Bordeaux is far more than just a wine varietal, it's a must-see historic city, writes Sarah Marshall.
Imagine quaffing a fine bottle of red in the grounds of a decadent chateau, within hours of leaving London's grey skyscrapers behind. Eurostar last year began operating a new high-speed rail service from London's St Pancras to Bordeaux and, although still almost a six-hour journey, it's a scenic and comfortable way to reach the French Unesco-crowned city. Need further persuasion? Try to resist this list of allures.
1 Place de la Bourse
There are 347 listed historical monuments in Bordeaux, and this royal square, framed by grand 18th-century facades, is probably the most recognisable. A statue of Louis XV originally stood in the middle, but was destroyed during the French Revolution. Now the Three Graces fountain stands in its place.
Contained within a bold, futuristic building is an interactive museum dedicated to wine. Set in the Bassins a Flot district, overlooking the Garonne river, it has 20 themed areas covering everything you need to know (from terroir to table) about decent plonk. Take a simulated ride on a wine merchant's galley, and sit back in a giant chair listening to tales of drunkenness in an installation dedicated to "the hangover". Entry costs 20 euros.
3 Miroir d'eau
The Miroir d'eau.
Goggle at your reflection in a pool of water or be blinded by cloud of mist in this entertaining outdoor art installation opposite Place de la Bourse; the two effects rotate on a cycle in the world's largest reflecting pool. Designated by Unesco as a contemporary World Heritage Site, it's one of the most instagrammable spots in Bordeaux.
4 Pey-Berland Tower
Enjoy a view of the city's rooftops by climbing the 229 steps of this Gothic bell tower next to the Saint-Andre cathedral. The 15th-century building contains an eight-tonne tenor bell from Notre-Dame, still used today. Only 19 people at a time are allowed inside the monument, so arrive early (10am) to avoid crowds. Tickets cost 6 euros.
Pey-Berland Tower.
5 Aux 4 Coins du Vin
It's not exactly a vending machine, but the serve-yourself equipment at this swish wine cellar is certainly a novel way to beat bar queues. Choose from 40 wines by the glass and 800 by the bottle. Waiters are on hand to help out if you need a human touch.
6 The I.BOAT
Ride party waves on board this three-storey ferry without actually having to set sail. Docked permanently at the Bassins a Flots, this hipster boat hosts concerts, exhibitions and club nights. Dine on tapas and burgers in a restaurant on the main deck (open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday) or drink coffee in the sunshine upstairs. After midnight, the upper deck turns into a chill-out zone.
Bordeaux is within easy reach of some of the world's finest chateaux. Visit the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, home to Petrus, Angelus, Cheval Blanc, or sample Margaux wines in the Medoc. Both can easily be done in a day trip, with lunch, tastings and a driver for 149 euros.
The town of St Emilion in the Bordeaux wine region.
FACT BOX
GETTING THERE Emirates flies from Auckland to London, with return Economy Class fares from $1689, or from Auckland to Lyon from $2169. emirates.co.nz Eurostar tickets from London to Bordeaux start from GBP55. eurostar.com
