Bordeaux = Wine Mecca

In addition to the vineyards, my other favorite part of Bordeaux was the striking Monument aux Girodins. Located next to the tourist office and the Esplanades Quinconces, this amazing structure of statues and fountains kept me mesmerized for quite awhile. If you take art with your wine, don't miss the Musee des Beaux Arts, which contains great works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The majority of the time I was in Bordeaux, I walked, as everything besides the train station is within a reasonable distance. Pick up a map at the tourist office in case you get lost, and be sure to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

The hotel is located on a side street about 2 blocks from Place Gambetta, which is reachable by bus from the train station. The surrounding streets are lined with fabulous little boutiques and countless cafés and restaurants. The main tourist office and waterfront are about a 10-minute walk away. Hotel Studio is ideal for budget travelers who might not need or want the social atmosphere of a hostel.

Even if you're not a wine connoisseur, the scenery and history wrapped up in the chateaux and vineyards are worth taking the tour. Or, if you really enjoy yourself, take another tour to a different region or a full-day tour and keep on swirling and swishing that wine.