In Bordeaux, France, the iconic Place de la Bourse stands by the Garonne River quay. It was built in the 18th century during the reign of Louis XV. After years of sedimentation, it carries a deep historical heritage. The Miroir d'Eau on the square is its shining highlight. This shallow water surface, covered with a layer of water, has a magical mirror effect, which can reflect the ancient buildings on the square one by one, attracting countless tourists to come and start a wonderful journey to explore the charm of the water mirror.
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In 2005, the quay of the Garonne River in Bordeaux began to be renovated, and the construction of the Miroir d'Eau also began. The project was completed in 2006. This pool is the largest water mirror in the world, with an area of more than 3,450 square meters and a water depth of only 2 centimeters. The water reservoir of the water mirror is underground, with a water storage capacity of 800 cubic meters. The water mirror is a real ecological project. It is built in a closed loop. After the water flows to the ground, it falls back into the ditch and finally returns to the underground reservoir.
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If you want to enjoy the special view of the water mirror, the best time to visit is in summer. Miroir d'Eau is open all day, from 10 am to 10 pm. The water filling process is divided into three stages. In the first stage, 3 minutes, the pool is filled with water. In the next 15 minutes, the square becomes a shallow lake, and the square and the surrounding monuments can be reflected in the water. After 5 minutes, the water in the pool is emptied, leaving a thin layer of water stains. At this time, the reflection effect is the best. The pool is like a real mirror, and the scenery is clearly reflected in the water. In the last 3 minutes of the water show, the water mirror will be shrouded in thick fog. At dusk, the scenery of the sky makes this place even more beautiful. Whether it is Bordeaux Square in the thick fog or the square reflected in the pool, it is unforgettable. Since 2007, Miroir d'Eau has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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When you come to the water mirror, you can really feel its unique charm. In the shallow lake stage after the water is filled, children laugh and play in the water, splashing water happily, while adults watch and enjoy this relaxing time. The surrounding buildings, such as the ancient stock exchange building, with its exquisite Baroque-style architecture, are reflected on the water surface, as if forming a dreamlike symmetrical world with the real buildings. The lines and decorative details of the buildings can be seen clearly, providing excellent shooting materials for photography enthusiasts.
When it comes to the thin water stain stage when the water mirror has the best effect, people in the square slow down and walk carefully, for fear of destroying this dreamy reflection. At this time, whether it is the blue sky and white clouds or the surrounding classical buildings, they are almost perfectly reflected in the water. When the breeze blows, the water surface ripples, and the reflections shake with it, like a lively oil painting. Many couples walk hand in hand by the water mirror, and their figures are reflected in the water, which is very romantic.
When the thick fog covers the water mirror, the whole scene becomes mysterious and charming. The surrounding buildings are vague in the thick fog, as if covered by a layer of gauze, and the reflections in the water mirror become blurred, making people feel as if they are in a fairyland. In this dreamlike atmosphere, time seems to slow down, and people are immersed in this unique scenery, taking out their cameras to record this rare moment.
The water mirror at night has a unique flavor. When night falls, the lights on the square are turned on, and the water mirror reflects the colorful lights, and the whole scene becomes dreamlike. The outlines of the surrounding buildings are clearer under the outline of the lights, echoing with the reflections in the water, forming a world of light and shadow. At this time, there are still many people by the water mirror, and everyone is attracted by this beautiful night view. At night, you can also hear the music coming from the surrounding restaurants and cafes, which blends with this beautiful night view and adds a romantic memory to your trip.
There are abundant supporting facilities and travel options around the water mirror. There are many cafes and restaurants around the square. If you are tired, you can find a seat and order a cup of fragrant coffee or a local specialty. While enjoying the delicious food, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the water mirror. For example, La Dame en Bois restaurant offers a variety of French cuisine, from exquisite appetizers to delicious main courses, to delicious desserts. Every dish can greatly satisfy your taste buds. The open-air seats of the restaurant are facing the water mirror. Dining here, the beautiful scenery and food complement each other.
In addition to food, there are also some specialty shops around, selling various Bordeaux souvenirs, handicrafts and local specialty products. You can pick up some special little items here as a souvenir of this trip. Walking along the Garonne River pier is also a good choice. There are cruise ships passing by from time to time on the river, and the lush trees on the shore add a sense of comfort to the walk. If you have enough time, you can also take a cruise to visit the Garonne River and enjoy the city scenery of Bordeaux from the water. At this time, the water mirror and the Place de la Bourse look another unique scene.
Bordeaux's Miroir d'Eau is a tourist destination not to be missed. Therefore, when you come to Bordeaux, you must come to the Water Mirror to experience its charm. I believe it will leave you with an unforgettable travel memory!
