Part of a certified organic vineyard in the Bordeaux region of south-west France, Podien Cottage is one of two charming homes set within the estate (see also Foy Cottage).
This working vineyard, producing a range of Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux wines, is a unique location for your holiday – the estate’s château dates back to the 18th century. The wine produced is mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the vines are grown in clay and limestone, typical of the conditions on the right-bank of the estuary. There are opportunities to tour the estate and sample the wines.
Podien Cottage is on the village side of the domaine, next to the village tennis courts which guests can use (just ask for the key). It's a very short walk to the heart of the village with its grocery store (selling fresh bread), butchers and cafe-bar-tabac, which serves coffee and rustic French food. On a Sunday morning you can pick up rotisserie chickens at the village butchers and there is occasionally a stall selling oysters.
Blaye (6.5km) is the nearest town, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Citadelle de Blaye. Designed by the celebrated French military engineer Vauban, Citadelle de Blaye is a fortress offering panoramas over the Gironde estuary. Built in the 17th century, the citadel of Blaye had 1.5km of ramparts, over 30 hectares of fortifications and 1,500 soldiers occupying the fort.
Spend time strolling through the citadel's narrow streets and meet the craftsmen, restaurateurs and shopkeepers who dwell in the once-fortified fortress. Tours are also available for those who want to delve deeper into history and enter the underground passages below the surface. The town of Blaye also offers cafés, restaurants and shops for you to refresh yourself with. The town is easily reached by car or you can cycle along the back country roads.
Travelling slightly further away, take a day to visit the picturesque St. Emilion (47km), a medieval hilltop village located in the famous Bordeaux wine region. Surrounded by UNESCO vineyards, St. Emilion has two thousand years of history found in beautiful architecture and monuments. Golden bricks shine in the sunlight as you wind through the village, exploring historic vineyards, cafes and shops.
This part of south-west France is home to the Aquitaine coastline, the longest sandy coastline in Europe, stretching 230 kilometres. Spend the day by the surfing shores of Lacanau (60km) on the Médoc peninsula (reached via car ferry) or venture north to experience the charm of Royan (86km), just less than 90 minutes by car.