Compare Southwest France Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, 2024) by Luxury Gold
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 6 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 5,995 | $ 8,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 725 |
| Highlights |
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N/A
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and all Dinners |
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| Description |
When we began brainstorming which regions to reintroduce from the B&R archives for our 50th Anniversary celebrations, Southwest France was the clear front runner. This region offers incredible diversity and beautiful sceneries along quiet roads that travellers continue to rave about even years after their visit. On this journey, cycle the rolling hills through the vineyards of Cahors, relish in the incredible lush scenery of the Lot Valley and explore the immaculate fields of the Aubrac. |
Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills. |
Day 1
Begin riding from the Château de Haute-Serres, a castle in the middle of recently replanted vineyards, down rolling roads through the Malbec vines towards the Lot River and its valley. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant run by young and promosing Chef Philippe Combet.
Day 2
Embark on our first ride along the Lot River, cycle past castles, wine estates and vineyards. Enjoy lunch in the vineyards and spend this afternoon relaxing by the pool before indulging in a wine tasting in the castle cellar.
Day 3
Explore the village of Saint Cirq Lapopie before riding towards the village of Conques. This long ride is among the most beautiful of our journey! Tonight dinner is presented by Michelin star Chef Hervé Busset.
Day 4
Today we cycle along Marcillac Vineyards and the quiet Dourdou River Valley. We finish our ride with a long downhill directly into Conques where you can enjoy a lunch on your own in the medieval village. After lunch, we learn about the history of the village and the outstanding Roman Cathedral. Dinner tonight is in an authentic organic wine domain where we'll enjoy food cooked in a large fire place at the estate.
Day 5
Today we ride from the lush Lot Valley to the immaculate fields of the Aubrac. Visit the Forge de Laguiole before arriving at Maison Bras. Tonight we feast on a spectacular culinary experience provided by internationally renowed Chef Sébastien Bras!
Day 6
After an extraordinary breakfast from Maison Bras, we drive 45 minutes to the Rodez Airport. We’ll make our way mid-morning in time to catch the appropriate flight.
Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Dinner
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colorful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Breakfast
Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez
Step into the 1950s glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez. Join a Local Expert to discover the boutiques, the old town and admire the yachts in the marina. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne custard-filled, sugar-topped pastry at the bakery where it was first created. Delight this evening in an elegant Michelin Star meal at La Magdeleine.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert to discover the ancient Roman town. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences . Curate your visit at the Château La Coste open-air museum on a Guided Art Walk around the grounds or a wine-tasting experience.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start before strolling or cycling the Château gardens. Then try pétanque or lounge poolside. Arriving in Cassis, board your private cruise. Pass towering limestone cliffs, fjord-like inlets and hidden beaches of Calanques National Park. Savor the evening with a gourmet seafood dinner.
La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: French Icons
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux de Provence.
Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Arles and Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheater with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savor the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Bordeaux
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to explore this elegant, 18th - century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum and enjoy an evening at leisure to get acquainted with the local cuisine and fabulous wines this area has to offer.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Bordeaux
After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.
Breakfast
