An exciting blend of urban culture, world-famous cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Bordeaux is the perfect summer destination. Only two hours from the capital, Bordeaux offers a break from the hustle and bustle of Paris but is just as exciting. Stroll through the historic city center and let your cultural side thrive, or venture to prestigious vineyards for culinary delight-Bordeaux offers a plethora of fun possibilities.

Visit Bordeaux's contemporary art museum for a modern and cultural twist to your vacation. With an impressive permanent collection, you can find large and daring exhibitions that feature both local and international artists. Check the schedule as the center is also a venue for fun events and creative activities.

Stroll through the Jardin Public, a large garden in the center of Bordeaux. Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, it is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or glass of wine. With a center lake and extensive walkways, you may want to reserve a full afternoon to relax in the splendid gardens.

A magnificent fountain on a vast square in central Bourdeaux, the Monument aux Girodins is a site that's difficult to miss. With intricate horses sitting beneath a 180-foot pillar, the fountain is one of the most photographed sites in Bordeaux. There are multiple ways of traveling to the site, and you can find many events happening in the square.

The most recognizable site in Bordeaux, Place de la Bourse is at the heart of any Bordeaux tour. Walk through the Miroir d'eau, a large shallow pool where adults and children tip their toes, and admire the grand central fountain. The square's impressive architecture and symmetry will have you repeatedly reaching for your camera.

Home to the national opera, the grand theatre of Bordeaux is a stunning architectural marvel in the city center. Make sure to enjoy a ballet, opera or concert in the historic building-or at least tour the inside. Showings are limited in the summer.

With a tower over 370 feet tall, the Basilica of St. Micheal is one of the most visible sites in Bordeaux. The Catholic church was built in the 15th century and features an impressive gothic construction. Inside, you'll find some of the best modern stained glass in Europe. Walk around the outside and take a tour of the inside for an impressive tour of religious architecture.

A library that covers a city block! With 15 different departments, a visit to Librairie Mollat can take hours to find the perfect book for your travels. This store is the largest independently-owned bookstore in France. Don't worry if your French skills are not perfect, the bookstore offers a large section of English books as well.

One of Europe's longest shopping streets, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the perfect place for all your shopping interests. Filled with both designer and luxury brands, as well as discount shops, you'll be able to find a store to match your budget. Whether looking for cosmetics, home goods, or apparel, you can bounce from store to store for an entire afternoon.

A bell tower in the heart of the city, Gross Cloche is a symbol for the city. The gateway is so iconic that it is feature on the city's coat of arms. Once serving as a prison, the gateway is one of the oldest belfries in France. Make sure to stand beneath the great archway and look up.

Take a day trip to the sea! Bordeaux is not situated along the ocean, but its close proximity makes a day trip easy. Visit Arcachon Bay to see Dune du Pilar-Europe's tallest sand dune-or Cap Ferret to see where the locals spend their weekend retreats.

As one of the most recognizable wine regions in the world, any trip to Bordeaux would be incomplete without a sampling of famous wines. You can book a tour to a prestigious vineyard, visit the wine museum-la cite du vin, or park yourself at a wine bar for a couple of hours. Regardless of your chosen activity, you'll be guaranteed to find delicious wine in Bordeaux.

Located with the prestigious retail district known as 'the Golden Triangle,' the Marche et Galerie is a luxurious shopping center placed in an ideal location. The gallery features a wide array of brands offering jewelry, fashion, and household equipment. You can also find delicious restaurants and patisseries surrounding the gallery.

Despite being renowned for wine, Bordeaux offers unique and delicious food as well. Make sure to grab a Canele-a buttery sponge cake-for a local delicacy. You can find the tasty treat in all bakeries, but for the best ones look for the shops with red awnings.

Another gate to the city, Porte de Bourgogne is an impressive medieval gate that looks as iconic as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The giant stone arch is the official entrance to the city from the old road to Paris and is a dividing point between the historic northern district and the culturally diverse south. It is a fitting welcome to the left bank of the Pont de Pierre and the city of Bordeaux.

One of many theatres in Bordeaux, the Cin¨¦ma CGR Bordeaux Le Fran?ais is a classically stunning theatre to watch new films. With frescoes on the ceiling and truly magnificent rooms, the cinema truly matches the old and new. Make sure to go early before a screening to enjoy the impressive interior.