Sightseeing

The Weekend des Grands Crus (18-19 May) offers visitors the opportunity to taste the acclaimed 2010 vintage of over 100 Bordeaux châteaux, many of which are presented by the winemakers themselves. There is also the possibility to attend châteaux dinners and vineyard tours. ugcb.net

It's your last chance to see the fascinating exhibition about the Lascaux caves at Cap Sciences until 6 January, before it sets off on tour. The show features replicas of the world-renowned 17,000-year-old wall paintings (cap-sciences.net).

Key Areas

Head for Les Epicuriales de Bordeaux (13-30 June), when restaurants and bars spill out into the Allées de Tourny to offer al fresco eating and drinking. Attend one of the free cookery/cocktail-making classes or enjoy a meal on one of the restaurant terraces under the lime trees.

Head to La Féria de la Victoire on 2-4 October, when the Place de la Victoire is turned into a bull ring for three days, with live music and entertainment including "toro-piscine" (young bulls chasing participants across a swimming pool).

Head to the Saint Emilion Jazz Festival where over four nights, the ruins of the town will play host to artists such as Jackie Terrasson, Giovanni Mirabassi and the Earth Wine and Fire experience (19-22 July, saint-emilion-jazz-festival.com).

The Bordeaux Wine Festival (28 June - 1 July) is where, for €18, you can wander the city's quays, tasting wines from around the region. Evening activities include concerts and firework displays.