Château Art de Vivre is set in a small rural village on the Médoc peninsula, just a short stroll from the banks of the Gironde estuary and around a 90-minute drive north of Bordeaux.
The small village is surrounded by idyllic Médoc vineyards and there are a number of wineries nearby. There is also a restaurant within a 15-minute stroll overlooking the Gironde estuary, usually open for lunch and dinner (check opening days in advance depending on the time of year) and a charming wine-bar and oyster hut in July and August. A wide range of amenities including restaurants and supermarkets can be found in Lesparre-Médoc, about 11km by car.
Some of France’s finest wine appellations can be sampled within a short drive. The well-regarded wine town of Pauillac is around 23km away whilst Margaux is a 50-minute drive – look out for famous châteaux such as Latour, Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild as well as plenty of small family-run wineries. Food-lovers should visit Pauillac’s Saturday morning market and look out for a number of excellent restaurants serving the very best cuisine of this region from fresh mussels and oysters to foie gras and garlic.
The Médoc peninsula is also home to a stunning coastline of vast beaches, sand dunes and forests, perfect for watersports, long walks, horse-riding and cycling along the many trails. The seaside resorts of Montalivet and Soulac-sur-Mer are fantastic days out or head south to Lacanau with its surfing spots and sailing on Étang de Lacanau.
It’s around a 90-minute drive to Bordeaux or pick up the train from in Lesparre-Médoc. The restaurant scene is fantastic, there are so many wonderful wine bars and its historic centre will amaze you in so many ways. Take a boat trip along the Garonne, visit La Cité du Vin or cool off by the fountains at the spectacular Miroir d'eau.
The Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.
