Adventurous 5-Day Trip: Bordeaux & Dordogne Exploration
Premium | From $3,299 pp
Day by Day
Day 1: Bordeaux
Pick Up Rental Car in Bordeaux
At your arrival, a rental car will be at your disposal for the length of your stay. Thus, you can move freely and comfortably. On the day of departure, you will drop off the vehicle at the same place.
Private Guided Tour of Street Art in the Chartrons
Come and discover one of the most picturesque areas of Bordeaux in a different light, thanks to a variety of Street artists. Follow your guide from the Garonne riverside straight to the heart of the Chartrons to understand how this unmissable district of the city has become a popular hub for Bordelais and street artists alike.
Former wine-trading quarter coveted for its proximity with the quays of Bordeaux’s port, the Chartrons started to develop north of the city-centre from the 17th century. This renowned faubourg, initially distinct from Bordeaux, became increasingly prosperous, often attracting a foreign population with a very different identity than the city’s inhabitants. So, it’s not actually that surprising that various street artists, whose expression of art is somewhat non-standard, seized the walls of the Chartrons, a district full of charm, stories to tell and surfaces to paint.
From the quays of the Garonne to the antique dealers of Rue Notre Dame, whilst passing by the old wine storehouses, you will observe the work of renowned artists such as Clet, A-MO, Mr Poulet and Alber. This artistic exploration of the Chartrons, sprinkled with history and anecdotes is the perfect way to (re)discover this charming area in a fun and original manner.
Day 2: Arcachon
Visit and Oyster Tasting on the Deck at an Authentic Farm in the Cap Ferret.
Enjoy a warm and original reception from the actual grower and a sensory exploration of a weird and wonderful universe, the oyster beds. Discover the farming methods and an “au naturel” oyster tasting on the deck.
This outstanding location opposite bird island has a superb view of the Pyla Dune. In a traditional oyster farming village, the top quality produce guarantees a few delightful moments of relaxation and enlightenment.
Visit the land production site with a presentation of the Arcachon bay, oyster biology, and farming.
Tasting a dozen oysters each on the deck, in the farmer’s shack, or on the waterfront. The oysters are accompanied by wine, lemon, bread and butter – you can also follow a local custom and include some “paté.” And depending on the supply, you can top up with whelks, shrimps and clams.
An Unforgettable Paragliding Ride above The Dune du Pyla
During this flight, you will have the opportunity to fly over the Dune du Pyla, to take the controls of the paraglider and even to feel the effect of the amazing movements made by your instructor.
Once in the air, your face will light up with a wide smile and you will only want to come back down to Earth!
The flight will be adapted according to your feelings of the moment. It is quite possible to make only a quiet ride for the most contemplative, a flight entirely centered on the learning of the piloting for the most curious, or an eventful ride from the beginning to the end for the most daring!
Day 3: Bergerac
Make your way to the Dordogne region
Private visit to Château Fonplégade with tasting – Saint-Émilion grand cru classé
Château Fonplégade is recognized for its fine Saint-Émilion Grand Crus. It represents the purest expression of Saint-Émilion’s terroir. Grapes have thrived on this limestone plateau since at least the 16th century. The vineyards were purchased in 1852 by the wine merchant Jean-Pierre Beylot who built the elegant château. Current owners Denise and Stephen Adams acquired Château Fonplégade in 2004. They have revitalized the vineyards, renovated the cellar, and lovingly restored the château. They received organic farming certification in 2013. Their model demonstrates how biodiverse and holistic agriculture can help to elevate fine wines. Besides the vineyards, the estate boasts honeybees, chickens, and sheep!
Suggestion: Exploring Bergerac
Bergerac is Dordogne’s largest wine appellation. This area is home to more than a dozen Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOCs), covering red, white, and rosé variations. The most famous is the white Monbazillac and the deep red Montravel. You can learn all about the region’s fine wines at the Maison des Vins.
The charming city of Bergerac is worth exploring. The Notre Dame and Saint-Jacques Churches are among its highlights. The historic district is characterized by half-timbered houses. The Place Pélissière is a wonderful spot for lunch or a drink. The Musée du Tabac is a curious stop that explores tabacco’s cultural, sociological, and historical impact. It is housed in a 17th-century château.
Day 4: Sarlat - Montignac - Vezac
One-Hour Small Shared Guided Group Tour of the Lascaux Caves
In a well-known story, the Lascaux caves were discovered in 1940 by a group of teenagers who were searching for their dog. After the end of the second world war the caves were opened to the public, to great acclaim, but then were closed in 1963 because the paintings were being damaged by the breath of thousands of visitors.
The cave paintings at Lascaux are mostly pictures of large animals. There are also some carvings of animals to be seen, and a few images of people, most notably in a sequence that seems to represent a bison hunt. In total there are more than 1000 images in the cave system, and their vibrancy and color make them the prehistoric equivalent of the Sistine Chapel – except they were painted in almost complete darkness!
A copy of the caves was created nearby so that visitors to Lascaux could still appreciate the caves. Known as Lascaux II, the ‘reproduction’ caves are a copy of most of the prehistoric paintings contained in the original Lascaux caves, 200 meters away. As far as possible the same materials – natural pigments, etc – and techniques have been used for the copies as for the originals.
River cruise tour on the Dordogne River
Enjoy a cruise on the Dordogne River, on a traditional boat. You will discover some of the best known sites of this region. The cruise offers a unique insight into the history of Périgord and its castles, as well as an original way to discover nature and its flora and fauna.
Day 5: Monbazillac
Guided visit of Rocamadour
This guided tour will help you discover the hidden treasures of the rich heritage of Rocamadour.
Discover the pilgrimage and fortress village of Rocamadour which has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne. The village is renowned for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has brought pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles.
Here, follow your guide and visit the renowned Notre Dame Chapel, part of an extraordinary 13th-century chapel complex perched on a cliff and one of the most dramatic pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Drop off Your Car Before Heading Home
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About this Trip
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- Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
- This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
- Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.
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