Perched high above Saint-Émilion, Troplong Mondot is the ultimate seductress; its uniform rows of vines, dotted with bright sparks of fuchsia roses, drawing the eye to the honey-hued town beyond. The 18th-century chateau, with its lightfilled interiors, has sumptuous en-suite bedrooms that boast stunning vistas. The day starts with fortifying coffee and delectable pains au chocolat – with the option of adding homemade chocolate praline spread – followed by a meander through the grapes to the cobblestoned streets of SaintÉmilion. Visit between April and August to see traditional Percheron horses at work – they’re still valued for limiting soil compaction. The pièce de résistance is the Michelin-starred Les Belles Perdrix restaurant, under the direction of chef David Charrier. Start with an aperitif beneath a protective canopy of trees; it’s the perfect spot for Taittinger Prélude, enhanced by a side of fresh vine tomatoes. Think tornado of pollock accompanied by smoked eggplant with shiso, followed by rhubarb belle valentine flavoured with almond pesto, verbena and basil.