The city itself is steeped in history and due to the French pilgrim routes of Santiago de Compostela, three major landmarks sit here and are now on UNESCO’s World Heritage site list; Saint André, Saint-Seurin and Saint-Michel cathedrals. All in all, Bordeaux and the surrounding region is a wine lover’s and culture vulture’s paradise.
Exploring the surrounding region is a must for any visitor and will give you an even greater insight into the culture and people of this beautiful region. Bordeaux cheap car hire
Making your base in the city and travelling into the hinterland for daytrips is your best bet.
Before you head off to explore the fabulous wine regions, why not learn just what exactly a good wine is and how to really taste it. Take a daytrip from Bordeaux to the Maison de Vin de Bordeaux and discover the wine producing process. You will be introduced to the different grape varieties in the region and learn how the soils and climate of the region effect the grapes.
The making and ageing of the wines, together with how they find harmony and equilibrium in the Bordeaux wines, is truly fascinating. Next comes the tasting itself; learn how to express what is in your glass and discover various tasting techniques to get the most from the wine.
Armed with your new found knowledge, it’s now time to put it to the test. Less than an hour from Bordeaux, you will be able to choose from an array of different wine routes and you can even combine them with beaches, scenic walks or historic places of interest.
One of the best wine routes is the Fortified Towns road which makes a great daytrip from Bordeaux. Online Bordeaux hire cars This region is the largest in Bordeaux and is surrounded by the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, hence locally the region is known as Entre Deux Mers (‘Between Two Seas’).
The vast amounts of wines here consist of fruity, lively reds; young and crisp whites; clarets and rosés; plus, sweet whites. There is any number of wineries to stop off at for tasting and as most places have their own shops, you can also purchase some of your favourites.
For the energetic, why not take a cycling daytrip from Bordeaux to the Dune du Pyla. This 30-mile (50km) route takes you through pine forests on your way to the dune and cycling time is between 1 and 2 hours. The Dune du Pyla itself is very impressive at three miles (five kilometres) long, situated between the ocean and picturesque forests.
If seafood is your thing, then a daytrip from Bordeaux to Bassin d’Arcachon will not disappoint. Head for the voguish Cap Ferret beach, where the seafood will take you to gastronomic heaven, especially the oysters. The food, coupled with its idyllic location and awe inspiring views, makes a trip here the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, whether it’s history and culture you’re after or you simply want to enjoy the food and wine, one thing’s for sure; Bordeaux will have you coming back for seconds!
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Andy Burrows
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