BORDEAUX

Set on the Garonne river, Bordeaux, or The Pearl of the Aquitaine, is well known as the wine capital of the world, an industry that generates €14,8 billion per annum for the area. 

The old centre of Bordeaux has been renovated and has the largest number of preserved historical buildings of any city in France after Paris. Needless to say, the al fresco street dining and shopping centre (the pedestrianised Rue Sainte Catherine is 1.2km long, making it one of the longest shopping streets in Europe) are second to none. 

The city has a tram system, so it's easy to travel around, or, if you fancy a bit of exercise, hire a city bike for a day. These can be picked up from multiple points throughout the city with just a credit card needed for security.