The villa is an ideal vacation spot for wine lovers or those in search of a relaxing and memorable holiday in the tranquil countryside of the Bordeaux region.
Whether arriving in Bordeaux by air or train, you are less than an hour away from the Villa. Guests can reduce the drive to half an hour by taking the TGV from Paris to Libourne. The quaint town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and obligatory stop for oenophiles (aka wine lovers!), is only fifteen minutes by car.
The fête du vin, held every other June in Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux, is reason alone to visit! The lively town of Castillon-la-Bataille, with twice-weekly markets and larger stores, is only a ten-minute drive away. The region is rich in wine and history, with dozens of medieval chateaux and thousand-year old churches dotting the hillsides. Restaurants running from the basic and hearty to high-end also abound in the area, with a nice mix of family-run establishments serving traditional fare and newer chefs putting a modern spin into their menus.
The quiet riverside village is just a few minutes on foot, with a restaurant, small grocery store and post office. Supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and numerous restaurants are within a short drive. A spectacular Bastille Day celebration, annual flea market and myriad of special events take place in the village, including a special Christmas market. During the summer months are three evening markets, where local goods, wine and gifts are for sale - you'll also find some long picnic tables where the community gathers to celebrate well into the night! Luckily, you can just stroll home from the festivities if you're starting to feel the strain of too much food and excellent wine!
The Region
One of France’s most iconic hilltop towns, Saint-Émilion is waiting to enchant wine enthusiasts, gastronomes, keen historians and Francophiles in so many different ways. With its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, visitors will have the opportunity to sample AOC wines from one of the most famous and historic wine-growing regions in the world.
Start off by exploring the cobbled lanes of Saint-Émilion as you admire its beautiful architecture and churches – its origins date back to the 8th century. One of the most impressive sites is the 12th century stone-carved Monolithic church, the largest of its kind in Europe, a truly astonishing masterpiece – a guided tour of the church and catacombs is a must.
As well as the town’s famous Merlot, try Crémant de Bordeaux at Les Cordeliers, once a monastery that was brought by a winemaker in the 19th century – enjoy a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the cloister garden. Food lovers note there are several excellent restaurants including Michelin star establishments (Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are two famous names). Look out for French macarons as well - Saint-Émilion claims to be the birthplace of this delicious sweet treat.
Of course, wine tours and tastings can be arranged across the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region. There are so many to choose from, from small family-run vineyards to prestigious wine châteaux, and it’s fantastic to be able to buy such excellent wines directly from local producers. Wine connoisseurs note that the neighbouring Pomerol wine appellation should also be included on your itinerary for longer stays.
Meanwhile, explore the idyllic landscapes by bike, a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride to capture the scenery below. A little further afield, canoe or kayak along the Dordogne near Castillon-la-Bataille, experience the vibrant markets of Libourne and travel to the great wine city of Bordeaux for another amazing day out in this captivating part of southwestern France.
