Arcachon Bay escape. Take a day trip to Arcachon Bay, once a 19th-century retreat for Bordeaux’s elite, renowned for its belle époque villas, seaside spas, sandy beaches, and lively town center popular with families and surfers.

The Dune du Pilat. Visit Europe’s tallest sand dune for sweeping views over the Atlantic and pine forests, or opt for a paragliding flight for an even more breathtaking perspective.

Seafood traditions. Famous for its coastal cuisine, enjoy mussels, oysters, langoustines, and prawns at a beachside restaurant, or try oyster picking with a local producer.

Sailing the bay. Explore the bay aboard a traditional sailboat, gliding past oyster beds, Bird Island, and picturesque villages while savoring a fresh seafood platter.

Through the Saint-Émilion vineyards. Take a picturesque drive through the rolling vineyards of the Saint-Émilion region, one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated wine landscapes.

Family-owned estate tasting. Your first stop is a private visit to an authentic family-run Bordeaux winery, where you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour and a tasting of three carefully selected wines.

The village of Saint-Émilion. Continue to the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, discovering why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before enjoying lunch at a traditional local restaurant.

Historic Grand Cru properties. Experience a refined tasting at one of Saint-Émilion’s historic estates, such as Château Ausone, Château La Gaffelière, or Château Pavie, renowned for wines of elegance and balance.

Lalande-de-Pomerol discovery. A short drive leads to the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation for a second château visit, where wines are prized for their richness, complexity, and refined structure.

A medieval landmark. On the return journey, pass by the magnificent Château de Vayres, a medieval fortress dramatically perched along the Dordogne River.

Into the Cognac region. Discover the Cognac region, just one hour from Bordeaux, famed for its world-renowned spirit and as the birthplace of Renaissance king Francis I.

Historic town and riverside charm. Stroll through Cognac’s charming historic streets, enjoy scenic views along the Charente River, and savor a refined lunch highlighting regional specialties rooted in brandy-making heritage.

Prestigious houses and local producers. Enjoy private visits and tastings at renowned houses such as Hennessy, Martell, or Rémy Martin, alongside a smaller local producer, discovering the craftsmanship behind Cognac and tasting VS, VSOP, and XO expressions.

A blending workshop. For a hands-on experience, take part in a “Maître Assembleur” workshop, where you’ll craft your own Cognac XO and take home a personalized bottle.

Overnight options. Spend the night in the Cognac region, return to Bordeaux, or continue toward the heart of the Dordogne region.

Sarlat-la-Canéda. Stroll through the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, celebrated for its remarkably preserved architecture and lively local market.

The Valley of the Five Châteaux. Venture into the breathtaking Dordogne River valley, where a dramatic concentration of medieval castles brings centuries of history vividly to life.

Château de Beynac. Visit this imposing 12th-century fortress, once a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War, offering commanding views over the river.

Château des Milandes. Discover the elegant former home of American singer and resistance heroine Josephine Baker, stroll through its manicured gardens, and learn the story of her extraordinary life and her “Rainbow Tribe” of adopted children.

Flavors of the Dordogne. Savor regional specialties such as duck confit, foie gras, black truffles, and walnut tarts—hallmarks of the area’s generous gastronomy.

La Roque-Gageac. Explore this postcard-perfect village nestled into limestone cliffs above the Dordogne River, one of the most photographed villages in France.

Domme. Continue to this bastide village perched high above the valley, offering sweeping panoramic views and a fascinating underground cave system.

A river perspective. End the day with a peaceful boat ride aboard a traditional gabbarre—historic market boats once used along the river—before returning to Sarlat for the night.

Lascaux IV. Step back to the dawn of human creativity with a visit to Lascaux IV, a state-of-the-art replica showcasing vivid Paleolithic paintings created over 17,000 years ago.

Rouffignac Cave. After lunch, continue to the Rouffignac Cave—known as the “Cave of 100 Mammoths”—and board a small electric train that glides through its vast underground galleries.

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Conclude the day in the heart of France’s prehistoric heritage with a visit to the National Prehistory Museum, offering an insightful overview of the region’s UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures.

Rocamadour. Embark on a journey to Rocamadour, a dramatic cliffside village that has drawn pilgrims for centuries, and visit the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, home to the revered Black Madonna, with its chapels and sacred stairway.

Local traditions. After lunch, stop at a local goat farm to discover the art of traditional chèvre-making and enjoy tastings of fresh, creamy cheeses.

Aerial perspective. Cap off the day with a magical hot air balloon ride above Rocamadour, offering unforgettable views of the village and its striking natural surroundings.

Return journey. Return to Bordeaux for an overnight stay or continue on an evening train back to Paris.

Pessac-Léognan discoveries. Enhance your wine journey with a visit to the Pessac-Léognan appellation, featuring exclusive tastings at prestigious estates such as Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Château Pape Clément.

Vineyard by e-bike. Enjoy a scenic e-bike ride through Bordeaux’s vineyards, combining gentle exploration with immersive views of the surrounding wine landscapes.

River adventure. For a more active experience, opt for kayaking along the Dordogne River, gliding past dramatic limestone cliffs and hilltop castles.

Other French regions. Extend your Bordeaux and Dordogne journey with a curated exploration of Paris, the Champagne region, the Loire Valley’s fairytale castles, or any other region of France.