NA 3 / Explore Bordeaux, the Médoc wine region, Cognac, La ...

This itinerary takes you to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in South West France. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the

largest region in France. It is as diverse as it is surprising, with nature, the great outdoors, vibrant cities and

legendary beaches. So, no matter what type of holidays you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a destination for you.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine brings to mind famous places, like Bordeaux and La Cité du Vin (1 million visitors in 2 years),

Lascaux (which attracted more than 500,000 visitors in its very first year after opening) and the Dordogne

Valley, Biarritz and the Basque Country, Poitiers and Futuroscope (where visitor numbers grew by 6%),

Cognac, Pau and the Pyrenees, or Limoges and its skilled craftsmanship. But there are also 750 kms of fine

sandy coastline, with ports from Bayonne to La Rochelle, the 110-metre-high Dune du Pilat and islands like Ile de

Ré and Ile d’Oléron.

It is increasingly easy to get to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Bordeaux is just 2 hours from Paris by high-speed rail link

(LGV), Biarritz, 3 hours 55 min, Futuroscope, 1 hours 40 min and La Rochelle just 2 hours 25 min.

Theme : Wine-tourism, Culture, the seaside and nature

Markets targeted : USA, CANADA, UK, THE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

10 participants

RENDEZ-VOUS EN FRANCE 2020

Pre-program / Familiarization trip to Nouvelle-Aquitaine

NA 3 / Explore Bordeaux, the Médoc wine region, Cognac,

La Rochelle and Marais Poitevin

Highlights of the trip

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a great destination for wine tourism and is home to prestigious wine and spirits

regions, including Médoc, Saint Emilion, and Cognac, to name just a few. It is also an ideal playground for

nature fans with an outstanding wilderness, forests and 750 kms of coastline.

• Bordeaux and its famous wines. This elegant 18th Century city on the Garonne River is a UNESCO

World Heritage site.

• Arcachon where you can climb Europe’s highest natural sand dune, la Dune du Pyla and enjoy

delightful oysters.

• The prestigious Médoc vineyard whose châteaux include Margaux, Pauillac, Mouton-Rothschild, simply

the best!

• Cognac, home of the world-famous “liquor of gods”

• La Rochelle, on the Atlantic Coast, with its 3 iconic towers, and the nearby “jewel of the Atlantic” – île de

Ré, as well as Rochefort, home to the replica of the Hermione frigate, which once sailed to America,

with the famous General Lafayette on board, to help fight for the country’s independence!

• The Marais-Poitevin marsh, aka “the Green Venice”, a peaceful nature haven, to be explored on foot, by

bicycle or in a bark steered by a guide, using a traditional “pigouille” paddle.

Thursday 19th March 2020

WELCOME TO BORDEAUX!

Come and discover Bordeaux, the place to be, a world heritage site! Visitors like to dive into the past, to walk

along the quaysides fitted out with flowers in border of the Garonne River, admiring 18th-century architecture

elegant stone buildings but also the modern part of the city such as La Cité du Vin. Bordeaux is also an ideal

starting point for excursions into the nearby wine regions. Bordeaux was elected number 1 destination to visit by

a number of media such as New York Times, Washington Post, the Guardian,,, and Best City to travel in 2017 by

Lonely Planet.

Am:

Plane or train transfer from Paris to Bordeaux

Pm :

Walking tour of Bordeaux with a guide

Night:

Welcome Dinner and overnight Bordeaux

Friday 20th March 2020

BORDEAUX, ARCACHON AND THE MEDOC WINE AREA

At the gates of Bordeaux, set out to discover the world’s most renowned vineyards and explore Europe’s largest

natural sand dune on your way.

Am:

Visit the famous Dune du Pilat and taste the area’s famous oysters in the lovely Arcachon Bay

Pm :

Explore prestigious Médoc vineyards and do some wine-tasting in châteaux

Night:

Dinner and overnight in the Médoc region

Saturday 21st March 2020

CORDOUAN LIGHTHOUSE AND COGNAC

At the mouth of the Gironde estuary, the Cordouan lighthouse (a UNESCO candidate!) is the only remaining

manned maritime lighthouse in France, the oldest lighthouse still in operation, and the only one in the world open

to visitors!

Cognac, on the Charente river, is a bustling town which lives and breathes the world -amous brandy. You will be

welcomed into the great cognac houses, world ambassadors of French excellence!

Am:

Tour of the Cordouan lighthouse, at the entrance of the Gironde estuary

Pm :

Visit Cognac , tour world-famous Cognac houses and experience some tasting

Night:

Dinner and overnight in Cognac

Sunday 22nd March 2020

LA ROCHELLE AND THE ATLANTIC COAST

La Rochelle, founded in the 13th century, is a lively city on the Atlantic Coast of South West France, boasts a

proud maritime tradition. Discover its maritime museum and aquarium, arcade-lined streets, old wooden

aristocratic houses… the town is home to great events such as the Francofolies music festival. Rochefort

developed around its military harbour when King Louis XIV had a major naval base built here. Today it is home to

the replica of the famous Hermione frigate, the “Corderie Royale” ropery and nominee for “European Best

Destination” in 2020.

Am:

Visit Rochefort arsenal and La Rochelle

Pm :

Explore île de Ré, the “White Island”

Night:

Dinner and overnight in La Rochelle

Monday 23th March 2020

THE MARAIS POITEVIN

A remnant of the former Gulf of Poitou, the Marais Poitevin is one of the most beautiful man-made landscapes

there is.

Am:

Take a boat ride on the Marais marshes

Pm :

Transfer to NANTES