Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom: Aquitaine

Nestled away deep within vineyard country between the Garonne and Dordogne, Monségur is a quintessential bastide town full of medieval architecture and this impressive home is a suitably characterful place to stay if you're planning a visit.

It's a more recent addition to the locale than many of the nearby buildings, but there are still a few centuries of heritage in the walls and this sense of history has been expertly retained during a recent renovation, which prioritised traditional methods and materials. Take a wander throughout the ground floor and you'll spot antique furnishings, period features and elegant decorations evocative of years gone by. At the same time, guests are also treated to all of the amenities to be expected in the 21st century – we're talking sleek kitchens and bathrooms, plus plenty of tech and gizmos.

We've been saving the best until last, however. Out in the enclosed garden, it's pretty clear to see where long summer afternoons will be spent – flitting between the cooling waters of the swimming pool and the surrounding loungers. Of course, if the weather's on your side during your stay, there are plenty of wineries, abbeys and walking routes to explore in the surrounding Entre-Deux-Mers region, as well. The city of Bordeaux only takes an hour to reach by car, too.

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request
*The home is spread over two floors with no elevator, but there are four bedrooms on the ground level
*There's room to park on the premises