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Day 17 Bordeaux and the wine region
Our plan today was to head into the wine country to the North West of Bordeaux, famous for Médoc, Pauillac and Margaux wines.
We had a tour booked at Château Pichon Baron for 4pm so had plenty of time to take in the area. It was a grey drizzly day but that did not dampen our spirits, we enjoyed seeing the large expanses of vineyards and beautiful châteaux.
We drove past a sign for Fort Medoc and decided to take a look. We were glad that we did as it was a fascinating place and the weather just about held out for our picnic.The fort was built between 1689 and 1721 to protect the Gironde Estuary from an enemy fleet in conjunction with Blaye and Fort Pâté on the other side of the river. We were the only visitors and we had an enjoyable hour or so here. The ticket office provided us with an information leaflet and the site had information boards in English, there was also a room with information and displays related to the history of the fort.
It was only a 20 minute drive to our next destination and we drove past [and stopped to take photos] of several more famous Châteaux on the way.
We loved our tour of Pichon Baron. I had emailed them directly [in French!] to organise this and we expected to be part of a group but the tour was bespoke, just for me and Mrs Lyons which was a lovely surprise. The tour lasted an hour and a half and our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
We were not able to visit the actual Château as it is currently the headquarters of AXA Insurance but the tour of the cellars and the wine making factory more than made up for our initial disappointment.
The factory was spotlessly clean and very shiny, it looked like a set from a sci-fi film. The tour finished with a tasting of three incredible Pauillac wines.
It was time to head back to Begles and on arriving we parked our car and headed straight for the tram into the centre of Bordeaux. We had a restaurant booked for 8pm and we were very much looking forward to it.
The restaurant was called Baud et Millet and if you don’t like wine or cheese it’s definitely not for you! The waiter helped us choose from the menu and suggested a red wine pairing.We shared a Tour de France selection of cheeses to start followed by fondue. An incredible meal.
Bordeaux looked lovely at night and we were looking forward to exploring the city the following day. We hopped onto another tram and headed back to our home in Begles.
Day 18 Bordeaux
We just had the one full day to explore the city so we had booked a walking tour that started at 10.30am which we thought would be a great way to see some of the main sites in a short time. We met outside Cathédrale-Primatiale Saint-André de Bordeaux.
Tram into town and a free walking tour with Tammy.
We loved the water mirror
Pleasant lunch at Brasserie Tourny.
Tram to Cite de Vin- which was not quite for us. The wine and views were lovely- topo myuuch emphasis on IT.
The foodhall nearby was heaving and horrid.
An evening wander, drinky then dinner at Chez les Poucs.
Day 19 To Espilette via Dunes de Pyla and Bayonne.
Dunes de Pyla- Sand dunes were great. We had our picnic nearby.
Bayonne- Stopped for just an hour. Free parking.
Church, Old Town and bridges.
Then to Espilette. Our accom was in gthe edge of the town.
The town was pretty with red beqamed Basque houses.
We bolught local Espilette pepper in a jar and a paste.
Dinner at Aintzina- Basque menu
Day 20 To Cauterets via La Rhune and Ainhoa.
La Rhune Rack and Pinion Railway. We had to wait for the next train. Great views and relaxing.
A quick look at Ainhoa, a pretty Basque town.- The Church was wonderful.
Long drive to Cauterets in the Pyranees. Ski lift over the town!
Ate at our new accomodation as it was late- very spicy pasta!
Day 21 Cauterets and a day trip to Cirque du Gavarnie
Drive through the Pyranees to the Cirque.
A picnic by the car park on a bench prior to the hike which was amazing. A warm day and through snow.
Back in Cauterets for a drinky and a wander.
A wonderful meal at La Billot. Tartiflette and Truitiflette!
Day 22 To Foix via Cave de Niaux
We used the toll road to save time and had a picnic by the cave car park park.
The Cave was great- a guided tour- amazing Prehistoric wall paintings by torchlight.
Foix- Our flat was in the centre of town..
We had a wander and dinner at Bistro de La Fourges by the river. [see notes in blue book]
Day 23 To Carcassone via Peyreperteuse Castle
Foix market then off to see a Cathar castle.Picnic by the car
Peyreperteuse Castle was incerdible-lots of steps!
Carcassonne- Our appartment with the scary bstairs was right outside the walls!
We had a mooch through the Lower Town saving the Citadelk to tomorrow.
Ate at La Tavernne Moderne.
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