Hi revportia1, I can speak to Bordeaux but have not yet been to Pérouges. There is so much to see in Bordeaux and it's environs. Take a tour of L'Opéra (tickets through tourist office), visit one of the many museums (including the Cité du Vin even if you are not in to wines), walk along the Quai and visit the Mirroir d'Eau, Marché des Capucins, if you are in Bordeaux on a Sunday there is the Sunday market along the Quai, there are so many good restaurants that you will have an abundance of choices though some of my favorite restaurants are in Chartrons or in St. Pierre neighborhoods. If wine is your thing there are options such as Musée du vin et du négoce, some wineries "in" town and accessible by public transport include Château Pape Clément and Château Haut-Brion (there are a few others as well.) Quick day trips from Bordeaux (and easily accessed by train) are Arcachon, the Dune de Pilat, and St. Émilion.
For photographers, the Bordeaux region is teaming with photographic opportunities. It's really hard to put in to words but there are incredible photographs to be had around every corner.
Some last words of advice, take a look at the blog www.lostinbordeaux.com as she is a local that is an expert in the whole region. She always puts a round up of what's happening in the area the month prior so lots of unique, local activities are listed. If you do want to visit wineries you will need to plan ahead and make reservations. Unlike in the US (not sure about UK) there are rarely drop ins (exceptions would be those that offer Portes Ouvertes--open doors) which you can find out about by visiting the tourist centers. And, finally, if you visit St. Émilion do not miss visiting the underground monolithic church. Tickets for the tour can be purchased online through the tourist office.
I hope you enjoy your visit to this remarkable part of France!