Here’s another original way to enjoy a stay amongst the vines of Bordeaux.

Coup 2 Foudre* is the name of two huge (750hl) oak vats that have been specially built by cooperage Seguin Moreau and installed in front of the cellars of Chateau Vieux Lartigue, a Grand cru of Saint Emilion just a few kilometres away from the medieval city.

There is more to them than meets the eye. Tardis like, inside each vat is full, not with wine but with a bedroom, bathroom and a small living room with a kitchenette complete with fridge, nespresso machine, kettle, a bottle of wine and even a wifi connection.

You can reserve on line and will be sent a door code to let yourself in and settle down for the night or even the weekend. Installed since the summer, given their success we’re likely to see these home from home vats popping up at other properties.

I have to own up to the fact I haven’t spent a night here myself yet but I’m tempted – I’ll report back but might wait for the warmer weather.

*(For the non-French speakers ‘Coup de Foudre’ is play on words.  Foudre means Vat made of oak and coup de Foudre means to fall in love 2 because there’s 2)