1. Saint-Emilion, Gironde
Vineyards were planted around this old town in Roman times and whilst most people associate the name with the wine, the town itself is worth a visit for its ramparted old centre with interesting Romanesque churches and an incredible underground monolithic church.
The town and its surrounding vineyards sit on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
When you enter the town itself you're immediately transported to a different world - one with lavish gated wineries, sumptuous chocolate shops and private bistros for tasting and selling wines.
The streets are narrow and invite you into a labyrinth that takes you down steep alleyways towards to the central Place du Marche. The town offers an abundance of wine shops, châteaux caves, restaurants and boutiques selling jewellery, art, fashion and every type of wine accessory you can imagine.
This is certainly a popular tourist destination, but you can always find a quiet corner to admire the views over to the Tour du Château du Roi or over the sprawling fields of vines that surround the town.