France in Dec (first-timer)

Hi. Sounds like a fun trip. Nice and Bordeaux are pretty far apart. If you want to see both, you might want to consider splitting your trip into two parts, one in Nice and one in the Bordeaux area. They are completely different so you would get a good idea of two different sections of France.

For really good information about Nice, log onto http://www.virtualtourist.com and find the search window on the right side of your screen. Type NiceLife into the window and the next window should be set at "Destination" so you will need to scroll down to "Member" and do a member search. When you get NiceLife’s homepage, go to his Travel Page section and click on Nice. Then read all his tips. He is a British gentleman who visits Nice quite regularly and he has wonderful suggestions.

At the same web site, you can type Nice into the search window and if the second window isn’t set at "Destination," scroll down to "Destination" and do a destination search. You will have a choice of many VT member pages on Nice so take some time to look through them. Some are very helpful and others are not great but you will be able to sort them out pretty easily.

You can also do Google or Yahoo searches on both Nice and Bordeaux and, if you haven’t already done so, click on the blue and red France.com above on this web page and then do a search on both Nice and Bordeaux.

I’m assuming the Lafite you want to visit is Lafite Rothschild across the Gironde River from Bordeaux. You can probably get a tour from Bordeaux. Check at their tourist info office. If not, you probably would enjoy renting a car while you are there and just driving yourself. The roads are well marked and you could explore the entire Bordeaux wine country which it really lovely.

We’ve stayed at Chateau de Roques in Puisseguin near Bordeaux. Their web site is http://www.chateau-de-roques.com/accueil_a.htm

It is a lovely place to stay but you would need a car. The place is very friendly, not terribly expensive and the restaurant is excellent and also not terribly expensive. It is in the middle of the Bordeaux wine country so you can visit wineries to your heart’s content. You appear to be going in low season so the prices ideal then. We really enjoyed it.

You won’t need a car in Nice so fly into Nice (Air France direct to Nice is usually a good price) and just use public transportation. Then take the train or fly to Bordeaux. I’d strongly suggest renting a car in Bordeaux so you can get out into the countryside which is beautiful. We particularly enjoyed the little wine town of St. Emilion and it would be a great day trip.

Hope this is some help. Have a good trip.

Thanks SalB!! I enjoy reading all of your tips and suggestions on this website. I can’t wait!

Hope it helps and hope you enjoy your trip.

We’re headed to France next Wednesday. I’m ready now so waiting is very hard! )