Bordeaux, capital of the French Atlantic Coast, is surrounded by some of the most renowned wine producing regions in the world. Several winery and vineyard tours provide an intriguing overview of the industry. The choice red and whites are celebrated every other June at the Bordeaux Wine Festival, and neighbouring Saint-Emilion marks the beginning of the grape-picking season in September with the Ban des Vendanges de St-Emilion, a popular event that includes abundant tastings as well as lively procession through town.

Besides wine, Bordeaux is intoxicating for its culture and architecture. The 18th century Grand Theatre, also known as the Bordeaux Opera, hosts ballet, symphonic and operatic performances. Noted museums include the Aquitaine Museum, which focuses on history, archeology and ethnology, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, filled with examples of European art. Three UNESCO world heritage monuments, Saint Michel Basilica, Saint Andre Cathedral and Saint Seurin Basilica, mark the French pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which was devoted to spreading religious and cultural development during the Middle Ages.