France is definitely my most visited country, yet I have never been to Bordeaux or its vineyards. This trip, driving from chateau to chateau in Bordeaux, enjoying plenty of wine tastings, is a trip I’m truly excited about. Over two weeks, I’ll be enjoying the Bordeaux wineries and the city itself. Afterward, I’ll head on to Biarritz and San Sebastián in Spain. I simply couldn’t wait to begin the wine tastings!
Driving to Bordeaux from my place is quite a long journey. So, I stopped near Clermont-Ferrand at the renowned Hotel and Restaurant Origines par Adrien Descouls. It was a tiny village in the middle of nowhere, however I enjoyed an incredible dinner and stay, which was the perfect stopover before continuing with my chateau to chateau adventure in Bordeaux.
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Chateau to Chateau in Bordeaux
My first Stop in Bordeaux, Chateau La Nauve in Cognac, marked the true beginning of my journey from chateau to chateau in Bordeaux.
Wine tastings in Cognac
The town of Cognac is (as the name indicates), the birthplace of the world-famous spirit. To be honest, I didn’t know about Cognac until I started searching for chateaux to stay at. The town is steeped in distilling history, with cobbled streets and grand old houses reflecting its heritage. It was a cute town, although it felt very quiet. Maybe it was due to the rainy weather. Nevertheless, this is a fitting start for those exploring chateau to chateau in Bordeaux.
I stayed at the five-star Hotel La Nauve, a beautifully restored chateau set in peaceful gardens by the river. It was just far enough from the center to feel calm, yet close enough to explore. The hotel was absolutely stunning, the interior very modern, yet luxurious and the staff unbelievably friendly and attentive. The bonus was having bikes available during the day to explore the area. Luckily I had a one hour sunny window before more rain. The wine (and cognac) tastings have begun!
It was an idyllic first stop before diving into Bordeaux’s wine country.
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Les Sources de Caudalie
I was really looking forward to this chateau. Mainly as I am a fan and regular user of the beauty brand Caudalie. So, staying at the source of it, sounded amazing! And this chateau ‘Les Sources de Caudalie‘ certainly did not disappoint.
I spent my afternoon enjoying the spa (of course) and cycling through the vineyards. The weather was perfect! I simply soaked up the beauty of the surroundings. Not to mention a lot of wine tastings, whether it was in the wine bar, the restaurant, or the winery (although I was a bit careful, as I was feeling a little unwell).
Staying at Les Sources de Caudalie was the perfect mix of indulgence and relaxation, exactly what you’d hope when hopping from chateau to chateau in Bordeaux. It is a shame I had only time for one night here. But I would return to this chateau for sure!
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Hotel de Pavie in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion was my favorite of them all, and not only because it is one of my favorite wine regions when ordering Bordeaux wine. Sitting on top of a slight hill, overlooking the vineyards, it is a cute and very busy UNESCO World Heritage site. From the long living history of wine-making to the Romanesque churches and ruins, which stretch all along steep and narrow streets, Saint-Émilion is certainly worth a visit.
Unfortunately, as much as I liked it, Saint-Émilion also felt like the most touristy town. Almost all the shops and restaurants seemed to be geared toward visitors. That said, it’s hardly surprising given the stunning wineries in the area. I was still feeling a little unwell, but I made sure not to miss the wine tour at Château Pavie.
From the stay at Hotel de Pavie to the wine tastings and exploring the vineyards, Saint-Émilion was amazing. Furthermore, as it sits on a slight hill, the view overlooking the vineyards was stunning. And as you know, I have been to many wineries over the years. (Read here about the trip to Italy, and here about the trip to the Mosel River).
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And so..
What a trip so far. My trip across Bordeaux vineyards came to an end for now. And although it might seem exhausting hopping from chateau to chateau in Bordeaux, I am glad I did it. That way I enjoyed different areas of this grand wine region. Next, let’s relax in the city for a few days. No more hopping!
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