Bordeaux & Atlantic Coast

Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast in southwest France take in the Médoc region, the richest wine-growing region in the world. Not only that, but you get to see tiny fishing villages on offshore islands, take hikes through pine forests, visit seaside towns, cruise rivers such as the Gironde or two large lakes, and hang out on glorious unsung beaches: especially recommended is the Arcachon Basin, 71 miles (114 km) of beautiful coastline backed by towering pine trees. The best base is Bordeaux itself, on the banks of the Garonne River, a cultural and trade center known for its Old Town and St-Michel quarter. Due east is the medieval ...

Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast in southwest France take in the Médoc region, the richest wine-growing region in the world. Not only that, but you get to see tiny fishing villages on offshore islands, take hikes through pine forests, visit seaside towns, cruise rivers such as the Gironde or two large lakes, and hang out on glorious unsung beaches: especially recommended is the Arcachon Basin, 71 miles (114 km) of beautiful coastline backed by towering pine trees. The best base is Bordeaux itself, on the banks of the Garonne River, a cultural and trade center known for its Old Town and St-Michel quarter. Due east is the medieval village and wine-producing district of St-Emilion. The Route du Médoc takes in some of the great wine estates of the world, including Mouton-Rothschild and Château Latour. There's more, especially that gem of the Middle Ages, Poitiers, with its magnificent churches, and La Rochelle, one of France's most historic seaports.

About the Expert

Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince have written many guidebooks for Frommer's, including Frommer's France and Frommer's Germany.