivers a career-launching, protean performance as the lively, moody, violent Mike. A true actor's director, Dickinson invests so much life into his bit characters that even players with only a line or two feel like they could spin off into their own movies. 'Urchin' is rich in confidence without a penny of do-gooder pity. And it has a sense of humor, opening with a sidewalk preacher who flogs her Bible app. — AN You can't take your eyes off Tel Aviv hipsters Yasmin and Y (Efrat Dor and Ariel Bronz). She's a wild sexpot, he's a hyperactive musician and together this hot-to-trot couple is the life of a party that's gotten a bit grotesque. They make a living kissing up to the rich and powerful — in the first 10 minutes, a wealthy woman literally commands them both to suckle her ears. But in the wake of the Oct. 7 tragedy and everything that's come since, their hangovers feel like death. Israeli director Nadav Lapid's audacious and dazzling 'Yes' thumps with dance music and the sound of people bouncing off the walls to distract themselves from pain. It's the first great film to grapple with the brainsick mental strain of enjoying a lovely day — the sun is out, the booze is flowing — while your phone dings with headlines of horrors happening elsewhere. Maybe you can relate. — AN
Tom's Guide
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix has racked up 15 No. 1 movies in 2025 so far — here's the 3 worth watching
Being ranked as the No. 1 movie on Netflix might not be as prestigious as winning Best Picture at the Oscars, but it's still a sign that a film has managed to draw the attention (and viewing hours) of millions of subscribers to the world's biggest streaming service. To date in 2025, 15 movies have managed to ascend to the top of the Netflix top 10 list (per Netflix's tracking data). While it's perhaps not a vintage collection, with several skippable efforts like 'Kinda Pregnant' and 'iHostage' wearing the crown for a period, there has been a handful of flicks worthy of the top spot. Below, I'm picking out the trio I think are most deserving of a place in your Netflix watchlist. If you missed any of these movies when they were ranked No. 1 on the platform, now is the time to circle back and give them a stream. I'm starting my picks with 'To Catch a Killer,' a 2023 thriller that enjoyed a surprise renaissance on Netflix this year. While it follows a cookie-cutter detective thriller blueprint, the mystery at its core is engaging enough, and the violent opening sequence, which sees a sniper begin shooting innocent targets from a rooftop, is pretty startling. The movie stars Shailene Woodley as a Baltimore beat cop named Eleanor. Grappling with a troubled past, Eleanor has an uncanny knack for spotting hidden clues others often miss, but her personal demons threaten to bubble to the surface and could put the hunt for the bloodthirsty killer in jeopardy. Ben Mendelsohn plays the head of the FBI task force in charge of the manhunt, and enjoys some strong (and heated) exchanges with Woodley. While the narrative conventions are pretty predictable, 'To Catch a Killer' is a well-produced take on a formula that never goes out of fashion. Watch on Netflix now I'm bracing myself for the angry comments to this selection already. I wrote about how much I enjoyed Gareth Evans' 'Havoc" last month, and let's just say the reader response was … fierce. While this grimdark action-thriller has endured a pretty torrid reception from many viewers (It holds a poor 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes), its frantic and extremely brutal fight scenes really worked for me. Evans, director of the 'The Raid' movies, is one of the best in the business when it comes to cinematic carnage, and I loved his latest slice of ultra-action. I also enjoyed seeing Tom Hardy in a very watchable movie again, as I've been largely unimpressed with his recent roles. However, I can't deny that his character of Walker, a bruised and hardboiled detective, doesn't exactly stand out as all that memorable. If you're looking for narrative depth, you won't find it in 'Havoc.' The movie's plot is overstuffed with far too many criminal players involved and it's all told in a needlessly convoluted way. But if you want to see stunning action choreography and plenty of intense shoot-outs that will get your adrenaline pumping, 'Havoc' is a Netflix original movie that few can measure up to. Watch on Netflix now Switching gear quite dramatically from nightclub brawls to the joys of a home-cooked meal, 'Nonnas' is a Netflix movie that is simply nice. There's no better word for it. Yes, 'nice' is not perhaps the most gushing of compliments, but 'Nonnas' is a simple movie, and it achieves its modest objective without any unnecessary fuss. It's the perfect lazy Sunday watch, and will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It may have unambitious aims, but it succeeds all the same. The comedy-drama centers on Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a Brooklyn native who decides to open a restaurant on Staten Island. So far, so normal. The culinary twist is that his eatery is staffed by grandmothers (or nonnas), cooking recipes passed down across generations. Inspired by a heartwarming true story, 'Nonnas' is a celebration of family bonds and the people and heritage that make us who we are. Plus, with Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Linda Cardellini and Joe Manganiello in supporting roles, it packs an extremely likeable cast of characters. Watch on Netflix now
West Australian
24-05-2025
- West Australian
The big five in Bordeaux
Just over two hours south-west of Paris on the high-speed TGV train, Bordeaux is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in France. Brimming with history and beauty, boasting an arresting mix of antique and cutting-edge sights and attractions, it's also the launchpad for multi-night cruises along the Garonne, a river that helped Bordeaux evolve from rural backwater to one of the world's richest trading ports. Here are five highlights in and around the city. You'll find countless wine shops and bars, plus the show-stopping Cite du Vin (City of Wine). While its bold, sinuous contemporary exterior is said to conjure the 'soul of wine', inside themed galleries with engaging, interactive exhibits take you back through the centuries, telling the story of wine globally and regionally. You can also sign up for workshops that let you taste different tipples as you deepen your knowledge of wine (while becoming slightly merrier and light headed). As you'd perhaps expect, Bordeaux wine pairs nicely with the region's cuisine, whether it's a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc with Atlantic oysters or a full-bodied red with a coq au vin or magret de canard (duck breast). Classic and contemporary bistros pepper the city and you'll also find more cosmopolitan eateries with recipes, trends and tipples from across the world. Other options for food and drink are the old-school markets and modern food halls that offer a range of flavours under one roof. Possibilities include Les Halles Bacalan, opened in 2017 opposite the Cite du Vin, and La Boca, which launched south of Bordeaux's Saint-Jean station the following year. Steeped in history, with roots in the mid 1700s, Marche des Capucins is perhaps the city's most alluring market, a sensory feast offering everything from regionally-sourced meats and seafood to South American empanadas and desserts. Thanks to its close links with royalty — Eleanor of Aquitaine, daughter of Richard the Lionheart of England, married Louis VII, King of France here in AD1137 — Bordeaux was one Europe's most important cities in the Middle Ages. And as transatlantic trading routes opened up, the city became wealthier still with the prosperity evident in the buildings sprinkling Bordeaux's strollable historic core. You will see handsome spired churches, gated remnants of the city's medieval walls, elegant squares and theatres, and Parisian-style palaces, shopping arcades and boulevards. One of the best places for viewing the mix of architecture is along the riverside promenade, especially by the Miroir d'Eau. Created in 2006, the world's largest reflecting pool mirrors the Place de la Bourse, a square edged by a neoclassical-rococo-style former stock exchange. While Bordeaux has a beautifully-preserved old core — Victor Hugo was a fan — it's not a city that rests on its laurels. New districts are being built on disused land — with modern apartments and construction cranes rising either side of the railway station — and the city's tram network has been extended several times since 2003, most recently to the airport. Around the city, previously abandoned or derelict sites have been repurposed into visitor draws and community hubs, including the Darwin eco-camp, which has galleries, bars, shops, street art and skateboarding facilities at a former military barracks. Another waterfront diversion is the Bassins des Lumieres, a huge digital arts centre with exhibitions in a former World War II submarine base on the docks of the Bacalan district. You could gladly spend two or three days drinking in the pleasures of central Bordeaux (and more if you'd like to check out its fine arts, history and maritime museums, and its tidy parks and botanical gardens). Away from the wine-related tours and day trips, and cruises that sail on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, you could venture towards the Atlantic coast either by car, e-bike or rail. One mesmerising location is the Bay of Arcachon, a huge tidal lagoon fringed by pine forests, Europe's highest sand dunes and cute and chic beach towns where you can tuck into seafood lunches and hop on and off sightseeing boats and ferries. The best-connected hub for the bay is the town of Arcachon itself. It's about 40 minutes on the train from Bordeaux and a little bit longer to drive, but well worth the journey, especially if good weather is on the horizon. fact file + For more information on visiting Bordeaux, including attractions and accommodation options, see
