France - Bordeaux

And then there was internet! It took 4 months of charming European bureaucracy but it finally happened - and what better way to toast then to celebrate with a beautiful Bordeaux, France post. It cost exactly 26GBP to fly there which is less than a tee-shirt costs in London, unbelievable! Bordeaux is already somewhere I will return time and time again - French with a southern charm and a hint of Spain; perfect blend. And the biggest advice is to rent a car so you can explore the vineyards, stunning countryside and amazing UNESCO villages like Saint-Emilion. And don't be afraid to eat and drink!!

Beautiful Saint Emilion

September is a lovely time to visit - end of the month is harvest - less tourists and weather is a bit chilly but still nice. There is a lot of traffic in the town believe it or not so I cannot imagine how it is in the summer periods. The city is great, but my ideal mix is stay and dine in Bordeaux but definitely take a bunch of day trips to see the many stunning villages and wineries.  Overall I do not choose French food as a favorite, but I grew up eating rather heavy, diverse meats and duck will always take the top along with lamb - duck, foie gras, wine - winning combo here! People are so nice too and friendly and appreciate every time you try to speak French.

Downtown Bordeaux early morning

The Essentials:
1) Bordeaux Restaurants - aside from wine, you can survive here on duck and foie gras! best ever! Unfortunately you do have to make reservations everywhere, its a very big foodie town so plan ahead although there are wine bars everywhere if you get stuck waiting with a few glasses of vino.
- Le Chien Pavlov: cute, cozi and probably the best food we had - foie gras, all i will say
- La Brasserie Bordelaise: get the french version of risotto and don't forget to stock up on the Pate de Foie de Porc they serve there (and which you can get at any Carrefour)
- Le Petit Commerce: good for simple fish and crisp wine (good whites in Bordeaux too!)
- Lots of amazing cafes for breakfast, a favorite part of French culture of course - but the coffee is stronger than I have ever had in my life. A cappuccino is really an espresso so stick to Cafe au lait!

Saint Emilion

Day trips into the Countryside
- South: Caudalie Spa: so lovely and quiet and relaxing. A dream of mine for awhile and stunning! You can stock up on the products at duty free at the airport for same price. Best spa to date!! Their products are all made from grapes, simple and really good.

Early morning at Caudalie Spa

- East: Saint Emilion: charming little village, go early for parking. Eat at Les Delices du Roy and ship wine back home from Wine Not..great selection and they allow you to ship just 6 vs standard 12, which most places just charge you the same amount.

Lovely Villemaurine Vineyard right in Saint Emilion- family run and great tour

I love old doors, what can I say...

- North: Google and GPS will try to take you the fast way but make sure to drive up the wine trail which is the D2, much prettier and more scenic with all the major vineyards. Head into Medoc and Pauillac: I am a huge fan of Mimi Thorisson (blog: Manger) who has inspired my dreams of owning a farm house B&B and having a big huge family to love and cook for!!! She lives here and was honestly a major reason I ventured out here, so lovely and charming. Pauillac is right on the water and a beautiful town, very quiet, but nice afternoon to walk and hang around. Have lunch at Cafe Lavinal and walk around the little hamlet of Bages within Pauillac! go early though.

Pauillac

 Shopping:
- Cute little shops here and there but my fav in Bordeaux are the always great Galeries Lafayette and a little shop called La Droguerie with cute little bags and odd and ends. Little Spanish goods too.
- Lots of Spanish influenced food stores with Iberico Ham and lots of other delicious meats, cheeses, and desserts. Not a light eating town but the wine helps digest all the goodness.
- Head to the Carrefour and stock up on local goods, its a gem and so many good things. Saint Catherine street is like any other high street, busy and trendy but fun to stroll along.

Bordeaux!!!

Hotels:
Hotel Majestic: Recco'd by Conde Nast Traveler and absolutely great, simple, clean, nice location and easy parking right outside. Approximately 100 Euros a night, total steal.

Night charm of Bordeaux

Embrace the goodness...and bring some home!!