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TRAVELLING IN FRANCE What is the distance between Paris and Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is a 45mn flight from Paris. The high speed train (TGV) will also take you to Libourne (10mn drive to Saint-Emilion and the Château) in 4 hours from Charles De Gaulle Airport or 3 hours from Gare Montparnasse in the center of Paris. Driving from Charles de Gaulle all the way to the Château will take 51/2 hours.
Social problems were reported in France in November 2005. Is it safe to travel to France?
France is an extremely safe country to travel to. Like for any other country, the only places to avoid are the poor suburbs of the capital.
What is the weather like in France?
Although the influence of the seasons is clearly observable, Bordeaux has a very mild climate, comparable to San Francisco without the fog and a little warmer in the summer time. It very rarely snows in the winter (once every 7 or 8 years).
How far is the Château from Bordeaux?
Château Saint Jacques Calon is located 35 minutes North-East of Bordeaux.
What is the best way to travel from the US all the way to the Château?
When I used to live in the US, I would always book a flight directly into Bordeaux. You will make a stop in Paris or London and then take a shuttle flight to the Bordeaux Mérignac Airport. ).
Best car rental arrangements?
You should make your reservation through your travel agency or internet travel provider when you buy your plane tickets. It will be cheaper for you.
What kind of car should I rent?
This really depends on your preference and the number of people in your party. Do remember that roads and streets in France are much narrower than in the States. A GPS system as well as air conditioning in the summer are a plus.
Is it hard/unsafe to drive in France?
Driving in France is much safer than in the old days. The increased number of radar controls have slowed the average French driver down considerably. The only thing that might take you a few miles to get used to is the narrowness of the streets…
LIFE AT THE CHATEAU
Is there a doctor nearby?
Our family doctor's practice is only 10mn away and he does take house calls 24/7.
Is there a hospital nearby?
The hospital is less than 10 minutes away from the château.
We are a group of 8 people, is it possible for us to come?
Yes of course. You will simply have to arrange for a larger car/minivan.
I am alone, can I come for a stay?
Absolutely! We’ll take extra good care of you!
What if we don’t feel like going out on our own for dinner? Can we stay at the Château and have some wine, cheese and crackers for a little picnic?
We will even provide you with all the China and silverware that you need!
WINE & COOKING
What kind of wines will we drink with lunch?
All the restaurants we will visit have very extensive wine lists. We will choose the wines together from these lists according to our mood of the moment and the area we are visiting at the time.
Will we have cooking classes?
Cooking classes can be arranged, although my favorite thing to do is to go to the Farmers’ market with my guests and cook a special dish for them (and with them) at the château.
Will we have wine classes?
Absolutely. Several wine classes are offered in English in Saint Emilion and Bordeaux. These classes are 2 hours long. Longer, more advanced classes (3 to 4 day seminars) may be arranged for an additional fee.
What time is breakfast served? Breakfast may be served from 7am until 11am. My guess is that you won’t want to spend all your time in bed and will prefer an early start:-)
What will you serve for breakfast?
Whatever your heart desires. Our traditional breakfast is the European style coffee or tea with fresh baked breads and croissants. We will be happy to add in some eggs and bacon of course. Salmon, caviar, Champain and other luxury food items may also be served for an additional fee.
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