I’m back with more from my amazing to France. Today I am sharing some French excursions you might want to work into your itinerary if you make it to the outer Bordeaux area of France. If you don’t have a trip planned, no worries, come with me!
You can see more of where I stayed and I definitely recommend hitting up a French brocante while you are there. You will want to add the sweet town of Saint Emilion to your vacation plans. It is located North East of Bordeaux and is jam backed with charming cobblestone streets, shops and wine.
You will want to climb the winding stairs of the Bell Tower for some of the most stunning views you can imagine. You get a key to the tower across the cobblestone open area in the visitor’s center.
Beware of un-comfy shoes because there are some steep and wobbly roads in this precious towns, but that is what makes it charming!
We broke for a picnic lunch in the courtyard around the church, Eglise Collegiale. It was a stunning church, beautiful to roam. There is also a tour in town of an underground church that I didn’t go on, but apparently is a must see.
After we explored the church we took the long trek around the outside of town. It was a tremendous way to see the sights.
We happened upon a precious farm of sheep scarfing up a snack. Aren’t French sheep the cutest?
I seriously could not get enough of the scenic views everywhere you looked. It was a calm and peaceful palette. So different than America with all its billboards and color.
No trip would be complete with sweets. I got some copper Canales pastry tins for my daughter. We haven’t tried them yet, but I love this caramel cake like treat.
And of course macaroons. Always macaroons.
My only complaint is we didn’t spend enough time to see all there was to see in Saint Emilion.
Another day we headed to Perigueux France. It was a larger city with more homes, buildings and hustle and bustle.
We strolled open air markets and saw the local fair.
Wouldn’t it be great to grab all your produce, cheese and specialty foods in a place like this on a regular basis?
Ate treats like amazing gelato…
There were a lot more shopping options, I could have brought back a million bags.
It was fun to spend time in different areas with different sized towns and really get a feel for life in France. If you head that way be sure to add these two stops to your vacation itinerary! Save this for later so you can plan the trip of a lifetime.
Marlene Stephenson says
Thanks Kim so dreamy and lovely, looks like a great place to go every summer, if it were possible.
Gwen says
Beautiful Kim! Thank you for sharing this amazing part of the world.
Carolyn F. Rubenstein ("Bunny") says
I had the good fortune to spend “une année scolaire” (A school year) in the Bordeaux area. I lived in Bergerac, France, which was also in the southwest part of France. I shall never forget my good fortune and God’s hand, of course, in allowing me such a fabulous adventure! I became a French teacher here in Memphis, Tennessee, where my hubbie and I have two children, both now grown. I taught French for a number of years in a LaSallian high school called Christian Brothers High School. The school was originally founded by St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, who is now a Catholic saint. I really enjoyed your blog and look forward to some more information on what is going on in your neck of the woods. Bon courage! Go with the Lord.