2025 France Bordeaux. Saint-Émilion .La Rochelle travel
In 2025, I embarked on a journey to southwest France, a romantic escape weaving together wine, ancient cities, and a seabbze. Follow me as I explore Bordeaux, Saint Million, and Laro Shell, and experience the distinct charm of these three incredible cities. Our first stop is Bedau, symbolic landmark, the Grass Cloaky. For nearly a thousand years, this medieval bell tower has watched over the city. Standing beneath its arches, you can almost hear the echoes of history. Next, we arrive at Bedau’s most famous site, the place Daros and its Mayawardio or water mirror. Classical marble buildings are reflected on a thin film of water, creating a breathtaking mirrored landscape. As the sun sets, the riverbank transforms into the most romantic viewing spot in the city. In the old town, I tasted Bedau’s soul food, the canal. A perfectly caramelized, crunchy crust gives way to a soft, tender heart infused with the aroma of vanilla and rum. One bite is a small moment of pure French bliss. Of course, what makes Bordeaux so enchanting is its wine culture. I visited a winery in the suburbs to learn about the entire process. From the growth of the vines and the harvest to fermentation and aging, every step is steeped in history and craftsmanship. In the tasting room, I savored the aroma and complexity of each red wine, gaining a deeper understanding of why this land produces worldclass vintages. Leaving Bordeaux, we traveled to the medieval town of Saint Millian, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is not just a land of fine wine, it’s a living history book. My eldest son arranged a private tour of a premier Grand Crewass winery. The owner greeted us warmly and even organized a Mandarin speaking guide to give us an in-depth look at the craftsmanship and family stories behind their wines. Then came the moment we were all waiting for, the wine tasting. As we savored the aroma and pallet of each wine, we listened to expert commentary. From fruity notes and oy hints to the lingering finish, each glass told a story unique to Saint Amillion. The ancient town of Saint Amillion is built on a hillside, rustic and romantic. We descended into the largest monolithic church in Europe, where the stone walls and corridors exude a deep sense of mystery. Climbing to the top of the bell tower, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of vineyards covering the hills. Saying goodbye to the wine towns, we took a train to Lar Roelle on the Atlantic coast. This port city is famous for its ancient towers and poetic sea breeze. A local friend guided us up the towers where the old port and the vast ocean unfolded before our eyes. The market next to the old port is lively and authentic. Its stalls overflowing with fresh seafood from the Atlantic. For lunch, we enjoyed fresh oysters and muscles at a harborside restaurant. The prices were reasonable and the taste was so fresh and sweet, we couldn’t get enough. Larosell is also home to one of Europe’s largest private aquariums, showcasing over 600 marine species. In the afternoon, we strolled through the streets of the old town, where 18th century buildings quietly narrate the port’s rich history. As the evening approached, we took a yacht out to sea. The water shimmerred with golden light under the setting sun. The sunset in Lar Roelle is something you’ll never forget. As luck would have it, our visit coincided with the fate dal music. The entire city was alive with rhythm and passion. At that moment, Lar Roelle wasn’t just a port city. It was a summer music festival. The elegant wine rors of Bordeaux, the medieval romance of Saint Amillion, and the seaside poetry of Lar Roelle came together to create an unforgettable journey through southwest France. The beauty of travel isn’t just about the destinations. It’s about slowing down and truly connecting with the land and its culture. As my train pulled away from Lar Roelle, I knew this wasn’t an ending, but the prelude to my next adventure. [Music]
France Bordeaux. Saint-Émilion .La Rochelle