Region
in Basque Country, Dordogne & Bordeaux
Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food
Countryside

This self-drive itinerary will take you to the South West of France, from the Basque coastline to authentic Dordogne, ending in the bustling city of Bordeaux.

Includes

15 nights in premium B&Bs that we personally selected for you
A rental car with automatic transmission & full insurance coverage, for 16 days
The assurance that you can contact us at any time, for any reason, while you're in France
A guidebook made for you and all road maps with recommended itineraries, activities & visits
FJFY App all your trip, contacts, GPS destinations, weather… in your smartphone
5.0
Martina & Simon from the UK
A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque …
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 5 460
Per traveler, including taxes,
based on double occupancy.

Your accommodations

Pictures of the specially selected accommodations

Step by step

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

The Basque Country: ocean & mountains

  • Your trip starts in the Basque Country where you will stay for 6 nights in a lavishly decorated former farmhouse, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz. 
  • From here, you will discover the Basque Country from the Atlantic coastline, its waves and tanned surfers, to the rugged Pyrenees Mountains, from the peacefulness of the untouched villages to the lively nightlife in Saint Jean de Luz. The Basque Country will not disappoint.
  • We will craft your days so you get a feel of everything the Basque culture has to offer, and there is a lot: taste the local Bayonne ham after strolling a valley and discovering the traditional and still alive mountain pig farming, get acquainted with the Basque weaving tradition, try to make your own Basque cake or stroll one of the many farmers markets.
  • Several “most beautiful villages of France” will be on your scenic drives – and you may see some locals playing the Basque Pelote game at the town’s fronton. Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy endless walks and hikes in the Pyrenees foothills, occasional walkers will relax on the walks along the beaches and enjoy a coffee on a terrace watching surfers.
  • Get introduced to one of the most famous game of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet a former international player who will explain the history of this mythical game to you, the different variants, and then get you on the ground to play - a very fun & cultural experience!

 

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

Dordogne: the Sleeping Beauty

  • In Black Perigord, you will stay in a restored stone house for 5 nights, nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river, perfectly located to explore the area. Your lovely hostess will open her home to you - which is filled with personal touches (artwork, books, photographies). 
  • Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we have included a much more intimate visit, in a 20,000 year old cave. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, this is a must! Visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days.
  • There is a lot to do in this region: medieval castles to visit, wonderful food to taste - we'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
  • You will also spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.

 

Paris Dordogne Basque Country Bordeaux

Bordeaux Unesco City

  • Your journey ends inside the gates of Bordeaux UNESCO city for 4 nights, a wonder of the 17th century. You B&B is a typical and charming stone house, in the heart of the lively up-and-coming neighborhood of Bordeaux - walking distance to restaurants and nice quality shops.
  • From here, you will explore the whole Bordeaux area, from the Arcachon Bassin to the Saint Emilion vineyards.
  • Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to the amazing expansion of the Gironde region during the 18th century.
  • In a famous wine estate, we have planned a special tour for you: after visiting the estate from the vineyard to the cellars, learning about the different grape varieties and wine-making process, you will play the sorcerer's apprentice and make your own Bordeaux wine (your own blend). You'll see that it's not that easy!
  • You will find everything in this region: from villages nestled in the Medoc or Saint Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe!

 

Welcome to the South West of France - you may never want to leave!

Activities included

pelote basque game with a player

Pelote Game with a Player

Get introduced to one of the most famous game of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet with a former international player you will explain you about this mythical game history, the different variants…and then get on the ground and play: A very fun & cultural experience!

Prehistoric Caves

Walk back on the prehistoric men footsteps, in 20,000 year old painted caves - access is limited to 40 person per day. 

truffle hound

Truffle Hunt

In Dordogne, spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.

bordeaux wine tasting

Bordeaux Wine tasting & blending

Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English speaking guide: from the vineyards to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties and pair wines with 3 chocolates.

Let us craft your perfect Travel Plan

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Customize this tour

We are glad to customize this itinerary to include additionnal night stays, extra activities or any specific request you have.

YOUR Guide Book

100% customized to your itinerary, it is the perfect tool before, during & after your trip.

Explore the French regions

Brittany

Alsace

Lyon

Somme

Champagne

Verdun

Normandy

Provence

Dordogne

Loire Valley

Paris

Bordeaux

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Teresa & Garry
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the …
Roger
The planning and coordination of our holiday was quite awesome and far exceeded all of our expectations and indeed our imagination. The 300 odd page personalised guide book with maps, times and distances, restaurants on route and at our destinations, recommended places to visit on route and the accomodation itself and hosts at each location were …
Gabriele
This trip was such an awesome cultural adventure and we can not say enough about Emilie and France Just for You. This service was outstanding, well planned according to our interests and the B&B's were all wonderful. Each B&B was different but all fantastic in their own way. The suggestions Emilie made all worked amazingly well and so did the …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Myrna & Duncan
from Canada
In Eze gardens on the Riviera
Beth & Joe
From the US
Enjoying breakfast at the B&B in Southern Provence
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Sue & Chris
Romantic night in Montecarlo
Pam & Mercer
From the US
At the B&B in Giverny
Yvette & David
from the US
on the French Riviera, near Nice
Fiona
From the UK
At a restaurant in Le Mans
Kathy & Steve from the US
Having dinner at the B&B in the Loire Valley
Young Nam, Albert & Myoung from the US
In the Dentelles de Montmirail, in Provence
Lytha & Ron
From the US
Canoeing in the Dordogne region
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
Elisabeth & Randy
From Canada
In Vimy Ridge Memorial