The Arndts are in Town and We're Going to the French Countryside!
After doing a little research I found the most picturesque bed & breakfast in Bordeaux, just 25 min from Saint Emilion. It was an old farmhouse, totally updated and situated in the middle of a vineyard. There were bikes to rent and ride through the countryside, a deck to sit and overlook the vineyards while sipping wine and eating cheese, beautifully decorated rooms, daily breakfast with loads of French pastries, homemade banana bread, granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, baguettes, jam, coffee, tea... mouth watering...
As a bonus, it was Portes Ouvertes Dans Les Chateaux in Saint Emilion. Translation: all the vineyards opened the doors to the chateaus and gave free tastings. What whaaaaaat?!
That was perfect enough, BUT then we met the couple that runs the B&B and our trip was complete. Two Australians, Vanessa and Justin, who have lived in Sydney, London and New York City (the names of the three rooms - cuteness). A few years ago they decided to leave their corporate/banking careers and see what more life had to offer, AKA L'Autre Vie (the other life). How amazing is that? I mean, people fantasize about moving to a foreign land, buying a little B&B in the country and living the sweet life, but how many of us actually do it? They were truly fantastic hosts and made our experience perfect.
On the train, Bordeaux bound
Sadly it rained most of the first couple days. Not to worry though - The Arndts had a room with a panoramic view of the rolling hills of vines.
Indoor, rainy day fun.
(When in Bordeaux you drinks lots of red wine, duh. Get ready for lots of purple teeth)
Our hosts reserved a table for dinner for us at an old country house that was just wonderful. Plus, the sun finally came out!
There was a double rainbow during dinner. Told you this place is magical.
Horse just hanging outside the restaurant
Day 2 - we headed into Saint Emilion to reap the benefits of being here on free-tasting-in-chateaus weekend.
Getting a tour of an underground wine cellar.
This vineyard has been producing wine and owned by the same family for eight generations (since the time of Louis XIV!). Well, that's as far back as they have paperwork anyway, could be even older.
Overlooking Saint Emilion
Adorable wine shop. Want to rob them for this chandelier.
On the way back to our B&B, the rain stopped, the clouds parted and our bestie, the sun, came out. Just had to stop and take it all in :)
The appearance of the sun made us this happy...
Amazing. Just amazing.
Vanessa and Justin prepared this delicious cheese plate for us. PLUS ,they went to the markets while we were out wine tasting and collected the best meats and produce to grill at the B&B. Like I said, they were perfect hosts.
The digs
Day 3: Annnnnd this is the weather we were waiting for.
Biking through the countryside!
Playing boules
The goal is to get one of your silver balls closer to the smaller ball than anyone else. Kyle was pretty good at it...
Time to head back to Pareeeee. See you in September, L'Autre Vie (still can't believe we get the pleasure of going back here - thanks a million, B & C!!!!)
Back in Paris
On top of the Arc
Dinner picnic in our favorite local spot
Bisous!
Maygan
