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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