Destination Wedding: Bordeaux, France

The French city of Bordeaux is famous for being one of the premier wine-producing regions in the world, and the region surrounding it is steeped in history.

Bordeaux itself sits on the Garonne River, which lends a romantic atmosphere to the historic center. The city may be a thriving student town, but it is also one of the centers of French cuisine, with chefs pairing gourmet food with the exquisite wines produced in the surrounding area.

The vast majority of these wines are produced at chateaux that have been operating for centuries, and the buildings themselves are amazingly beautiful. The Vineyard Villa is one such property that looks over the Dordogne River, and offers a high-end experience for up to 120 guests. Chateau Soulac is located deeper into the countryside but still within easy reach of Bordeaux, while Chateau Malfard has capacity for 300 guests.

Getting your guests to Bordeaux is easy, with regular flights and high-speed trains from the French capital, Paris. The train takes two hours and 10 minutes. As with most European destinations, summer weddings are advised in order to benefit from the amazing natural surroundings of the venues.

The city of Bordeaux has plenty to offer guests looking to tag on a couple more days in France, while keen surfers can also head down the Atlantic coast to take in some of the most famous European breaks. Those looking for a more tranquil trip should consider driving up to the Loire Valley to continue to discover the legendary world of French wine.