Annie1904

David - I hope you have made your plans for Bordeaux/Arcachon this year.  I went 4 years ago and had a great time.  I've visited Bordeaux a few times - lovely city, but decided on this occasion to build in a few days by the sea in Arcachon.  I was initially driven by the desire to sample thallasotherapy and so booked into a rather mundane chain hotel near the thallasotherapy entre.  But there was a wee shuttle bus which I used to get into town.  I have to say that I spent less time in the thallasotherapy centre than I had first intended, because I was bowled over by the charm of the Arcachon itself and so spent more time there than I had meant to. Lovely beaches all along that bit of coast,and near my hotel, but the one in town was lovely!  Very clean, and nice wide sands.  Plenty of space for everyone.  Nice pier, too.  Arcachon is quite an old fashioned place - a bit like a UK Fifties resort, but wonderful for families.  But also rather upmarket - some rather nice yachts in the harbour and bay.  If you do stay for a few days, its worth hiring a bike and cycling around the bay a bit - very picturesque.  Also the seafood restaurants were wonderful.  As far as Bordeaux is concerned, I'll be back again this summer for the wine festival in June!