Top 5 Must Do's in Bordeaux

1. Drink Wine! Bordeaux is synonymous with wine. The Bordeaux region produces over 800 million bottles of the finest wine in the world annually. The best way to sample the region's fare is by visiting one of the many lovely chateaus that are scattered over the countryside. La Maison du Vin de Boreaux has vineyard guides and maps and is located downtown next to the tourist information office. You can try a wine tasting class or guided tour through one of the local vineyards. Even local cafes and restaurants offer a selection of the local wine - it isn't hard to find, and most of the time it is reasonably priced. Always remember to drink responsibly.

2.  St Andre Cathedral is a gorgeous cathedral rivaling in size to Paris's Notre Dame. Constructed in the 12th century, renovated in the 13th and 15th centuries, this richly decorated Cathedral is a beloved landmark of the Bordeaux region. The exterior has many fine features depicting sculpture of the Last Supper, the Ascension, Christ in Majesty, the five figures of Apostles, and the Resurrection of the Dead on the lintel. Entrance is free and the site is less crowded than most attractions in France.

3. Musee des Beaux Arts was founded in 1801 by the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. This museum of fine arts is amongst one of the finest public collections of art in France. Ranging from the Romantic period to the Impressionist, this museum houses close to 300 paintings from different parts of Europe. The museum contains a library, photo lab, gift shop, and is now home to French and foreign schools of art. Located in the Jardin de la Mairie (behind the Town Hall), The Musee is free on the first Sunday of every month, costs under 6 euro any other time, and is closed on major holidays.

4. Vinorama Wine Museum traces the history of the town's wines from Roman Times to the 19th century. Vinorama is a fun and interactive museum featuring a talking wax museum. There is a wine school located within the museum where experts offer tastings, and the prices on bottles are decent. Entry is around 5 euro.

5. Esplanade des Quinconces is the largest square in Europe, measuring over 30 acres. Laid out in 1818, the square is home to the Monument to the Girondists (1895) and the statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu. Overlooking the river, this huge promenade features two gorgeous fountains depicting Poseidon. In the summer the esplanade transforms into a host for carnivals, circuses, and concerts. In the Northwest corner is the Jardin Public, the perfect place to rest or have a picnic.