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.
France just for you was fantastic. We provided a list of places we like to see, they customized our trips with great suggestions. They Provided Car, places to stay, a 2 book …
France just for you was fantastic. We provided a list of places we like to see, they customized our trips with great suggestions. They Provided Car, places to stay, a 2 book itinerary with wonderful suggestions, great Bed and Breakfast and small hotel (very romantic) , assistance when ever we accidentally called their number. We requested guides at several locations and the guides were outstanding.
The books were fantastic, coordinates on everything make it easy to find parking in difficult places. Tips on driving, language, places to eat, places to see, Every evening we would use the book to plan our next day a life and time saver. It even had routes to walk through village centers.
First time in France and the trip was very relaxing and enjoyable. Emily attention to the little things was amazing. Emily put together a package that had the museum passes, bike rentals, car rentals, canoe rentals, brochures on each location we visited.
The trip was a very romantic trip for my wife and I. I came back with an appreciation for France, its culture and people. I am a happy customer thanks to France Just For You.
The Authentic South West of France
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsA very typical Basque House
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsThe rooms have a lot of charm but also comfort
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsRelax in the garden by the swimming pool
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsSpend the evening in the covered patio...
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsSpend some time with your hosts
#1 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsPush the doors to a place near paradise
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverA gorgeous house nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverRelax in a countryside setting
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverStay in a very large room with unique decoration
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverEnjoy the old stone atmosphere
#3 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityA Bordeaux classical architecture
#3 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityMixed with modern touches - which makes the place very special
#3 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityThe rooms are much larger than usual, being downtown a major city
#3 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityYour lovely hosts are multilinguals. Your host comes from a winemaker family
#3 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityEnjoy the views of Bordeaux roofs !
Step by step
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!
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.
You will also spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
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 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.
Truffle Hunt
In Dordogne, spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
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 and pair wines with 3 chocolates.
A "Pinch Me" Tour. Expertly organised. We just spent the most wonderful month in France on our honeymoon curated by Laura and Emilie in such a way that we felt we experienced the very essence of France. From the Loire Valley, through the Biarritz area, the Basque region and finally to Provence. The itinerary gave us so many "pinch me" moments that …
A "Pinch Me" Tour. Expertly organised.
We just spent the most wonderful month in France on our honeymoon curated by Laura and Emilie in such a way that we felt we experienced the very essence of France. From the Loire Valley, through the Biarritz area, the Basque region and finally to Provence. The itinerary gave us so many "pinch me" moments that we lost count.The whole trip was just what we wanted, traveling at our own pace, selecting where we wanted to go and when, expertly guided by the FJFY personalised app which included so many fantastic day trip options from each of our accommodations, all of which have been tried and tested by Laura and Emilie. We can't think of a better way to have traveled and cannot recommend France Just For You more highly.
Robert
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Deirdre
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip …
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip themselves, this is definitely the way to go....it was terrific from start to finish!
