11-Day Tour of Southwest France Starting from Bordeaux

Today, we journey to the stunning Arcachon Bay, where we will savor fresh oysters paired with local wine from a traditional port cabin. Our next stop is the awe-inspiring Great Dune of Pilat, offering breathtaking views over the bay. In the afternoon, we head to the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz, where you can explore the waterfront promenade and enjoy the local cuisine at your leisure. Our accommodation for the night will be at Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar).

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the French Basque Country with a visit to Bayonne, a city renowned for its art and history. We will explore the Bayonne Ham Museum, a family-run establishment with a legacy spanning three generations, where we will indulge in a ham tasting. Afterward, return to Biarritz for an afternoon of leisure. Our accommodation remains at Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar).

Today, we head east to the charming city of Pau, before continuing through the picturesque Midi-Pyrénées region. Our journey takes us to Lourdes, a town steeped in spiritual significance. Here, we will visit the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto, both revered sites within the Christian faith. In the evening, we will enjoy a delightful dinner and stay at the atmospheric Hotel du Barry (or similar).

Our journey continues through the scenic Midi-Pyrénées, where we will visit a local winery to sample the region's renowned sparkling Blanquette. As we travel through this picturesque landscape, we will pass by charming bastides before arriving in the medieval city of Carcassonne. Here, you will have the evening to explore at your leisure. Our accommodation will be at Hôtel Le Donjon or Mercure Carcassonne Cité (or similar).

Spend the day uncovering the medieval secrets of Carcassonne at your own pace. Explore the UNESCO-listed citadel, with its ancient alleys, passageways, and 52 towers. Visit the Château Comtal and its impressive ramparts. In the evening, we will gather for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and photos of the day's adventures. Our accommodation remains at Hôtel Le Donjon or Mercure Carcassonne Cité (or similar).

Departing from Carcassonne, we travel to the 'red city' of Albi. Here, we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour, taking in the stunning Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile. After some free time for lunch, we will continue to our hotel nestled in a nearby medieval village typical of the Albi region. In the evening, we will savor a sumptuous meal together. Our accommodation will be at Hôtel des Consuls (or similar).

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to wander the charming streets of our medieval village. We then set off for Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne. Along the way, we will stop in several idyllic French villages to stretch our legs and take in the stunning scenery. Our accommodation for the night will be at Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar).

Our journey through the Dordogne leads us to the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave, where we will admire the replica Lascaux Cave II. We then visit the charming village of Les Eyzies before following the 'Royal Road' to a local truffle farm. Here, local guides will teach us how to seek out these rare delicacies, and we will enjoy a tasting session. In the evening, we return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for a farewell dinner. Our accommodation remains at Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar).