Bordeaux - more than just wine?
Apr 11, 2015, 5:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Philadelphia
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Bordeaux - more than just wine?
Planning to visit Bordeaux for the wine is there anything else to see in the area to stay longer? Right now looking at a weekend solo visit with two wine tours (4-6 cellar tastings) - thanks!
Apr 11, 2015, 9:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Saint Emillion is a nice little village. It's worth spending some time.
if you have a car, the Grande Dune du Pilat in Arcachon is pretty cool.
A day in Bordeaux itself would also be worthwhile.
if you have a car, the Grande Dune du Pilat in Arcachon is pretty cool.
A day in Bordeaux itself would also be worthwhile.
Apr 13, 2015, 2:07 am
#5
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
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St Émilion is indeed lovely (and also not just about the wine, although that's a major part of it).
But, if you have a car, go slightly further east and the whole of the Périgord region is accessible to you, and well worth heading to. Often referred to as the 'Dordogne' in English (one of the départements where it's located), you've got some wonderful towns and villages to explore: Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat, Beynac, Cadouin, Monpazier, Nontron, the list goes on and on... It's a well trodden path, particularly by British tourists and second-home-owners, but there's a good reason why.
But, if you have a car, go slightly further east and the whole of the Périgord region is accessible to you, and well worth heading to. Often referred to as the 'Dordogne' in English (one of the départements where it's located), you've got some wonderful towns and villages to explore: Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat, Beynac, Cadouin, Monpazier, Nontron, the list goes on and on... It's a well trodden path, particularly by British tourists and second-home-owners, but there's a good reason why.
Apr 13, 2015, 8:50 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2013
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I'm planning a weekend (from Friday night to Sunday night) in May.
One of the things I'd definitely want to do is a Wine Tour. St Emilion seems to the most recommended choice both in terms of quality of wines and scenery. Now the main question would be whether it'd be worth doing a 1 day tour or just an afternoon one. What would you recommend? Also, small group or private?
As far as the hotel is concerned, I have short listed the Grand Hotel and the Burdigala. I would get a fairly similar package for either at a similar price. I quite like the contemporary look of the Burdigala, but the Grand Hotel seems quite iconic and I love the fact that they have a spa that we could use. Any advice?
Lastly, any other recommendations to make our 48 hours even more special?
One of the things I'd definitely want to do is a Wine Tour. St Emilion seems to the most recommended choice both in terms of quality of wines and scenery. Now the main question would be whether it'd be worth doing a 1 day tour or just an afternoon one. What would you recommend? Also, small group or private?
As far as the hotel is concerned, I have short listed the Grand Hotel and the Burdigala. I would get a fairly similar package for either at a similar price. I quite like the contemporary look of the Burdigala, but the Grand Hotel seems quite iconic and I love the fact that they have a spa that we could use. Any advice?
Lastly, any other recommendations to make our 48 hours even more special?
Apr 16, 2015, 3:59 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Agree with all the above suggestions.
You can also come to Cap Ferret for the day, see the spectacular Dune du Pyla (or Pilat) from there, go the beach, do some surf on the waves, eat oysters in the fishermen huts etc...
Should you have no car, take the train to Arcachon. From there you can take some boat and go either to Cap Ferret, take a tour around the bay or go to Banc d'Arguin. IIRC some shuttles can drive you to the dune as well.
Just be aware that there is some heavy traffic jam on the way back to Bordeaux on Sunday afternoon/evening specially if the weather is fine. Take that into account if your plane/train in leaving BOD on that day.
I am usually there during the week ends in May so one can PM for more details.
You can also come to Cap Ferret for the day, see the spectacular Dune du Pyla (or Pilat) from there, go the beach, do some surf on the waves, eat oysters in the fishermen huts etc...
Should you have no car, take the train to Arcachon. From there you can take some boat and go either to Cap Ferret, take a tour around the bay or go to Banc d'Arguin. IIRC some shuttles can drive you to the dune as well.
Just be aware that there is some heavy traffic jam on the way back to Bordeaux on Sunday afternoon/evening specially if the weather is fine. Take that into account if your plane/train in leaving BOD on that day.
I am usually there during the week ends in May so one can PM for more details.
Apr 16, 2015, 8:28 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: T82
Programs: AA Gold, HH Gold
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We were in Bordeaux for a day and a half last year and really wanted to do a cheese tasting. France has some really wonderful cheeses, some of which you can't get here, especially the unpasturized ones. Unfortunately, DH wasn't feeling well enough to be eating cheese so we didn't go. I still want to do that one day. Here is a link for a tasting tour:
http://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/of...1AQU033V500G5Q
http://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/of...1AQU033V500G5Q