Rosemary & Cooper
In & Around the Chateau
Saint-Émilion
25 minutes from the Chateau. An 11th-century medieval village surrounded by vineyards. We recommend checking out the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion, climbing its belltower (get the key from the tourist office), buying a bottle of wine, and stopping for a snack
Old Town Bordeaux
50 minutes from the Chateau. What it lacks in world-class attractions, Bordeaux makes up for in charm. We recommend starting at the Place de la Bourse. See the Miroir d'eau (water mirror), then head west toward Place du Parlement to explore old town.
La Maison du Glacier in Old Town Bordeaux
50 minutes from the Chateau. The best gelato in Bordeaux
Le Michel's in Old Town Bordeaux
50 minutes from the Chateau. Our favorite cafe. You may recognize it as the backdrop from our save-the-dates. Don't miss the baked camembert!
l'Alchimiste Café in Old Town Bordeaux
50 minutes from the Chateau. The best coffee shop in Bordeaux. Try the dunes blanches.
Beach: Arcachon & Grande Dune du Pilat
1 hr 25 mins from the Chateau. You can drive to Arcachon from Bordeaux (1 hour) or take the train from Gare Saint-Jean to Arcachon (also 1 hour), where you can rent bicycles, swim in the ocean, eat oysters, and climb the famous Dune de Pilat, a massive dune of soft white sand that overlooks the mouth of Arcachon Bay. Recommended route: Rent bicycles from Dingo Velos or 2 Roues Loc (both close to the train station). Follow Le Sentier du Littoral, a beautiful coastal path with the option of doing a 30 km loop (see directions here: https://www.vacancessurlebassin.com/post/le-sentier-du-littoral-a-gujan-mestras ) For oysters, we recommend Chez Bidart. You can bike all the way to Grande Dune du Pilat (11km or 40 minutes). For sunset drinks, check out La Coorniche hotel (5:30pm or later on the terrace).