Mail to visivin@mvd.biglobe.ne.jp

You don't have to hesitate to visit the classified chateaux at all. They rather welcome it as one of promotion of their products. Some chateaux (ex.:Lafite-Rothchild) even let you taste directly from a barrel.You don't also have to buy their products in return of their guide.

A.If you have a special idea where to visit

1.Make a reservation
You'd better make appointments in full advance at a peak-period (Jun.-Sep.), while it's usually no problem to do a day before in off-season. Generally, on the line, you will be asked your language (French, English, German or Spanish) and will be included in the same language group. In most cases they designate the time for the visit. You may be asked if you are professional or not in some cases.
Generally, it will take about one hour to finish a guided visit.

Notes

  • Acceptance of the visit by major chateaux('97：All mentioned below require reservation in advance)

    5 grand chateaux in Médoc

    ChateauWhen to visitTastingSaleReservation numbe
    Ch.Haut-BrionAcceptable
    (ex. Sun. & Public Holiday)    		OKNotel:05 56 00 29 30
    fax:05 56 98 75 14
    Ch.Lafite-RothschildAcceptable
    13:30-16:00 Tue. - Fri.
    Closed Aug. & harvest time    		OK (for a group of 6 or less people)Notel:01 53 89 78 00
    Only this number in Paris can accept the visit.Chateau reception is not used for the reservation.
    Ch.Mouton-RothschildAcceptable
    Mon.-Thu.(9:30-11:00,14:00-16:00)
    Fri.
    (9:30-11:00,14:00-15:00)
    Early in Apr.-late in Oct. visit on Sun. & Public Holiday is accepted.     		OK (charged)Notel:05 56 73 21 29
    FAX:05 56 73 21 28
    Ch.LatourBasically closed for visitors NoNo
    Ch.MargauxAcceptable
    Mon.-Fri.(10:00-12:00,14:00-16:00)
    Closed Aug. & harvest time    		OKNotel:05 57 88 83 83
    FAX:05 57 88 31 32
    Sauternes
    ChateauWhen to visitTastingSaleReservation numbe
    Ch.d'YquemAcceptable
    (ex. Sun. & Public Holiday)    		NoNotel:05 57 98 07 07
    fax:05 57 98 07 08
    Saint Émilion
    ChateauWhen to visitTastingSaleReservation numbe
    Ch.AusoneBasically closed for visitorsNoNo
    Ch.Cheval-BlancAcceptable
    (ex. Sun. & Public Holiday)    		OKOKtel:05 57 55 55 55
    fax:05 57 55 55 50

  • You can also check the opening hours of chateaux in the WEB wide of CIVB.
  • Although most chateux are closed on Sundays and Public holodays, some chateaux accept the visit.

2.To rent a car
Once going trough the city of Bordeaux with many annoying one-way roads, you only have to go on a straight road (D2) to the area of Médoc. You can enjoy driving among vineyards and famous chateaux.


B. If you don't have any special idea where to see.

The most convenient way is to take part in some guided tours from the city of Bordeaux.

1.Chateaux cruising tours

Arrival & Departure
In front of the tourist information of the city of Bordeaux.
Office de Tourisme BORDEAUX
12,cours XXX Juillet
Application
at the desk of the Tourist Information of Bordeaux
Reservation on the day is sometime OK, but in the top season, it is better to make a reservation in advance.
Outline
There are one-day trips and also half-a-day (14:00-18:00) trips. According to season, they are held every day or a few days a week. You can visit 2 chateaux in half a day and cover all the tours in a week. In some areas you visit mainly rather small chateaux which are rarely seen outside France. They have two courses for Médoc and one will guide you to Ch. Palmer (Troisième Cru Classe) and Ch.Lanessan(Cru Bourgeois).
Language
French, English, Spanish and German (depends on participants).
Capacity
40-50 peoples (for one bus) with 1 guide.

2.Tour to St.Émilion

St.&Eacutemilion (9k)

Arrival & Departure
In front of the Tourist Information of Bordeaux
Application
at the desk of the Tourist Information of Bordeaux

Outline
One-day sightseeing course held on Sundays. It is for sightseeing and does not take you to chateaux, however, it's worth to see around a classic town of St.Émilion.
Language
French, English, Spanish and German (depends on participants)
Capacity
40-50 peoples (for one bus) with 1 guide.

3.Train Tour in St.Émilion

Train Tour in St.&Eacutemilion(13k)

Arrival & Departure
in front of the Tourist Information of St.Émilion
Application
at the desk of the Tourist Information of St.Émilion
Outline
To go around the vineyard of St.Émilion by a small train. No visit to the chateaux but to see from the train. With a guide. Takes 35 min.
Time & Fare
1.May-31.Oct.(every day)
10:30,11:15,12:00,14:00.14:45,15:30,16:15,17:00,17:45,18:30
adult 28FFR / child 20FFR('97)
Language
French, English and so on

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