Leisurely 10-Day Solo Journey Through Bordeaux and Charming Small Towns by Public Transport

Day 1: Bordeaux Exploration

Bordeaux, France on April 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Belle Saison

A popular local café offering fresh pastries and rich coffee to start your day with French charm.
EUR12, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'eau

Iconic 18th-century square and the world's largest reflecting pool, a must-see for photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Explore the historic city centre and Saint-André Cathedral

Walk through cobbled streets and visit the cathedral dating from the 12th century exemplifying gothic architecture.
Free entry; optional tower ascent EUR7, 2h

1:45pm

Lunch at Le Bouchon Bordelais

Traditional bistro offering regional dishes like duck confit, perfect for authentic local flavour.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC)

A fascinating museum showcasing contemporary works in a former warehouse building. Open 11am-6pm Tue-Sun.
EUR8, 1h30m

5:15pm

Stroll along the Garonne River quay

Enjoy a relaxing walk by the water, with views of the old bridge and lively cafes nearby.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Petit Commerce

Seafood specialist with a great atmosphere and fresh oysters, located near the city centre.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 2: Bordeaux & Surroundings

Bordeaux, France on April 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sip Coffee Bar

A trendy spot with excellent coffee and healthy options to start your day energetically.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Day trip to Château de la Brède by public bus

Explore the birthplace of Montesquieu, peaceful château with lovely gardens open 10am-6pm. Bus takes about 30 minutes.
EUR9 entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café de la Place in La Brède

A local café serving simple French country meals, ideal to relax after château exploration.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Bordeaux and visit Jardin Public

Beautiful landscaped park perfect for a quiet afternoon walk and reflection.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit La Cité du Vin

Wine museum and cultural space dedicated to global wine traditions, open 10am-6:30pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Miles

Innovative menu with seasonal ingredients emphasizing local produce, highly rated for solo travellers.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion

Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion, France on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Organic bakery offering breads and light fare to fuel the day ahead.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Saint-Émilion

The 35-minute train ride heads east to the renowned medieval village famous for wine. Trains run frequently from early morning.
EUR7, 45m

10:30am

Walking tour of Saint-Émilion village

Discover cobbled streets, the Romanesque church and the monolithic church carved from rock.
Free; guided tours EUR12 optional, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at L'Envers du Décor

A cosy wine bar offering local dishes paired expertly with Saint-Émilion wines.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Château des Vigiers winery for tasting

Short taxi or shuttle ride for a leisurely wine tasting session at a nearby vineyard with impressive grounds.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Explore local shops and relax at a café

Stroll the quaint streets and enjoy an afternoon coffee with views of vineyards.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Logis de la Cadène

A well-regarded restaurant with refined French cuisine focusing on local ingredients.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 4: Saint-Émilion to Libourne

Saint-Émilion to Libourne, France on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Maison du Café

Small café with excellent coffee and freshly baked croissants to energise your morning.
EUR8, 1h

9:45am

Train from Saint-Émilion to Libourne

A short 15-minute train journey north to Libourne, a charming riverside town with a lively market.
EUR4, 30m

10:30am

Visit Libourne market and town centre

Vibrant market with fresh local produce and artisan crafts, plus explore historic churches and the riverfront.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Caprices du Chef

A quaint bistro offering delicious regional cuisine with friendly service.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:15pm

Walk along the Dordogne river banks

Scenic promenade ideal for a peaceful post-lunch stroll with excellent views of the water and boats.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Château de la Dauphine botanical garden

Beautiful garden and castle grounds open in spring, offering guided tours. Open 2-6pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Saint-Émilion by train

Enjoy the early evening ride back to spend night in Saint-Émilion.
EUR4, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Adresse

Contemporary restaurant with a creative menu and excellent wine selection.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Saint-Émilion to Sarlat-la-Canéda

Saint-Émilion to Sarlat-la-Canéda, France on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local bakery

Typical light French breakfast with pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel by train and bus to Sarlat-la-Canéda

Train from Libourne to Bergerac, then bus to Sarlat. Expect approximately 4-5 hours travel with connections.
EUR30 total, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at L'Adresse des Gourmets in Sarlat

Enjoy regional cuisine featuring duck and truffles in this renowned restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Sarlat medieval town centre

Wander cobbled streets and admire well-preserved medieval architecture. Visit local artisan shops.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Relax in Place de la Liberté

Central square surrounded by cafés and historic buildings, ideal for an early evening coffee or tea.
EUR6, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Couleuvrine

Traditional Dordogne specialties served in a warm, intimate setting, great for solo diners.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac Excursion

Sarlat-la-Canéda to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, France on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Les Arts

Good coffee and simple pastries conveniently located near the Sarlat bus station.
EUR10, 1h

9:15am

Bus to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

Approximately 40-minute bus ride through scenic Dordogne valley to the world-famous prehistoric site.
EUR7, 45m

10:00am

Visit the National Museum of Prehistory

Explore exhibits of prehistoric artefacts and local archaeology. Open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR8, 2h

12:15pm

Lunch at La Beyte

Cozy local restaurant offering classic French and regional dishes ideal after a museum visit.
EUR20, 1h15m

1:45pm

Explore Font de Gaume cave paintings (booking recommended)

Visit this cave with prehistoric polychrome paintings; open only in warmer months with guided tours.
EUR10, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Sarlat by bus

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon ride back for evening leisure.
EUR7, 45m

5:15pm

Visit Sarlat market stalls for snacks

Late afternoon market for regional cheeses, fruits, and wine to sample locally.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Presidial

Elegant setting offering fine regional dishes combining tradition and modern touches.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 7: Sarlat to Périgueux

Sarlat-la-Canéda to Périgueux, France on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast and check out

Light morning meal at accommodation or nearby bakery.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Bus and train to Périgueux

Travel north includes local bus to train station and train ride approx 2h with connections.
EUR20, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Une Allée en Ville

Seasonal French dishes with a creative touch in the historic centre of Périgueux.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Périgueux Cathedral and Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum

Experience the Mix of medieval architecture and Roman history. Museum open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along the Isle river banks

Peaceful riverwalk offering lovely vistas and quaint neighbourhoods.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Clos Saint-Louis

Atmospheric restaurant in a former chapel offering refined local cuisine.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Périgueux to Bergerac

Périgueux to Bergerac, France on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Leffe

Warm and friendly café with good coffee and croissants.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train to Bergerac

Travel southwest by train, around 1h30m direct journey known for scenic views.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Bergerac old town and Roger Hanin Museum

Charming medieval streets with museums dedicated to this notable actor and local heritage.
EUR5, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Table de Nicolas

Enjoy elegant cuisine focused on local produce and excellent wines.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat ride on Dordogne River

Relaxing 1h30m guided boat tour showcasing the natural beauty and historic castles.
EUR18, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Bergerac market for local products

Browse stalls selling walnuts, wines, and speciality foods.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de Beau Séjour

Well-reviewed restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed setting.
EUR38, 2h
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Day 9: Bergerac to Bordeaux

Bergerac to Bordeaux, France on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Café Français

Traditional French breakfast in Bergerac city centre.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train from Bergerac to Bordeaux

Approx. 2h train journey returning to Bordeaux.
EUR20, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Darwin Ecosystem

Innovative urban space with shops, eateries, and street art. Open daily from 10am-7pm.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Bazar Café

Casual café with fresh, simple dishes and vegetarian options.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Bordeaux’s historic docks and the CAP Sciences museum

Enjoy maritime-themed exhibitions and hands-on science displays. Open until 6pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at Place du Parlement

Popular square with cafes and lively atmosphere for evening people watching.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Quatrième Mur

Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Philippe Etchebest, perfect last night indulgence.
EUR65, 2h
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Day 10: Departure Day

Bordeaux, France on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your departure, perhaps revisiting La Belle Saison for familiarity.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Last minute shopping or stroll along Cours de l’Intendance

Browse boutiques or take in the early spring atmosphere of Bordeaux before you leave.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Head to Bordeaux Saint-Jean station or airport for departure

Make sure to allow adequate time for transport depending on your onward travel plans.
Variable, N/A
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