The southwest is one of the most enchanting areas of France. Indulge in the splendor of Biarritz and the charm of Saint-jean-de-Luz in the Basque region. Let your inner wine connoisseur delight in the history and wine of Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux! This unique itinerary offers you the best of Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast.
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Day 1
Your Luxury Tour of France, Day 1: Biarritz
Welcome to Biarritz—the diamond of the Basque coast! Just eleven miles from the border of Spain, Biarritz has a laid back vibe with its sandy beaches, surfers and of course, incredible Basque cooking!
In the past, Biarritz was a favorite destination of royalty, the rich and famous and even Napoleon III. Once a small whaling town, it became a fashionable summer resort when Napoleon’s wife, the Empress Eugenie, fell in love with the area and her husband built her a castle by the sea.
Relax as you bask in the sunshine on the Grande Plage or the horseshoe-shaped Plage du Port-Vieux! Perhaps you will ramble along the Promenade du Bord de Mer, with its paths carved into the cliffs above the ocean. Enjoy the fresh seafood and nibble on some tapas as you sit on the terrace of one of Biarritz’s fine restaurants. Of course, there is time to tempt “lady luck” at the casino this evening. Overnight in Biarritz.
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Day 2
Basque Region Tour, Day 2: Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Delight in a leisurely breakfast before setting off for the charming fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Located on the coast, just a few miles from Spain, this village boasts a long, sandy beach and an active fishing port. Admire the traditional Basque architecture around the charming squares, including Place Louis XIV. This is where the famous king spent some time before marrying Spain’s princess Marie-Thérese at the nearby Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 1660. If you are visiting in the summer and rest and relaxation are on your agenda, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. Adventure seekers should climb to the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the coastline.
Otherwise, indulge in some lunch before continuing on to the villages of Sare and Ainhoa. Both in the heart of the Basque country, these inviting villages take you back in time. Wander past the half-timbered houses with their shutters painted in the traditional red and green of the Basque flag. A bit of shopping and a stop in a café are in order before returning to Biarritz for dinner, drinks and a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Biarritz
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Day 3
Wine Tasting Tour, Day 3: Saint-Emilion
Delight in a leisurely breakfast before setting off for the charming fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Located on the coast, just a few miles from Spain, this village boasts a long, sandy beach and an active fishing port. Admire the traditional Basque architecture around the charming squares, including Place Louis XIV. This is where the famous king spent some time before marrying Spain’s princess Marie-Thérese at the nearby Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste in 1660. If you are visiting in the summer and rest and relaxation are on your agenda, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. Adventure seekers should climb to the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the coastline.
Otherwise, indulge in some lunch before continuing on to the villages of Sare and Ainhoa. Both in the heart of the Basque country, these inviting villages take you back in time. Wander past the half-timbered houses with their shutters painted in the traditional red and green of the Basque flag. A bit of shopping and a stop in a café are in order before returning to Biarritz for dinner, drinks and a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Biarritz
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Day 4
French Food and Wine Tour, Day 4: Saint-Emilion
The vineyards are calling! Admire the beauty of the landscape and spend the day among the vines, drinking in the atmosphere-and the wine! Meet the winemakers in their limestone at their estates and discover the complex and robust reds in this, the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region. Overnight in Saint-Emilion.
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Day 5
Luxury Tour of France, Day 5: Bordeaux
Welcome to Bordeaux! Whether shopping on the Cours de l’Intendance with its luxury boutiques and fancy food shops or exploring the city’s winding cobblestone streets, Bordeaux happily toasts your arrival! Educate your palate at the Bordeaux Wine School (Ecole du Vin) or visit the famous Grand Théatre with its elaborately carved façade and Corinthian style columns. Indulge in some authentic southwestern cuisine at “La Tupina” with its hand-written wine list and open fireplace. Overnight Bordeaux.
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Day 6
Day 6: Depart for Paris and Beyond.
Bid adieu to Bordeaux as you take the TGV (or flight) to Paris. If you haven’t had quite enough time in beautiful Bordeaux, we suggest adding on a day or two for more wine exploration in the Médoc wine region! Contact us or see our Bordeaux Wine Country Tour for more suggestions. If you can dream it, we can make it happen!
If you can dream it, we can make it happen!
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