5 days in Bordeaux region

Hello,

Me and my husband are going to Bordeaux (from Norway) in August. We will stay from Sunday 5th to Thursday 9th. We plan to rent a car. We are looking for ideas of how to organzie our time most efficeintly. Should we book a hotel in Bordeaux for all 4 nights, and use it as base for day trips? Do you have any suggestions as to what routes are the most picturesque to drive? We would like to visit some chateaus, charming small towns and excellent restaurants. Your suggestions will be VERY appreciated. Our French experience only comes from a two trips to Paris.

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Given the amount of time that you will be spending in the region, staying in Bordeaux city would be the most convenient option--its central location makes it ideal for getting out to the various areas you would wish to see. Staying in the city for all four nights would allow you to avoid having to pack and unpack several times during your time here.

The most picturesque routes are:

in the Médoc, the D2 (known as the château route, since practically all the most famous estates are along its length)

in Saint-Emilion, the entire area is beautiful, but drive out towards the north of the town, in the direction of Montagne and Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes

the Entre-deux-Mers area. This region is generally missed by most visitors who decide to spend their times in the more famous vineyard areas (Médoc and Saint-Emilion). In this area you%26#39;d want to see the bastide towns like Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, as well as the ruins of La Sauve Majeure near Créon. Also, near Sauveterre is Castelmoron-d%26#39;Albret, which is known as the smallest village in France.

There are a lot of other roads that are picturesque, but perhaps the most authorative guide to these is the yellow Michelin map for the area--roads going through especially beautiful country are marked in green. Look for these roads and you won%26#39;t go wrong.

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Thanks a lot for your suggestions. I%26#39;m checking room availability at the Hotel Majestic. Can you recommend an alternative small, family run hotel or pension?

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