joeyrm7

We (my wife and I) are looking for a quick trip outside of Paris during the first week of December and thought that Bordeaux, St Ellilion and surrounding areas might be interesting. We do enjoy Chateauxs and wine tastings as well as touring medieval cities so this might do the trick. I don't enjoy driving in france so figured that we would train it from Paris, stay in a hotel in Bordeaux and either do a few day trips or private tours. Any comments would be appreciated and hotel recommendations as well (4-5*) Thanks as always.

Joe

StCirq

Bordeaux is not a midieval city, so forget that. I don't think it even has any evident medieval remnants about it. It reached its heyday in the 17th century and has the architecture to prove it. It's a bore for most Americans who aren't completely wedded to wine châteaux and is just an overpriced town.

Leburta

We enjoyed the quaintness of St. Emiion in August. You'll need a car to get around, but driving in the area is not difficult.

jamikins

I'm not sure that would be the best bet in Dec. We spent some time there and it is ok, but I think you would do better to go somewhere like Strasbourg. Easy train from Paris and I think in Dec all the xmas markets would be open. Plus they have great wines and interesting architecture.

Bordeaux was underwhelming to me, and the countryside would not be at its best in the winter, and isnt all that interesting anyways.

AussieFrance

I enjoyed a visit to Bordeaux in the summer and Saint Emilion is very pretty but with so many other places to visit in France, I think it would be a waste to spend three nights there. Why don't you go to the Loire Valley? The big châteaux will be open, providing interesting Renaissance and mediaeval visits. If you stay in Blois, for example, which is less than 1 1/2 hours by train from Paris, you can take the "chateau" bus and not have to drive. Another possibility is Amboise. In both places, there is plenty to explore and you can do lots of wine tastings as well. The Loire wines are not as well known as the bordeaux but are very pleasant and reasonably priced. You might like to check out my blog for more information on the region.

StephanieCreative

This comment is way too late for the trip you mentioned, but perhaps these tips might come in handy for another trip soon?

I really like La Cour Carrée (http://www.lacourcarree.fr/) and Le Saint James (http://www.saintjames-bouliac.com) in Bordeaux city. And as for wine tastings, make sure you check out the workshops offered at the Bordeaux Wine School: http://www.bordeaux.com/uk/wineschoo...course/details.