Next summer, the high-speed TGV line will extend as far as Bordeaux, putting it just a two-hour hop from Paris and making it so much easier to visit this beautiful city on the banks of the Garonne. The city is like Paris in miniature, with lively wine bars, museums, medieval churches and open spaces. Hire a car and drive up to the village of Saint-Emilion, flanked by vine-covered slopes, or head over to the other side of the river and travel along the D2 road, passing the greatest châteaux in the winemaking world.
2012 Château Capbern Gasqueton, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
£14.96, Justerini & Brooks
This is tremendous, with lovely sweet, rich fruit and a refreshing finish. Quality claret at a good price.
2011 Château Biac Bordeaux
£30, Uncorked
Run by the Asseily family, Château Biac overlooks one of the most beautiful spots in Bordeaux. Made in the modern style, the 2011 is a serious upswing in quality.
