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SIP - Small Independent Producers

Where to Stay & What else to do

The region of Bordeaux is a wonderful destination for those that love good food and good wine. Now Paris is only 2 hours by fast train (18 TGV a day from Montparnasse) many of my clients come down for two or three days (and wish they could add on more). Others come up the 2 or so hours from San Sebastien in Spain and its gastronomy to contrast it with the Bordeaux way of life.

The city of Bordeaux (an UNESCO heritage site since 2007) is worth a few days of your time with its wide streets lined with cafés and restaurants (here are some of my favorite restaurants in Bordeaux), and packed full of history. The medieval town of St Emilion is also a must with its cobble-stoned streets and ambience. Throughout the year there are wine events throughout the region (for updates see my SIP Wine Blog www.nicollecroft.wordpress.com).

Where to Stay The city of Bordeaux makes an excellent base for wine tour holidays as it lies between the right (St Emilion, Pomerol) and left banks (Medoc, Graves). It has cosy ‘chambre d’hôtes’ to grand 5 star hotels so you can suit your pocket and style.

Otherwise there are many options of staying in the vineyards or even in the châteaux themselves.

What else to do in the area? The ATLANTIC COAST about an hour from Bordeaux you can visit oyster farmers and taste their produce at their little 'cabanes' at Cap Ferret or Gujan Mestras. Climb the Dune de Pyla, the largest sand dune in Europe. Take a boat across the Bassin d'Arcachon to Cap Ferret and the celebrated 'Chez Hortense' fish restaurant. Enjoy  seafood platters in Arcachon or overlooking the Dune at 'La Coorniche' Restaurant at Pyla.

Visit the prehistoric caves in the DORDOGNE or atmospheric market towns of Sarlat and Rocamadour.

The rustic, authentic countryside of the ARMAGNAC region is about an hour to the south of Bordeaux with its many small producers in the Gers region (also the origins of the Mousquetaires!). COGNAC lies just over an hour from the city of Bordeaux and its fun to visit a one of the famous houses such as Remy Martin with their slick marketing and to contrast it with a smaller producer.

Have a look at my blog for more ideas (www.nicollecroft.wordpress.com).

 

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