Bordeaux

In addition to its fame as a wine region, Bordeaux is a stunningly beautiful city with over 5,000 buildings dating from the 18th century.  After many years of cleaning and restoration, during which time a whole new tram network has been installed, Bordeaux is again poised to take its place as the "Paris of the South".

Situated on a curve of the River Garonne, the centre is spacious with wide vistas and exuberant monuments evoking its past grandeur.

This was once France's second biggest port and now the many quais and warehouses have been revitalised to provide new shopping areas, along with space for outdoor cafés and restaurants. 

Every Sunday there's a fresh produce market on the riverside, as well as a regular flea-market in the colourful St Michel district.

Now that the slinky new trams are up and running, alleviating many of the past traffic problems, it takes just over an hour to drive into the city centre.  We can advise you on where to park and where to find some excellent, good-value places to eat.
 

Bordeaux is well worth a day out - get there before the rest of the world wakes up to its charms!