Most of the city's monuments are within easy walking distance, and the tourist office is a good starting point. Nearby the fine Esplanade des Quinconces overlooks the Garonne, and the superb wine merchants' residences in the rejuvenated Chartrons Quarter have been converted into  trendy shops and museums, including the Musée d'Art Contemporain.

South along the Garonne is the beautiful Grand Théâtre, the elegant Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes (Custom House). On and around the rue des Trois Conils are the 11th-century Cathédrale St-André, the majestic Hôtel de Ville and the Musée des Beaux Arts. The superb collection at the Musée de l'Aquitaine is one of the highlights of the city.

Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux
12 cours du 30 Juillet
Tel: (05) 5600 6600.
Website: www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

The main tourist office organises city tours and guided tours of the vineyards. They have a good-value package ‘Bordeaux Découverte' offering two nights' accommodation, a guided tour of the city and the vineyards with wine tasting and one pass giving admission to the city's principal monuments. The Comité Régional du Tourisme, 23 parvis des Chartrons (tel: (05) 5601 7000; website: www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr), deals with the Aquitaine region. The Bordeaux Wine Council (website: www.vins-bordeaux.fr) provides information about local wines and vineyards.