An Unforgettable Trip to Bordeaux and the Bordeaux Region - French Side Travel

An Unforgettable Trip to Bordeaux and the Bordeaux Region

8 Days | History & Culture, Wine & Food

Enjoy Ten Unforgettable Days in Region Known for Wine and Gastronomy

Luxury | From $13,599 pp

Experience a wonderful ten days in Bordeaux and the Bordeaux region. Immerse yourself in a wine and gourmet experience, by enjoying the best that Bordeaux has to offer. Bordeaux is a charming city brimming with beautiful 17th-century architecture, great food, and world-class wine. Just outside of the city the natural beauty impresses from the seaside Arcachon and the Dune of Pilat to the vineyards. This tour highlights this enchanting destination. Wine tours help develop your palate and expand your knowledge of the region's wonderful whites and reds.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Bordeaux

Luxury transfer between Bordeaux Airport and Hotel

Your private chauffeur will drive you between Bordeaux Airport and your hotel.

Private Walking Tour of the Chartrons District

The hustle and bustle that reigned on the quays of the Chartrons district until the last century have now been forgotten.

If it owes its name to the convent of the Carthusians who settled there at the end of the 14th century, the Faubourg des Chartrons owes its wealth to the rise of the colonial trade and the trade of wines, which allowed the formidable growth of Bordeaux during the middle of the 18th century.

Once an insalubrious zone invaded by swamps, the Chartrons district was the suburb of choice of the foreign merchants. The wealthy merchants were able to build sumptuous homes of which there are many architectural remnants.

Your guided walk will end with a visit to the local Musée du Vin et du Négoce, including a wine tasting.

Day 2: Bordeaux

Private Luxury Gourmet Walking Tour in Bordeaux

A luxury gourmet two-hour walking tour is a unique experience in the city. Feel the charm of the city like a real resident, while tasting the best specialities of Bordeaux in unique shops that will show you how they create their products.

This tour is the crème de la crème with a tasting of rare products from the region. You will go to three gourmet shops and leave with a surprise gift to take with you.

Day 3: Cognac

Full-Day Private Tour of Cognac

Located between the cities of Angoulème and Saintes, the town of Cognac overlooks the Charente River. Mainly built on the river’s left bank, the town is on one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela and is the birthplace of the iconic Renaissance king: Francis I of France. Cognac remains a must for those who enjoy brandy styles wines.

Your tour will include a private visit and tasting at one of the world-renowned houses (Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier…) and also at a smaller, but just as talented, local producer. The winemaker will explain the history of this unique double-distilled spirit which has to be made in specific areas to be granted the name Cognac. During your visit, you will taste three different types of cognac: VS, VSOP, and XO.

You’ll also have the possibility to become a Maître Assembleur during one of the workshops in which you will create your own particular Cognac XO and walk away with a bottle of your unique elaboration. What better way to savor the unique taste of Cognac than to make it your own?

Or enjoy a walking tour of the historic center where you can discover the charms of the old houses and the relationship between the city and Francis I of France, king of the Renaissance.

couple in winery, France

Day 4: Saint Émilion

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over Saint-Émilion

The Girond’s remarkable landscapes are best appreciated from above. See the vineyards, valleys, and some unforgettable sights aboard an intimate two to four-seat hot air balloon. (Larger groups can be accommodated in multiple hot air balloons). 

Marvel at the castles, the vineyards, the valleys of Isle and Dordogne, the forest, the wildlife, and you bring back photographs that will make many envious. Help inflate the balloon with the crew to learn how it works. Flight time is an hour or more depending on weather conditions. 

The Grand Cru Exclusif option includes the unique experience of a wine tasting in flight with the winemaker! A picnic featuring local specialties follows when you’re back on the ground 

The crew will return you to your lodging at the end of the excursion. 

Half-Day Private Bike Tour with Darwin District Visit

The private bike tour is a fun way to enjoy the city with your own travel companions. It is a great way to see the city in a few hours. Not only will you ride past the city’s main attractions, but your friendly guide will also take you to some hidden corners and charming neighborhoods and will help you to choose a route that suits all of your needs and desires.

Located on Bordeaux’s right bank, in the Bastide district, you’ll discover Darwin. These former military barracks have now been eco-rehabilitated and become one of the most visited places in the city. Between skaters and street art enthusiasts, green economy entrepreneurs, fans of electro music, biodiversity advocates, and Sunday brunchers, everyone has a place.

wine tour in the loire valley

Day 5: Dordogne

Full Day Private Tour of Dordogne

This valley is very interesting thanks to all the different villages along the Dordogne River that formed the border between the French and British Kingdoms during the Hundred Year’s war. First, go to the Beynac-et-Cazenac village nestled between the Dordogne River and an immense rocky promontory. With stone-paved streets, houses in light-colored stones, and a castle it’s like a total immersion in medieval times.

Then go to La Roque-Gageac which has been selected as one of the most beautiful villages in France: with its brown roof tiles, typical rooftops, old-fashioned charm, and breathtaking landscapes, La Roque-Gageac is a village that will make you daydream. Then go to the village of Domme which is famous because knights were imprisoned in the fortified tower of this bastide during the Middle Ages. On your way back, enjoy a view of Castelnau’s castle.

Day 6: Lacave- Montignac

Full-Day Private Tour of Lascaux IV

Lascaux IV is the legendary reproduction of the ancient cave dwellers’ artwork. For the first time, all of Lascaux is revealed. A complete new replica retraces the discovery of the famous decorated cave. But that’s not the end of the adventure: the entire site inquires into the position that Lascaux occupies in cave art and its relation to contemporary creation.

The opening of the International Centre for Cave Art marks the beginning of a new adventure combining the emotion of ancestral art and important technological achievement.

Day 7: Sarlat

Full-Day Private Tour of Vezere Valley and Sarlat

Sarlat is the primary historic city of the Périgord region, a walled city completely immersed in the past and close to its traditions. The Périgord region offers a wide variety of specialties that you can find at the farmers market, held in an ancient church. This is foodie heaven with authentic decor thrown in for good measure. 

You will then visit prehistoric grottos or shelters. There is also the possibility to visit the French National Museum of Prehistory. Children will be particularly delighted with the special exhibits designed for them. Or you could go to a black truffle farm to witness how specially-trained dogs go searching for truffles. You could also book a cooking lesson with a professional chef who will welcome you to his typical Périgord farm.

 

Day 8: Saint-Émilion

Full-Day Private Tour of Saint-Émilion

Join us on an exceptionally full-day tour, focusing on the great wines of Saint-Émilion in an authentic setting rooted in history.

This beautiful medieval village is nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux wine area and has become world-famous thanks to its fine wine. Saint-Émilion wine classification is as follows: Premier grand cru classé A, Premier grand cru classé B, and Grand cru classé.

You will learn about (and taste) the different varieties of wines in two different wine-producing châteaux and also experience deliciously sweet macarons produced locally.

Day 9: Arcachon

Driver at Disposal for the Day

A driver and luxury car will be at your disposal for 10 hours.

Visit Arcachon 

The tranquil Arcachon Bay emerged as a luxury retreat for Bordeaux’s rich in the 19th century. Most foreigners never make it, but that’s a mistake. The elegant belle epoque villas, rejuvenating spas, and expansive golden sandy beaches make it a favorite of the French. The largest sand dune in Europe, the Dune de Pilat, is an impressive site with even better views from the top. 

The main attractions in Arcachon are the miles of sandy beaches, the vibrant town center and its markets, and the architecture of the ville d’hiver that boasts rows of belle epoque mansions. There’s an eccentric mix of neoclassical, neo-gothic, colonial, and Swiss chalet styles. In the 19th century, this winter town competed with Alpine retreats as a sanatorium for tuberculosis sufferers.  

Arcachon’s beaches are on Arcachon Bay, sheltering them from violent Atlantic waves. This makes it a wonderful area for families with children. Head south towards Biscarrosse for waves, surfing, and body-boarding. 

The seafood restaurants in Arcachon are of course particularly popular from classic bistrot fare like moules frites (mussels and fries) along the beach to fine dining restaurants a few blocks into town. Foodies would be remiss to not try the oysters.

This is a great area for cycling. Rent a bike to take advantage of the 18-mile trail to Biscarrosse that passes by beaches and seaside towns. Behind the beaches is the Landes des Gascogne Regional Natural Park, an expansive pine tree forest and wetland area.

Traditional Pinasse Boat Tour of Bird Island and the Lège-Cap Ferret

Enjoy the highlights of the breathtaking Arcachon Bay on a traditional pinasse boat. Your captain will sail through the small channels past oyster beds, picture-perfect beaches, l’Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), and Lège-Cap Ferret’s charming villages.

Enjoy a seafood platter while aboard. It includes six local oysters, langoustines, bulots, shellfish and prawns, accompanied by bread, butter, lemon, and mayonnaise.

Day 10: Bordeaux

Luxury Transfer Between Hotel and Bordeaux Airport

Your private chauffeur will drive you between your accommodation and the airport.

european heritage days 2021 bordeaux

Map

 

About this Trip

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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Suggested Hotels

Domaine de Raba
Hotel Les Glycines
Hotel Le B d'Arcachon
Intercontinental Bordeaux
Hotel Haaitza
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey Hotel & Restaurant Lalique
Hotel de Pavie

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