Indie's One-week Bordeaux Road Trip

Bordeaux, France’s sixth largest city, is best known for its wine. Surrounded by vibrant green vineyards, Bordeaux and its residents enjoy the good life — by which we mean, yes, lots of wine.

But the city’s heady allure also owes to its architecture. Half the city is UNESCO listed, making it the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site. But alongside history is a progressive and youthful vibe, thanks in part to its 87,000-strong student population.

Arriving at this first stop on your French road trip itinerary, begin at the Place de la Bourse. This Neoclassical masterpiece overlooks the Miroir d’Eau, a shallow fountain reflecting the world above in mesmerising clarity, and the perfect place to cool off. Continue along the river promenade, where you’ll find ample art museums and galleries.

After indulging in art, go for a river cruise or simply stroll around the shabby but charming Chartrons neighbourhood. As for dinner, pick between upscale restaurants, boutique eateries, and even food trucks — just make sure to pair your dish with a generous glass of Bordeaux.

Come summer, many of Bordeaux’s residents pack up their cars and flock to the gold sands of the seaside paradise that is the Bassin d’Arcachon. Follow in their suit and head on to the next stop on your Bordeaux road trip itinerary.

From delightful Arcachon itself, with its whimsical villas and gardens, to the chic and sophisticated Cap Ferret, there is plenty here for a memorable stop on your French adventure.

First up: oysters. Oyster beds stretch all along the shoreline here, as do waterfront restaurants serving nothing but wine and nature’s aphrodisiac. Stroll the streets of Arcachon, with its hotchpotch of architectural styles.

Take a pinasse — a traditional long wooden boat — over to Cap Ferret. Or there’s the pyramid-shaped Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune — climb to the top for mind-blowing views.

Cycle to the picturesque villages of L'Herbe or Le Canon. Or hire a canoe to explore the region’s water-dwelling flora and fauna.

Once the glitzy haunt of European royalty, today Biarritz still entertains a fair number of celebs, but the vibe is less aristocratic glamour and more beach-bum chillout. People have flocked to Biarritz for holidays for centuries, and this west coast surf destination continues to tempt many to its six breathtaking beaches.

And it’s not just sand and surf. You also have Belle Époque relics, art deco villas, and even a 1930s casino.

When you arrive at the next destination on this road trip, walk in the footsteps of Empress Eugénie and Napoléon III — who started high society’s obsession with the city — with a visit to Eugénie's extravagant villa, now the Hôtel du Palais. Then perhaps a digestif on the terrace of the Casino Municipale, although you’ll need a gown or tux to go inside.

As for beaches, there’s the sandy expanses of La Grande Plage, or the rugged La Côte des Basques. And for breathtaking views, head to the Rocher de la Vierge.

Northwest of Bordeaux you’ll find the megastars of the French wine world. Along the Gironde Estuary are some of the region’s most acclaimed vineyards, including Haut-Médoc, Margaux, and St-Julien, familiar to anyone who knows their grape.

But even if you don’t, this is the perfect final stop before you return from your Bordeaux road trip. Unspoiled beaches and seaside towns. Horse riding and mushroom picking through lush forests. And those crumbling old villages that lend this corner of France its unique charm.

Choose which of the region’s extraordinary châteaux you fancy and call ahead to schedule a visit. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou or Château Margaux are good options.

Time it right and you might catch part of the Marathon du Médoc, a race that offers cheese, oysters, foie gras, and — yes, you’ve guessed it — wine, at the stations along the way. And, of course, you’ll need some dining to go with all that wine-ing, so be sure to try the Pauillac lamb at some point — it’s delicious.