help - only 1 day

Hi

we have only one day in Bordeaux next week and i would desperately love some advice as to 1 or 2 wineries to visit just for the day for some wine and cheese tasting or something along those lines. would love one in beautiful scenery etc.

we are flying into Toulouse the night before and then driving to Bordeaux, staying the night then have the whole next day to explore before driving to Millau that night (too much i know)

advice on 1 or 2 wineries someone has experienced and can reccomend and that accepts drop ins would be so helpful.

Thank you

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In theory, visiting a couple of châteaux on a drop-in basis should be a simple thing. There are many--especially in the Médoc--which post large signs saying %26quot;Visite-Dégustation%26quot; (visit and tasting).

These are the smaller producers who welcome spur-of-the-moment visitors because this is how they sell a good portion of their wines; thus, be prepared to buy a some bottles at the end of the tour. This is the understood protocol, since the person taking you around the property is the owner or the owner%26#39;s wife, and they would otherwise be busy making their wine.

Which brings us to another point: this is harvest time, and so it is likely that these owners are in the midst of bringing in their grapes and making their wine, so despite the signs these properties are not able to provide the quality of visit that they usually offer--or any visit at all.

Since you plan on dropping in, the only way to find out is to simply drive up and knock on the door. However, don%26#39;t be too disappointed if your tasting is not accompanied by cheese. In my experience, such accompaniment is not the norm in Bordeaux.

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Removed on: 11:17 am, September 10, 2009

provence June 08

Hi, Im planning on spending 2 weeks in Provence in June..we think we want to start in Marseille, maybe stay in a small, inexpensive hotel in the centre (any thoughts!?) then we would like to travel north west into Orange, Aix etc...we dont really know much about the area but ahve always longed to see the lavender fields in Avignan...does anyone have a 2 week fool proof itineray that may be of use?? any hidden gems welcome! thanks a mill oh and we%26#39;d love to rent a little cottage/house/apartment somewhere so as we can really soak it up- we%26#39;re planning on renting a car too!

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The lavender fields aren%26#39;t in Avignon, which is quite a large city--they are out in the country side, especially in the Lubéron. A good place to see them is near the Abbey of Sénanque. If you go to the fodors.com fEurope forum site you will find a guy named Stu Dudley who has put together an entire lavender-viewing itinerary--he%26#39;ll send it to you if you ask.

Orange is north of Marseille--about a 2 to 3 hour drive depending on your route. If you like Roman ruins, be sure to visit Arles as well as Orange, along with the magnificent Pont du Gard.

By the way, unless the weather is unusually hot the lavender fields won%26#39;t be in bloom until late June.

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Hi, If you are looking to be central for all of the places you want to visit, look at my review for Chateau de la Loubiere in Pertuis (approx 40 mins from Marseille, 20 mins from Aix, 50 mins from Avignon). They have 3 different size gites depending on how may of you there are with lots of lavender in the grounds, plus pool, tennis courts etc.

The website is www.laloubiere.com

We have visited Provence many times and this is such a lovely location and very well positioned to get the best out of your visit to Provence.

Dont forget to svisit Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gorges du Verdon, Isle sur la Sourgue, Gordes, Vaison de la Romaine, Cassis, St Remy and of course Aix and Avignon all within easy driving distance.

If you want to get in the mood for Provence, get the DVD, A Good Year based on the Peter Mayle story starring the lovely Russell Crowe all shot in the area particularly in Gordes.

Hope this helps

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Removed on: 10:17 am, September 10, 2009

car hire france to spain

I want to hire a car in France (Montpellier) for 2 weeks and drive to Spain (Barcelona). It%26#39;s difficult to get clear info about all the costs. Can anyone recommend a good hire company where I can do this? Thanks. Paul

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Most car hire companies charge horrendous additional amounts to drop off a car in another country.

Much better to take the train Montpellier - Barcelona and hire another car there if needed - if you like nightmares driving around Barcelona is just for you.

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If you want a one way hire your best bet will probably be one of the multinationals like Avis and Hertz which have a presence in France and Spain - I did a sample rental with Avis on line and it came up costing an additional £250 (about 600 Aus Dollars?) to drop off in Barcelona rather than back in Montpellier . So it%26#39;s possible ... at a price ....

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i have been through the same thing going the other way. its not worth it, the costs are horrendous.

fly or train to the other country then hire a car again.

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Don%26#39;t do the one way rental to Spain. Take the train.

If you mean that youwant to get a car in Montpellier then drive to Barcelona (4 hours) then drive back to Montpellier then I would recommned a brroker like www.holidayauto.com You will probably have to pay extra insurance though to take the car out of the country. I have not done France to Spain but have the other way round and its normally around 7 euros a day.

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Removed on: 7:17 am, August 25, 2009

Best starting point in Corsica

I%26#39;m planning to fly to Corsica from Paris. I can fly into Ajaccio, Calvi, Bastia or Figari. I%26#39;ll be travelling solo so I%26#39;d prefer not to rent a car--don%26#39;t think I%26#39;d be comfortable driving without a companion. For a solo traveler interested in nice beaches (I like calm, clear water), casual hiking, cultural/historic attractions and nightlife which area of Corsica would be the best starting point? I plan to stay for 4-5 nights. Since I won%26#39;t be renting a car I%26#39;ll have to rely on taxis, buses and trains (which I understand are limited in service). I%26#39;d be grateful for any suggestions! I leave for Paris next week.

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You%26#39;ll see that iof you look at previous contributions on the Corsica forum that it is virtuall impossible to get around without a car. I wouldn%26#39;t worry about driving without a companion - they%26#39;ll be plenty to occupy your mind negotiating the roads!!

If you really are fixed on public transport only, I guess Calvi would be the best option, if only because of the coastal tramway between there and L%26#39;ile Rousse which would enable you to visit lots of different beaches. You might also pick up a local tour to the Haute Balagne. You will have to get a taxi from and to the airport.

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Just back from 2 weeks around Corsica. I went with my own car and the ferry from Toulon.

However in your case I would still suggest to rent a car (rent one with automatic gear). It is indeed very difficult to travel around otherwise. Wud suggest Ajaccio as you can easely drive to Porto area which is gorgeous. Take a boat trip overthere to Scandola.

It is correct that roads are turning a lot, simply drive a bit slower. The view are simply great. Worthwhile to rent a car!

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Removed on: 11:18 am, September 09, 2009

woman travelling alone

Isit safe for a 50-ish woman to travel on her own in Corsica?

Any situations/locations to avoid?

Thanks so much for any feedback!

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Perfectly safe I would have thought. Just avoid the town centres of Ajaccio and Bastia at night, although even they are relatively crime free.

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Yes, I would agree with the above - just in case you want another opinion for confirmation.

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Yes Corsica is safe and people are rather friendly. (sometimes a bit exited when driving, but still) Have been 2 weeks there and never felt uncertain.

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Removed on: 6:19 am, September 09, 2009

Topless Sunbathing

We assume topless sunbathing is common in Corsica. We are stying in Calvi and hope it is acceptable on the beach there ? If not are there any other quiet beaches nearby that it would be acceptable ?

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Topless sunbathing is pretty conventional in Corsica. I%26#39;d be surprised to see anyone topless in the harbour, but 10 yards onto the beach, anything goes. Probably 10% of the women on the beach are topless.

Out in the hills and along the rivers the percentage is higher and you%26#39;ll see a few people without a bottom half river-bathing from time to time

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I agree with the other comment. Topless is mostly not a problem and you will not be alone.

Now outside the season there are plenty ande plenty of even km/miles long beach with few people on.

Naturist is a bit more difficult when not on the real naturist beaches which do exist indeed. There you will have to try to find a small beach difficult to access by land but possible by boat

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Removed on: 5:17 pm, August 28, 2009

lyon hotels

I will be in Lyon for 5 nights mid-September.

I am confused as to where to stay.

I would really be in the best location for shopping, dining, visiting the old town, etc.

What is the best area for us?

We like to be on a a crowded street at night, where people are walking, and lots of street action.

I know that Lyon is fairly safe, but don%26#39;t care to walk in side streets, in a strange city after dark.

Also we like a lively spot.

Would prefer a four or five star, but location is more important.

Someone had suggested the Royal, and it sounds good, but there were some negative reviews, as well (which of course there always will be).

I would like internet in the room if possible, but again, location, location, location.

Thanks in advance

bev

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Lyon is not a large city, you will be able to walk everywhere and you%26#39;ll be close to shopping and dining spots whereever you stay.

After what you said, I would recommand 3 areas:

- either the old town (Renaissance district), that is always lively at night : The Cour des Loges is a very beautiful hotel settled in several Renaissance houses. It is the most touristic part of the city, it will be better to have dinner elsewhere (have a look on my previous restaurants recommandations on this forum).

- or the center of the %26quot;Presqu%26#39;ïle%26quot; (the part between the Rhône and the Saône rivers); there are several hotels there. The Royal is fine, very centrally located on the Place Bellecour (also the Carlton or the Plaza place de la République)

- or the %26quot;Terreaux%26quot; district, more trendy (as the Place Bellecour is more %26quot;bourgeois), lots of places to have a drink at night. The Grand Hotel des Terreaux is nice, recently renovated and with friendly staff (if you go there, ask for a %26quot;corbeille%26quot; room)

You may choose according to the district but also to the hotel and of course your budget.

What I would avoid if I were you :

- Don%26#39;t go on the left bank, it is a residential area, not the kind of district you will like (3è and 6è arrondissements), don%26#39;t go to the Reine Astrid for example.

- Don%26#39;t go to La Résidence: the hotel is good value for money but it is located in a pedestrian street, desert at night (I know it is n°1 on TA but frankly I don%26#39;t really understand why!).

Don%26#39;t hesitate asking for more information, I will be happy to help you!

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you have cour des loges hotel in the heart of the old city

it is 4 stars with a cracking chef concierge,gerard ravet

le royal is fine,but fa from what you want

all the best

pierre

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following my reply,if you stay 5 nights you have a lot to do from lyon

in the north,beaujolais=30mns by car as well as burgundy=1 hour

in the south,the rhone with condrieu+cote rotie=30mns

further south,tain l%26#39;hermitage=1 hour

will you rent a car?

see gerard ravet,the chef concierge who will arrange things for you

all the best

pierre

speakfrench1

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We were in Lyon last month and stayed at La Residence. It is only a 3* hotel, but the position was brilliant. It was overlooking a pedestrian precinct with shops all around. Restaurant were nearby - 5-10 minutes walk. The old town is nice but we thought shopping was more limited and it was easy to hop on a bus/taxi to get there.

By the way if if is your first visit (it was ours) I would suggest taking the open bus tour with a 2 day ticket. Good value at 20 euros. Also try to get to the art and crafts market on Sunday.

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Although the Cour des Loges sounds best, we have decided that we will stay in Presquille.

So, of the three hotels recommended, which is the best?

None are five stars, so...

Location?

Inroom internet connection?

Food?

Service?

I realize that none will be as nice, but as I have said, location is the most important.

We have a reservation for Leon de Lyon, but not a hotel.

Will research the board for other dining suggestions.

Sorry to be a nag, but thanks for your patience.

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We ended up at Cour des Loges, and my worries about the distance to the %26quot;hub%26quot;, were totally unnecessary.

A ten minute slow walk to the centre.

I enjoyed returning to the old City at night.

Pierre, you were right about the concierge services at this hotel.

As good as it gets.

So helpful, and always giving the correct advice.

I would stay there again without hesitation.

We were in room 39, with our own private zone.

If anyone wants to stay at this charming hotel, be aware that there are no showers, just a huge tub, and a deck hand held shower, and bring a reading light, as they are certainly the darkest rooms that I have ever encountered.

Evidently the owner thinks that this is %26quot;charming%26quot;.

I couldn%26#39;t ever read a book.

The staff is very aware, but helpless.

Am already planning a return trip to Lyon, to stay at this hotel (with reading light), and to eat the food of Nicolas Le Bec

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I am so happy you enjoyed Lyon, erley !

Also happy to hear that you will come back ! Next time, you will may be enjoy some day trip out of the city. don%26#39;t hesitate asking for more info...

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Removed on: 1:23 am, September 10, 2009