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The Medoc, Bordeaux, St Emilion, Sauternes are names which jump to mind and make the taste buds tingle with anticipation when we "talk" French wine. While based at the Chateau most of the main chateaux of the 57 Appellations of the Bordeaux region are within an hour's drive, including the famous wine trail following the D2 - "La Route des Vins" to the north and the sweet wines from the Sauternais region of the Graves to the east.

The names of hundreds of chateaux cross the mind (perhaps Chateau Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Chateau du Tertre, or Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte). You may discover many of these if a wine tour is included in your time at the estate.

The Caudalie Health Spa just 15 minutes away from the chateau is the finest "vinotherapie spa" in the world, at which you can have a luxurious day in a haven of peace and calm.

Time in the water jets, pools and beauty treatments will re-energize and re-vitalize you ready for the rush of daily life, but please book well in advance.

Bordeaux in its present form, dates from the 18th century. As you walk along the largest pedestrian shopping street in Europe you can understand why it is classed as one of the best preserved cities of that date. There is plenty of good shopping and site seeing in Bordeaux, and some important history to discover. With over 345 historic monuments in 150 hectares, the Garonne River and a trip on the new Bordeaux tramway you will be spoilt for choice.

A quick 20 minute drive (car rental at Bordeaux airport) from the estate will have you walking the UNESCO landmarks including; Le Palais de la Bourse, Hotel des Douanes, Le Grand Theatre, the gardens of the Palais Rohan (town hall) and the Pont de Pierre.

A visit to the Bassin de Arcachon is a must. Take a walk along the Atlantic coastline and if you've got the legs make your way to the top of the 107m Dune de Pyla to the south, where you can indulge in the fabulous views over the ocean to the west and the surrounding pine forest to the east.

Oysters are one of the main industries of the Bassin de Arcachon and fresh seafood is a specialty of many of the local restaurants...enjoy!

Cap Ferret on the Atlantic coast of France has a great atmosphere in the summer, ideal for taking a few waves on a bodyboard or surfboard.

Children can enjoy searching for crabs, mussels and other shell fish on the sandy beach that extends, unbroken and uncrowded, for 150km from Soulac-sur-Mer to Cap Ferret.

Throughout the year Bordeaux hosts a large number of national and international music festivals, sports events, fairs and trade shows.

Including:
In January: The antiques fair (Salons des Antiquaries).
In February: International show jumping (Jumping International de Bordeaux).
In May: International golf tournament (Open international de Golf) at the Bordeaux-Lac.
In June: The celebrated Bordeaux Wine Festival.