Citroen 1950 rentals at Vintage Roads
Normandy is always at its best in the fall, when the crowds have gone and it is the best way to enjoy this beautiful region. Here is a classic itinerary, first rent a 1950’s Citroen from Vintage roads ( 16 rue Charles Despeaux, Chatou; 33-6/08-85-38-31),http://vintage-roads.com; three days rentals fairly available for 3 to 4 people from around $ 540.00). If you are departing from Paris they will deliver your car for $ 65 fee. Follow the signs west for Normandy-bound A13, and within an hour you should be near the exit for Vernon, a few miles away from Giverny. It is a bit touristy but do not miss the opportunity to see the Claude Monet Foundation, ( 84 Rue Claude Monet, Giverny; 33-2/32-51-28-21; http://foundation-monet.fr and its gardens?, the grounds stay open til November 1. Do avoid the tour buses and if you want a good meal go to the Ancient restaurant Baudy ( 81 rue Claude Monet, Giverny; 33-2-/32-21-10-03; very affordable lunch for two $ 59).After your lunch, drive an hour northwest to Rouen, a very famous site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. You can head out to La Place du Vieux Marche, and walk through the Farmer’s market where the Joan of Arc memorial is. wander around along the cobblestoned streets to Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Cathedral where a very massive 14th century clock known as the Grosse Horloge, rue de la Grosse horloge and if you have a sweet tooth make a stop at La Chocolatiere, their specialty is a layered Praline Paillardise.Get back on the road and head out to Honfleur and check in at the Hotel des Loges ( 18 rue Brulee; 33-2/31-89-38-26; http://hoteldesloges.com, made of three fishermen houses. For dinner head out to Au Bouillon Normand ( 7 rue de la ville; 33-2/31-89-02-41) their three course prix fixe dinner for two is around $ 68. If you happen to be lucky and you happen to be in Honfleur on a Wednesday, go to the organic farmer’s market and get some local cheeses and cheeses before getting back on the road and heading out to Trouville-sur-mer, not as well known as its neighbour Deauville and much more down to earth as well; Le Galatee serves delicious mussels and fries, lunch for two around $42). Deauville is very nice and very trendy, a kind of resorts for the rich and beautiful, you can always look at the windows of all the high-end stores or enjoy a cup of tea at Normandy Barriere $ 12 for two. Keep going out West and do not miss the village of Asnelles, with a shop called Les Sablees D’Asnelles that specializes in Butter Biscuits ( 17 rue de Southampton). Finally you can end your day Port-en-Bessin, an unspoiled fishing town where you can buy the best the best Breton striped shirtsand also enjoy and savor every bite of a fruits de mer platter at the Bistro d’a cote ( 12 Rue Michel Lefournier) and if you want to feel like royalty you can always stay at Chateau La Cheneviere,(33-2/31-51-25-25;, an 18th- century former residence set in very expensive gardens.
Outside , the heat of summer or early fall is descending on the vines. You finally venture inside after paying your entrance fee, and the cool of the caves are a very welcome benediction. All is required is to observe a few simple rules of wine tasting: Do not wear white, as we all know ( reds can leave an awful 
Wine Tourism begins right in Bordeaux ’s airport at Merignac, where wines are planted just outside the terminal. A lot of vineyards are close to Bordeaux itself. One great vineyard, the Graves Estate of Chateau Haut-Brion, is in the suburb of Pessac. It was celebrated as an exclusive grand cru by Napoleon lll. Apart from Haut-Brion, all the reds are from the Medoc, one of the three main wine regions to explore. Medoc is Northwest of Bordeaux, Saint Emilion to the East, and Graves- Sauternes to the south.
Luxury Travel Consultant2 offers wine tours to Bordeaux a few times a year. For more information contact, Anne Suire, the owner.(anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com)
