| Adventure |  |
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| Tonny Parnell |
France Adventure 10-08-2012
Chateaux and Vineyeards
BORDEAUX France Chateaux and Vineyeards
The
name appears on millions of bottles of wine, one would almost forget it is also
the name of a town in France. The place is crowded with cathedrals,
statues and other monuments that remind you of its great history and cultural
importance. The city became rich some centuries ago thanks to the two
rivers ´Garonne´ and ´Gironde´, as overseas ships from many continents used the
port for trading. Nowadays the port of Aquitaine
has lost its importance, but the name
of Bordeaux
did not lost its prestige, thanks to the sweet gold... wine !
A visit to the vineyards is a pleasure in many ways.
The landscapes are just fantastic - this countryside is ideal for a bicycle trip
- it is great way to explore the little villages, meet the locals, experience
the ´couleur locale´...
The landscapes are dotted with castles (chateaux) , which makes the experience
sometimes like being in a fairy tale. A lot of these ´chateaux´ can be
visited,
often a guided tour with explanation about the wine making process and
wine tasting is offered - this is really the good life ! A little word of
warning however : it can become hot , very hot, and when with a bicycle, one
better not exagerate wine tasting along the way...
But don´t worry , the good life can be continued when one
comes back in the evening and can enjoy the richness of the French cuisine. Oysters, ´Foie gras´, different ´Patés´, of course with the
appropriate choice of Bordeaux wine...it is difficult to make a choice from the
menu here and did I mention the deserts yet ? Many nice restaurants, often
at great locations with a nice atmosphere. And dfter dinner a nice stroll
in town, watch the sun set, and then a nightcap in the hotel - good life
can be simple !
.