Summary
From elegant Bordeaux and the vineyard-covered hills of Saint-Émilion to the prehistoric landscapes of the Dordogne and the Atlantic beauty of Basque-inspired Biarritz, the cultural riches of southwestern France unfold through historic villages, celebrated cuisine, and ever-changing scenery shaped by centuries of tradition. Along quiet riverbanks, beneath limestone cliffs, and beside rolling vineyards, discover a region where daily life moves at a gentler rhythm and every landscape tells a story.
Explore Bordeaux's grand boulevards and immersive wine culture at La Cité du Vin before venturing into the countryside of medieval Saint-Émilion, where cobbled streets and vineyard views reveal the enduring heritage of French winemaking. In the Dordogne, storybook villages, hilltop castles, and traces of prehistoric life create one of France's most evocative regions. Enjoy early access to Château de Beynac overlooking the Dordogne River, a private visit to Lascaux IV with its extraordinary cave art recreations, and an exclusive dinner at the museum that brings the experience vividly to life. During a stay in Les Eyzies, dine at Michelin-starred Le 1862 – Les Glycines, where refined seasonal cuisine reflects the depth and character of the region. The journey continues west to the Atlantic coast, where Arcachon's seaside scenery gives way to the elegance of Biarritz and the distinct cultural traditions of the Basque Country. In Saint-Jean-de-Luz and along the coast, colorful harbors, ocean views, and a strong regional identity reveal a France both sophisticated and deeply rooted in place. From Bordeaux's wine heritage to the timeless landscapes of the Dordogne and the relaxed glamour of Biarritz, the memories made along the way are unforgettable.
Itinerary & Map
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles...
Full description
Arrive Bordeaux
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Dates & prices
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Departs
Thu 20 May 2027
from £7,190 pp
Enquire now Call 020 7590 0610Per person, based on two sharing, cruise only. Updated daily and confirmed when you book.