No visit to Bordeaux the city is complete without a side trip to Bordeaux the tipple. The tourist office offers Bordeaux Découverte, a guided tour and tasting at a wine chateau, which includes two nights’ accommodation, transport and museum passes, and complimentary claret in the bedroom.

Ask the tourist office to recommend a chateau. One possibility is Château Pape Clement, which is accessible by city bus. But try to visit at least one of the ‘Best Of’ laureates; these awardwinners are featured on tourist office lists of the most visitor-friendly chateaux. Margaux’s legendary Château Giscours (guided cellar tours followed by a free tasting of the 1996 vintage) even does B&B with views of the most expensive vines in the world, 30 minutes from central Bordeaux.

Breaks at the belle époque harbour of Arcachon suit passive weekenders, while surfers head to Lacanau-Océan, the largest resort accessible by bus.