Explore Bordeaux and the region

The Place de la Bourse lies on the banks of the Garonne. Surrounded by 18th-century buildings, the square is now famous for its water mirror, the biggest in the world at a whopping 3,450 m²! The surrounding buildings are reflected on its surface, especially at night, when the lights are turned on. It is certainly worth a visit.

The Cité du Vin is a unique experience for the senses, featuring a trail that walks you through wine history and production. The highlight of the tour is a wine-tasting session at the venue's belvedere. The top floor offers a 360-degree view of Bordeaux. So much more than a museum, the Cité is a lively hub of activity, hosting debates and discussions, exhibitions and workshops...

A stone's throw away from the Place du Parlement and the Saint-Pierre church, Aux Quatre Coins du Vin is an absolute find. Use your pre-paid card to choose your glass size and wine. A sommelier is on hand to point you in the right direction. Add a platter of cured meats, cheeses and foie gras to set off the wines.

It would be a crime to leave town without trying a cannelé, the city's ultimate speciality. These small rum cakes are traditionally baked in copper moulds. Cannelés are soft and moist on the inside, and lightly caramelised on the outside, and are perfect for dessert or a tea-time treat. They're everywhere you look, even at the airport gate!

The charming village of Saint-Émilion is just 40 kilometres from Bordeaux. Explore this medieval town's old stone walls, churches and the Tour du Roy, before moving on to the UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion vineyard. The vines here yield the grapes used in one of the world's most famous wines.

There's so much to do in Médoc, it's difficult to know where to start. Take to the châteaux trail to soak up the landscape and venture deeper into the vineyards to sample some exceptional wines. Hug the Atlantic coast and make your way down to the sea for a dip, or hop on a cruise up the estuary.

Arcachon Bay is just an hour's drive away from Bordeaux. Famed for its oysters, the bay is also home to the Landes beaches, the Cap Ferret lighthouse and the world-renowned Dune du Pilat! Scramble up its 110 metres, then enjoy a boat trip out to sea to take in the bay in all its glory.

Bordeaux is minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean, and it would be a shame to leave without dipping your toe in. Lay down your towel and kick back on the beach. This is a surfing paradise, with the Gironde and Landes regions crammed full of amazing spots like Lacanau and Biscarrosse.

Châteaux, caves, villages and grottos are everywhere you look in Périgord. This ancient county is steeped in thousands of years of history, and the region is perfect for stumbling upon secret beauty spots tucked away in breath-taking landscapes. Périgord is also full of fine-dining stop-offs and gourmet experiences.

The Vézère Valley is home to a priceless crown jewel: the Lascaux cave. Its walls are adorned with prehistoric paintings you can examine in detail at the Lascaux II cave. This is an exact replica of the original cave created to ensure the latter remains perfectly preserved.

From rolling green hills to windswept seascapes, the Basque country is a thousand different vistas in one. An array of activities await here: Surfing, hiking, via ferratas, horse-riding trips, Larrun mountain-climbing, and more. Embark on day trips to Bayonne and Biarritz, the Basque country's iconic cities.

Wander under the arches, marvel at the opulent mansions and the Maison Henri II, admire the Great Clock Tower and the port's three towers. La Rochelle exudes a quiet, nonchalant simplicity. Just two hours away from Bordeaux, this coastal city is an invitation to slow down and kick back in the old port.