One night's lodging near Bordeaux

[Jeffrey Schlossberg]

Our BIL/SIL are joining us on a visit to France. We plan on a few nights in Paris, then, TGV to Bordeaux, pick up an auto rental and hit the trail east and back along the rivers. We are doing something we NEVER do: driving around without hotel reservations. We do want to nail down our first night near Bordeaux. Alas, our budget is not grand but we are flexible regarding location. We arrive at the station around 4pm. Any ideas/suggestions/reccos? At least one of us can remain sober enough to drive so that we could dine well and stay wherever we can find a good value. We will hit the trail the next AM, so won't really be able to take advantage of fab amenities. Thank you for your help, and a special thanks to Jeff Leve. What a kind and generous fellow you are!

[Jeff Leve]

Thanks for the post. Much easier for me to do this here, than on Facebook

First question is, are you going to St. Emilion as you mentioned? Or to the Medoc?

If St. Emilion, take the TGV to Libourne. If you're in the Left Bank, take the TGV to St. Jean. Cars are available at either location. You want reservations as it is close to a very busy week.

There are a few places in St. Emilion you can try. We discussed hotel Plaisance. Pricey, but right in the center of the town. There is no better location.

3 minutes drive from town... www.relaisfrancmayne.com/ - 5 minutes drive www.grand-barrail.com/ - Both are good choices. I've been to each for lunch or dinner, so I know they are quite nice. There are other less pricey choices in and near the villiage. In fact, Troplong Mondot has a bed and breakfast as well. They are 3 minutes from the village.

Let me know what you end up doing and if any of these work for you. If you want to visit any chateaux, you need to book in advance. Either have the wine store where you buy your wine from book your visit, or send an Email to the estate you want to visit. You can find the website of every chateau on the main page of www.thewinecellarinsider.com, or even easier just click on the Bordeaux and more winery profiles tab and follow the links.

If you have other questions, just post. And feel free to drop by and chat about wine anytime!