On the Médoc peninsula north of Bordeaux, it’s wonderful to be able to combine tastings at some of France’s finest wine châteaux with family fun on the Atlantic coastline whilst staying at the very welcoming Château Art de Vivre.

With vineyard views from its picture-book windows and the most beautiful sunsets as the evening falls, Château Art de Vivre is such an inviting family home which allows you to spend quality time with loved ones whilst experiencing the authenticity of this part of southern France. Ideal for families or a group of friends, the open-plan living and dining area is a convivial space to gather together, create feasts in the contemporary kitchen and drink fine wine from nearby Médoc wineries.

Four double bedrooms, which can also be made up as twins, allow space for up to 8 guests and benefit from en suite shower rooms. Artwork adorns the walls and traditional features such as exposed stone and wood beams add to the château’s character and ambience.

Set within 8000m2 of enclosed parkland, there is so much space whether you wish to cool off in the charming swimming pool, relax in the hot tub, play on the swing and trampoline or visit the friendly animals – as well as hens, geese and a couple of sheep, there are two donkeys who love to be groomed, fed and walked.

Wander through the local village to the beautiful banks of the Gironde estuary where you will find a picturesque restaurant as well as an oyster hut and wine-bar open in the height of the summer. Of course, there are so many wineries to visit from prestigious châteaux to family-run establishments. The famous wine town of Pauillac is only 23km away, also a paradise for food lovers with its weekly market and excellent restaurants.

The Médoc peninsula is also known for its vast beaches, sandy dunes, surfing spots, sailing lakes, cycling trails and forests ideal for long walks and horse-riding. The seaside resorts of Montalivet les Bains and Soulac-sur-Mer, around half an hour away, are especially atmospheric in the summer or head to Plage du Pin Sec for endless shores and the most stunning sunsets.