Bordeaux: Tips

Automatic Transmission Be sure to reserve car rentals in advance if you require an automatic (otherwise you’ll end up stuck with a standard). If you’re on a budget, consider a Smart Car – they’re more affordable and easier to maneuver on narrow country roads.

Food Dictionary Unless you speak French, it is helpful to have an English-French dictionary. This is especially true when it comes to food – you don’t want to miss out on the region’s many specialties. The Marling Menu-Master dictionary is the best for French cuisine.

Worthy Splurge Don’t waste your money on cheap wine – you can get that at home. Splurge on something that, like Proust’s madeleines, will bring back memories of your trip.

Call Ahead Most chateaux are open by appointment only, so call ahead. Cos d’Estournel, Haut Maco and Lanessan are open without appointments. Some of the most prestigious chateaux – including Petrus, d’Ausone and d’Yquem – don’t welcome visitors.

Portes Ouvertes Many of the ACs (appellation controllées) hold Portes Ouvertes (doors open) weekends when most chateaux welcome visitors for tours and tastes. Participants include Medoc (April), St.Emilion (May), Sauternes (June), and Pessac-Leognan (December).

Train Travel If traveling from Paris, the high speed TGV train, which whisks you to Bordeaux’s St. Jean station from either Paris Montparnasse or the TGV Station at Charles de Gaulle, provides an alternative to air travel.