6 Best Sights in Bordeaux and the Wine Country, France

Built during World War II as a German U-boat base, this eerie series of underground, water-filled artificial caverns has been re-created as an astounding, echoing event and exhibition space for conceptual art. More than 100 computer-controlled projectors splash huge images inspired by the work of artists as diverse as Gustav Klimt, Ego Schiele, Salvador Dalí, and Antoni Gaudí onto the interior surfaces of the four chambers, reflected in the deep, still water that half fills them. The music of contemporary and classical composers accompanies the ever-shifting images, creating an immersive, overwhelming sensory experience. Dress warmly; it can get chilly in there.

Most of the great vineyards in this area are strictly private, although owners are usually receptive to inquiries from bona fide wine connoisseurs. One, however, has long boasted a welcoming visitor center: Mouton Rothschild, whose eponymous wine was brought to perfection in the 1930s by that flamboyant figure Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Wine fans flock here for visits lasting from 1 hour, 45 minutes to 2½ hours. Depending on the tour, your visit might include a trip to the cellars, the chai (wine warehouse), and the museum, including a display of wine labels. There, is of course, a wine tasting at the end. Prices depend on the length of the tour and the wines sampled. Visits are by appointment only; be sure to reserve at least two months in advance.

On tree-lined Cours du XXX-Juillet, not far from the banks of the Garonne and the main artery of the Esplanade des Quinconces, you'll find the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux and its École du Vin. Run by the CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux, which oversees the Bordeaux wine trade), this school offers two-hour wine appreciation workshops (€29.15) as well as intensive programs and summer courses for professionals. The on-site Bar à Vin is a good place to sample and buy reds (like Pauillac or St-Émilion), dry whites (like an Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves, or Côtes de Blaye), and sweet whites (like Sauternes or Loupiac). This can be particularly useful when trying to decide which of the 57 wine appellations to focus on during your trip.

One of the region's most famous wine-producing châteaux is actually within the city limits: follow N250 southwest from central Bordeaux for 3 km (2 miles) to the district of Pessac, home to Haut-Brion, producer of the only non-Médoc wine to be ranked a premier cru (the most elite wine classification). It's claimed that the very buildings surrounding the vineyards create their own microclimate, protecting the precious grapes and allowing them to ripen earlier. The white château looks out over the celebrated pebbly soil. The wines produced at La Mission–Haut Brion (Domaine Clarence Dillon), across the road, are almost as sought-after. Visits are by request only and should be booked at least two months in advance.

While most lighthouses are considered utilitarian, the UNESCO World Heritage site Phare de Cordouan is a beacon fit for a king, and it's easy to envy the lighthouse keepers who live and work here. A succession of royal architects embellished the building from the late 16th to the early 17th century, but its current form dates to 1611. In 2021, UNESCO granted the lighthouse World Heritage status in recognition of its architectural brilliance and unique island location. The stained glass windows, elaborately carved fireplaces and doorways, and inlaid marble floors must make this a rather lovely place to live and work, while the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. You can get here by taking a 45-minute boat from the town of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, located about 25 miles north of Pauillac. Depending on the tides, getting to the lighthouse can involve a walk of up to 10 minutes across wet sand and a sometimes slippy causeway, so wear practical footwear. It's not accessible to anyone with walking difficulties.