Bordeaux and the vineyards

A day in Bordeaux

The capital city of the Aquitaine region, with its magnificent architectural heritage, is a destination of choice for French and Parisian tourists, even though they have seen it all. The beauty and variety of the places of interest make Bordeaux an unmissable place. The Cité du Vin, a large space devoted to the French and international wine culture opened in 2016 became the emblem of the city’s rebirth. The Cité has found the perfect middle ground between museum and exhibition venue, and is the only place of its kind in the world ; it displays a different vision of wine, throughout ages, cultures and civilisations. Even those most reluctant to visit museums will enjoy the pedagogic tours and the wine tasting on the rooftop included in the fare.

The whole city, with its 350 Historical Monuments, was recognised by the UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2017. Bordeaux is rich with paths that will allow pedestrian visitors to discover its curiosities from the Middle Ages (Quartier Saint-Pierre, Grosse Cloche, Saint-André Cathedral, Pey-Berland Tower), its Renaissance buildings (Porte Caillaud) and its eighteenth century masterpieces (Grand Théâtre and Place de la Bourse).

Those seeking an alternative way to discover Bordeaux will be thrilled to explore the Darwin Ecosystem, a hip hangout where Millenials and people invested in alternative culture gather round. These former barracks located on the right bank of the Garonne river were renovated into a 20.000 square meters space where you will find street art, an organic restaurant where you’ll use your fingers to eat, the General Store, exhibition spaces and – last but not least- a surprising pitch designed to play bike-polo !

A day in Saint-Emilion

A lovely village nested in the heart of the famous wine region surrounding Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion is a unique place by virtue of the importance of its wine estates, of the quality of its wines, and of its majestic architecture and monuments. The vineyard landscape in the surroundings have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The city is seated upon a rocky promontory, and its construction spanned over a thousand years, from the ninth to the nineteenth century ; the houses were built out of limestone extracted from the spur below, creating a network of underground tunnels that now sprawls over some 200 kilometers.

Start your visit by a stroll in the picturesque streets and alleys, then take the time to enjoy lunch : if you feel like a rogue atmosphere, head to L’Envers du Decor ; if you are in the mood for a more refined vibe and sophisticated cuisine, Logis de Cadenne might be the place for you.
To continue your trip, allow yourself to visit one or two châteaux. Our reception desk will be delighted to give you the information you need about the opening hours.