The Fête du Vin and the river festival take annual turns on the quayside (wine in even years, water in odd), while September’s annual Marathon des Châteaux du Medoc is sport for the self-indulgent. What other event rewards the winners with their body weight in claret? The race takes in 59 classic vineyards and 2,000 places are reserved for non-French competitors. Bordeaux hosts a major contemporary arts festival throughout November, with shows at 21 cultural venues. See www.bordeaux.fr for further information.