Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast are a microcosm of all things French. Bordeaux is Europe's, if not the world's, most famous wine-producing region, while the stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, from the English Channel to the Spanish border, is resplendent with beautiful, white beaches fringed by ancient pine forests. The attractions here are many, the most obvious being the vineyards and wineries. Along the wine road you can visit the cellars of such well-recognised wine producers as Mouton-Rothschild, and the areas of Graves, Medoc, Sauternes, Entre-deux-Mers, Libourne, Blaye and Bourg. A must-see is the town of Cognac, where brandy is produced - a tipple author Victor Hugo dubbed "the drink of the gods". While in this part of the world, you may also like to visit one of France's less touristy locations - the Atlantic islands. Two of these, Ile d'Oleron and Ile de Re, have been the summer playgrounds of generations of French families. Bordeaux and its little stretch of the Atlantic are truly delightful, and if you only have time to visit one part of the country, then this could be your best choice. ,
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