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Bordeaux Chateaux
When you're planning your trip to visit the incredibly lovely Bordeaux region of France, you'll simply have to cast off your urge to bring along your backpack and camp. Bordeaux must be done haut-style.
Whether you arrive in Bordeaux via the TGV from Paris or by plane into the Bordeaux airport (Merignac), head north out of the city, and you're right in the Medoc region. I can give a strong recommendation to Chateau Le Lout, a wonderful nineteenth-century, Venetian-style chateau in Le Taillan-Medoc, that serves as a B&B.
We relied heavily upon the proprietor, Olivier Salmon, for our evening entertainment recommendations, and weren't disappointed. The rooms were sizable (by European standards) and the bathrooms were well-appointed and large. You can take your Continental breakfast on the back terrace, in the morning sun. Don't forget to bring your Speedo, to enjoy the pool.
Within minutes from the chateau, a magical road that twists past wineries took us to fine dining at Lion D'Or, in Arcins, to sample the wine and a local specialty: milk-fed veal. They open for dinner at 8, and be sure to call ahead for a reservation, as the place is small and the friendly and jovial patron, Monsieur Barbier, packs everyone in, to create a festive mood.
For fantastic outdoor dining, you can't beat the cozy atmosphere of Restaurant Le St. Julien, further up the road in St. Julien-Beychevelle, which had a huge rotisserie-barbecue area in the middle of the terrace. This time, we sampled the fantastic local roast lamb. The tables were covered by tent-like canvas awnings, and the lighting was soft and romantic. Definitely a place to take in the night air and enjoy dinner for two. Or three, if you are really feeling French.
Filed under: Activism, Biking, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Europe, France, Hotels and Accommodations
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mary Sep 13th 2006 10:17AM
Your trip to Medoc sounds fantastic. Enjoyed your piece. Saint-Emilion is another delightful town in the Bordeaux region-- its historical center protected as an UNESCO heritage site. A good bet for accommodations is the Chateau Grand Barrail, a castle surrounded by vineyards.
Erik Olsen Sep 13th 2006 12:20PM
Excellent, informative post, Iva!