Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux – Wines and Vines on the Garonne
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Bordeaux, France - Cite du Vin (City of Wine) © Sophie Duboscq
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Bordeaux, France - Bridge © Teddy Verneuil
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Bordeaux, France - Cite du Vin (City of Wine) © Sophie Duboscq
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Bordeaux, France - Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace) © Sophie Duboscq
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Bordeaux, France - Miroir d'eau (Water mirror) © Remy Martineau
Bordeaux; Innovative Architecture, An Immersive Art Scene and Staunchly Savoir-Faire
Both beautiful and historical, Bordeaux is home to the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site. Boasting impressive architecture, one would instantly recognise the perfect symmetry of Place de la Bourse to the sculpted intricacies of palaces. A contemporary addition to this city’s architecture is La Cité du Vin, a museum resembling a wine decanter. Explore this extensive exhibition to uncover the complex world of wine. There are 20 themed sections which immerse visitors in a sensory experience.
Read moreDiscover the intoxicating beauty of the Wine Capital of the World; Bordeaux
Bordeaux is surrounded by France’s largest area of vineyards and the city’s famed wine-making tradition has produced more fine wine than any other region in the world. Cutting through the heart of this city is the River Garonne, the lifeline of Bordeaux that has seen the city develop from a medieval wine trader to a strategic port city during the Age of Enlightenment, to enriching the prestigious vineyards in the surrounding area. The Garonne has been the city’s lifeline since birth.
See the Grand Cru village of Saint-Émilion
Awarded UNESCO world heritage status in 1999, the medieval town of Saint-Émilion is small but perfectly formed, offering visitors the ideal mix of history and excellent food and drink. A lot of the town is underground so join a tour if you want to get a glimpse of the catacombs, the guides hold to keys to the village’s ancient secrets. Built in a natural amphitheatre on top of a limestone hill, surrounded by vineyards, in a site famous for its natural beauty, wine and architecture. Make sure you take a trip up the Bell Tower for beautiful views of the hills and play king of the castle at the King’s Tower, which dates back to the 13th Century. However, it is the ‘nectar of the gods’ as said by Louis XIV, when describing the wines of this area, which are deeply-coloured and full-bodied which draws most visitors so be sure to not miss a tipple or two!
For an alternative tour of another France’s famed wine growing region, why not check out our Regal Reims and Champagne dreams tour.
Dates
Dates throughout 2022
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Bordeaux
Travel to Bordeaux, stopping for an overnight stay, perhaps stop off in Paris or Loire Valley before arriving in Bordeaux on day 2.
Day 2
Bordeaux Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux. The city of Bordeaux is among France’s most exciting, vibrant and dynamic cities. It’s beautiful neoclassical architecture has been restored while world-class architects have designed a bevy of striking new buildings. Furthermore, half the city is UNESCO-listed. It is therefore the largest urban World Heritage site! Steeped in history, and famed for its unique art de vivre, Bordeaux boasts a rich heritage and houses numerous historic and modern monuments. See the Opera house, the pride and joy of the city, the Pey-Berland Tower, the Saint-André Cathedral, the Porte Cailhau, and the Place de la Bourse. Turned towards vast Atlantic horizons, the vibrant district of Bassins à Flot symbolises the Bordeaux of tomorrow. It stretches opposite the Chaban Delmas lift bridge, the city’s new iconic landmark.
Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3
Médoc
Medoc is best known as unique wine-growing region part of the Bordeaux wine region. There are 8 regional or communal appellations that compose the Medoc wine region, the most famous being Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac and Saint Estephe. Drive along the Chateau road, that is lined with some of the most prestigous wineries of the Medoc. First stop with visit of the property and tasting at Chateau du Taillan situated at the gateway of the Medoc area, one of the most attractive vineyards in the Gironde. After the visit, continue the road, the guide will explain the historic facts behind the building of some many estates in this area and stop along the way for great photo opportunities.
As you arrive in Pauillac, enjoy a lunch on your own. (your guide will point out the different options). After lunch, it will be time to slowly make a way back towards Bordeaux. Along the way, you will stop in two different carefully selected wineries: Chateau Kirwan and Chateau Giscours
Day 4
Arcachon
This morning, you will drive to Arcachon and the Dune of Pilat. The Dune of Pilat, situated at the entrance of the Bay of Arcachon, opposite the Point of Cap Ferret, is the biggest sand formation of Europe. Measuring 105 meters high, 2700 meters long, 500 meters wide and with a volume of 20 million cubic meters of sand, the “Big Dune” is the most visited spot of the coastal area. In Arcachon, the charm of the ending 19th century can still be experienced by strolling through the “Ville d’Hiver” district, where well-known architects left their impressive traces by building extravagant villas. During the visit of Arcachon, enjoy Oyster tasting. In the afternoon, embark on a journey to explore the cultures and civilications of wines, in a new generation museum in Bordeaux, la Cité du Vin.
Day 5
Saint-Émilion
The medieval village of Saint-Émilion is built in a natural amphitheatre on top of a limestone hill, surrounded by vineyards, in a site famous for its natural beauty, wine and architecture. Described as ‘nectar of the gods’ by Louis XIV, the wines of this area are deeply-coloured and full-bodied. Optional tour of a château and wine tastings are possible.
Day 6-7
Departure
It’s time to leave Bordeaux behind, but you can always take some wine with you! Begin your journey back to the UK, stopping for an overnight before reaching the UK on day 7.
Suggested hotels
Novotel Bordeaux Lac ****
Overlooking Le Lac lake, this hotel is 6 km from Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and 7 km from Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux. The rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some have lake views, pull-out sofas and/or rainfall showers. Parking is available. Other amenities include a relaxed restaurant, a bar/lounge and a terrace, plus an outdoor pool and a gym.
ibis Bordeaux Centre Bastide ***
A 4-minute walk from a tram stop, this hotel is 2 km from the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and 3 km from the Cité du Vin museum. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks and wood floors. Upgraded rooms add sofabeds. There is a bar/lounge featuring light meals and floor-to-ceiling windows. Parking and a breakfast buffet available.
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| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2022 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Alternative dates and method of transport are available – please enquire for more details
