Past the vineyards and through the forests
Whether it’s walking the medieval pilgrims’ trail through Conques and Lot, exploring the vineyards and cobbled streets of St. Emilion, or biking the gently rolling valley roads of the Aquitaine, a getaway to South West France will leave you with little to be desired. It is the land offering the ultimate food and wine double-header. Between succulent feasts and wine tastings, you’ll also experience some of France’s best biking through truly stunning landscapes and hidden villages.Your palate wants to go already.
Trip Ideas
The Aquitaine: En garde & en Vélo
An enigmatic, multi-faceted land, fashioned from the mingling histories of the Cretians, Basque, Moors, French, English and Visigoths—the Aquitaine is perhaps more renowned today as home of the Three Musketeers. Here is the first region in France that produced chocolate, and we are quite sure the Abbot Massie’s renaming of the 12th century Chapelle de Géou in 1959 to Notre Dame des Cyclistes, is also a French first!
- Embark on an archaeologist-themed custom scavenger hunt.
- Discover your inner surfer—French surfer that is.
- Experience an regional-food focused cooking class.
Inspired? Craft a similar Bespoke guided trip starting from $500-$1,000 per person per night.
Conques & Lot: La France Profonde
Whenever we pass through the hamlet of Lacalm at the “entrance” to the region, we can’t help but smile—as this is a true description of the way in which people live here—as it appears to have been for hundreds of years. With sweeping visits at every turn, complimented by delicious meals, and good people—whether you bike or hike (or both), a refreshing lack of pretense here cannot but bring you much happiness!
- Be welcomed like family by one of France’s celebrated chefs.
- View a moving and unforgettable recital in the Abbaye.
- Bike and hike along quiet roads, bike paths and nature trails.
Inspired? Craft a similar Bespoke guided trip starting from $1,000-$2,000 per person per night.
Bordeaux: Legendary Vines
From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Parker, the critics agree—Bordeaux is something special. Though what’s given this region the ability to produce wines that captivate our imagination is nothing short of mythical terroir and proud tradition. The bike rides transport us through the centuries, past scenic appellations, manicured vineyards and remarkable chateaux—visiting extraordinary locals, bistros and spectacular wines along the way.
- Enjoy your own private “blending” class in wine school.
- Experience tastings and learn culinary skills with a master.
- Explore the scenic views of Bordeaux by bike.
Inspired? Craft a similar Bespoke guided trip starting from $1,500-$2,500 per person per night.
Feature Hotels
Hotel du Palais, Biarritz
From an avant-garde, Michelin-starred restaurant Formerly the summer mansion of Napoleon III and now one of Europe's great palace resorts, Hotel du Palais is situated on a cliff overlooking the pristine sands of Biarritz main beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features a luxurious spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, two bars, a tearoom and a heated saltwater pool. View hotel website »
Bras, Laguiole
The stunning Bras property is hidden away within gorgeous mountainside and untouched Laguiole terrain, creating a surreal contrast with the minimalist decor. Huge glass windows surround the lounge offering breathtaking views and all guest rooms provide a private and relaxing garden terrace. Run by Michel Bras, the hotel's restaurant prepares food deeply rooted in the French countryside. View hotel website »
Château Cordeillan-Bages, Pauillac
This 17thC chartreuse was turned into a Relais & Châteaux hotel by a family of neighbouring Château Lynch-Bages. Contemporary décor set the stage for the real event: a restaurant that is definitely worth a trip across the Atlantic. Chef Jean-Luc Rocha kept BOTH his mentor Thierry Marx's Michelin stars. View hotel website »
Our Trip Designers are a special breed. Part guru, part collaborator, part mind-reader, they have the full breadth of B&R resources at their fingertips. Extraordinarily well-travelled, they’ve been there, lived there, done it, planned it and eaten it, too. With a combined geographic knowledge that’s nothing short of staggering, they can save you literally years of research. Above all, they’re incredibly good at what they do.
Accolades
“Our guides were exceptional and the hotels were fabulous! Each day exceeded the last in beautiful scenery, delicious food, wine and fun! Thank you B&R!”
— Romero Marcello, Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking 2010
Notes from the Road
- Bordeaux vs. BurgundyWhen comparing France’s two top wine regions, everyone comes out a winner. We tapped a pair of B&R experts—Burgundophile David Butterfield and on-site Bordeaux aficionado Dylan Roche—to contrast the subtleties of their respective wine kingdoms. The R … …
- Backstage Pass to Bordeaux & the Dordogne ValleyAffectionately and appetizingly considered one of our premier food and wine destinations, our Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking trip is a quintessential B&R trip. The riding is smooth, the landscape stunning, the local culture alluring, the feasts incredib … …
related trips
Normandy Bespoke
Take in the lush fields, white sand beaches, quaint thatched cottages and ancient churches of Normandy.
Burgundy Bespoke
Explore the countryside, unique gastronomy and tranquil waterways of Burgundy.
Provence Bespoke
Experience the beauty, history, culture and cuisine of Provence on your own unique getaway.
