Bordeaux, Wine and City
Bordeaux is famous for its architecture and prestigious wines. This luxury three-day break will take you into this magnificent city, its universe of luxury and the pleasure of strolling through its renowned vineyards. Discover the various golden ages of Bordeaux’s history, dominated by the wine trade and colonial influences. The city’s architecture met with nearly no stylistic changes for over two centuries. The urban project launched in 1996 by Bordeaux's Mayor, Alain Juppe, was made concrete by the cleaning of facades; the development of the quays along the Garonne River; the commissioning of the brand-new tram; and the creation of pedestrian zones. Bordeaux is now a UNESCO-listed architectural gem. It is also France’s capital of elegance.
Vineyards span 120,000 hectares around Bordeaux – the world’s oldest wine-growing area. Your tour will take you through the most prominent wine districts located on the left and right banks of the Gironde estuary. From Saint Emilion and its medieval town to the Medoc area with Margaux and Saint-Estephe appellations, and finally to the Sauternes’ fabulously sweet wines, you will understand why Bordeaux wines are so celebrated.
INCLUDES
- Three days of touring in a vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Two nights of accommodations at the luxurious Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux
- Buffet breakfast every day
- Admission to chateaux and other sites
- VIP arrival amenities and welcome at your hotel
Bordeaux Wine & City Itinerary
Day One. BORDEAUX CITY TOUR & SAINT EMILION.
Upon arrival at the Bordeaux train station or Bordeaux Merignac Airport late morning, you will be met by your expert driver-guide and transferred to the Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux located in the heart of the city. After lunch, your driver-guide will meet you for a one-and-a-half-hour city tour followed by a visit to the medieval town of Saint Emilion and its underground monuments. End your visit with a wine tasting in one of the numerous cellars that the city offers. That evening, you may enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint Emilion, which is rated with two Michelin stars (reservation required), or return to Bordeaux for a relaxing evening.
Day Two. VISIT OF THE MEDOC CHATEAUX AND HILLSIDES.Â
Your driver-guide will meet you after breakfast for a trip to the Medoc wine region. The region, located between the Atlantic to the west and Europe’s widest estuary to the east, stretches over 80 km north of Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave. This exceptional region is home to Bordeaux’s most prestigious Great Classified and many Bourgeois vines. You will pass many famous chateaux such as Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild and Lafitte-Rothschild, which reflect the prosperity and prestige of Bordeaux. Enjoy a visit to the astounding Mouton-Rothschild museum and tastings of great Bordeaux wines, and a primer on the nomenclature of appellations and classifications. Savor lunch at a typical Medoc restaurant.
After lunch, discover the Citadel of Blaye and the hillside region facing the Medoc, which you will reach by crossing the river on a ferry from the little harbor of Lamarque. Dine at your convenience in Bordeaux.
Day Three. WINES OF THE GRAVES REGION.Â
After breakfast, your chauffeur will take you to the Graves region, which includes the well-known Chateau Smith Haut Laffite. The day will be devoted to wines of the region characterised by their diversity and their prestige. The reds are both powerful and full-bodied. The dry whites are elegant and delicate and the sweet white wines are luscious. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant La Table du Lavoir. You will stop at a well-known chateau and enjoy a historical discovery as well as a fascinating tasting.
At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you to the Bordeaux train station or Bordeaux Merignac Airport.
France Experience Reservations
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