Bordeaux and Basque Culinary Tour: Savor France

Your Bordeaux and Basque culinary tour begins in Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital, where the iconic Place de la Bourse and its shimmering water mirror set a stunning first impression. Step into the Cité du Vin, a vine-inspired marvel, where cutting-edge exhibits unravel wine’s global story through sensory experiences. As evening falls, wander Bordeaux’s charming streets, sampling local canelés at a traditional bistro, setting the stage for a week of culinary and cultural discoveries.

A local guide leads you through Bordeaux’s medieval lanes and grand 18th-century squares, revealing stories of the city’s golden age of commerce. At a vibrant market, engage with passionate vendors and taste Bordeaux specialties, from cheeses to pastries, immersing yourself in the region’s culinary soul. The afternoon is yours to explore wine bars, boutique shops, or simply soak in the city’s elegant ambiance before retiring to your charming accommodation.

Journey to Saint Emilion, a UNESCO-listed village where cobblestone streets wind past ancient houses and the vast underground church, carved into limestone cliffs centuries ago. The Saint Emilion vineyard experience unfolds with private tours of two prestigious estates, where guided tastings in historic cellars highlight the terroir’s unique flavors. The blend of medieval heritage and world-class wines creates a day of enchantment, with time to linger in the village’s timeless atmosphere.

Set sail on an Arcachon Bay cultural cruise, gliding past oyster farms as a guide shares the traditions and terminology of this ancient craft. Marvel at the towering Dune of Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising dramatically from pine forests, and explore quaint fishing villages that dot the coastline. The interplay of natural beauty and maritime heritage captivates, bridging Bordeaux’s wine country with the coastal adventures ahead in your charming accommodation.

Transition to the Basque Country, where red-and-white houses signal a vibrant blend of French and Spanish cultures. Arrive in Biarritz, a former fishing village turned imperial resort, and embark on a Biarritz coastal adventure, visiting the Rocher de la Vierge and Plateau de l’Atalaye for breathtaking Atlantic views. Savor your first taste of Basque cuisine, spiced with Espelette pepper, in a charming restaurant before settling into your coastal accommodation.

In Bayonne, a Bayonne chocolate tour reveals the city’s sweet legacy through hands-on workshops and tastings, tracing cocoa’s journey from bean to bar. Journey to Espelette for an Espelette chili tasting, meeting local producers who share the story of France’s only indigenous spice amid picturesque Basque architecture. Explore Ainhoa’s 17th-century houses and artisan workshops, immersing yourself in centuries-old crafts before returning to your cozy accommodation.

Explore Basque fishing villages like Bidart and Guéthary, where traditional architecture meets maritime heritage along the Atlantic coast. In Saint Jean de Luz, visit the church where Louis XIV wed Maria Theresa, a symbol of the town’s historic French-Spanish ties, and stroll elegant streets by the serene bay. This Biarritz coastal adventure blends cultural discoveries with coastal charm, wrapping up in your charming accommodation.

Savor a final morning in Biarritz, reflecting on your Bordeaux and Basque culinary tour, from the Saint Emilion vineyard experience to the Espelette chili tasting. Depart with memories of gourmet flavors, historic sites, and warm hospitality, or extend your stay to explore more of southwestern France’s culinary and cultural treasures.