Bordeaux and Beyond

Image by Alex Olzheim – Pixabay

Day 1.

Bordeaux is a vibrant city, renowned for its culture, gastronomy and wine culture, history, and stunning architecture. It serves as the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is situated along the Garonne River.

This morning we will meet in the lobby and depart for a morning discovery of the heritage of the city with our local guide. The historic center of Bordeaux is also a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include Place de la Bourse, the Water Mirror, the historic Porte Cailhau, and Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux.

Free time for lunch on your own.

We will travel a short distance to the stunning building that is the Cité du Vin. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble the swirl of wine in a glass

La Cité du Vin was created to celebrate the viticulture, history and terroir. Everything to know about wine making and wine culture is here. We will enjoy a private guided tour and conclude our session with a wine tasting class and free time to explore on your own.

We will return to the hotel late afternoon.

Dinner as a group this evening.

Day 2.

Bordeaux is not only a center for the wine industry, it also also known for its gastronomy. Many sweet treats originated in the area also such as Macarons (origins in Saint Emilion), Dunes Blanches (delightful choux pastries) and Canalés (a Bordeaux specialty- think dense, caramelized vanilla cake with rum!). Today we will participate in a private Bordeaux pastry class and create some sweet treats on our own. We will learn everything from A-Z about Dunes blanches and Canalés. Recipes will be provided at the end of the class for you to take home.

Lunch on your own.

Before we depart the city, we will visit the Bassins des Lumières, the spectacular immersive digital art center, housed in a former World War II submarine base. This ingenious art installation will astound.

Late this afternoon we will arrive at the wonderful Chateau Fage, situated in the picturesque landscape of Saint-Emilion, our home for the next five nights. The château’s heritage reflects the deep connection between the land, the people, and the art of wine making. Surrounded by beautifully maintained vineyards we will have an opportunity to discover first-hand what makes this estate so special.

Dinner as a group at the hotel.

Image by Sergey Nemo -Pixabay

Day 3.

Today we are off to discover Cognac! Nestled in the Charente region just north of Bordeaux, Cognac is a charming and historic town that exudes a unique blend of rustic elegance and cultural richness. The town is world-renowned for its production of Cognac, the exquisite brandy that bears its name, which has been distilled here for centuries. Producers such as Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin are among some of the well-known brands who continue to produce the prized spirit.

The town’s picturesque streets are lined with well-preserved stone buildings, many of which date back to the 18th century, reflecting the wealth and prosperity brought by the Cognac trade.

Enjoy some free time for lunch and to explore on your own.

After lunch we will visit one of the grand Cognac houses for a private tour and tasting.

Return to Chateau Fage late afternoon where you will have some free time to relax before dinner at the hotel.

Image by Jordy Meow – Pixabay

Day 4.

Today we will discover more delights of the UNESCO listed Greater Saint-Émilion region with a visit to the delightful, picturesque medieval town of Saint-Émilion! Known for its Grand Cru wines, many prestigious vineyards and châteaux are just a short distance from the town center. One of the most striking features of Saint-Émilion is its monolithic church, the Église Monolithe, which is carved directly into a limestone cliff.

Our local guide will share its centuries-old history as we explore this delightful town.

Enjoy lunch on your own and some free time in the historic town center.

This afternoon we will visit a wine domaine for a private tour and wine tasting.

Return to the hotel late afternoon.

Dinner at the hotel.

Image by NoName_13 – Pixabay

Day 5.

Today is Market day in Libourne! Many of the Saint-Émilion Michelin-star chefs come to this market every week to source the best produce. With 100 stalls brimming with delicious produce and delectable treats, to arts, crafts and everything in between, this is a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday morning in wine country!
The town of Libourne originally served as a bastide, or fortified town, designed to protect trade routes and facilitate commerce, particularly in wine. Established in 1270 by a lieutenant of the King of England at the time, the town’s rich, medieval history is still visible today with its cobblestone streets, narrow, winding lane ways and stone buildings.

Lunch on your own.

Return to the hotel after lunch.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time or perhaps you might like to take a walk in the vineyards with the Chateau Fage’s head vigneron to learn about the important of terroir, climate and wine production in the area.

Dinner at the hotel this evening.

Image by Siggy Nowak – Pixabay

Day 6.

Today we will travel to the medieval town of Perigueux established in 1240. Located in the Périgord region, the town is rich in Gallo-Roman history. The Byzantine Saint Front Cathedral is built on the El Camino de Santiago (Compostela di Santiago) or in English: the Saint James Way and is an important stop for pilgrims following the route each year.

We will visit Versunna, the Gallo-Roman museum with its incredible insight into Roman life in ancient Gaul, yet housed in an architectural modern masterpiece.

Enjoy lunch as a group where some of the region’s well-known produce such as foie gras, truffle and walnuts will be offered!

There will be some free time to discover the town center at your leisure after lunch.

This afternoon we will return to Chateau Fage through the stunning Pomerol area of Saint-Émilion.

Dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 7.

Following another delicious breakfast at Chateau Fage, we will check out and travel to the historic town of Blaye to discover the wines and history on the right bank of the Gironde river.

We will visit Chateau Eyquem whose Côtes de Bourg estate’s first vines were planted by the Romans. The chateau itself is a prestigious 17th century mansion, now home to the domain’s owners. Based at the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, the château overlooks the Gironde estuary’s magnificent landscape. We will enjoy a private tour and wine tasting.

We will travel to the center of Blaye to visit the historic citadel and enjoy lunch as a group.
Designed in the 17th century, the citadel’s primary purpose was to protect Bordeaux from naval attacks and to control access to the river, which was a crucial trade route at the time. Part of the fortress visit includes a guided journey into the casemates, the underground tunnels which housed munitions and sheltered troops during sieges.

You will have some free time to discover the ramparts with the breathtaking views of the Gironde estuary and the surrounding countryside, as well as the former parade grounds and barracks which now are host to boutiques and cafes.

We will continue onto Bordeaux and check into our hotel.

Dinner on your own this evening.

Image by JonathanRieder – Pixabay

Day 8.

Today is a free day for you to continue exploring central Bordeaux. The opportunities to discover Bordeaux’s rich history are endless! From the Marché des Capucins (Bordeaux’s largest and oldest market) to its incredible museums and historic district; you will not be short of discoveries!
Why not visit the Musée d’Aquitaine which provides insight into the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from prehistoric times though the medieval period and into the modern era.

Alternatively, you might like to discover something more modern such as CAPC (Musée d’Art Contemporain – Contemporary Art museum). The museum features an impressive collection of modern art, including works by prominent French and international artists. Or why not head over to what the locals call Darwin – the Darwin Ecosystem. A former military barracks now transformed into a sustainable urban development with cafes, bookstores, urban organic farm, co-working spaces, innovation hub, upcycling and recycling boutiques, and much more.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 9.

Today, we will travel westward to the Atlantic coast, venturing into the renowned Médoc wine region. Our route will take us through a picturesque coastal pine forest, leading us toward the stunning shoreline.

We will stop en route at a family-owned local cooperage, in existence since 1902, to learn about the important role that wood plays in wine ageing and more about the skills and traditions applied by the master coopers.

Following our visit, we will continue onto the vibrant seaside resort town of Lacanau-Océan. Discover its vast, sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and stroll along the beachfront promenade, where charming boutiques and inviting cafes await, all set against the backdrop of a relaxed, surf-inspired atmosphere.

Lunch as a group overlooking the beach and ocean in Lacanau-Océan.

As we make our way back to Bordeaux, we will stop at a local winery to sample some of the local wines. See you if can compare the difference between one side of the Garonne river to the other!

Return to the hotel late afternoon.

A special Bon Voyage dinner as a group at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 10. We sadly bid ‘au revoir’ to Bordeaux today.

Breakfast at the hotel prior to check out this morning.

Transfers to either Bordeaux-Mérignac airport or Bordeaux St Jean SNCF train station will be arranged.