Starting from Bordeaux

Bordeaux, world-renowned for its wine, voted “Best Destination” by Lonely Planet in 2017 and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is characterised by its remarkable 18th-Century architecture. Discover this multifaceted city, which is also an ideal starting point for full- or half-day excursions into the vineyards or to the sea, along the Arcachon Bay.

Two days in Bordeaux to discover the historical centre

DAY 1

• Morning: discover different districts on foot, by bike, by Segway or imperial bus, then lunch on the terrace of one of the city’s squares or brunch in a café.
• Afternoon: visit of the Cité du Vin and its Belvedere with a panoramic view of the city while enjoying a glass of wine. Walk back to historical Bordeaux along the quays.
• End with a shopping spree: fashion, design, antique shops, art galleries, local specialities.

DAY 2

•  Morning: visit of one of the city’s museums to discover Bordeaux through the arts and the history of humanity: Aquitaine Museum, Customs Museum, Applied Arts and Design Museum, CAPC, Fine Arts Museum, Marine Sea Museum.
• Afternoon: Bordeaux by the water with a guided cruise on Aquitania or Burdigala.

EXCURSION 1 (half-day) : Saint-Emilion and its vineyards

Nicknamed the hill of 1,000 vintages, and famous for its medieval village and its vineyard listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Don’t miss: the underground and monolithic church, climb the Tour du Roy • visit and taste Crément de Bordeaux at the cloister of Les Cordeliers • visit the wine estates.
• Unique experiences: introductory tasting course at the Maison du Vin • wine-blending workshop at Château Cormeil-Figeac and blind tasting at Château La Dominique.

EXCURSION 2 (half-day) : The Médoc Châteaux

Discover the most prestigious Grand Cru Classified Bordeaux red wines, their castles and their cellars with unusual architecture: Chateaux Margaux, Cos d’Estournel, Beychevelle, etc.

• Don’t miss: the Route des Châteaux (D2) • Bages hamlet • Château d’Agassac • Pauillac • the Nadalié cooperage...
• Unique experiences: the “oenological sign” workshop at La Winery • harvesting experience and grape picker’s lunch at Château Gruaud Larose • discovery day of the “Best of Wine Tourism”.

EXCURSION 3 (full day or half-day) : Arcachon Bay

Every season, you can enjoy seafood products, bike or boat rides. Breathtaking landscapes.

• Don’t miss: guided tour of Arcachon and its Ville d’Hiver quarter • visit of the Cap Ferret lighthouse • stroll in the oyster farming villages and oyster tasting • tour of the bay by boat or pinasse…
• Unique experiences: climbing the Dune of Pilat (110 metres high) • visit of the Arcachon Auction • discovery of the oyster beds (on foot or by boat) with an oyster farmer....

EXCURSION 4 (full day) : Cognac and its famous houses

In Cognac, city and brandy are indivisible. Immerse yourself in the the unique world of Cognac, between history and modernity.

• Don’t miss: visit of the old town of Cognac • visit to Cognac Arts Museum • guided tour and tasting at famed Cognac houses (Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, Meukow).
• Unique experiences: Cognac and Chocolate workshop offered by the Maison Rémy Martin • visit to a cooper’s workshop • tasting course at the Maison Martell • boat trip on the Charente river...