Attractions in Outside the City (Bordeaux)

Aquarium musée d'Arcachon

This museum-aquarium offers a two-in-one sea spectacular. The museum encompasses all aspects - zoological, palaeontological, geological, archaeological and historical of life under the sea (not forgetting oyster farming), while the aquarium uncovers some of the most extraordinary specimens of local sea creatures such as molluscs, crustaceans, fish from the sandy beds and even green turtles. The aquarium's 36 tanks hold a total of 55,000 liters of seawater. Since 1867, the museum-aquarium has worked alongside laboratories at the University of Marine Biology and together they form the marine biology station.

Clos des Menuts

This vineyard takes pride of place among St Emilion's great vintages. One of the oldest properties in the town, and one of the highest at 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level, the 30-year old vineyard at Clos des Menuts spans some 30 hectares (74 acres) and produces a rich, full-bodied wine, brimming with distinguished flavor and verve. It is one of the few vintages to benefit from a long ageing process amid cavernous medieval cellars, hollowed right out of the rock, which maintain a constant ideal temperature of 12 degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit). The tour includes a visit to the galleries where the wine is stored - entry and tasting is free if you make a purchase.

Château de la Brède

The Château de la Brède an abstemious and sober château was raised on 12th-century foundations, to be completely rebuilt in the early 14th Century. It passed into the Montesquieu family in 1686 and three years later became the birthplace of Charles de Secondat, future philosopher and Baron de La Brède and de Montesquieu. Montesquieu's lifetime collection of documents and geographical maps was recently moved from the vast library to a special vault near the Bibliothèque de Bordeaux. The philosopher's furniture, his bedroom and personal keepsakes have been fully preserved by his descendants, who still live on the estate. Open times are seasonal check website for more details.

La Basilique Notre-Dame

There has been a church on the site of the Basilique Notre-Dame since the 1500s, although the present building dates back to the 18th Century. Today it also acts as a concert hall for classical music performances, and seats up to 500 people.

Eglise Saint-Ferdinand

The white Roman facade of the Eglise Saint-Ferdinand forms a picturesque tableau with the surrounding buildings. In addition to its religious functions, the church also serves as a concert hall for classical music performances.