Gironde emerged as a department during the French Revolution and was named after a revolutionary group called the Girondists. It's renowned for its silver coast, which is Europe's surfing capital, but its charm doesn't end with the swells. Visiting Gironde without spending time at the prized Bordelais Vineyard is like visiting London without passing by Buckingham Palace. The department has its share of history, which is displayed at its many museums. The most beautiful of these is La Cite du Vin, which was designed by Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazieres. The building itself will inspire you as much as the collections within. Gironde is a resort region decorated by rising mountain peaks and endless hills. If you're planning a road trip, you'll find two Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches, near Quai de Paludate and on Rue d'Armagnac.