Bordeaux: My Wine Capital

The ship docks 45 minutes from the city center, but the shuttle drops you at the most beautiful urban waterfront in Europe – the Garonne reflecting 18th-century façades like a mirror. We walked the entire Miroir d'Eau (the world's largest reflecting pool) barefoot while kids splashed and the Place de la Bourse shimmered behind us.

Cité du Vin is worth every penny – interactive exhibits, smells of oak and blackcurrant, and a tasting on the 8th floor with 360° views over the river. We had lunch at Le Quatrième Mur – Philippe Etchebest's brasserie opposite the opera – duck breast with perfect crispy skin and a glass of Saint-Émilion that tasted like liquid velvet. In the afternoon we took the tram to Saint-Émilion village (45 min) – medieval streets surrounded by actual grand cru vineyards. The pros: wine heaven with zero pretension. The cons: hot in summer, but the river breeze saves you.