Elegant Bordeaux & Basque Journey - French Side Travel

Elegant Bordeaux & Basque Journey

7 Days | Honeymoons & Romance, Wine & Food

This trip begins with arrival in Bordeaux, featuring a private transfer and a guided city tour.

Luxury | From $4,899 pp

Embark on a journey through Bordeaux and the Basque coast, featuring private transfers, guided city tours, wine tastings and scenic explorations. This trip begins with arrival in Bordeaux, featuring a private transfer and a guided city tour. The next day, you explore Arcachon Bay and the Dune of Pilat, followed by an oyster tasting. On the third day, visit Saint-Émilion for a Grand Cru wine tasting. Then, transfer to Biarritz for guided tours of the Basque coast and the countryside villages, including Bayonne, Anglet, Bidart, and Arcangues. The trip ends with a transfer to Biarritz airport for your departure.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Bordeaux

Private Transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Private guided tour in the center of Bordeaux

The former crown jewel of Aquitaine and France, Bordeaux required some restoration to regain prestige and become the glowing city you see today. Now a major European destination, Bordeaux will seduce you with its stunning architecture, its riverside quays, its eventful history, and its delicious gastronomic specialties. Starting at the not-to-be-missed Place de la Bourse, you’ll discover the key highlights of the city’s history, from antiquity to present times.

Then, follow your tour guide along Bordeaux’s cobbled streets where grand monuments might whisper a few secrets in your ear… Complete with anecdotes, your exploration of the historical city center will even follow in the footsteps of some of France’s Great Men such as Michel de Montaigne, Montesquieu, and François Mauriac… without forgetting great ladies like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Marie Brizard.

Don’t forget to bring a camera with you to capture the beauty of the golden limestone buildings, the majestic cathedral, and the charming alleyways, to name but a few of the sights of the tour.

Day 2: Bordeaux

Private guided tour of Arcachon Bay and oyster tasting

Visit beautiful Arcachon Bay with a guide. It is about an hour south of Bordeaux’s downtown.

Arcachon Bay is a sprawling, shallow, area fed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by the largest dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. Climb up to the dune and enjoy this natural wonder with fantastic views from up top on the bay and the Landes forest.

The main attractions in Arcachon are the miles of sandy beaches, the vibrant town center and its markets, and the architecture of the ville d’hiver that boasts rows of belle epoque mansions. There’s an eccentric mix of neoclassical, neo-gothic, colonial, and Swiss chalet styles. In the 19th century, this winter town competed with Alpine retreats was a sanatorium for tuberculosis sufferers.

The bay is also a major center for oyster farming. You’ll visit a local producer and try some paired with local white wine.

Day 3: Saint-Emilion

Private half-day wine tasting and visit in Saint-Emilion

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in Bordeaux for a half-day of discovering Saint-Émilion wines. Enjoy the scenic drive through endless vineyards and rolling hills.

Enjoy a visit and tasting at a cellar, recognized for its Saint-Émilion Grand Crus. Grapes have thrived on this limestone plateau since at least the 16th century.

Day 4: Biarritz

Private transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Train in 1st Class – Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Biarritz

Duration: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

Private Transfer from Biarritz Train Station to Biarritz Center

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer from Biarritz Train Station to Biarritz Center in a premium vehicle.

Day 5 : The Basque Coast

Half-day private guided driving tour in the Basque Coast

Your adventure begins at the Biarritz lighthouse, perched atop a hill, where your guide will unlock the secrets of the Pyrenees’ geologic marvels, the origins of the Basque Country, and even the love story that graced Napoleon III and his young bride.

Next, traverse the magnificent Anglet beach, a gentle stroll between the lush Chiberta golf course and the endless ocean. For those seeking a less sporty pace, savor a coffee or a refreshing beverage as you watch the waves.

Following this, delve into the 1500-year-old tapestry of Bayonne, a fortified city brimming with stories. From its Roman roots to its transformation by Vauban, and even its golden age under English rule, your journey through “Vieux Bayonne” – with its charming cobbled streets and elegant 18th-century houses – will paint a vivid picture of this historic gem.

Day 6: The Basque Countryside

Private guided driving tour to the Basque Countryside

A splendid route through traditional Basque villages and unique landscapes awaits. The interior of the Basque country is brimming with treasures and rich history. We begin our journey in the charming village of Arcangues, which offers stunning views over the golf course and mountains. Your guide can share the village’s captivating history.

Next, we visit Espelette, renowned for its chili peppers enjoyed by chefs worldwide. This village sits between the historical and geographical boundaries of Labourd and Basse Navarre, as the land grows more mountainous.

Exploring beautiful mountain trails, we’ll encounter new sights. The Pas de Roland features a rugged gorge carved by the La Nive River, named after a historic event involving Charlemagne’s nephew.

The route to Bidarray is one of the area’s most breathtaking, allowing us to spot mountain wildlife like vultures, ewes, and pottoks – the ancient Basque horses.

Day 7 : Bordeaux

Private transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a premium vehicle.

End of Our Service

Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!

About This Trip:

    • 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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Intercontinental Bordeaux
Hotel des Quinconces
Hotel de Pavie
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey Hotel & Restaurant Lalique
Hotel Haaitza
Hotel Chais Monnet Cognac

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Luxury

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation (luxury vehicles) | Private Tours | Top Licensed Guides | Meet & Greet | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (hotels, villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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Unique Experiences | Private Transportation | Private Tours | Self-drive | Top Licensed Guides | Authentic & Boutique 4* Accommodation (hotels, apartment rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

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