ΕΝΟΙΚΙΑΣΗ ΑΥΤΟΚΙΝΗΤΩΝ Σιδηροδρομικός Σταθμός Μπροντώ Σαιν Ζαν (AG8)

A mere 4km from Bordeaux city centre, Saint Jean Train Station provides the perfect launch pad to the winemaking capital and its lush surrounds.

The Bordeaux region is most famous for its red wine, producing an astounding 800 million bottles each year. While you’re here, be sure to drive from vineyard to vineyard in the idyllic countryside hugging the city. Many vineyards house onsite restaurants serving up classic French fare. Look out for the exquisite L’Atelier de Candale, where you can sit outside and take in the views of the verdant landscape.

If you want to learn even more about winemaking in the region, be sure to visit the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, a quaint museum that details the history of the local wine trade.

Bordeaux also has a burgeoning arts culture, most evident on a visit to Musée des Beaux-Arts with its impressive displays of Renaissance to mid- twentieth century art. If your tastes are more contemporary, visit the CAPC, the modern art museum in the city. Before leaving, dress up for the evening and enjoy opera at the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, which has been staging operas and ballets since the 18th century.

There are many intriguing things to see and do around Bordeaux. Where to begin? Handily, all of these places can be reached within two hours’ drive with a rental car from Bordeaux Saint Jean Train Station.

Arcachon

Drive just an hour west of Bordeaux and you’ll reach the pretty coastal town of Arcachon. Its popular sandy beach, Plage d'Arcachon, is blessed with calm waters – ideal for family day trips. It’s here you’ll also find the largest sand dune in Europe. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the stairs to its side and reach its 107-metre peak where you can admire stunning ocean views. Complete your trip with a visit to Compagnie des Glaces, the best ice cream parlour in town selling every imaginable flavour.

Cap Ferret

Also on the west coast and worth exploring is Cap Ferret, a popular seaside spot just an hour or so down the road from Bordeaux. This is not a place to visit museums, but to experience real French coastal life. Take a break from the wheel and relax on the headland’s golden sand. Cap Ferret is also the oyster farming capital of France, so it’s well worth sampling the fresh oysters available in a number of the town’s restaurants.

These coastal treasures are yours to discover with an Avis car hired from Bordeaux Saint Jean Train Station. Collect the keys and away you go.

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• Bordeaux Airport    
• Arcachon Train Station