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6‑Week Southwest France Adventure

Viewed by 80 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux

Morning: Arrive at Bordeaux‑Mérignac Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along Place de la Bourse to soak in the riverside atmosphere.

Afternoon: Enjoy a welcome lunch of local specialties at a bistro near Rue Saint‑Pierre. Then explore the impressive Bordeaux Cathedral and its surrounding gardens.

Evening: Savor a dinner of duck confit at a traditional restaurant. Finish the night with a riverside walk along the Garonne, watching the illuminated façade of the Grand Théâtre.

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Day 2: Bordeaux City Exploration

Morning: Begin with a guided tour of the iconic Place du Palais and its historic buildings. Stop for coffee at a café overlooking the Place de la Victoire.

Afternoon: Visit the world‑renowned Wine Museum (Cité du Vin) and enjoy a tasting session. Continue to the Jardin Public for a relaxing stroll.

Evening: Dine in the lively Chartrons district, sampling local wines. End the night at a lively bar on Rue du Languedoc for a nightcap.

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Day 3: Day trip to Saint‑Émilion

Morning: Take a short train ride to Saint‑Émilion and wander its medieval streets. Visit the Monolithic Church and learn its history.

Afternoon: Join a wine‑tasting tour at a historic Château for a tasting of Premier Cru wines. Enjoy a light lunch at a local vineyard café.

Evening: Return to Bordeaux. Dine at a riverside restaurant with a view of the illuminated Pont de Pierre.

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Day 4: Arcachon & Dune du Pilat

Morning: Travel to the coastal town of Arcachon and wander its market. Grab a fresh pastry at a local bakery.

Afternoon: Ascend the towering Dune du Pilat for breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic. Take time for a sand‑surf session.

Evening: Enjoy fresh oysters at a beachfront restaurant in Cap Ferret. Return to Arcachon for a quiet night on the waterfront.

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Day 5: Dune of Pilat & Bordeaux to the Dordogne

Morning: After breakfast, drive into the Dordogne Valley, stopping at the medieval town of Bergerac for a coffee break.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Château de Monbazillac and its renowned sweet wines. Enjoy a picnic along the Dordogne River.

Evening: Check in to a charming stone‑farm inn near Sarlat‑La‑Canéda. Dinner features local foie gras and truffles.

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Day 6: Sarlat‑La‑Canéda

Morning: Stroll the medieval streets of Sarlat, admiring its Gothic architecture and markets. Sample the famous truffle tart at a local bakery.

Afternoon: Visit the Grotte de Lascaux to see prehistoric cave paintings. Take a guided tour of the site.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant overlooking the River Célé. Enjoy a quiet evening in the town’s square.

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Day 7: Dordogne River Cruise

Morning: Embark on a boat cruise down the Dordogne River, passing historic châteaux and verdant hills. Spot swallows and the occasional river‑otter.

Afternoon: Stop at the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac for lunch and a walk through the narrow streets. Continue the cruise to the fortified town of Domme.

Evening: Return to Sarlat. Enjoy a dinner of duck confit and local wines.

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Day 8: Périgord Noir – Beynac

Morning: Visit the cliff‑top Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress with panoramic views. Learn the history of the Hundred Years’ War.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the village of Les Eyzies, famed for its prehistoric sites. Explore the National Museum of Prehistory.

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Day 9: Lascaux IV & Montignac

Morning: Visit the Lascaux IV museum for a modern, immersive experience of prehistoric art. Enjoy the multimedia exhibits.

Afternoon: Wander the charming town of Montignac. Savor a traditional duck dish for dinner.

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Day 10: Transfer to the Basque Country – Bayonne

Morning: Drive to Bay < b> Bayonne via the scenic Route des Légendes. Stop at a local market for fresh fruit.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Bayonne Cathedral and its ornate façade. Walk along the Adour River.

Evening: Enjoy Basque cuisine, especially the famous pintxos, in the Old Town.

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Day 11: Basque Country – Biarritz

Morning: Take a train to Biarritz and walk the famous Grand Plage. Sunbathe on the sandy beach.

Afternoon: Visit the Rocher de la Vierge and enjoy the ocean panorama. Explore the coastal promenade.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant, tasting fresh seafood.

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Day 12: Basque Country – Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz

Morning: Visit the charming village of Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz, with its 13th‑century church. Stroll the narrow lanes.

Afternoon: Visit the Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz Market for local cheeses and olives.

Evening: Enjoy a Basque dinner with a glass of Txakoli wine.

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Day 13: Pyrenees – Saint‑Lary‑Soulan

Morning: Drive to the Pyrenees for a day in Saint‑Lary‑Soulan. Walk the Mounts of the Pyrenees trails.

Afternoon: Take a short hike to the Lake Lagrange for a scenic view.

Evening: Warm up with a hearty mountain stew at a local chalet.

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Day 14: Pamplona, Spain (day trip)

Morning: Cross the border to Pamplona for a day trip. Walk the historic Plaza del Castillo.

Afternoon: Visit the Pamplona Cathedral and the Renaissance palace of the Governor.

Evening: Return to the Basque region for a restful night.

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Day 15: Return to Bayonne – Relax

Morning: Leisurely morning, enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Afternoon: Relax at the hotel or take a short coastal walk.

Evening: Farewell dinner featuring Basque specialties and live music.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Place de la Bourse – 1 hour – €0
  • Bordeaux Cathedral – 1.5 hours – €8 (entrance)
  • Cité du Vin – 2 hours – €20 (ticket)
  • Saint‑Émilion Monolithic Church – 1 hour – €5
  • Château de Monbazillac – 2 hours – €15 (tour)
  • Dune du Pilat – 2 hours – €10 (parking)
  • Grotte de Lascaux – 2 hours – €25
  • Château de Beynac – 1.5 hours – €12
  • Bayonne Cathedral – 1 hour – €0
  • Grand Plage (Biarritz) – 2 hours – €0
  • Saint‑Lary‑Soulan hiking – 3 hours – €0
  • Local Meals (average) – 2 hours per day – €30 per day
  • Accommodation (average) – 12 hours per night – €100 per night
  • Transportation (trains, buses) – 30 hours total – €300
  • Car Rental (2 weeks) – 336 hours – €600
  • Overall Estimated Cost≈ €12,500

Tips

If you wish to shorten the trip, focus on the core highlights: Bordeaux, Saint‑Émilion, the Dune du Pilat, the Dordogne river cruise, Sarlat, and the Basque coast. To extend the journey, add extra days in the Pyrenees for hiking, include a few days on the Atlantic coast (La Rochelle, Île de Ré) and finish with a week on the French Riviera for a luxurious finale.

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