Posted on February 03, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

It’s tempting to slap a health warning on Bordeaux car hire.  In France’s foremost wine producing region, it’s near impossible for drivers not to succumb to the fruits of the local vineyards when going for a spin in the countryside. 

Two words: Designated driver. If there’s more than one of you heading to southwest France, you’d better draw straws (preferably not the drinking kind)!

Oh and another thing – when driving into Bordeaux, you should be aware that parking in the city centre is expensive and sometimes difficult to find.  Places to look for free spaces include the little side streets located just to the north of the Musée d’Art Contemporain, located west of the Jardin Public.  The majority of hotels provide parking for a set price per night.  If you prefer, you’ll find extensive car parks to the north of the esplanade des Quinconces and just across the street from the place de la Bourse.

Bordeaux is world-famous for its aforementioned wine-growing regions. Famous wineries  worth checking out include the Margaux, Médoc, Sauternes and St. Emilion.  Even if you don’t make it to the big names, you’ll find many chateaux open their doors to allow visits to their cellars and wine tastings.

Prefer roses to rosé?  Head to Bordeaux’s picturesque Jardin Botanique.   The grounds of these public gardens were constructed in 1755 and later re-modelled to reflect the English style.

For a longer day-trip, be sure to check out the pretty seaside town of Arcachon. Arcachon’s sandy beaches brim with sun-worshippers over the summer months, but you’ll always find less busy beaches to be just a short drive away.