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Jewels of Southwest France

4.0/5 Based on 5 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Off The Beaten Track Scenic
Our Price From 5,350 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 117 Per Person
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Bordeaux
 Trip Finishes
Bordeaux
10 Day Jewels of Southwest France Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: France
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BTBBB4

Overview

Read 5 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 10 Day Jewels of Southwest France. Delicious oysters. Exquisite wines. Rich Bayonne ham. Take time to savour the finer things in life on this journey of discovery through Southwest France. Starting in Bordeaux (just a two-hour train journey from Paris), we’ll seek out the region’s gastronomic gems and treasured vineyards – travelling over soaring mountains, along the Atlantic coast, and into enchanting castles and prehistoric caves as we go.

Itinerary

Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we'll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit! Stay: Hôtel de Normandie (or similar) (D)

This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay.

This afternoon, we'll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we'll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure. Stay: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar) (B)

Today we've a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we'll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we'll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we'll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time. Stay: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar) (B)

Today we'll turn to the east – and on to beautiful Pau. We'll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we'll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto – a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we'll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening's included dinner. Stay: Hostellerie des Cèdres (or similar) (B/D)

Following the trail of knights, we'll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we'll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region's speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we'll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Stay: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar) (B)

Today you'll be free to discover Carcassonne's chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there's plenty to keep you occupied.

Later this evening, we'll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day's discoveries. Stay: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar) (B/D)

Today we'll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the 'red city' of Albi. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town - taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go.

Later, we'll move on to Sarlat-la-Canéda - one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne. Stay: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar) (B)

On the itinerary today: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda, followed by a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We'll enjoy some free time to explore the town's magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries.

Afterwards, we'll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town. Stay: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar) (B)

Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We'll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we'll follow the ‘Royal Road', winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm – where local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies.

Tonight, we'll come together and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar) (B/D)

We'll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we'll have the chance to sample some of the region's ‘heavy reds' and say a final santé. We'll then return to Bordeaux, where we'll say our goodbyes. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Savour the tantalising flavours of fresh Arcachon Bay oysters, Bayonne ham, Blanquette de Limoux wine and world-famous Bordeaux reds
  • Admire the famous prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave at Lascaux II
  • Stay in the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel of Carcassonne

  • 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • 9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Jewels of Southwest France' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
5 Reviews
5 Star
20%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
1 Star
A Taste of Bordeaux 1 , VIC, Australia, May 2019
We really enjoyed our Back-Roads tour, we thought it was great that the other travellers were Australian and New Zealanders. The first night accommodation was pretty small but everything else was really good. I would've liked to have early notification of where the tour started and finished so that we organised our accommodation there but that is the ...read more only criticism- everything was really really good.
A taste of Bordeaux 0 , Vic, Australia, May 2019
We really enjoyed our Back-Roads tour, we thought it was great that the other travellers were Australian and New Zealanders. The first night accommodation was pretty small but everything else was really good. I would've liked to have early notification of where the tour started and finished so that we organised our accommodation there but that is the ...read more only criticism- everything was really really good.
Good way to travel 4 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2017
Excellent small group touring, good transport and guide. Good itinerary, good choice of food, nice picnics, great countryside touring, magical.
Amazing places visited! 2 , SA, Australia, Sep 2015
The tour itself was very good and the places visited amazing. I would have preferred a more diverse group of companions.
Easy-paced, very enjoyable 12 , Australia, Sep 2014
This 9-day tour, 'A Taste of Bordeaux', conducted by Back-Roads Touring, was very enjoyable. It was easy-paced, each day's travelling beginning about 8.45 or 9 am. The mantra of the company is 'guided independence', so don't go on these tours if you are not adventurous, and need full-time direction and assistance. You need, also, to be moderately fit. ...read more The coaches are excellent, but they are small, and leg-room is a problem for very tall travellers. And you can't take large, heavy bags! There were 15 in our group and that's one short of the maximum number, so it is very definitely small-group travelling. We certainly took back roads, not motorways, save when absolutely necessary. This opened up pastures green, delightful French villages and towns that travellers do not see in large coach tours. This was a real feature of the trip. Some members of our group were disappointed that the tour director/driver stuck closely to the itinerary, and thought he could have been a little more flexible. Hints were dropped, but I was not aware of anyone asking him directly to be more flexible. The director/driver was very knowledgable, spoke fluent French and was always enthusiastic. The included meals in this tour were a little better than most. All-in-all, a very good tour that I recommend for 'guided-independent' types.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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