Mi Cielo in Le Bouscat, just north of central Bordeaux, is Blanca and Diego Cervantes's award-winning patisserie, opened May 2016 by the Ferrandi-trained.
Tip: Order ahead for celebration cakes; the daily case rotates and weekend stock thins by mid-afternoon.
Worth the queue: Seasonal fruit tarts
Brasserie du Mascaret in Rions, 40 km up the Garonne from Bordeaux, is the organic-only Aquitaine brewery named after the tidal bore on the river.
Tip: The brewery itself is a 40-minute drive; the beers are easier to find at Bordeaux's organic supermarkets and Halles de Bacalan.
Brasserie Gasconha in Merignac, just west of Bordeaux, is the Aquitaine-leaning craft brewery with smoked malts, a strong saison programme and bottle.
Tip: The taproom is small but Friday tastings include four pours for €8; closed Sundays through Wednesdays.
Foire Internationale de Bordeaux at the Parc des Expositions is the 10-day spring fair with 800 exhibitors and a major Gastronomie section, the Salon de.
Tip: Tickets around €8 online; the gastronomie pavilion is the strongest, with Aquitaine producers and tastings.
Jurade de Saint-Emilion Printemps in Saint-Emilion is the medieval wine guild's spring procession, with robed Jurats parading through the streets.
Tip: Tickets to the banquet sell out months ahead; the parade itself is free and best watched from Place du Clocher.
Fondant Cuisine in Bordeaux is chef Emilie's small-group cooking school, with classes on French classics, world cooking, cuts, sauces and homemade pastas.
Tip: Private classes for two start around €145; classes can be booked at the partner Chartrons studio.
Krakatoa in Merignac, just west of Bordeaux, is the 1,000-capacity indie and alt-rock venue with a serious touring programme of European and American acts.
Tip: Tram A from central Bordeaux to Pin Galant takes 25 minutes; last tram back is around 00:30.