Bordeaux, capital of the Aquitaine region, is the southwest's second-largest city after Toulouse, and the centre of a world-renowned wine-growing area. With an international airport and excellent transport links it's a natural jumping-off point for the region. But don't hurry away: Bordeaux itself has much to offer, as does the immediate area, including the Médoc wine district and the 230km (142mi) of Atlantic coastline - the Côte d'Argent (Silver Coast) - which has some of Europe's greatest surfing spots. Inland are vast pine plantations threaded with bike trails and dotted with lakes. Lazy, hedonistic options include taking time to relax in one of the southern Landes' many thermal spas, and getting soaked in a tub of grape seeds. Two départments (administrative departments) cover this area: Gironde (France's largest department) and the Landes.