We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Martel. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Megan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for us right now is a lovely blend of welcoming guests, preparing fresh breakfasts with local products, and sharing our passion for Bordeaux’s wine country. Mornings often begin with the smell of coffee, chef Julien’s French breakfast of “croque madame revisited” or “Oeuf à la Coque”, and conversation around the breakfast table, as travelers share their plans for the day.
Once everyone is set, we’re usually out on the road—exploring châteaux, strolling through vineyards, and introducing guests to winemakers who are always eager to share their craft. Afternoons can be spent guiding tastings, enjoying leisurely lunches among the vines, or wandering through charming villages.
By evening, we’re often back at the B&B, winding down with our guests over a glass of Bordeaux, exchanging stories from the day, and helping them plan tomorrow’s adventure. It’s a rhythm of hospitality, discovery, and connection—and that’s exactly what we love most about it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Rouge Bordeaux B&B and Tours is all about creating authentic, personal experiences in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country. We welcome guests into our charming bed & breakfast, where the atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and full of the little details that make you feel at home. What makes us unique is the way we combine comfortable, local hospitality with immersive wine and cultural tours.
Our days often include guiding guests through the region’s historic vineyards and family-owned châteaux, introducing them to passionate winemakers, and helping them discover hidden corners of Bordeaux that most travelers never see. We love sharing not only the wines, but also the stories, traditions, and everyday beauty of life here.
Right now, we’re working on expanding our tailored experiences to other regions of France so guests can enjoy even more unique ways of connecting with locals through out France. We currently offer experiences in Provence, Burgundy, and soon Lyon. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that travel should feel personal, memorable, and a little magical.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one with my husband. Together, we’re raising two boys while also running our tours and B&B side by side every day. It hasn’t always been easy—balancing family life with running a business together comes with plenty of challenges—but it has also been the most rewarding part of my life.
Through the ups and downs, we’ve learned how to complement each other’s strengths, support one another through stress, and celebrate our successes as a team. That partnership has shaped not only who I am as a person, but also the way we approach our business—with patience, humor, and the belief that connection is at the heart of everything we do.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that has held me back most is imposter syndrome—not always feeling as authentic as I’d like to be. When you live in a place every day, it’s easy to lose sight of the magic that others see right away. Sometimes I questioned whether I was truly offering something special. But when our guests arrive and experience the sweat, heart, and years of work we’ve poured into transforming this old presbytère into a beautiful B&B, I’m reminded that the magic is very real. It’s here in the walls, in the vineyards, in the laughter around the breakfast table—and it always will be.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I think the public version of me is the real me—maybe even the best version. I have a big, joyful laugh, and our guests often bring that out in me. I’m also open about my struggles, like what it’s been like to be an American fully immersed in French culture. I love sharing all the beauty and joy of life here in France, but I don’t shy away from the challenges either. To me, that’s what an immersive experience really is—authentic, honest, and full of connection.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I created a place where they felt truly welcomed and at home. That I poured my heart into Rouge Bordeaux—into restoring this old presbytère, raising my family here, and sharing the beauty of this region with others.
I hope they remember my big laugh, my openness, and the way I shared both the joys and challenges of building a life in France. More than anything, I’d like people to say that I helped them see the magic of Bordeaux not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing experience full of connection, warmth, and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rougebordeauxinfrance.com
- Instagram: rougebordeauxinfrance
- Facebook: Rouge Bordeaux In France
- Youtube: @rougebordeauximmersionsinf5219
