You will be traveling from Bordeaux and its world famous vineyards to the fabulous Perigord, renowned for its gastronomy, historical heritage and amazing landscapes.
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads …
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime!
We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and cell phone package. Emilie provided all of the details, maps, recommendations that you could ever want and never hope to experience all of them -- but, what excellent choices!
We have travelled in France on our own before and on tours. This was number One! We are in our mid 70's and were able to mange this trip with ease. Thanks for everything, Emilie!
Wines & Gastronomy of the SW of France
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityA Bordeaux classical architecture
#1 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityMixed with modern touches - which makes the place very special
#1 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityThe rooms are much larger than usual, being downtown a major city
#1 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityYour lovely hosts are multilinguals. Your host comes from a winemaker family
#1 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityEnjoy the views of Bordeaux roofs !
#2 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneStay only 15 minutes to Sarlat in the heart of the medieval Dordogne
#2 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneEnjoy a fantastic dinner by the swimming pool or the fire place
#2 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneThis medieval castle is walking distance from your B&B
#2 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneYour lovely hosts know the region perfectly
Step by step
Bordeaux Region : Wine & Heritage
You may plan to arrive to Bordeaux airport or train station to start this itinerary (or we can help you get there if needed).
Start your journey with 3 nights downtown Bordeaux Unesco city and enjoy discovering this lively city being within walking distance from the different historical districts.
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.
You will find everything you need: from villages nestled into the Medoc or St 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!
In a famous wine estate in Medoc, we have planned a special tour for you: after visiting the estate from the cellars, to the vats, passing by the vineyards to understand the different grape variety, you will play the sorcerer's apprentice and make your own wine (your own blend) to match different chocolates. You'll see that it's not that easy!
Dordogne : quaint villages & gastronomy
Continue your sightseeing expedition in the Dordogne region. In Black Perigord history is around every corner. In the lush river valley, you will spend the following 4 nights in a beautifully restored stone house.
Your lovely hosts will cook a delicious dinner inspired by local traditions. We'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
Spend a special day with Bea: a private guide in Dordogne. She will take you back to the prehistoric and medieval times . . . away from the beaten paths. Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we'll recommend you 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.
Another day, let a passionate villager take you on an unforgettable search for the black diamond: Perigord truffles. Nestled in a typical Dordogne hamlet, the view on the surrounding valley is gorgeous. This is an experience you'll remember!
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.
In Dordogne "to be le Roi Carotte" means that you are the happiest man on earth - we hope that you'll feel like being Le Roi Carotte.
Activities included
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.
Private Guide in the Dordogne
Spend a special day with Bea in Dordogne. She will take you back to the prehistoric and medieval times...away from the beaten paths.
Truffle Hunt
In Dordogne, spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the …
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November.
They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the arrangements they made worked out just as represented.
The rental car process was easy (we can't blame them for Paris traffic), and the places they arranged for us to stay as well as the activities arranged were outstanding.
We feel we really got a sense of the beauty of France and met some very nice people along the way. The tour book was terrific and very helpful. They made the trip almost effortless and truly enjoyable. Thank you Laura and Emile for making this a memorable vacation. We wish you did "Italy Just for You" too!
William
Laura did such an amazing job tailoring our dream trip through the south of France. Everything was professionally done and the service and communication were perfect. Thanks to their hard work organising all of the minute details we were able to enjoy and relax all of the fun activities that they planned for us. And the guidebook is an absolute …
Laura did such an amazing job tailoring our dream trip through the south of France. Everything was professionally done and the service and communication were perfect. Thanks to their hard work organising all of the minute details we were able to enjoy and relax all of the fun activities that they planned for us. And the guidebook is an absolute treasure!
Kellie
I have yet another 5-star review to leave because Emilie's trip planning is just that - exceptional! We do not do big trips often and did not have hours to spend online trying to find the perfect B&Bs and restaurants to fit our preferences. Over the course of a few emails, Emilie collected our requests and pieced together an itinerary that was …
I have yet another 5-star review to leave because Emilie's trip planning is just that - exceptional! We do not do big trips often and did not have hours to spend online trying to find the perfect B&Bs and restaurants to fit our preferences. Over the course of a few emails, Emilie collected our requests and pieced together an itinerary that was exactly what we were looking for. There were so many restaurant and excursion recommendations provided and each selection we made did not disappoint. I also cannot say enough great things about the B&Bs. Both were absolutely beautiful and the hosts were hospitable and lovely to visit with. Next time we are back in France, I will not hesitate to give Emilie a call!
