Jewels of Southwest France
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Jewels of Southwest France
Tour summary
11 days
France
15 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
10 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation10 nights
Close your eyes and imagine the ripple of grapevines swaying in Bordeaux’s warm breeze. The satisfying crunch of fresh Atlantic oysters being shucked in Arachon Bay. The tap of footsteps meandering slowly along the cobblestones of ancient Carcassonne. The honeyed scent of fresh Périgord strawberries at the Sarlat Market. These are just some of the moments you can experience in Southwest France – and we can’t wait for you to relish them with us on this intimate tour.
Tour highlights
- Savour the tantalising flavours of fresh Arcachon Bay oysters, Bayonne ham, Blanquette de Limoux wine and world-famous Bordeaux reds
- Admire the famous prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave at Lascaux II
- Visit the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel of Carcassonne
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Bordeaux (France)
Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we’ll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit!
Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we’ll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit!
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel de Normandie (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Bordeaux – Arcachon Bay – Biarritz
This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay. This afternoon, we’ll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we’ll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure.
This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay. This afternoon, we’ll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we’ll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Biarritz – Bayonne – Biarritz
Today we’ve a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we’ll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we’ll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we’ll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Today we’ve a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we’ll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we’ll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we’ll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.
Included today
Accommodation
Alfred Hotels Port-Vieux (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - Biarritz – Lourdes – Midi-Pyrénées
Today we’ll turn to the east – and on to beautiful Pau. We’ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we’ll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto – a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we’ll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening’s included dinner.
Today we’ll turn to the east – and on to beautiful Pau. We’ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we’ll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto – a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we’ll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening’s included dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel du Barry (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 - Midi-Pyrénées – Carcassonne
Following the trail of knights, we’ll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region’s speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Following the trail of knights, we’ll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region’s speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Le Donjon or Mercure Carcassonne Cité (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 - Carcassonne
Today you’ll be free to discover Carcassonne’s chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Later this evening, we’ll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day’s discoveries.
Today you’ll be free to discover Carcassonne’s chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Later this evening, we’ll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day’s discoveries.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Le Donjon or Mercure Carcassonne Cité (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 7 - Carcassonne – Albi Region
Today we’ll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the ‘red city’ of Albi. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walking tour around the town – taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go. Enjoy some free time for lunch before we venture onwards to our hotel for the night that’s tucked away in a nearby medieval village typical to the Albi region. Tonight, we’ll savour a sumptuous meal together.
Today we’ll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the ‘red city’ of Albi. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walking tour around the town – taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go. Enjoy some free time for lunch before we venture onwards to our hotel for the night that’s tucked away in a nearby medieval village typical to the Albi region. Tonight, we’ll savour a sumptuous meal together.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel des Consuls (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 8 - Albi Region – Sarlat-la-Canéda
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a little free time to wander the village’s charming streets. Then, it’s onwards to one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne: Sarlat-la-Canéda. En route, we'll stop off in several idyllic French villages to stretch our legs and admire the scenery.
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll have a little free time to wander the village’s charming streets. Then, it’s onwards to one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne: Sarlat-la-Canéda. En route, we'll stop off in several idyllic French villages to stretch our legs and admire the scenery.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 9 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Beynac-et-Cazenac – Sarlat-la-Canéda
On the itinerary this morning: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda with our Tour Leader, including a visit to the town’s traditional market. We’ll follow this up with a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the town’s magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries. Afterwards, we’ll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town.
On the itinerary this morning: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda with our Tour Leader, including a visit to the town’s traditional market. We’ll follow this up with a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the town’s magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries. Afterwards, we’ll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 10 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Vézère Valley – Sarlat-la-Canéda
Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We’ll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we’ll follow the ‘Royal Road’, winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm. Local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies and we’ll have a chance to savour some delicious truffle products during a tasting session. Tonight, we’ll come together in Sarlat-la-Canéda and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We’ll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we’ll follow the ‘Royal Road’, winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm. Local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies and we’ll have a chance to savour some delicious truffle products during a tasting session. Tonight, we’ll come together in Sarlat-la-Canéda and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 11 - Sarlat-la-Canéda – Saint-Émilion – Bordeaux
We’ll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s ‘heavy reds’ and say a final santé. We’ll then return to Bordeaux, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
We’ll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s ‘heavy reds’ and say a final santé. We’ll then return to Bordeaux, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love

A hunt for truffles
Usually found on elegant menus in high-end restaurants, you'll discover the black truffle's origins in Périgord at a local farm. After, sip a glass of wine crafted with freshly picked truffles - savouring its walnut flavours for as long as possible.

Carcassonne citadel discoveries
Take your time exploring Carcassonne - a two millennia citadel, where its passageways lure you deeper into the past.

Famous French flavours
Nibble, sip and relish a mix of traditional French cuisine and wine, from plump Arcachon Bay oysters to a full-bodied Bordeaux red.
Read the reviews
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Anonymous October 2024
I have already put in my review some time ago - why do you need another?
Anonymous October 2024
Great trip, made even better by the expert guide Albert
Barbara Gr October 2024
Our tour covered a lot of the history, architecture and geography of that area of France. The hotels were generally very good and central to what we were doing. What really made the tour were our...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
The tour took us to several smaller cities. We were able to visit Europe's largest sand dunes, an oyster producer, wine producer, and a cured ham store. Our driver Kaspar was excellent, always safe...
Read full reviewLisa Sw October 2024
For the most part, the tour itinerary was fantastic. We enjoyed Albi and would have preferred a night there. I could have also skipped the night in the Pyrennes (rather stay in a village)....
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
I chose this tour at the last minute, having never travelled with them before. It was exactly as described, the participants were terrific, many had travelled on previous trips with Back Roads. We...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Bordeaux is wonderful area to tour, and Charlie (our guide) made sure that there was a good balance between exploring and having some necessary downtime. He has a really good knowledge of French...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
A lovely taste to visiting some charming towns along the south west coast of France . Out tour guide Charlie and coach driver Ervince were special.
I would recommend having two night minimum stays in...
Anonymous September 2024
An excellent tour of SW France.
Anonymous July 2024
Beautiful destinations each day. I loved the group lunches and dinners and out tour leader and driver organised a lunch in a place called Domme with spectacular views. A visit to a winery with wine...
Read full reviewMerrill July 2024
we had an excellent driver, a very lovely guide, great accommodation choices. Some of the accommodation was either excellent or outstanding, some not so great but always in very convenient locations...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
Had an amazing time.
Tour guide, Max, was brilliant!!
Very friendly and helpful, constantly making sure everyone was happy
Anonymous June 2024
Excellent tour with great scenery and experiences. The guide, Max, was very experienced and well organised and his expertise made the holiday even more enjoyable.
Anthony Le June 2024
Max was an excellent tour guide and his knowledge of the history and geography was unsurpassed.His guidance ensured all little problems were eresolved.
Lionel Jo June 2024
enjoyed the drive thru the Pyrénées, the Chateau visits were superb, and the wine tasting.
Joanne Wa June 2024
Fabulous tour visiting amazing off the beaten track places.
Albert was a fantastic knowledgeable and accommodating guide.
Small group of friendly like minded people.
A memorable experience.
Carol Wa June 2024
Excellent tour including quality of itinerary and activity choices. Tour guide Albert was also excellent- friendly professional assistance and support. His knowledge and passion for history and...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
We loved it
Real taste of the France we had wanted
Small fairytale villages
Beautiful countryside
Plenty of free time
Great director
Central location of hotels
Anonymous May 2024
I chose this tour because of the area. Our guide was superb - knowledgeable, friendly and professional, and willing to research if there was something he didn't know. With one exception (Biarritz)...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Hotels mostly were a bit on the small side, driver Alex & Tour guide Albert were fantastic, loved the Blue-Roads touring
Jennifer Em October 2023
This showed the real France I was hoping for with opportunities to see the countryside.
Anonymous October 2023
It was nice to see a new part of France, learn the history and eat the delicious local foods and wines.
Anonymous October 2023
Great Blue-Roads experience
Anonymous October 2023
The timing of some stops was not the best. Stopping to sample oysters just after breakfast. The vehicle (both) had issues, broken door and replacement was very uncomfortable.
Jan Ma August 2023
Outstanding leadership, scenery, food, wine, company and interesting places to visit
Neil Bl July 2023
Value for money Not Rolls Royce but very good
Anonymous July 2023
Tour was excellent - scenery was fantastic & our tour guide & driver were both fantastic
Patricia Be July 2023
The tour and places we visited was outstanding, everyday was exciting. We didn’t drive all day, we had many sightseeing stops to break the journey. One criticism is that the stop at Lourdes was too...
Read full reviewAnonymous July 2023
Great bus, overall good accommodation. The last meal in Selatar was appalling, but apart from that, everything was very good.
Amanda O' June 2023
Cities visited, location and quality of the accommodation. Included meals and tours with local guides were excellent.
Margaret Co June 2023
Great tour through some beautiful country .Terrific guide -Max and driver- Alex and everyone on the group got on well
A couple of the hotels were disappointing-clean but very basic but as they are...
Anonymous May 2023
An enjoyable tour but room for improvement.
Anonymous May 2023
Fascinating itinerary, stunning scenery and excellent guide.
Anonymous May 2023
Overall the tour was good. The first day’s drive from Bordeaux to Biarritz was too long. It was good to see the “Blue-Roads”, but I think the tour should have returned to freeway sooner, giving the...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2023
As I said before I was disappointed and felt our guide was under prepared and thought it could have been better with local guides. Also the accommodation wasn’t brilliant, some of the places felt very...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2023
Guide lacked local knowledge of places to eat, where to locate bathrooms & was disorganised in regard to enough seats for some events. Group dinners were hit & miss.
Elizabeth Eu May 2023
A beautiful part of France. I was so glad I found Back Roads tour through this delightful region.
Christopher Ki May 2023
Already given this feedback.
The tour leader and driver did a good job running the tour and the content was quite good. The first day drive along the Atlantic coast was particularly interesting., but...
Anonymous May 2023
Same as explained above..different to other tours
margaret Ro October 2022
An interesting tour, well conducted by Max, the competent leader
Anonymous August 2022
The bus driver was very knowledgeable and helpful. Always knew the best place to get an ice-cream in the evening ?
Barry Be August 2022
These tours aren't cheap, which is the main reason for only 4 stars. We still both enjoyed it. I thought two of the hotel rooms were very small, a room isn't big enough, in my opinion, when there isn...
Read full review
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Our carefully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.
A typical French breakfast spread is simple but wholesome. It usually includes a range of cold meats, cheeses and bread, buttery homemade pastries, freshly squeezed juices and a hot drink of your choice. If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll ask about these before you begin your tour and accommodate them whenever we can.
To help you discover those secret local spots, there will be free time in many of the locations we visit. Often, it’ll be a few hours in the afternoon, over lunchtime or following a morning walking tour. Sometimes though, you’ll have a whole day to explore – such as on Day 6 when you’ll be based in the majestic medieval city of Carcassonne.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
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