Now that summer is here it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway abroad - and it’s not too late to book a trip if you haven’t already done so. One last-minute option is to do a city break; it’s a great way to discover somewhere new and enjoy a change of scenery.
There are several destinations you can fly to from Manchester Airport which won’t break the bank - ideal if you’re trying to keep costs down. One of these is the stunning city of Bordeaux, located just a stone’s throw away from France’s south-west coast.
Skyscanner shows direct flights from Manchester Airport to Bordeaux this month starting from £17, with returns available from a similar price. The flight is just under two hours long.
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Of course, the area is famous for its wine. Surrounding the city are thousands of vineyards, châteaux (wine-producing estates) and grape growers, producing everything from everyday bottles to some of the most expensive wines in the world.
But there’s more to Bordeaux than just its produce. The city rivals Paris when it comes to gorgeous buildings and visitors can spend hours strolling through the city’s streets.
The heart of the city, known as The Port of the Moon thanks to the curve in the River Garonne, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city features hundreds of listed buildings. Bordeaux manages to embrace modernity, too, and one highlight visitors need to check out is the Miroir d’Eau.
It’s a huge pool of water which serves to reflect the stunning building of Place de la Bourse. It covers an expanse of 3,450 square metres and it’s a must for any traveller’s Instagram grid.
If shopping is more of your thing then have a wander along the Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. It’s almost entirely pedestrianised, and features major French chains, smaller boutiques and restaurants.
As well as its amazing buildings, shops and wines, Bordeaux has another secret. Around an hour’s drive from the city is Dune du Pilat, one of the tallest sand dunes in Europe.
This spectacular stretch of sand stands at just over 100m tall, separating the Atlantic Ocean from a huge pine forest. It’s formed completely naturally and stretches along the coast for almost 3km.
Visitors can walk along the dune’s ridge and enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views. It’s especially impressive at sunrise and sunset. At the northern end of the dune is Plage de la Corniche, which is a lovely spot for a dip in the sea. One visitor described the dune on Tripadvisor as an “unbelievable place”, while another said “the view is absolutely stunning.”
From April to mid-November stairs are installed at the dune to make it easier to reach the top. It’s advised not to visit during windy or hot conditions as the dune is very exposed.
You can also reach the dune by cartching the train from Bordeaux to the seaside town of Arachon, then catch a bus to the dune. There’s a range of accommodation options in Bordeaux, with some starting for less than £50 per night.
