Halfway between Bordeaux and the Pointe de Grave, picturesque Pauillac has been a wine connoisseur’s dream since the 18th Century. Set on the banks of the Gironde Estuary, it’s also a striking destination for keen hikers and nature lovers. Accommodation options range from simple, self-catering stays to beautiful country house hotels, fit for a host of tastes and budgets. Close to renowned wineries, the best places to stay in Pauillac promise a food and wine holiday to remember.

Perhaps the most famous Bordeaux wine-producing region in the Médoc, Pauillac is home to the Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild wineries, amongst many others. Savour tours and tastings at top wineries, delve into the history of winemaking at the Museum of Wine in Art and follow the 8 or 14km Randonnée des Châteaux on foot for a sense of the area's key landmarks. Venture further afield for hikes, horse rides, mountain biking and châteaux visits.

Pauillac itself is charming, with 18th-century golden stone houses lining the old quayside and overlooking the Gironde. Estuary cruises and sailing trips to islands such as Patrias and Nouvelle are superb; aerial tours can be marvellous. The best places to stay in Pauillac can fill up fast during the summer months and the harvest season. Book your trip well in advance!