Bordeaux, France

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.