Surrounded by the green of the vineyards,
near the ocean, the forest and the mountains,
Bordeaux rises proudly on the banks
of the Garonne. unites the heart of
the city around its crescent shape (its
shape inspired the Bordeaux coat of
arms). And while most of its commercial
activity and installations have been
transferred downstream to the estuary
(the largest in Europe) to accommodate
larger vessels, the harbour now attracts
a growing number of cruise liners and
pleasure craft.
and its endless
beaches of white sand (dominated
by the Pyla Dune, the highest in Europe,
which marks the entrance to the Bassin
d'Arcachon). These give way to the immensity
of the Landes forest, the largest
forest in Europe and a haven of peace
that offers endless opportunities for
walkers and hikers.
gives way to the vineyards
and their 4,000 châteaux - with
grape vines omnipresent. Surrounded
by the Médoc and the Côtes
de Bourg et de Blaye to the north, Saint-Emilion,
Pomerol and Entre-Deux-Mers to the east
and, finally, by Graves and Sauternes
to the south, Bordeaux even has flourishing
vineyards that encroach on the Metropolitan
area itself, where there are still a
few prestigious wine-producing
châteaux.
and if you are interested
in history, it's well worth making a
detour through the Périgord.
The region is outstanding for its prehistoric
sites (like the Grottes de Lascaux)
and its many mediaeval villages and
castles. Allow yourself to be tempted
by a tasting session - cognac in Charente
or Armagnac in d'Artagnan Country. By
following this route, you come naturally
to the gateway to Spain, where you will
hesitate between the particular charm
of the Basque Country and the attractions
of Béarn, stronghold of Henri
IV, and the unspoiled open spaces of
the Pyrenees.
Surrounded by the green of the vineyards,
near the ocean, the forest and the mountains,
Bordeaux rises proudly on the banks
of the Garonne. 
