Region
in Basque Country, Dordogne & Bordeaux
Villages & Markets Tours
Gourmet Food Tours
Countryside Tours

This self-drive itinerary will take you to the South West of France, from the Basque coastline to authentic Dordogne, ending in the bustling city of Bordeaux.

Includes

15 nights in premium B&Bs that we personally selected for you
A rental car with automatic transmission & full insurance coverage, for 16 days
The assurance that you can contact us at any time, for any reason, while you're in France
A guidebook made for you and all road maps with recommended itineraries, activities & visits
FJFY App all your trip, contacts, GPS destinations, weather… in your smartphone
5.0
Robert
My wife and I completed a 3 week driving trip out of Bordeaux which was organized by France Just for You. The Bed and Breakfast accommodations were superb, the personalized …
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 4 780
Per traveler, including taxes,
based on double occupancy.

Your accommodations

Pictures of the specially selected accommodations

Step by step

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

The Basque Country: ocean & mountains

  • Your trip starts in the Basque Country where you will stay for 6 nights in a lavishly decorated former farmhouse, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz. 
  • From here, you will discover the Basque Country from the Atlantic coastline, its waves and tanned surfers, to the rugged Pyrenees Mountains, from the peacefulness of the untouched villages to the lively nightlife in Saint Jean de Luz. The Basque Country will not disappoint.
  • We will craft your days so you get a feel of everything the Basque culture has to offer, and there is a lot: taste the local Bayonne ham after strolling a valley and discovering the traditional and still alive mountain pig farming, get acquainted with the Basque weaving tradition, try to make your own Basque cake or stroll one of the many farmers markets.
  • Several “most beautiful villages of France” will be on your scenic drives – and you may see some locals playing the Basque Pelote game at the town’s fronton. Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy endless walks and hikes in the Pyrenees foothills, occasional walkers will relax on the walks along the beaches and enjoy a coffee on a terrace watching surfers.
  • Get introduced to one of the most famous game of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet a former international player who will explain the history of this mythical game to you, the different variants, and then get you on the ground to play - a very fun & cultural experience!

 

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

Dordogne: the Sleeping Beauty

  • In Black Perigord, you will stay in a restored stone house for 5 nights, nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river, perfectly located to explore the area. Your lovely hostess will open her home to you - which is filled with personal touches (artwork, books, photographies). 
  • Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we have included a much more intimate visit, in a 20,000 year old cave. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, this is a must! Visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days.
  • There is a lot to do in this region: medieval castles to visit, wonderful food to taste - we'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
  • Get a different perspecive going down the Dordogne river at your own pace on a canoe. We have selected the best section for you to see several castles standing guard high above you!

 

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

Bordeaux Unesco City

  • Your journey ends inside the gates of Bordeaux UNESCO city for 4 nights, a wonder of the 17th century. You B&B is a typical and charming stone house, in the heart of the lively up-and-coming neighborhood of Bordeaux - walking distance to restaurants and nice quality shops.
  • From here, you will explore the whole Bordeaux area, from the Arcachon Bassin to the Saint Emilion vineyards.
  • Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to the amazing expansion of the Gironde region during the 18th century.
  • In a famous wine estate, we have planned a special tour for you: after visiting the estate from the vineyard to the cellars, learning about the different grape varieties and wine-making process, you will play the sorcerer's apprentice and make your own Bordeaux wine (your own blend). You'll see that it's not that easy!
  • You will find everything in this region: from villages nestled in the Medoc or Saint Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe!

 

Welcome to the South West of France - you may never want to leave!

Activities included

pelote basque game with a player

Pelote Game with a Player

Get introduced to one of the most famous game of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet with a former international player you will explain you about this mythical game history, the different variants…and then get on the ground and play: A very fun & cultural experience!

Prehistoric Caves

Walk back on the prehistoric men footsteps, in 20,000 year old painted caves - access is limited to 40 person per day. 

canoe dordogne

Canoe Down the Dordogne River

Go down the Dordogne river at your own pace in a canoe...we have selected the best section for you to see several castles standing guard high above you!

bordeaux wine tasting

Bordeaux Wine tasting & blending

Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English speaking guide: from the vineyards to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties.

Customize this tour

We are glad to customize this itinerary to include additionnal night stays, extra activities or any specific request you have.

YOUR Guide Book

100% customized to your itinerary, it is the perfect tool before, during & after your trip.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Marlene & Terry
Emilie, You are the best! Everything you selected for us was perfect in every way. All the tickets, tours and reservations were handled well and we thank you for arranging such a beautiful vacation. We are recommending you to everyone we talk to. If you are ever in Toronto, we would be happy to host you and Guillaume!
Sheldon
We began planning this trip over a year before our departure date. We have done a lot of traveling but this trip was for our 25th wedding anniversary! Once we decided upon France as our destination all that was left was to get all the details taken care of. Based on previous adventures, we knew that we wanted to drive ourselves on a self- directed …
Robert
I can't say enough about how much we loved working with Emily and Laura. I am a wine geek and they put together a full day private tour of Burgundy (with a fantastic guide) and a half day visit and basket lunch at a wonderful winery in Provence. In addition there was a private half day walking tour of Paris and a private tour of the Palais des …

Our Travelers’ Photos

The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Lucelle & Alan
From South Africa
Meeting their host - Mr le Prince - in a Castle in the Loire Valley
The Ko Family
from Korea
on the French Riviera
Ginette and Craig
from the US
In Chaumont castle, Loire Valley
Dan & Kim
From the US
Romantic time in Paris...
Athena, Joanne, Don & Paul
from the US
Spending a day biking in the Loire Valley
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Ron & Don
From Canada
In Burgundy
..& the Oyster Guy !
in Biarritz Food Market with Maureen & Roy
Scott
From Australia
Making "chou" buns in the Loire Valley
Fiona
From the UK
At a restaurant in Le Mans