Bordeaux

Spend a day sipping French reds and whites in the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region on a day trip from Bordeaux. Visit two chateaux to taste the region’s famous wines and then stroll through the charming streets of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This gigantic cultural centre devoted to wine was opened in June 2016 and offers an experience close to that of an amusement park. The post-modern building itself is worth the detour, but the visits are almost impossible to exhaust with 19 thematic modules, tours given in 8 languages and over 120 audiovisual productions. The Cité is also to be experienced through performances, concerts, tastings, a multi-sensory space, a panoramic restaurant and more.

Just an hour's drive away from Bordeaux, the Arcachon Bay offers deep blue waters, shiny white sand, a "bird island" and stunning views in a pleasant micro-climate. It has inspired poets, writers, singers, but also movies and is ideal for a day at the beach or a long bicycle ride. Shaped by oyster culture, it is also a great dining spot.

If you are looking for some serious sensations, go rent a jet ski on the other side of the Garonne. Ideal for a super fun afternoon or a bachelor/bachelorette party, Bordeaux Jet will make your stay in the city unforgettable. You can also go on a jet ski tour in the area.

Bordeaux’s wine school, L'École du Vin, offers courses on wine and the Bordeaux vineyards, as well as on the topic of pairing wine with cheese and other foods. Of various duration and existing both in English and French, these short training classes will allow you to act like a true connoisseur. To perfect the practice, each course also features several wine tastings.

The Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, literally the Big Bell of Bordeaux, is a belfry on the old Medieval Town Hall, above a former dungeon for juveniles. You can see two 40 meter towers standing to the sides of a central building. The 18th-century bell has an impressive weight of 7,800 kilograms and rings out to mark special occasions.

Hosted within the former St Simeon's church, Utopia is a unique fusion of a film theatre, cafe, lunch spot and cultural hub. Specialising in alternative films shown in their original language with French subtitles, Utopia offers a memorable movie experience in a comfortable and nostalgic setting. Even if you're not in the mood for a film, the building itself is a noteworthy French cultural landmark worth exploring. Aside from its cinematic offerings, Utopia features a charming bar and restaurant with indoor seating and a street terrace. Enjoy a variety of delicious lunch options and drinks in this cool, atmospheric space. While the service may be leisurely, it's a perfect spot to unwind and savour the experience.

The Notre-Dame de Bordeaux, an 11th-century Roman Catholic church, is a significant landmark in Bordeaux. Renowned for its Romanesque architecture, the church's statuary-adorned west front is a masterpiece of religious art. Inside, you'll find the walls covered with beautiful murals. Whether bathed in sunlight or under the soft glow of street lamps, the church is a stunning sight, with its facade transforming with the changing light. It's truly an architectural marvel worth visiting both day and night.