Bordeaux, Wine and Spa
During this relaxing break where beauty, luxury and pleasure prevail, discover and enjoy the French art de vivre. Sojourn at the luxury hotel-spa Les Sources de Caudalie, the first vinothérapie spa based on grape cures. The hotel, which feels like a country home with wood paneling and pastoral views, is nestled in the vineyards of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the Graves region, 20 minutes from the center of Bordeaux. You will be pampered delightfully in an environment of rare beauty. From there, you’ll explore the region’s prestigious vineyards and wine estates. The vineyards span 120,000 hectares around Bordeaux and comprise the world’s oldest wine-growing area.
Your tour will take you through the most prominent wine districts, from Saint Emilion and its medieval town to the Medoc area with Margaux, Saint-Estèphe and Sauternes wines. The city, a UNESCO-listed site, is exemplary thanks to the unity of its urban and architectural expression. You will discover the different golden ages of Bordeaux’s history, dominated by the wine trade and various colonial influences. The architecture met with nearly no stylistic changes for over two centuries.
Day One.
Your expert driver-guide will meet you upon your arrival in Bordeaux by the end of the morning. Your first visit will be the city of Bordeaux. From the vestiges of the Middle Ages to the elegance of the 18th century, discover the different golden ages of Bordeaux's history, dominated by the wine trade and various colonial influences. Enjoy lunch at your convenience in the city. The old town abounds with little restaurants and bistros where you can enjoy local gastronomy such as Entrecote Bordelaise (Bordeaux-fashion steak), fish, shellfish and cheese, all served with a carefully chosen wine. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and experience an unforgettable moment at the acclaimed wine-therapy spa. Dine at your convenience.
Day Two. Visit of the Medoc Chateaux Road
Morning departure in the company of your driver-guide to the Médoc region, which stretches over 80 km north of Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave. This exceptional region is home to Bordeaux’s most prestigious Crus Grand Classés and many Bourgeois Crus. You will pass by many famous châteaux such as Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild and Lafitte-Rothschild, which reflect the prosperity and prestige of Bordeaux wines. Visit the beautiful Mouton-Rothschild museum. Enjoy a tasting and introduction to Great Bordeaux wines appellations and classifications. Stop for lunch at a typical Medoc restaurant. Return in time to relax or enjoy a second spa treatment, before having dinner in the gastronomic restaurant.
Day Three. Saint Emilion & Graves Region
Your driver will take you 45 minutes northeast to Saint Emilion. This medieval town stands proudly at the top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley. Saint Emilion is an enchantment and an incredible open-air museum. The most surprising remains are without a doubt its underground monuments: galleries covering more than 150 acres and the breathtaking, monolithic church dug out of solid limestone. You will end your visit with a wine tasting in one of the numerous cellars that the city offers. Enjoy lunch in one of the city’s great restaurants. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the Graves region and some of the better known châteaux. Graves wines are characterized by their diversity and their prestige. The reds are both powerful and full- bodied; the dry whites elegant and delicate; and the sweet white wines opulent and luscious. At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you to the Bordeaux train station or airport for your onward journey.
Includes
• Three days of touring in a luxury sedan or minivan with an English-speaking driver-guide
• Two nights of accommodations at the country spa and inn Les Sources de Caudalie
• Buffet breakfast every day
• Entry fees to châteaux, tastings, Mouton-Rothschild Museum and sites.
• VIP arrival amenities and welcome at your hotel
France Experience Reservations
