NOV 04th TO 08th, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE
A photograph of the region
France DMCs share with DUCO tips on gastronomy, landscapes, and secret treasures
Jennifer Virgilio of luxury DMC Queen of Clubs outlines an idyllic day itinerary on a quiet stretch of France’s Atlantic Coast.
What’s the fuss all about?
For an authentic local hidden treasure, you need to head to La Tremblade. This off-the-beaten-path town is located in the Charente-Maritime, just a 2-hour drive from Bordeaux.
How did you discover this gem?
I came with French friends who would take a day trip here every year during their childhood summer holidays. Although English writing could be found everywhere, not all the locals were comfortable speaking the language – but they were all very welcoming and kind!
How can visitors best experience the area?
The ideal time to experience La Tremblade is in September, after all the summer holiday families have left and only the locals populate the streets. The ideal itinerary would be to start the morning off at the Courbe Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in this coastal area. Spectacular views await at the top. Before leaving, be sure to visit the small museum which traces the history of the structure. Next, I recommend picnicking on the Côte Sauvage, the Wild Coast, lying down on the warm sand, and perhaps even having a dip in the brisk Atlantic Ocean. Afterward, take a walk along the coast to check out the oyster farming areas. End your day at Cabane des Bons Vivants and savor a local specialty, Éclade de Moules: mussels cooked under burning pine needles. It is a culinary experience I highly recommend!
For more information about Queen of Clubs, click here.
Barbara Zugno of luxury DMC I.D.I. France opens the gates to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion and its surrounding wine country, rated as the world’s top vineyard.
What makes this place so special?
In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of Southwestern France, the countryside of Saint-Émilion offers beautiful scenery, unforgettable landscapes, excellent wine, and fabulous food. A visit to Saint-Émilion is always a treat. If you’re into wine, one of the best periods for a wine tour is during the months of September and October around harvest time, though the fall temperatures remain pleasant up until early November.
What role does nature play in the culture and economy of the region?
St. Emilion is the largest major wine-producing region in Bordeaux, with 5,565 hectares under vines and more than 800 different cultivators and producers. That’s why whichever direction you look, you will see lush, verdant, healthy vineyards.
Do you have any particular or special related memories there?
The first time I visited Saint Emilion was in December. I was out for a lovely walk in the early morning. The scenery that appeared before my eyes was unreal… the entirety of the tiny village was wrapped entirely in soft clouds, and the faint light of the morning gave the landscapes a magical atmosphere.
For more information about I.D.I. France, click here.