On our way to friends in South West France in August we are staying 2 nights in Bordeaux and having one full day in the city.

Using the wealth of knowledge of posters on here (often good), any recommendations for what to do, where to go, eating and drinking all appreciated.

On the way back will be doing 3 days in San Sebastian and 2 in Bilbao, so will ask later on for that and yes we do miss the start of the season.

I'd recommend eating at La Belle Epoque on the Quais Louis XV111. Spectacular dining room, haven't been for a few years but we ate there often when we lived just outside Bordeaux.

And the hard men touble

Loads of good places to eat in Bordeaux.

If you have time a day in Bergerac would be well worth it. It’s a decent size place - not as big as Bordeaux but quite different in terms of architecture. Really nice town.

St.Emillion is another lovely place to visit for the day - it’s about an hour east of Bordeaux (it’s around half way between Bordeaux and Bergerac)

Before going fancy eating, first consider where you park your motor (assuming you are travelling in one) These cities are notorious for people nicking. Its sneaky stuff rather than violent. I was having a coffee in Blibao when I noticed the bage I had put under my seat slowly sliding away. I turned round and the bugger had it in his hands. I snatched it back and gave him an impromptu English lesson. The strange thing is he just strolled off, didn't run or anything!