In the old town, you can hike up Monte Urgull to the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota (or Motako Gaztelua in Basque). Inside the castle you'll find the Casa de la Historia (Historiaren Etxea) museum, and you can enjoy unspoilt views of San Sebastián's perfect bay.

Walk or cycle a section of the famous Camino de Santiago, the well-trodden path followed by pilgrims for over 1000 years. San Sebastián is near the start of the Camino del Norte route, a 25km walk from Irún and 22km from Zarautz.

Many of San Sebastián's most beautiful buildings are in narrow streets and squares of La Parte Vieja, the old town. Two must-visit spots are San Vicente, the city's oldest church, and the Museo San Telmo, a museum made up of a 16th-century convent and an innovative, airy modern wing. Several of the city's best pintxos bars and high-end restaurants are in this district, too.

Learn about the regional history of Bordeaux from the Iron Age through to the 21st century at the Musée d'Aquitaine.

Take a leisurely stroll around the Jardin Public, the public gardens of Bordeaux. The park was designed for locals as a green getaway from the inner city. Why not pack a picnic, hire a bike and make a day of it?

The River Garonne bisects Bordeaux, so a leisurely stroll alongside it takes you past many of the city’s main monuments, including the huge reflecting pool at Place de la Bourse. You can also take a cruise along the river to see the city from a different perspective.