Paris

We know not everyone is passing through Paris, but we're delighted that so many of you are! Here is a short guide with of some of the bride's favorite places in the city, restaurant and cafe recommendations, as well as some tips on how best to get along with the French. She has also compiled all of the food recommendations into this google map for your use on the go. Enjoy!

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Bordeaux

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La Region Bordelaise is incredibly rich and has a ton to see and do. Here are a few things we recommend, if you’re looking to get to know the city. Check out the Bordeaux Tourism Office for more information.

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• Place de la Bourse: Bordeaux’s main square (pictured above).

• Monument aux Girondins: fountain honoring the Girondin victims of the french revolution.

• Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux: church in the center of the city, the most beautiful religious monument in town.

• Pey-Berland Tower: provides a beautiful view of the city, just be ready for a few hundred stairs. 

• Porte Cailhau: a fairytale medieval gate open to visitors.

• Cité du Vin: a monument and museum of local wine with daily tastings.

• Rue Sainte-Catherine: the city’s main artery and shopping street.

• Jardin Public: the public gardens, wonderful for a walk or picnic.

• Musee d’Aquitaine: local history museum telling the story of the region.

• Try a canelé: a regional specialty pastry most famously available at La Toque Cuivrée.

 

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Saint-Émilion​

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As in Bordeaux, the local tourist office (Office de Tourisme du Grand Saint-Émilionnais) is an incredible resource and always staffed with English-speaking guides. They offer regular tours of the city and have up to date information on tour schedules and booking options. In our opinion, the key things to see are:

 

• The Monolithic Church: a cathedral not built, but carved directly out of the hillside.

• The Bell Tower: crowns the Monolithic Church, providing idyllic views of surrounding wine country.

• The Collegiate Church and its Cloister: gothic church whose former refectory houses the local tourism office.

• La Porte Brunet: the city’s most notable medieval gate.

• La Tour du Roy: a romanesque keep from the 13th century.

• The Cloître des Cordeliers: If you can’t join us on Friday, a 13th century franciscan monastery and a great spot for a picnic.

• Learn & sample local wine:

  • Maison Galhaud

  • Maison du Vin

  • For those willing to do a short drive: 

    • Château Mauvinon

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