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Mention Bordeaux to anyone and they automatically think of high quality wine. The region of Bordeaux has been making fine wines for centuries and has become internationally renowned thanks to the efforts of the city of Bordeaux and its trade routes.

Although known primarily for its wine, the city is full of history and has some of the best architecture in France . Recently UNESCO added three of Bordeaux's religious shrines to its World Heritage site list. These are the Saint-Seurin, Saint Andr' and the Saint- Michel cathedrals. Before the excellent wine slightly obscures your vision, make sure you check out all the city has to offer.

Wine connoisseurs and culture junkies alike will be amazed with what the surrounding areas have to offer. Basing yourself in the city and venturing into the peripheral areas for daytrips from Bordeaux is easily the best way to really get to know and love this beautiful southwestern corner of France.

Firstly, let's talk wine! Before jumping feet first into the Bordeaux wine experience, why not take a daytrip to Maison de Vin de Bordeaux and gain the knowledge needed to fully make the most of your wine adventure. At the Maison, you will be given an introduction into the many grape varieties and discover how the climate and soils of the region influences the taste of the grapes.

Learn how the masters find the perfect equilibrium and harmony through the making and ageing of their wines. Everyone's favourite part of the day is the finale, the tasting! See how different techniques can help you to describe what you're tasting. Now you'll be ready to give those TV wine buffs a run for their money.

For a great daytrip from Bordeaux, take the infamous Fortified Towns road to discover a fascinating wine route. Sandwiched between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, this region is by far the largest and most diverse in Bordeaux. Here you'll find fruity, lively reds; clarets and ros's; crisp and young whites; and sweet whites.

The area is littered with wineries open for tasting and because you're in Bordeaux, you can be sure the quality is second to none. Found a wine you like? Take advantage of the amazing prices by buying direct from the winery where you find your favourite drop.

Need to burn off some calories from last night's over indulgence? Hiring a bike and cycling to the Dune du Pyla makes a great daytrip from Bordeaux. The journey takes about 2 hours and covers a distance of 30 miles (50kms), as you meander through fragrant pine forests on your way to the dunes and the ocean. At three miles (five kilometres) long, the Dune du Pyla sits wonderfully between the sea and the forests. Don't forget your camera!

The Bassin d'Arcachon is a mecca for locals and tourists who love seafood, in particular oysters. The place to see and be seen in this area is Cap Ferret beach. Taking a daytrip here from Bordeaux will revitalise your senses. The seafront location, the glorious food and the unparalleled views will send your mind into overload.

Taking a daytrip from Bordeaux will really let you experience French life and culture that little bit more. The region is like its wine; the more you drink, the more you want!