Pauillac

At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.

Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.

From the last week of November and throughout December, Bordeaux holds its great Christmas market in the Allées de Tourny. A festive event and a good place to pick up an original Christmas gift, or see Santa Claus and let him have your list.

The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.

A mass is held where prayers are said for those who have perished at sea, followed by a procession to the Cross of the Sailors. Afterwards, the sea is blessed by the "Sailors of the Women's Committee Fishermen Basin" who throw a crown into the ocean from aboard a lifeboat.

With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors and their bottles for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.

Owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, this château produces some of the great Médocs.

The building itself was regenerated and built with the materials from a previous church when it became too small!

A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.

Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.

Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.

Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.

The beaches extend to 7km of fine-sand beaches along the Atlantic coast; Centre Beach, South Beach and Amelie Beach making up the most popular and closest to the town.

Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.

Situated in the famous wine region of Medoc, this restaurant serves creative French dishes. The beautiful 19th-century building has an elegant dining room as well as a pleasant terrace where the chef grills fresh local produce.

Situated among vineyards, this restaurant offers the gastronomic creations of a new chef for 2017.

A short, flat walk around the heart of Bordeaux. This route takes in many historical and cultural buildings that are well worth stopping at along the way.

Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.

You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.

Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.

Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.

Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.

Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.

Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.

Beautiful villa of 300m2 living space located on the heights of the Canon in the heart of Cap Ferret with a nice view of Arcachon Bay.

Villa Gaume is located on the front line a few steps from the famous Dune du Pyla and the Corniche.

Château Pomys looks like a white Italian villa, built with a gorgeous architecture and nestled under the shade of trees.

In a timeless decor with modern touches, Château Cordeillan-Bages is home to a 4 star hotel and a Michelin-starred restaurant. From the terraces, you can quietly contemplate the vines whilst soaking up the verbena and pine fragrances that permeate the atmosphere.

This hotel is situated in Moulis, north of Bordeaux in the red medoc, the most popular vineyard in the world. The recently restored property welcome you for sleeping and dinning with your family or your friends.

The Chateau Haut Bourcier is a family-owned 38 ha of vineyards. The Maison de Jean is a house from the 19th century with 5 refurbished bedrooms offering all of the charm of the historic building with modern facilities.

Nestled in the heart of some of France's most exquisite vineyards, the beautiful Domaine de Giron offers modern luxury, space and calm surrounded by wooded parkland.

A former late-19th century wine chateau with its modern streamlined extensions, boasts 100 individually decorated rooms that are spacious and quiet.