Bordeaux is a wonderful city at any time of year but it comes into its own at Christmas.
The architecture is stunning, the pedestrianised shopping centre is buzzing and the modern tram system makes getting around a pleasure.
The Christmas market is perfectly positioned in the centre of town and has 104 wooden chalets offering every kind of gift conceivable.
There are plenty of fantastic restaurants (the local plonk isn't too bad) and you should be able to get a great deal on a hotel room. Here are a couple of hotels I'd recommend:
1. Splashing out: Try the "Regent Grand" . It's a majestic hotel opposite the opera house and looks simply sensational when it's lit up by the Christmas lights.
2. On a budget: : Just around the corner is the three star "Hotel Seze Medoc". It's a small, family run, hotel with friendly staff. It certainly isn't grand but it's in the perfect position and double rooms are only €60 a night.
The Christmas market is open seven days a week, 10.00am - 8.00pm (10.00pm on Fridays & Saturdays), full information is available from http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/
www.cognacproperty.com
