Weekend getaways hardly come more romantic than a foray to the French countryside, though – mon Dieu – we very nearly dropped our beret, hearing about the ultimate lovers’ escape to the heartland of French viticulture, Bordeaux. Set between the grapevines of renowned 19th-century Premier Grand Cru Classé estate Château Troplong Mondot, the two-night Romance by Troplong Mondot package promises to take your affection to new heights – quite literally, in fact.
Stroll around the countryside, contemplate the musings of Rimbaud in a nearby orchard or simply kick back with un verre de vin on your shielded terrace. The hilltop estate embraced by some 33 hectares of private fields is a hideaway as is, but lovers get to set up quarters in the even more exclusive Vineyard House. Tucked away between the vines, the two-bedroom cottage was recently renovated by acclaimed interior designer Mathilde Cardineau, though fret not; it’s lost none of its rustic allure. In fact, we think the impressive fireplace and an exposed wooden beams ceiling rival those on display at Marie Antoinette’s village of cottages in the backyard of Versailles.
For couples with a penchant for adventure, the Château isn’t shy of arranging a bouquet of romantic experiences. Why not cycle around the narrow alleyways of neighbouring Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-protected medieval village with fascinating troglodyte heritage? Or fall in love with Bordeaux’s unique terroir during a private tour of the vineyard before enjoying a complimentary three-course lovers picnic in a secret spot! You could even just quietly observe the French savoir-vivre playing out in the nearby châteaux from your elevated position (any excuse to show off our equipment, really).
The getaway culminates in an unforgettable highlight just before guests are headed home, with Troplong Mondot sending lovebirds on a journey to cloud nine: a balloon ride above the pillowy hills and valleys of Bordeaux, a bottle of the estate’s finest vino on board. Now to find our other half.
Photography courtesy of Château Troplong Mondot
