Bordeaux & French Basque Country - Discover France: Experience the Best of France - page 537

BORDEAUX TO ST-ÉMILION A VINTAGE TRIP
If you're going to get to grips with Bordeaux wine, there's only one place to start. (1)
Bordeaux is one of France's most impressive cities - so impressive, in fact, that
Unesco has planted most of it on the World Heritage list. You should devote at least
a day to sight-seeing - don't miss the Cathédrale St-André and a climb up the Tour
Pey-Beyland, a visit to CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain and a river cruise, fol-
lowed by supper at Le Cheverus Café or La Tupina.
On day two take a guided tour of some of the region's celebrated vineyards, in-
cluding the illustrious names of the (2) Médoc . There will be plenty of opportunities
to buy some bottles en route, or you could wait to stock up back at Bordeaux's top
wine shop, L'Intendant.
On day three travel east to beautiful (3) St-Émilion . Perched on a limestone
ridge surrounded by seemingly endless green vines, the town has umpteen wine
shops and châteaux to visit. Don't miss a guided tour into the musty caverns hol-
lowed out beneath the 11th-century Église Monolithe.
BORDEAUX TO BIARRITZ INTO THE BASQUE
COUNTRY
After (1) Bordeaux , it's time to head south into the fiery heartland of the French
Basques. First stop is (2) Arcachon , a popular seaside town that's famous for its
oysters and the nearby, enormous sand dune, Dune du Pilat. If you have time, you
won't regret a boat trip across the bay to the pretty peninsula of Cap Ferret.
Further south, the Basque Country begins in earnest at (3) Bayonne , where you
can watch a game of pelote , buy some delicious Basque ham and dine at delightful
riverside restaurants, such as La Criée Bayonaisse.
On day three head to hip (4) Biarritz , a quick trip from Bayonne, where you'll
find fantastic beaches, a thriving surf culture and invigorating views of the coast
from the Rocher de la Vierge. It's also a great place to try some classic Basque
cuisine - for seafood try the ramshackle beach shack Casa Juan Pedro, or for au-
thentic tapas head for Bar Jean.