Bordeaux Travel from The Wine Experience

The Bordeaux region lies in the southwest of France. It's near the Atlantic coast and, of course encompasses the city of Bordeaux. The Gironde is crossed by the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, which meet at and flow into the Gironde Estuary.

Looking at a map there's the right side, or bank, of the estuary, and the left. On the right are the merlot based wines of St Emilion and Pomerol. On the left are the Cabernet kings from Margaux, Pauillac, St Julien and the rest of the Médoc.

Then there are outlying and lesser known districts near the famous ones which deliver some really good values. From the south are minerally crisp whites from Graves and the elegantly awesome dessert wines of Sauternes.

While you're there, enjoying the full bodied reds like Pomerol or Bordeaux or the sweetness of Barsac or Sauterne, there's plenty to do and see.

The town of Bordeaux has some of France's best 18th-century architecture and houses a major fine arts museum. You can walk the river near the Quai de la Douane, stop and visit wineries, and buy great locally made items. Make a note, though, lunchtime means closed shops and wineries.

Nearby, St. Emilion is quiet and friendly. The streets are cobblestone and the views romantic. Take the "official tour" offered by the tourist office. If you make reservations upon arrival, you're sure to get in.

Feel like climbing? Try Pyla Dune, the highest dune in all of Europe. It's about 115 meters in height (350 feet) and runs 2.7 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. Pyla Dune is located about 65 km from Bordeaux.

Of course, taking some time to relax in the peace of the surroundings wouldn't hurt, either. In visiting the communes, remember that each is based on the terroir and its winemaking traditions. Each Chateau known for its unique style and there are enough to keep you plenty busy.

So whether you want to take a couple of bottles on the road with you to celebrate after a long climb or just slowly explore the vineyards nearby, Bordeaux has plenty of enjoyment waiting for you.

The Wine Experience^sm is your gateway to wine country travel throughout the world. Whether it's a visit to Champagne, a getaway weekend in Sonoma, barging in Burgundy, wearing out your shoes walking the hill towns of Tuscany, or four-wheeling in Australia, the world of wine offers just about any travel experience you're looking for.

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Destination of the Week

Bordeaux! ----