It looks as if you’re walking on water. Take your camera for countless photo opportunities at this creative and magnificent man-made spectacle.
It’s only 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) deep, but the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) has the illusion of being much deeper and provides endless opportunities for picture taking. Wade into this water feature, which you’re encouraged to do, and express yourself however you wish.
In the background is Bordeaux’s stately Place de la Bourse (Stock Exchange Square) with its classic stone buildings that create a mirror image in the water when viewed straight on. See it with fleeting clouds appearing at your feet. Watch for the reflection to disappear as the water develops a mist over it, creating a whimsical atmosphere. People of all ages can enjoy spending time at the Water Mirror as it goes through its cycles of reflective pool and misty pond.
Although this interactive attraction is only about 10 years old, it’s registered as a UNESCO contemporary World Heritage Site. The water surface measures 37,100 square feet (3,450 square meters), making it among the world’s largest reflecting pools. Wander through this area, along the banks of the Garonne River, which provides many areas of interest for everyone.
Beneath the Water Mirror is a 28,000-cubic-foot (800-cubic-meter) holding tank that regularly recirculates the water to become either a pool or a sea of mist. Water being forced through 900 injectors creates the mist effect otherwise the water lies still on a slab of granite 430 feet (130 meters) long and 140 feet (42 meters) wide. Take some time to observe how people interact with this water feature whose creators were inspired by scenes of a flooded Piazza San Marco in Venice.
Relax among the flowers of the Jardin des Lumières (Garden of Lights) that’s adjacent to the stoned surface around the Water Mirror. On a hot day, cooling your feet before or after some sightseeing or shopping in Bordeaux offers a pleasant break. Come back at night for a spectacular display of lights reflecting in the water.
