Region
in Bordeaux, Basque Country, Carcassonne & Dordogne
Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages

This loop from Bordeaux will take you on a journey to the South West of France: vineyards, mountains, cliff-hanging fortresses and rolling hills. You will enjoy all the diversity of this unique part of France.

Includes

19 nights in premium B&Bs that we personally selected for you
A rental car with automatic transmission & full insurance coverage, for 20 days
A «Table d’Hôtes» home-cooked dinner, with your Hosts and other travelers
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
Daisy
We had an amazing experience visiting Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne in June 2018. We were a group of eight wine freaks and Emile & Laura organized an amazing itinerary with …
Duration
20 days
Price
US$ 5 920
Per traveler, including taxes,
based on double occupancy.

Your accommodations

Pictures of the specially selected accommodations

Step by step

Paris Dordogne Carcassonne Basque Country Bordeaux

The Bordeaux area, from the Medoc vineyards

  • Start your journey with 4 nights in a comfortable B&B, located in the Médoc's worldwide famous vineyards. Your friendly hosts are wine aficionados and will be happy to share their love for the Bordeaux wines and their region with you.
  • Built along the banks of the Garonne river the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to the city of 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. You will find everything in this area: from villages nestled into 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!
  • Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English-speaking guide: from the vineyards near the castle to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties and end this 2hr tour with, but of course, a wine tasting...and pairing with chocolates. A gourmet experience !
  • On the 5th day, you will drive South towards the Basque Country – about 2hr30.
 

 

Paris Dordogne Carcassonne Basque Country Bordeaux

The Basque Country, from its heart

  • Stay for 6 nights in a gorgeous Basque Country villaThe B&B is located just 3 miles to the beach but in a very quiet landscaped garden.
  • From here, you will discover the seaside from Saint Jean de Luz to Biarritz, and also explore the Spanish Basque Country, which is about a 1hr drive.
  • 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.
  • You will enjoy following a local guide in Biarritz. He will give you the keys to his city and to the Basque culture so you will better understand the Basque language and the traditions and festivals such as Pelote or Basque Force. This tour ends at the covered market, where you will taste some Basque specialties: cheese, ham, wines, jams and much more.
  • 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.
  •  On the 11th day, you will drive East all along the Pyrenees chain to Carcassonne.
Paris Dordogne Carcassonne Basque Country Bordeaux

Carcassonne: Wines & History

  • Carcassonne and the Cathar country are quite unknown but are well worth a visit. Carcassonne's medieval “Cité” will amaze you by its size and conservation. You will reside for 3 nights in charming B&B in the lively Bastide neighborhood, within walking distance to restaurants and to the medieval city.  
  • In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus or Perpeytuse. History lovers will be intrigued by the Cathar history. Wine lovers may be surprised by the quality of the “Minervois” wines which have improved a lot in the past 10 years. They are now on the wine lists of some of the most famous restaurants in the world.
  • We plan for you to jump in the Cathar history following a private guide to explore Carcassonne medieval fortress.
  • On the 14th day, you will drive about 3 hours North through Toulouse and the Lot to get to Dordogne.
Paris Dordogne Carcassonne Basque Country Bordeaux

Gorgeous Dordogne

  • End your sightseeing journey in the Black Perigord where you will stay in an old stone Perigord style house for 6 nights. One afternoon, you will enjoy a convival cooking workshop with your hosts - followed by a mouth-watering dinner shared with Nat & her husband and fellow travelers. 
  • You are very close to Sarlat and the prehistoric caves and we will be happy to recommend some intimate visits for you, in 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, these are a must!
  • Visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days.  We'll also tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
  • Eventually, you will jump into medieval history with fortresses hanging on cliffs above the Dordogne river - one of the most famous castles of the area is only a 30-minute walk from your B&B. Also, four of the "most beautiful villages of France" are within a 4-mile drive.

On your last day, you can return the car in Brive airport, Bordeaux train station or airport, or drive to your next destination.

 

This is the best discovery tour of the South West of France !

Activities included

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 and pair wines with 3 chocolates.

A Private Guide to Biarritz

A Private Guide to introduce you to the Basque culture

Follow a local guide in Biarritz, by the Ocean. He will give you the keys to his city and to the Basque culture. You will end this tour at the covered market, tasting some Basque produces: cheese, hams and wines. 

cooking at your hosts in Dordogne

Cooking Class & Dinner

Spend a late afternoon with your hosts making dinner together like friends would do. Then you'll enjoy a convivial and savory dinner with your hosts & fellow travelers. 

your guide in carcassonne

Carcassonne Guided Tour

Walk on the Cathars footsteps with a private guide in Carcassonne. Your guide will take you to the "citadelle" and introduce you to the medieval history in the south of France.

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

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Explore the French regions

Brittany

Alsace

North

Lyon

Somme

Champagne

Verdun

Normandy

Provence

Dordogne

Loire Valley

Paris

Bordeaux

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Phil & Pat
Just a quick word of admiration and thanks for well planned and executed vacation for us. Every hotel, Chateau, B&B was clever, different and fun. Guides were outstanding and your recommendations without a flaw. I know we would enjoyed this vacation more because of your efforts Our time in France ends tomorrow and we have memories to carry us to …
Michael
My wife and I are fairly seasoned travelers so when we decided to include a trip to France in our year long 50th Anniversary Celebration we wanted to do something different. We looked at group travel companies including those who specialize in "small" groups. None of them had the flavor we were looking for. In my search for somethin new I happened …
David
Emilie was a joy to work with - we were completely pleased with our experience! Do not hesitate to use her services - she will do everything to make your trip perfect. We don't care for group/bus "one-size-fits-all" type of tours - but I didn't feel confident enough with my grasp of French to go it alone. France Just For You is the perfect solution …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Teri, Kennedy & Chris from the US
in Paris !
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Patty
from the US
In Villeneuve les Avignon, Provence
Leslie & Family
from the US
A la Tour Eiffel, Paris
Kate & Jake
from the US
On their honeymoon in front of Chenonceau castle
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Stéphanie & Vania
from the US
on the Aiguille du Midi peak in the French Alps (Chamonix)
..& the Oyster Guy !
in Biarritz Food Market with Maureen & Roy
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel
Amy & Louise
Wine tasting....
Patty & Tim
from the US
In front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon