Bordeaux

The name Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, and indeed oenophiles flock here by the thousands to sample the local produce. But there is more to this port city than its surrounding vineyards. Designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007, Bordeaux is recognised for its contribution to world culture, commerce and urban architecture. The city has a diverse culture and thriving nightlife.

Bordeaux offers architectural gems like the grand Place de la Bourse, with its classical 18th-century facade and the Grand Théâtre, which inspired Charles Garnier in his design of the Opéra in Paris. Wander through the city, and you'll find an excellent example of medieval architecture is on offer with the Grosse Cloche (near cours Victor Hugo), a 16th-century gate and clocktower. Near quai Richelieu is the Porte Cailhau, a gate which features on the coat of arms of the city of Boardeaux.

There is an interesting array of museums and exhibits in Bordeaux. For modern art, the CAPC museum of contemporary art offers over 600 works of art. An old German submarine base, built during WWII, is now preserved as a museum on the boulevard Alfred-Daney. And you can visit the Case de Goya, the place the Spanish painter called home from during his exile in Bordeaux. The cities offers a fine arts museum, a museum of decorative arts and one of local history. For a history of wine in Bordeaux, as told by 75 talking wax figures, be sure to visit Vinorama.

The pursuit of all things wine is certainly not to be ignored in Bordeaux, and l'Ecole du Vin holds technical courses in wine tasting and appreciation, from how to identify balance and length on the palate to olfactory testing. A number of companies offer guided tours of chateaux and wineries, or you can hire a car and tour the vineyards on your own. For a unique wine experience, the Caudalie spa offers vinotherapie treatments for health and relaxation.

For a quick overview of the city of Bordeaux, take the morning walking tour provided by the Office du Tourisme. For a taste of unspoiled medeival architecture amongst the vineyars, take a day trip to Saint-Emillon.