Bordeaux and Dordogne Ultimate Experience

Bordeaux and Dordogne Ultimate Experience

Discover the soul
of southwestern France

Bordeaux enchants with its elegant vineyards, UNESCO-listed treasures, and the sun-drenched Arcachon coast, framed by dramatic sand dunes.


Journey through the famed Médoc region, home to prestigious estates like Château Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, and Latour. Explore the legendary wine villages of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, and venture to Cognac for a taste of its iconic spirit.

Just beyond Bordeaux, the Dordogne Valley awaits with its postcard-perfect medieval villages, like Rocamadour, and astonishing prehistoric cave art in Lascaux and Rouffignac. Towering castles, including the mighty Château de Beynac, line the Dordogne River, echoing tales from the Hundred Years’ War. This region is also a haven for food lovers, offering specialties like duck confit, foie gras, and black truffles, and a playground for outdoor adventures—from kayaking to hiking through serene countryside.

  • 1–8 Days
  • Private guided experience
  • Bordeaux, Dordogne
How we design your journey

Every journey is designed as a Signature or Premium Experience, shaped around your preferred level of comfort, personalization, and exclusivity.

We arrange seamless transfers, private chauffeurs, and expert local guides, along with curated hotel, restaurant, and activity reservations. Learn more in Our Concept.


ITINERARY

01

Bordeaux and a Gourmet Tour

Arrival in Bordeaux. Take a first-class train ride (around 1 hour from Paris) to Bordeaux and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

Historic heart of the city. Explore Bordeaux on a guided walking tour through its historic center, visiting landmarks such as Place de la Bourse and the scenic riverfront. Alternatively, opt for a bike tour to discover more of the city, including the Cité du Vin and the Bassins à Flot district.

Gourmet tour or cooking class. Indulge in a food tasting tour to savor local specialties, including foie gras, fresh produce at the Marché des Capucins, and sturgeon caviar from the Aquitaine region. Alternatively, take a private cooking class with a local French chef.

Exceptional wines and culture. Join a Grand Cru Classés workshop and taste renowned wines, including a Premier Grand Cru. Alternatively, visit the Cité du Vin, an immersive wine museum, or enjoy visual art at the Bordeaux Fine Arts Museum or MECA, a contemporary art hub offering panoramic views of the Garonne River.

Boat cruise, Opera or Spa. Choose to end your day with a romantic dinner cruise on the Garonne River, an evening performance at the Bordeaux Opera House, or a moment of relaxation at a spa.

Overnight. Stay overnight in an elegant hotel in the historical center of Bordeaux.

    02

    The Médoc Castles Wine Route

    Estate visits and tastings. Explore three renowned Classified Growth or Cru Bourgeois estates, where expert sommeliers reveal the history and techniques behind exceptional wines.

    Gastronomy with a view. Enjoy gourmet French cuisine with a local twist in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, overlooking the vineyards and the Garonne River.

    Icons of the Médoc. Visit iconic châteaux such as Château Margaux and Château Palmer, experiencing their grandeur and tasting wines that define Bordeaux’s legacy.

      03

      Arcachon Bay and the Dune Du Pilat

      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.

        04

        Saint-Emilion and Pomerol

        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.

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


        Overnight. Stay in an elegant hotel in the heart of Bordeaux region.

          05

          Cognac

          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.

            06

            Dordogne and the Valley of the Five Châteaux

            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.


            Overnight and Spa. Stay overnight in an elegant hotel in the historical center, in a traditional auberge in the Dordogne valley or in a resort with a relaxing Spa.

              07

              Prehistoric Caves and Paintings

              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.

              Overnight. Stay overnight in an elegant hotel in the historical center of Sarlat, in a private mansion or in a traditional auberge in the Dordogne valley.

                08

                Rocamadour and Return to Bordeaux or Paris

                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. Stay overnight in Rocamadour or Sarlat, return to Bordeaux for the evening, or continue your journey on an evening train to Paris.

                  09

                  Optional Experiences

                  Kayaking on the Dordogne River. For a touch of adventure, glide along the majestic Dordogne River by kayak, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush landscapes, and hilltop castles.

                  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.

                  Hot-Air Balloon or Helicopter Flight. Admire the vineyards and rolling landscapes of Bordeaux or dramatic perched castles of Dordogne from above during an unforgettable hot-air balloon or helicopter ride.

                  Truffle Hunting. Join local experts in the forests of Périgord for a traditional truffle hunt, followed by tastings of one of France’s most prized delicacies.

                  Vineyard by e-bike. Enjoy a scenic e-bike ride through Bordeaux’s vineyards or Dordogne's villages and valleys, combining gentle exploration with immersive views of the surrounding landscapes.

                  Professional Photo Shoot. Immortalize your memories with a professional photo shoot set in the iconic scenery of Paris or among the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux.

                  Other French regions. Extend your Bordeaux & Dordogne journey with a curated exploration of Lyon, Toulouse, Carcasson, Provence, French Riviera or any other region of France.

                    Practical information

                    Each journey is fully tailored to your pace and can be designed as a Signature or Premium Experience, depending on your preferred level of comfort, personalization, and exclusivity. Learn more in Our Concept.

                    A professional driver and expert local guide accompany you throughout, while we handle all reservations and logistics — accommodations, transfers, restaurants, tastings, and activities — for a seamless experience.

                    Benefit from 24/7 English-speaking support during your travels and a flexible cancellation policy. Learn more in our FAQ.

                    Panoramic view of Rocamadour, a medieval village built into the cliffs of the Lot Valley in southwestern France
                    Rocamadour, Dordogne

                    Curated Bordeaux & Dordogne Tours

                    Traditional stone houses of La Roque-Gageac built into cliffs along the Dordogne River in southwestern France

                    Bordeaux and Dordogne Ultimate Experience

                    • 1-8 Days

                    Uncork the spirit of Southwest France—where grand wine châteaux, prehistoric caves, and unforgettable flavors come together in one epic journey.

                    Ancient cave painting of horses in earthy tones from the Lascaux Cave in southwestern France

                    Dordogne Curated Journey

                    • 4 Days/3 Nights
                    • Dordogne Valley, Rocamadour, Lascaux IV & Rouffignac caves, Sarlat-la-Canéda, La Roque-Gageac, Domme

                    Medieval castles perched on high cliffs, stunning views, prehistoric cave art, and regional delights like foie gras and truffles await you.

                    Paris and Bordeaux Experience

                    • 7 Days / 6 Nights
                    • Paris, Versailles, Sainte-Emilion, Médoc, Pomerol

                    Paris, Versailles, Sainte-Emilion, Médoc, Pomerol

                    Bordeaux Wine Day Journeys

                    • 1 Day
                    • Bordeaux, France

                    Enjoy a private day trip from Paris or Bordeaux to one of the legendary wine regions—Médoc, Saint-Émilion, or Pessac-Léognan. Taste Grand Crus, discover historic châteaux and the art of winemaking.