Bordeaux

Bordeaux, a tiny port city in southern France, is best known as a wine lover's heaven. Even if you aren't here for the wine, a visit to Bordeaux is worthwhile since it is a lovely city with a plethora of fascinating things to do in the surrounding region.

The best time to visit Bordeaux is between June and August when most French and other Europeans visit. Come in the spring or fall for fewer crowds and reduced prices. One disadvantage of visiting in the autumn is that vineyards begin harvesting in September, and some do not accept visitors. While it might get cold, a visit to Bordeaux in December is quite Christmas-festive.