FrenchDuck’s databank
Accommodation in France

The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and exploring might be limited to the nearest town and trips for French Bread, a bar and an ocassional restaurant.
However, an English couple (Jason and Michelle) have established a Motorhome (or motor caravan as I used to call them) Hire centre at St Avit (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) south of Duras

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Evolution will plan your itinerary for you or advise you on your existing route. If you’re a lover of fishing, walking, wine tasting etc.a personalised route planner to suit your needs can be arranged for the duration of your vacation. We will provide details of recommended camp sites.

You’ll never get lost…
We provide an on-board ready-to-use GPS navigation system. We’re on-call with a 24/7 helpline with English spoken… We can provide liaison with reputable local property agents for those seeking to purchase property in the area. Cycle and leisure equipment hire is also available. Evolution caters for all-year round rental, with winter skiing resorts only a leisurely 3 hour drive south, a little further will take you to the winter warmth of Spain.

So you can avoid the long road trip through France, fly into Bergerac or Bordeaux or take the train - they will meet you at the airport or station and you’re off free to explore this rich and varied area.And with French number plates you might even get a bit more respect on the road!

For more info see www.evolutionmotorhomes.com

The organic vineyard of Chateau Haut Garrigue in the village of Saussignac (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) near Bergerac has it all - a wonderful situation overlooking the Dordogne valley; a self-contained gite “The Grape Escape”, friendly English-speaking (well, Irish) hosts and a real opportunity to see and learn more about wine and wine-making (if that’s what you want!).

Allez Vins! used to import wines from this domaine when it was run by its previous owners, but now it is being run organically under the title “Wild Earth Vineyards” by the enthusiastic and innovative new owners, Sean and Caroline Feely.

The Grape Escape, our well-equipped 4-person gite (self-catering holiday house) is surrounded by organic vineyards and offers fabulous views across the Dordogne valley. It is semi-detached from the main farmhouse facing onto the courtyard on one side and onto the vines on the two sides built out over the vineyard.

As our guests, you are very welcome to spend time with us to learn about our wine and winemaking, taste our wines and perhaps even take part in vineyard or winery activity depending on the time of year and your energy!

No chance for me to taste their wine yet - they produce red, rosé and white Bergerac AC wines and semi-sweet and botytised dessert Saussignac AC wines. (If you want to try them they will be showing their wines at the Real Food Festival at Earls Court, London from 24-27 April 2008).

For more info on the gite, wines and other offerings contact Chateau Haut Garrigue

See map

Deep in the heart of Corbières country of the Aude département (11 Languedoc-Roussillon) is the impressive Chateau de Donos. This is close to rugged countryisde, away from the mediterranean beaches and the autoroutes. The wine is predominantly red, rich and full-bodied as you might expect from the landscape - and increasingly becoming one of the most characterful appellations of the region. My personal favourite, Castelmaure, is only a few kilometres away.

It is a superb region away from the summer crowds and with plenty to explore - wonderful landscapes, Cathar castles and great wines. And yet within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast if you want something different. Chateau de Donos produces wines (apparently not available in the UK), but also offers both B&B and self-catering accommodation. Their Corbières AC Tradition 2004 won a “coup de coeur” in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2008.

The Chambres d’Hote (B&B) accommodation is in the impressive main house (la Bastide) and comprises 3 rooms and 2 suites :

Facing south, in an environment where your tranquility will never be bothered, the rooms and Suites enjoy an exceptional setting with a view on the surounding landscape.

Following the restoration, the accommodation benefits from all modern conforts,including brand new and luxurious bathrooms.

The drawing room is very spacious and you can rest in a fresh place and watch T.V; In summer, Breakfasts are served outside in a country almost looking like the Florentine country with Cyprès trees, drystone wall and an old washer.

There are also 2 cottages to rent on the Estate which look totally charming.

For more info see www.chateaudonos.com

Aude Tourisme website
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With the arrival of Spring comes a celebration of Birds and Wildlife in Picardie ( Festival de l’Oiseau et de la Nature) from 12 - 20 April 2008. Forget the stereotyped connotations of Picardy, the Somme and northern France, this is an area of lakes, sanddunes, cliffs and gentle river valleys which is a haven for birds and wildlife - fantastic walking country, glorious seascapes and plenty of paths for hiking and rambling, and an extensive network of cycle paths. Whilst it may lack the best of the weather and has few exciting towns, the countryside is well worth a visit - especially as it is so close to the Channel ports of Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe and Le Havre.
The festival itself will offer guided walks, exhibitions, films and workshops, but the landscape and wildlife are the main attractions.
For more info on the Festival see www.festival-oiseau-nature.com/
For more info on the region generally see www.picardietourisme.fr

For somewhere a little different to stay in Picardie you could try the Belle Dune self-catering Holiday Village.

Belle Dune is one of Pierre & Vacances’ most popular self catering holiday villages in France. Built in the 20th Century style of the Picardy region, the village nestles in a preserved natural area of sand dunes, is surrounded by a large lake and flanked by one of France’s finest golf courses. On-site activities are numerous, the beach is accessible by train plus a mini-market and an English pub.

For more info and special offers see P&V

Book your cross-channel ferry online -

Two of the lesser-known wine appellations of Southwest are Marcillac AOC and Entraygues-et-Fel VDQS are in Aveyron departement (12, Midi-Pyrenees) in the Upper Lot Valley. One way of getting to know the region (and its wines) is by renting one of three charming 200+ year-old restored cottages nestled on the hillsides near the Lot River. These rental cottages offer beautiful interiors, lovely views and relaxing ambiance.All of the “Sweet French Cottages” are located in the area that boasts 10 of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France,” more than any other region so you can just imagine how beautiful it is! Many historic sites, castles, forests, walking paths, hiking trails, wine tasting, restaurants, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing and golf or just sit and enjoy the views! Gorgeous village of Entraygues-sur-Truyere offers full services and is only minutes away.

All cottages are newly renovated to a high standard by the owner-designer, and are fully outfitted for self catering. Each has beautiful, comfortable interiors with antiques and quality furnishings. Many original features including stone exteriors, slate roofs, wood beam ceilings, fireplaces, handmade terracotta tile floors or pine floors. Delightful river, castle and forest views.

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In the east of France and to the east of Burgundy adjacent to Switzerland, the Ain is probably a little overlooked by most visitors.

With Bourg-en-Bresse as its principal town it is a region of gentle hills and river valleys - which is one of the hidden parts of France.

The departement includes Bugey and the wines of Bugey. These are VDQS wines (Vins Délimité de Qualité Superieure) - a classification between full Appellation Controllee and VIns de Pays. As such there are restrictions on grape varieties used and planting and harvesting techniques - and the grapes must be grown in the designated region. White wines from Chardonnay, Roussette; Rosé wines from Gamay and Poulsard; Reds from Gamay, Pinot and Mondeuse; and sparkling wines from Chardonnay. Seldom seen in the UK.
For an opportunity to taste some of these wines there is an open tasting in Lyon from 25-26 January 2008 - click here for more details
For more on the wines of Bugey see www.vinsdubugey.net
One of the highlights of the year is the celebration of the famous yellow corn-fed chickens from Bourg-en-Bresse - the Glorieuses de Bresse held every December shortly before Christmas (for 2008 it runs from 16-21 December 2008 - in the form of a market and other festivities held in Bourg-en-Bresse, Louhans, Pont de Vaux and Montrevel-en-Bresse - see www.glorieusesdebresse.com

More info - see the Ain Tourism Office

For an English run B&B in the region with a knowledgeable host and guide see B&B Burgundy

Chinon is one of the better known Loire Wines, with an attractive riverside town and castle at its heart, and a reputation for some of the best Cabernet Franc reds.
A little to the east of the town in Cravant-les-Coteaux Christophe Baudy and Jean-Martin Dutour own and run an impressive set of vineyards producing some of the best wines of the appellation. They also have a couple of gites to rent on the vineyard and offer an impressive list of recommendations for restaurants, chambres d’hotes and places to visit locally, such as the Azay-le-Rideau. They also provide a downloadable guide to the Chinon wine route .

For more info on the accommodation see www.baudry-dutour.com

In the UK wines from the Domaine du Roncée are available from Handford Wines (London)

Eguisheim (68 Haut-Rhin, Alsace) celebrates its 48th Winegrowers’ festival in August 2008. Set in the heart of the Alsace vineyards you’ll find opend doots to local wine cellars, plenty of opportunities to taste (including some of the Grand Cru wines), folk dancing and music
For more info see www.ot-eguisheim.fr

As well as the Alsace Wine Route which extends throughout Alsace by road, there is also a signposted vineyard path (“Sentier viticole”) which will

“lead you to discover the wine and the vineyard of Eguisheim, in detail and in an unusual way. With the help of explanatory panels distributed along the route, you will get to know the 7 Alsatian types of vines. Some others panels present the work of wine growers. You will discover two great wines, Eichberg and Pfersigberg, with their relative geology and sun aspect of the vineyard. You will also enjoy the landscape, as the view of Eguisheim, Trois-Château, and vineyards.”

Eguisheim is also recognised as one of France’s Villes et Villages Fleuris offering a warm welcome and a wealth of blooms.

Eguisheim is one of the villages on the Route du Vin running from Thann to Marlenheim. This medieval town was built in concentric circles round its fortified castle, where the only Pope from Alsace, Leo IX, is said to have been born. It has a unique combination of civil and military architecture from the 15th Century. There is a pleasant signposted walk round the ramparts, actually following the old sentry path round the battlements. Everywhere are half-timbered houses, with balconies weighed down with the red geraniums which have become part of the heritage of Alsace !

The Alsace region has managed to preserve its ancestral traditions with its medieval castles rising up above the plain, a wealth of Renaissance and Neo-Classical architecture, varied gastronomy and original folklore. It also has some of the most famous vineyards in France, including its Wine Route. One option as a base for exploring this glorious region is the Résidence Le clos d’ Eguisheim, which is located on the “Alsace Wine Route” and is a complex inspired by local architecture comprising apartments and a heated indoor swimming pool

At Saint Bauzille de Montmel (34 Herault, Languedoc) north east of Montpellier the Mas de Martin is a well-established vineyard (Coteaux du Languedoc AC) which also offers 2 Gites under the Gites de France scheme.
These are both well-appointed (one sleeps 4, the other 6) and well-situated to explore the vineyards, coast and the surrounding countryside, being within sight of the Pic St Loup, the iconic mountain crag which is at the centre of some of the best regarded vineyards of the Languedoc. The domaine also produces its own olive oils.
Contact:-
Gîtes de France Hérault Maison du Tourisme
34184 MONTEPELLIER CEDEX 8
Tél. : 04 67 67 71 62 ou
contact@gdf34.com
For more info on the wines of Domaine Mas de Martin see www.frenchduck.com
For more info see www.premiumwanadoo.com/masdemartin/

There are numerous criteria for selecting the perfect holiday gite - for me it has to be a combination of tranquility, privacy, a decent view, comfortable accommodation, swimming pool; within walking distance of a bar, shop and preferably a restaurant; within striking distance of a town with a good selection of shops - and with vineyards nearby where I can purchase some good local wines.
The Mas de Couderc at Degagnac (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) fits all these criteria - about 10km south of Gourdon and 30km north of Cahors it is also close to the Dordogne for visits to Sarlat and the Valley of the Dordogne. Wine wise the vineyards of Cahors start a little to the south, and Bergerac is a bit further afield. Goose, Duck and walnuts are the local specialties.
The gite is available throughout the year, and because you book direct weekly rentals are good value for money. Monsieur and Mme Verot speak good English (she is English!)
For more info and pictures see www.frenchduck.co.uk/couderc

Contact the owners Serge and Yasmin Verot

Until 20 January 2008 there is a splendid exhibition of Marc Chagall’s ceramics at the art-deco gallery at La Piscine de Roubaix, the coverted 1930s municipal swimming pool at Roubaix near Lille (59 Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais).

The building itself is well worth a visit tastefull renovated retaining and enhancing the art deco features, whilst the original design of the swimming pools lends a real sense of spaciousness - don’t fall in to the water though!

Whilst there you could stay at the Jardin d’Alix B&B in nearby Tourcoing which is on the main tramway line into the centre of Lille.

For more info on the Musée de la Piscine de Roubaix see www.roubaix-lapiscine.com

In the heart of the Loire Valley there is an ideal solution for francophiles who are interested in wine. The Domaine de la Bellevue not only offers some stylish self-contained accommodation but also an opportunity to get really close to the process of transforming grapes into wine.

Surrounded by vineyards and sleepy hamlets our French/Anglo home is a delightful, peaceful retreat. Ideally located for discovering the Loire Valley and beyond, La Bellevue is conveniently close to Saumur, Chinon, Montreuil-Bellay, Fontevraud l’Abbaye and Angers.

In the company of a knowledgeable vigneron, wine-maker, discover the world of wine and enhance your understanding and recognition of an ‘inferior’/’superior’ wine. Spend time discovering how wine is produced at a stunning Domaine in the heart of the val de loire. Or perhaps try your hand at grape-picking during harvest.

With the added benefits that come with an English hostess and a French vigneron you can just enjoy the scenery and try the wines - or take a private wine tour with a winemaker - or have your own wine-tasting evening with expert advice and local knowledge - or if you are feeling really energetic (and no back problems) then get involved with the grape picking at harvest time.

Situated just south of Saumur, famous for its Sparkling Chenin Blanc, dry still white and the red Saumur-Champigny AC this is an area rich in chateaux, history and wine. The Domaine’s association with Domaine de la Paleine, a few kilometres away at Le Puy Notre Dame (49 Maine-et-Loire, Pays de Loire) gives you privileged access to a vineyard which has won recognition in the respected Guide Hachette des Vins de France, winning a Coup de Coeur in the 2008 edition for the red Saumur “Moulin des Quints” 2005 made from Cabernet Franc. They also produce Saumur Brut (sparkling), Saumur Blanc (dry white), Coteaux de Saumur (a dessert wine based on Chenin Blanc) and two rosés - Cabernet de Saumur (dry) and a Cabernet d’Anjou (medium dry) - see the website at www.domaine-paleine.com (there is more info on the French language version)

For more information on the Chambre d’Hote at Domaine de la Bellevue - see www.domainedelabellevue.com

North of Macon at Igé (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) you could indulge in a wine and gastronomic stay at this aptly named Chambre d’Hote (B&B) In addition to 5 very spacious comfortable bedrooms in this former winemaker’s house, they offer Table d’Hote suppers and tutored food and wine tastings and tours in the heart of Burgundy - with an impressive cellar and wine museum.
The area is high on the hills north of the Beaujolais region, close to Pouilly-Fuissé AC and is particularly good for its Chardonnay-based white wines. We used to import the white Macon-Berzé AC from Chateau de Berzé through our friends at Paul Beaudet - still available from Paul Beaudet in Pontanevaux in France.
Also in the vicinity is the Abbey of Cluny and a medieval town with many houses dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. The magnificent landscapes of Solutré, Mont Saint Romain and the surrounding Charolais region are all within easy reach.

For more info see http://cote-vigne.suivezlagrappe.com

The limits of Cathar country in the Languedoc are ill-defined, but stretch south and east from Carcassonne (11 Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon) to include the impressive hilltop fortress such as Peyrepeteuse, Puilaurens and the ancient towns of Rennes-la-Chateau and Montsegur. The history has become somewhat muddied and over-hyped by recent best-seller books, but behind the commercialism there are wonderful sights to see and places to visit, regardless of how tentative their connection with the Cathar heresy.
The best way to explore the region is with the help of someone who lives there and knows it well - and you will need more than a few days to do it justice. Hence Sophie Duncan’s website at www.languedoc-france.info is an essential start point. Jam packed with tons of really useful information and advice, she also has a range of accommodation in the region to offer - from attractive gites, tempting B&Bs (Chambres d’Hote) and an impressive Penthouse in the heart of Carcassonne.
On the info side there is plenty on what to see and do from visitng some of Vauban’s fortifications, golf, nudist beaches, winter sports (including sledge dogs!) local food, history, nature reserves and wildlife. Not too much detail on wines (e.g. Corbieres, Fitou, Limoux) but that does at least leave something for FrenchDuck!!

For more info see www.languedoc-france.info

Although not actually on a vineyard, the Hotel Restaurant Le Vinois at Caillac (46 Lot) to the west of Cahors at Caillac (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) offers stylish accommodation surrounded by vines.
The Restaurant offers contemporary decor and cuisine and you can also have a half-day cookery course and tasting with the Head Chef.
Hotel Restaurant Le Vinois
Le Bourg - 46140 CAILLAC
Tel : 05 65 30 53 60 - Fax : 05 65 21 67 27
www.levinois.com

There are numerous options for getting closer to the wines of Cahors (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees), with their predominance of the Malbec grape (known locally as Auxerrois or Cot). Several domaines offer either Bed and Breakfast (Chambre d’Hote) or gites to rent.
Chateau les Grauzils at Prayseau sac - gite
Chateau Haut Monplaisir at Lacapelle-Cabanac - Cathy et Daniel Fournié Tel : 05.65.24.64.78 Fax : 05.65.24.68.90 E Mail : chateau.hautmonplaisir@wanadoo.fr - gite
(and their wines are top rate - especially the Cuvee Pur Plaisir!
Chateau Plat Faisant at St Vincent-Rive d’Olt TÉL : 05.65.30.76.38 FAX : 05.65.36.76.38
Chateau Vincens at Luzech - TÉL : 05.65.30.51.55 FAX : 05.65.20.15.83 - gite
Chateau de Rouffiac at Duravel - B&B (Chambre d’Hote)
Domaines Delmas (Chateau de Parnac) at Parnac - Chambres d’Hote and gite

One of Cahors’ top wine chateaux is the Chateau de Mercues, which is also a top class Michelin restaurant and hotel - the barrell-ageing cellar is under the hotel. Situated on a promontory to the west of Cahors, it offers stunning views over the Lot Valley. see www.relaischateaux.com

Although not actually on a vineyard, the Hotel Restaurant Le Vinois at Caillac (46 Lot) to the west of Cahors offers stylish accommodation surrounded by vines.

For more info on Cahors see www.mairie-cahors.fr

Our discovery of Les Trois Marchands (The Three Merchants) at Cour-Cheverny (41 Loir-et-Cher, Centre) was a recommendation from Michel Gendrier at nearby Domaine des Huards- and we have been back at least half-a-dozen times since.
Situated about 12km south of Blois, it is ideally situated for the Touraine chateaux and vineyards, including Domaine Octavie at Oisly.
As a hotel it falls into the OK category - neither luxurious nor spartan - comfortable, affordable en-suite rooms in the French style (although heavy flock wallpaper is absent!). It is the restaurant that (as usual) is the main attraction - especially if you feel up to tacking the Menu Gastronomique! Always good food - with a wide range of choice - excellent local wines and friendly service. We have never had a bad meal there - even when turning up late and unannounced with a party of 8!!

Hotel Les Trois Marchands
60 pl. de l’Eglise
41700 Cour Cheverny
Tél.: 02 54 79 96 44
Fax: 02 54 79 25 60
www.hoteldes3marchands.com

The annual Salon des Vignerons Independants (independent winemakers) takes place in Lille Grand Palais - hundreds of producers from all over France offer tastings and sales at vineyard gate prices - sample, chat and learn and buy - just in time to stock up for Christmas PLUS Lille is a lively city with great restaurants and shopping - and a Vauban citadel!
See more about Independent Winemaker Wine Fairs.
For places to stay in Lille see Le Jardin d’Alix and more info on Lille

London - Lille by Eurostar in 100 minutes

In the heart of the Cahors vineyards. home of the Malbec grape, in the département du Lot, Chateau de Rouffiac offers good wines and 4 stylish Bed & Breakfast (Chambres d’Hotes) in the midst of a 30hectare wine estate. The house and rooms are in rather grand style. Additionally they offer “Table d’Hotes” – so you can dine at the chateau too, although you can also explore the local eateries if you prefer.

The Chateau is at Duravel on the northern bank of the Lot river west of Puy l’Eveque. For more info see www.chateau-de-rouffiac.com

Lille (59 Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais) is a big and vibrant northern French city which is well worth a visit – but it’s not somewhere I associate with peace and tranquility.

We go most years to the Independent Winemakers Fair held in the Lille Grand Palais every November (16–19 November in 2007) and stay in city centre hotels – all very convenient for the wine fair, shops, restaurants etc.

But there is another option, which offers a bit of respite from the buzz of the city centre, but without losing ease of access.

The Jardin d’Alix (Alix’s garden) Chambres d’Hote (B&B) is in Tourcoing, part of the greater Lille conurbation, North East of Lille city centre. The stylish accommodation is set “amid a large garden with mature trees and rose bushes – a little piece of countryside close to the city.” The other bonus is that the property lies within 20 minutes reach of Lille’s historic centre, thanks to the tramway which leaves from just outside!

An added bonus means that you will also be near to the quite stunning Roubaix Piscine – the Museum of Art and Industry (Musée d’Art et d’Industrie de Roubaix) housed in an Art Deco swimming pool – a conversion undertaken by the same architect who transformed an old railway station into the fabulous Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It is worth visiting for the building itself, but the museum exhibits and paintings are seriously good – see http://www.roubaix-lapiscine.com

For more on the B&B see http://www.lejardindalix.com