Pauillac lays claim to three of the five Bordeaux grands crus—Lafite Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild. It's said that Pauillac wines are textbook Bordeaux in style, with the ability to age and evolve for decades. But if the posh prices of these top reds aren’t for you, ask about bike rentals at the town's tourist office and pedal off to visit any of the slightly less expensive wineries nearby. Pauillac is the prettiest of all the towns and villages in the Médoc, so just strolling the riverfront or lingering at a waterside restaurant has its own rewards.

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