Bordeaux, France

  If you are looking for a small French city where you can get the full France experience but without the Parisian crowds or costs, then Bordeaux is a great destination. Not only do you get the French squares, food, and culture, but you are also in the heart of the French wine region so there are many vineyards and cute chateaus to visit a short ride away, or through organized tours.

Bordeaux is also great if you like to explore cities on foot, because so many of the city’s sights are walking distance, and the longest pedestrian street in all of Europe, Rue Saint Catherine, is in the heart of Bordeaux.

You can get to Bordeaux by train from Paris or even from across the border in Spain. If you fly to Bordeaux, the closest airport is Bordeaux Airport (BOD).