Planning a trip to Bordeaux, France in late autumn or early winter might seem unusual since people usually visit wine country in summer. However, staying in a French Chateau makes it hard to overthink. Getting to Bordeaux from London is quite straightforward and often inexpensive, which makes this trip a great idea. But let’s get to the main attraction – the French Chateaux. Previously, if I wanted to stay in a grand historic home, I’d likely browse Airbnb, though the vast selection could be overwhelming when seeking a specific type of place like a luxurious castle in France.
Before my Bordeaux trip, I discovered Oliver’s Travels, and during this getaway, I finally booked with them. It’s similar to Airbnb but specializes in unique properties, with owners who’ve often had them for generations. Oliver’s Travels helps you find and book these special places.
Our first stop was Chateau De Montastruc, a stunning property. Initially focused solely on French stately homes, Oliver’s Travels now offers properties across Europe and even the Caribbean.
We booked several places in Bordeaux, the Dordogne Valley, and Bergerac, and then embarked on a memorable, wine-filled weekend in France. Let me introduce you to our first stay, Chateau De Montastruc.
I slept during the car ride from the airport, waking just as we arrived to see the magnificent chateau perched atop a steep hill. The sight made me appreciate our choice with Oliver’s Travels even more. The chateau felt almost like a maze, with way more rooms than we needed – but who wouldn’t love to say they’re staying in a French castle?
After an hour of exploring and barely scratching the surface (particularly after discovering the cellar while trying to find the pool), we headed out for a vineyard visit at Château de Tiregand Creysse, not far from our chateau.
Visiting vineyards in cooler weather isn’t all that different from doing so in summer. I realized I usually don’t spend long among the vines; I prefer to head indoors, often through cellars, for some wine tasting, which is what I truly enjoy.
We indulged in various vintages at Château de Tiregand Creysse, savoring some excellent red wines, a few of which we took back home. While those bottles didn’t last long, they were thoroughly enjoyed.
With a bounce in our step, we left the chateau and ventured off to explore more French delights, which I’ll share in another story. I added so many photos of the chateau to illustrate why it impressed me so much. This post is really about highlighting how Oliver’s Travels can help you find incredible French castles for your next trip to France. We keep returning to France annually, and we’ve already got our eye on a few more stunning spots for our next holiday.
I’ll catch you in the next post! What did you think of the chateau?
