Luxury Road Trip Through Southwestern France: Bordeaux, Sarlat & Saint-Émilion - 10 Days

Highlights

• Stay in one of France's premier spa hotels at Les Sources de Caudalie
• Sample the best of Bordeaux on a food-focused walking tour
• Cruise along the Dordogne River to the 12th-century medieval castle of Beynac
• Glimpse remarkable Paleolithic cave art at Lascaux and Font-de-Gaume
• Sip world-class merlots with a private tasting in Saint-Émilion

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bordeaux, Wine Tasting at Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Bordeaux, a port city on the Garonne River nestled amid a notable winemaking region. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, the city is known for its art and history, with more than 350 structures that are listed as historic monuments, as well as several important art museums.

Your private transfer will take you to your hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie. This luxury retreat offers rooms that feature antique furniture blended with contemporary designs, three on-site restaurants, and a renowned spa. Located in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a bygone era, harmonious with the land and nature. 

Once you've had some time to regroup, step out for a wine tasting at Château Smith Haut Lafitte. This estate, which sits between Sauternes and Médoc, produces top-notch red and white Grands Crus wines. Take a guided tour of the château, visiting the 16th-century tower, vat room, and underground cellars. Taste two different wines produced at the winery, and learn more about the winemaking process. Return to the hotel afterward for dinner or some spa time. 

Day 2: Cuisine of Bordeaux Foodie Tour

The day begins with a delightful journey into the cuisine and culture of Bordeaux, as you meet your guide and embark on a food-focused stroll through the city. You'll start at the lively Place Saint-Pierre district, where you'll visit a local coffee shop and indulge in coffee and handcrafted chocolates. Walk through the city's old quarter, taking in the historic architecture and monuments, then stop at an avant-garde grocery store for bread and chocolate croissants.

Continue to the Marché des Capucins, a large covered market where you'll see vendors hawking their wares and sample delicious cheeses paired with wine. Your guide will share insight into the different foods sold here and the heritage and history that accompany regional fare. End the day at a bistro for lunch paired with fine wine, followed by dessert. Return to your hotel with full bellies and a better understanding of Bordeaux's gastronomic legacy. 

Day 3: Self-Guided Tour of Arcachon, Afternoon Boat Cruise

Pick up your rental car this morning and set out on a self-guided visit to Arcachon, a popular weekend destination for Bordeaux residents. Located about an hour from Bordeaux, you'll enjoy a scenic country drive before arriving in this lovely seaside village. The villas here reflect the "mode Pittoresque" that was popular at the time, blending neoclassical, neo-Gothic, old-colonial, and Swiss chalet styles. Visit the markets of the town center and admire the Belle Époque architecture, and be sure to stop for a glass of crisp wine and the fresh oysters Arcachon is renowned for.

After exploring for a bit, hop aboard a boat for a cruise around Arcachon Bay, classified as a marine natural park since 2014. Visit Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), where more than 150 different species of birds nest throughout the year, and cruise along the peninsula of Cap Ferret, stopping at its oyster village and tasting fresh-from-the-sea oysters. End at the remarkable Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in all of Europe, standing tall between ocean and forest. You'll have time to walk around and climb the dune before returning to Arcachon and hitting the road back to Bordeaux. 

Day 4: Drive to Sarlat, Explore the Mansions of Sarlat-la-Caneda

Your next destination is the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, located in the Perigord Noir region near the Dordogne River. Truffle cultivation is king in this part of the country, fortified by its rich soil and dense foliage, and Sarlat, classified as a city of art and history, is also home to a wealth of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

The drive from Bordeaux takes about 2.5 hours, and upon arrival, you'll check in to the stately Le Petit Manoir. Built at the end of the 15th century, this historic property features opulent rooms decorated in a traditional French style and amenities that include an on-site lounge and restaurant, as well as upscale spa services.

Your afternoon can be spent sightseeing around town. Head to the town center and visit the Gothic-style Église Sainte-Marie. Originally built in the 1300s, the church was renovated by French architect Jean Nouvel, converting the building into a covered market. Inside, you'll find a hidden lift that transports you to the top of the building for 360-degree views of the city. There are also numerous mansions tucked into the narrow streets, all showcasing the Gothic and Renaissance styles Sarlat is known for. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Visit La Roque-Gageac, Château de Castelnaud & Marqueyssac

After breakfast, hop in your car and drive 20 minutes south to La Roque-Gageac. Perched on a huge limestone cliff, the village is one of the three most visited in France, with narrow streets bordered by magnificent Renaissance mansions. Visit the Manoir de Tarde, the ancient residence of the Bishops of Sarlat, and see the exotic garden and bamboo plantation nearby. You can also visit a 12th-century Troglodyte Fort, accessed by a narrow staircase. 

From here, head to Château de Castelnaud. Built in the 13th century, the castle overlooks the entire Dordogne Valley and contains an interesting collection of armor and weapons. Through storytelling walks and the war museum inside the castle, you can relive years of war and tales of the French Revolution, taking in the fortified walls and museum artifacts.

Your final stop is Château de Marqueyssac and its hanging gardens. Built in the late 17th century and listed as a National Historic Monument, the castle sits on a rocky outcropping with views of the countryside. The attached gardens were redesigned in the 19th century by Julien de Cerval, a gardener who inherited the property and dedicated himself to creating what is considered a masterpiece of topiary art. With nearly 4 miles (6 km) of pathways, you can relax in the greenery and walk among the more than 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods. Return to Sarlat in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Day Trip to Beynac-et-Cazenac & Château des Milandes

Another scenic day trip is in the cards today as you drive 20 minutes south to the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. When you arrive, start with a flat-bottomed boat ride on the Dordogne River, a tranquil journey that offers you the chance to get a closer view of the region's wildlife and natural beauty. You'll spy the 12th-century castle of Beynac perched on a rocky spur above the river, and you'll head there next after disembarking.

Stroll through Beynac village's medieval streets and historic stone houses, making your way to the castle. One of France's best-preserved sites, you'll marvel at the thick defensive walls, moats, and watchtowers. Climb to the towers and ramparts, and end with the winding staircase that leads to the top of the keep—the views here are well worth the climb! 

Have lunch in the village, then make a final stop at the Château des Milandes before returning to Sarlat. This gorgeous castle, once the home of legendary dancer and singer Josephine Baker, is home to sumptuous French gardens originally designed by famed landscape architect Jules Vacherot. Visit the ponds and cabins decorating the garden, and if you have time, you can attend a birds of prey presentation, meeting falconers and their birds while learning more about this fascinating pastime. 

Day 7: Discover the Ancient Caves of Lascaux & Font-de-Gaume

Learn more about France's Paleolithic past today with a self-guided visit to some of the region's most ancient sites. Start at the Lascaux caves, a network of caverns near the village of Montignac. There are close to 600 parietal wall paintings to be found here, showcasing the stories of our ancestors from the upper Paleolithic age. Estimated at roughly 20,000 years old, the paintings are mainly of the large animals that once lived in this area. 

Next up is Font-de-Gaume cave, considered one of the most beautiful Paleolithic sites in the world. Only a few of the original caves are open to the public, and you'll have the opportunity to see polychrome paintings and engravings that have adorned these walls for 30,000 years. End at the Cro-Magnon Rock Shelter, an Aurignacian site where human skeletons, ornaments, and bones were discovered. There are exhibits that share information about the items found here and some lovely walking paths around the area.

Day 8: See the Underworld of Padirac Cave & the Medieval City of Rocamadour

Take another subterranean adventure today with a visit to Padirac cave. In the morning, make the one-hour drive from Sarlat, arriving and descending (either on foot or by elevator) more than 300 feet (103 m) into the underground chamber. See the galleries, stalactites and stalagmites, blue waters of underground pools, and a river that you can traverse with a guided boat tour. You'll feel like you've entered another time and place as you navigate this strange underground world. 

Spend the rest of the day in the medieval city of Rocamadour. This small clifftop village is a popular pilgrimage site, known for its statue of the Black Madonna, which dates back to the 12th century. Its Cité Réligieuse complex consists of seven sanctuaries, accessible by climbing a more than 200-step staircase or by elevator. Visit the chapel and see the Madonna, and you'll also find a museum with a beautiful exhibit of religious works. Return to Sarlat and enjoy your last night in town, seeing some of the sights you might have missed earlier or just relaxing at your hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Saint-Émilion, City Tour & Wine Tasting 

The final leg of your self-driving tour takes you two hours west to Saint-Émilion, part of southwestern France's Gironde department and the Libournais wine region. Known for its merlot grapes, which are turned into world-famous wines, you'll find several prestigious wineries here, as well as incredible architecture and historic monuments. Arrive and check into the Hôtel de Pavie, a centrally located 5-star accommodation with rooms and suites decorated in both contemporary and traditional styles, luxury bedding, and an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant.

Get settled and unwind, then head out for a private guided tour. See some of the sites around town, including the 12th-century Monolithic church and catacombs, then visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting. Meet the winemakers and sample delicious local wines as you learn more about the traditions and heritage of this wine-rich region. 

Day 10: Drive to Bordeaux, Depart

The time has come to say goodbye to France. At the designated time, set off on the hour's drive to the airport in Bordeaux, where you'll return your car and board your flight home. Safe travels!

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