Experts at travel guide publisher and website Lonely Planet have just announced their top destinations for 2017 in a ‘Best in Travel’ guide. In the Top City category, the favourite choice of cities to visit next year is Bordeaux, France.

In terms of travel, Lonely Planet loves Bordeaux right now because the new LGV Sud-Ouest line, due for completion in mid- 2017, will connect the city with Europe’s high- speed train network and cut travel time from Paris to just two hours. In terms of attractions, LP says, ‘ The recently opened Cité du Vin continues the impressive redevelopment of the Garonne riverfront with a state-of-the-art wine-lovers’ experience, and the city’s gastronomic revolution keeps building on its own success.’

We already love this city for its great climate and rich history. As capital of the most famous wine region in the world, Bordeaux offers all the culture and shopping you'd expect to find in a large, sophisticated city plus the added benefits of its association with the centuries-old wine trade.

Bordeaux is full of elegant 18th-century buildings and wide avenues. These, along with the neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks, combine to give the city a certain grandeur. Yet the centre is easily explored on foot, has world class restaurants and wines, excellent museums and lively nightlife. When you fancy a change of pace, beaches are close by and if you want a day trip to the city, Bordeaux is very accessible from the popular Gironde and Dordogne regions.

We have a great range of places to stay around Bordeaux, so start browsing our accommodation and city guide now to plan your trip to this world class city.