Jewels of South West France

Itinerary

Day 1 Bordeaux – Arcachon Bay – Biarritz

Where better to begin our journey than Bordeaux? After meeting the group, 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. Then: to round off our first day, we’ll gather together in Biarritz for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Htel Georges VI (or similar)

Day 2 Biarritz – Bayonne – Biarritz

Today weve a full day to spend taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, well indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. While were here, well discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum where well indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Accommodation: Htel Georges VI (or similar)

Day 3 Biarritz – Lourdes – Midi-Pyrenees

Today we’ll turn to the east – and (briefly) on to beautiful Pau. We’ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrnes region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes – where we’ll see the likes of the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we’ll check into comfortable rustic accommodation before tucking into this evening’s dinner.
Accommodation: Hostellerie des Cdres (or similar)

Day 4 Midi-Pyrenees – Cathare Country – Carcassonne

Following the trail of knights, well continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrnes and past picture-perfect bastides. In Cathar country, well visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the regions speciality a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where well enjoy an included dinner together before resting our heads in our hotel one of only two that lie within the old city walls.
Accommodation: Htel Le Donjon (or similar)

Day 5 Carcassonne

Today youll be free to discover Carcassonnes 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 Chteau Comtal and its ramparts, theres plenty to keep you occupied.
Accommodation: Htel Le Donjon (or similar)

Day 6 Carcassonne – Albi

Today well leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the red city of Albi. Here, well get our bearings on a walking tour stopping off at the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum on the way. Set within the Palais de la Berbie, this fascinating museum houses the largest public collection in the world devoted to the Albi painter.
Accommodation: Hostellerie Saint-Antoine (or similar)

Day 7 Albi – Sarlat

This morning well take to the water for a cruise on the River Lot in a traditional wooden gabare boat enjoying unrivalled views of the clifftop village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (recently voted Frances favourite village) as we go. Later, well move on to Sarlat one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne.
Accommodation: Grand Htel de Sarlat (or similar)

Day 8 Sarlat – Beynac-et-Cazenac – Sarlat

On the itinerary today: a stroll through stunning Sarlat, followed by a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac and its magnificently well-preserved medieval chteau which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its clipptop position for nine centuries. Afterwards, well return to Sarlat for dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Htel de Sarlat (or similar)

Day 9 Sarlat – Vezere Valley – Sarlat

Today our travels through the Dordogne will take in 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. After a stop at pretty Les Eyzies village, well 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, well come together for one last farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Grand Htel de Sarlat (or similar)

Day 10 Sarlat – Saint-Emilion – Bordeaux

Well spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-milion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, well have the chance to sample some of the regions heavy reds and say a final sant. Well then return to Bordeaux, where our tour will end.