I just got back from Bordeaux, France

I just got back from Bordeaux, France, where I journeyed after checking out the inaugural nonstop flight between Los Angeles International and Paris.

After spending the night in Paris, I boarded the afternoon high-speed train to Bordeaux, which connects the two cities in just 2:45 hours.

The 6th largest city in France has more than 1,810 hectares of urban area that is protected as a Unesco world heritage site. It was once part of England and supplied wine to the King's court.

Bordeaux is a great jumping-off point to visit the surrounding vineyards and towns. There is still a requirement for masks on public transit. The city buzzed with that springtime energy, with customers on their patios enjoying the sunlight and warmer temperatures.

Where’d you stay? 

The InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand is located across from the National de Bordeaux Grand and is close to the Rue Sainte-Catherine.

The enchanting property has hosted luxury travelers for centuries, boasting a Guerlain spa as well as two restaurants, one of which is Gordon Ramsay's Le Pressoir d'Argent.

If you're staying at the hotel, make sure to take a swim in the indoor pool that will make you feel like a royal, or head to the rooftop hot tub overlooking the city.

What notable foods did you try?

As a wine enthusiast, I readily accepted my mission to sample the red blend that made the region famous. If you are not into wine or are bringing children, ask for one of the sparkling grape juice selections derived from the same vines but without the alcohol.

What is a trip to France without dessert? The region is known for its canel. The canel is caramelized on the outside, but once you bite through the thick crust, the interior is soft and creamy.

Best tip for someone who wants to plan the same trip?

You can explore some of the nearby vineyards and towns outside of town. Themilion is far above its weight. A medieval town with just shy of 2,000 year-round residents, it attracts international fame thanks to the fine wines that have been produced from its surrounding vineyards for centuries.

The cobblestone streets are lined with wine and macaron shops. You can rent bikes from the tourism office if you tire of walking. The church is tucked underneath the bell tower and is a must see for many visitors. You will need to book a tour through the tourism office as you cannot explore the structure without a guide.

What museum did you enjoy? La Cité du Vin

There is a permanent exhibit documenting the history of wine at La Cité du Vin. The exhibition is extensive. The section that taught you to smell the different aromas of the wine was my favorite part.

If you want to dine at the restaurant, there is a wine shop nearby. At the end of the tour, you will receive a tasting at The Belv, which is on the 8th floor. You can grab a vintage and head outside to see the city.

What was the most useful tip you received before you departed? 

Wine Angels are packing sleeves from Amazon to bring home wine in your suitcase. These sleeves surround the wine with bubble wrap, but also zip, fold over, and shut so that if the bottle breaks, it won't spill on the contents of your suitcase.

Three bottles of wine were checked in to my home in Phoenix, Arizona. I wish I had brought a bigger suitcase and more sleeves. You can use these for other glass bottles.

Melissa traveled to Bordeaux with the support of French bee (frenchbee.com), Atout France (www.france.fr) and the Bordeaux Tourist Office (www.bordeaux-tourisme.com). Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.