As the lockdown is being gradually lifted in France, life is returning to normal and people are returning to the trams running around the city.

Bordeaux has a variety of means of transportation, including the subway, buses, and rental bicycles, but the tram is the most recommended means of transportation, as you can enjoy the scenery from the large windows while traveling.

As of 2021, there are 24 tram stations in the city, making it convenient to go anywhere, east, west, north, south. It is a modern design with ground power supply that does not spoil the scenery of historical buildings, and is characterized by a beautiful style without overhead wires.

When you walk around the city, you will often see canelé specialty stores marked by their red (Bordeaux) color. Bordeaux is famous as the birthplace of wine, but it is also the birthplace of canelés.

Canelés are a traditional French baked good that is crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and has a sweet vanilla aroma.

In fact, canelés have a deep connection to wine. During the wine-making process, egg whites are used in a process called collage to produce wine of high purity, and canelés were created as a dessert that could make use of the excess yolks.

Canelés have a long history, and are said to have been created by nuns at a convent in Bordeaux in the 18th century. The recipe for canelés was thought to have been lost during the French Revolution, but it was passed down among the general public and improved by pastry chefs in the 20th century to become what we know today.

The average temperature in Bordeaux in May is a comfortable 16 degrees, and you can see people walking around in summer clothes such as shorts and tank tops. Incidentally, in France, there are many people who admire tanned skin rather than fair skin, so it is very rare to see someone walking around with a parasol.

During this time of year, when it's nice and sunny outside, enjoying the breeze while eating Bordeaux's famous canelés is the ultimate teatime experience. Even though we're busy every day, please try to incorporate some time into your life to relax and enjoy nature.

Look forward to my next blog about my time in France.