Villa St Simon

The owners are wonderful, friendly, and helpful, even on their day off. Their wine bar is just down the street, about 20 metres away, with lovely wine and French-style 'tapas' platters to try. These private apartments are fantastic. It’s my second stay, and I’m loving it!

The wine bar and dining room were a highlight for us. We could pick bottles from the shelf and try wines we’d never come across in the states, and it was a nice way to sit and chat with other guests. We ended up leaving with heavier bags than we arrived with. Breakfast was a typical French spread, with plenty of carbs to get us through the day. There are lots of restaurants nearby, though check their hours since some close earlier than you might expect in a small town. We traveled to Bordeaux early this summer with my wife and parents, looking for a comfortable home base, and fell in love with the place. The decor has an old-world charm while still being up to date where it counts. Our rooms were clean and quiet, and we were lucky to get the one with a balcony facing the park. The location worked perfectly for day trips to wine tours. We had a car and explored on our own for a few days, then Les, one of the hosts, arranged a detailed tour of some less accessible producers in the Cognac and Sauternes region. It was a fun day, and we didn’t have to worry about driving. We hope to return next year!

We first found this wonderful place in 2007 and have come back at least once every year since. It’s a great choice for wine or food lovers, and for anyone wanting to experience French culture without being somewhere too busy. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Even stopping in for a drink at the Petite Cave would be worth it, and staying there is a must if you’re passing through. I travel a lot, and Clarissa, Les and Stéphane made me feel more at home than I can remember. Leaving felt like saying goodbye to good friends who’d shared their warmth, love of life and savoir vivre with me.