SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, from the Pyrenees to the Rhone River, this region is a land of contrast and various cultures.

You will be impressed by the rugged mountains, enjoy the aristocratic resorts of Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz, inspire by the sand dune of the Pilat, taste oysters in the Bay of Arcachon, and delighted by the Bordeaux great wines.

You will discover old folkloric traditions of the Basque people and feel the Spanish influences.

In Dordogne, you will see unique prehistoric cave paintings, visit bastide (fortified medieval town), go from one « Plus Beaux Villages de France » (« The Most Beautiful Villages of France ») to another, and of course eat duck and foie gras.

You will also enjoy peaceful cruises on the Dordogne River on board authentic Gabarre to admire mighty castles that line the river.

On the Eastern part of the region, in Languedoc you will recognize the Mediterranean charm, and discover marshy lands, fortified medieval cities, Roman ruins and excellent wines.

Map of France

GET INSPIRED

From beverage to city, visit Cognac

Situated on the banks of the Charente River, the town of Cognac is synonymous with ‘the liquor of the Gods’. It’s a fantastic destination for history buffs and foodies alike. On the original pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Cognac promises a charming labyrinth of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses and beautiful heritage landmarks. Visit the riverside Château Royal de Cognac, the gorgeous St. Léger Church, and the Maison de la Lieutenance before delving further into the past at the Musée d’Art et de l’Histoire and of course, taste some Cognac.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Cognac Gastronomic & Relaxing Weekend

16 mai 2024

Dordogne & Herault

27 août 2017

The Ultimate Bordeaux Experience

25 août 2017

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

Take a Pinasse boat ride

Indulge in a unique boat ride on board a local « Pinasse », the traditional boats of the Bay of Arcachon. All built out of wood, mention of the boats date back to the 1500’s at a time when they were used only for fishing. This pleasant ride will have you see the numerous oyster farms and admire ‘Birds Island’ with its « Tchanqués » huts built on wooden piles.

You will also have the opportunity to taste some oysters accompanied with fresh baguette, lightly salted butter and white wine of course.

Explore the Cité du Vin

Both an architectural landmark and a fascinating tribute to the city’s wine-making heritage, the futuristic building looms over the banks of the Garonne and offers a unique 360-degree view from its 115-foot-high (35-meter-high) belvedere.

Described by some as part museum, part theme park, La Cité du Vin whisks visitors on a self-guided, fully interactive tour of French wine history and heritage, with multi-sensory exhibitions and multimedia displays spread over 10 floors. Travelers are also offered the opportunity to sample wines from around the worl

Surf’s up

You will have a great choice from the majestic cliffs, to the extensive sand dunes beaches, it is all about the ocean and surf. You will find similarities with California but still feel the French and Spanish influence while staying in quaint B&B dedicated to surfing.

Cook a cassoulet

The cassoulet is not only one of the most popular dishes in France but also one of the oldest dating back to the 100 Years War. Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare this special dish made of white beans, pure pork sausages, and duck confit. Lamb and goose confit are also well-liked components of this delicious stew.

OUR FAVORITE HOTELS

Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa

4-star hotel – Cognac

Located in Cognac, 27 km from Saintes Train Station, from Abbaye aux Dames and 28 km from Saint Pierre Cathedral, the property features a terrace and a bar.

The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower.

At Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa you will find a restaurant serving French and local cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options can also be requested. Guests can relax in the wellness area, including an indoor pool, a sauna and a hot tub, or in the garden.

Hotel Les Glycines

4-star hotel – Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

Adjacent to the train station in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, this upscale hotel in a former 19th-century coaching inn is 9 minutes’ walk from the Musée national de Préhistoire.

Individually decorated rooms offer flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Upgraded rooms have park views, and suites add private terraces and sitting areas. There are also refined cottages with lounge areas, Nespresso machines, and terraces overlooking the park.

Breakfast is available for a surcharge. There’s a fine-dining restaurant, a casual bistro and a swanky bar. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa with an indoor pool and a sauna, and a guest lounge.

Le Vieux Logis

4-star hotel – Tremolat

Formerly a 16th-century priory, this high-end country hotel is 13 km from Le Bournat (a 19th-century village theme park) and 13 km from the Aquarium du Périgord Noir.

Individually decorated rooms with antique furnishings are located in the main house and adjacent buildings. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars. Some rooms have 4-poster or canopy beds, and 1 has a fireplace. Suites add separate living areas.

There’s an upscale restaurant with lavish decor and a gallery, as well as a casual bistro. A terrace overlooks formal gardens and an outdoor pool. Other amenities include a refined lounge and a smoking room.

Chateau les Vigiers

4-star hotel – Monestier

This refined hotel in a 16th-century chateau with annexes is 28 km from Bergerac.

Shabby-chic rooms offer period furniture, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Château rooms and bi-level suites (in annexes) add exposed wood or stonework accents, golf course or park views, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms provide in-room breakfast, free minibars and iPod docks; some have claw-foot tubs. A suite has a 4-poster bed and a terrace.

Amenities include a bar, a rustic-chic brasserie with a terrace, and an acclaimed restaurant with a wine cellar. There’s also a billiard room, a 27-hole golf course and a gym, plus a spa, a hammam, a hot tub and a pool.

Chateau Les Farcies du Pech

Bergerac

Nestled by trees and 9.1 km from the Renaissance castle Château de Monbazillac, this tranquil guesthouse and vineyard in a restored 18th-century monastery is 2.2 km from dinner theater at Le Music Hall.

The 5 individually styled rooms offer park views, wood floors with Oriental rugs, period furnishings, TVs and en suite bathrooms.

Breakfast (surcharge) is served in a salon with a wood-beamed ceiling or on the garden-view terrace. The vineyards are spread throughout 8 hectares of parkland, and there are wine tastings on the premises. Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces. Additional perks include meeting space, picnic areas and bike rentals

L’Esplanade

3-star hotel – Domme

Housed in a stone building with views of the Dordogne Valley, this relaxed hotel is 13 km from both the 13th-century Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and Cathedrale Saint-Sacerdos in Sarlat-la-Caneda.

The genteel rooms have en suite bathrooms; features in some rooms include 4-poster beds, sitting areas, balconies and/or valley views.

Amenities include an informal restaurant with exposed stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as outdoor seating. Pets are welcome.

Le Grand Hotel

5-star hotel – Bordeaux

Set in an 18th-century building with a neoclassical-inspired facade, this upscale hotel faces le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and is an 8-minute walk from la Cathédrale Saint André de Bordeaux.

Rooms feature ornate furnishings in rich colors and offer free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and coffee machines. Suites add sitting areas, some with wine bars. Family suites also have pull-out sofas and 2 bathrooms.

Amenities include 2 gastronomic restaurants, a stylish cocktail bar and an indoor courtyard serving afternoon tea. There’s a business center and 11 meeting spaces, plus a 1000 sq m spa with an indoor pool, fitness center and terrace with a hot tub.

Chateau Grattequina

4-star hotel – Blanquefort

Overlooking the Garonne river, this elegant hotel in a 19th-century chateau is 4 km from Golf de Bordeaux-Lac and 12.3 km from downtown Bordeaux.

The 10 sophisticated rooms feature antique furnishings and river views. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and fireplaces. A suite adds a private balcony.

Continental breakfast is offered for a surcharge, and there’s a seasonal outdoor pool with a sundeck. Speedboat transfers to Bordeaux can be arranged (fee). Wedding and event facilities are available.

Les Sources de Caudalie

5-star hotel – Martillac

Surrounded by the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this haute hotel is 14 km from Bordeaux.

Refined, individually styled rooms feature flat-screens, free Wi-Fi and minibars. Most rooms have terraces or balconies. Suites add separate living spaces. A family suite features a kitchenette and a dining area.

There’s an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, a cozy bistro, a contemporary wine bar and a classy lounge bar. Other amenities include a plush wine-therapy spa, indoor/outdoor pools, a hot tub and an exercise room, as well as loaner bikes, a tennis court and a 3-hole pitch and putt golf course. Horse-drawn carriage rides can be arranged.

Le Boutique Hotel

4-star hotel – Bordeaux

Located at the heart of Bordeaux’s historic centre, Le Boutique Hotel is an 18th-century town house surrounding a lush, green courtyard. It offers a 140 m² terrace shaded by a 100-year-old chestnut tree.

The air-conditioned rooms and apartments at Le Boutique Hotel are mordern and nicely decorated.

A spa centre and Place Gambetta are both just a 1-minute walk from the hotel and Quai Louis XVIII is 2,789 feet away.

Hotel de la Cité

5-star hotel – Carcassonne

Set in Carcassonne’s circular walls, Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne – MGallery Collection is set in a Medieval-style chateau. The hotel features gardens and an outdoor pool with views of Saint Nazaire Basilica.

Classic or Provencal-style decoration feature in all of the guest rooms and suites at Hotel de la Cite. Some suites have a balcony with views of the city.

Homemade pastries are served at breakfast and regional dishes are offered in the brasserie and summer restaurant. Guests can also dine in the Michelin-starred Barbacane restaurant or enjoy a cocktail in the 2 bars.

Chateau de la Treyne

4-star hotel – Lacave

Set in a 14th-century castle on the banks of the Dordogne River, this upscale hotel is 7.1 km from Souillac and 13.7 km from Rocher des Aigles bird park.

The high-end, vintage-style rooms feature satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and minibars. Some offer garden views and/or freestanding tubs. A suite adds a 4-poster bed and a Jacuzzi. There’s also a sophisticated apartment with a private terrace.

The refined restaurant serves contemporary, regional cuisine. There are 120 hectares of formal gardens and woodland within the castle grounds. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, plus a tennis court.

Chateau Cordeillan-Bages

4-star hotel – Pauillac

Set on a 2-hectare vineyard, this chic hotel in a circa-1850s chateau is 2.6 km from the Gare de Pauillac station and 3.1 km from the village of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

The stylish rooms feature contemporary decor and art. All have TVs, air-conditioning, and free WiFi, as well as minibars and garden views. Upgraded rooms add terraces, while suites come with separate living areas.

Parking is included. Wine tasting and a breakfast buffet are available (fee), plus there’s a traditional restaurant. Amenities include a gym, a sauna, a heated outdoor pool, and patio seating. Open seasonally from spring to autumn.

Chateau Hotel Grand Barrail

5-star hotel – Saint-Emilion

In a 3-hectare park with a lake, this 19th-century chateau hotel and annex is 4.2 km from L’église monolithe de Saint-Émilion and 5.2 km from downtown Libourne.

Classic rooms come with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upgraded, country-chic rooms add Nespresso machines; some have period features. Plush suites offer seating areas; 1 has a whirlpool tub, and another offers a 4-poster bed. Children under 12 stay free. Room service is available.

Parking is included. A refined restaurant with stained-glass windows offers outside dining, a bar and a smoking room. Other amenities include a spa and a heated outdoor pool.

Hostellerie de Plaisance

5-star hotel – Saint-Emilion

This elegant hotel in a stone building with an annex is a minute’s walk from both the 12th-century Saint-Émilion church and Maison du Vin de Saint-Émilion wine school.

Upscale rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and iPod docks, as well as desks, minibars and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms offer balconies. Suites add lounges; some have private terraces and/or gardens.

A sophisticated restaurant has a wood-beamed ceiling and chandeliers. There’s also a bar with a terrace, plus elevated gardens overlooking the village. Wine tastings and classes can be arranged.

Le Relais de Franc Mayne

4-star hotel – Saint-Emilion

A 14-minute walk from Château Angélus winery, this refined hotel surrounded by vineyards is 2 km from the Musée souterrain de la Poterie and 4 km from Château Cheval Blanc winery.

The 9 stylish, individually decorated rooms with plush furnishings and colorful accents come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. All have DVD players and minibars; some have sitting areas and vineyard views.

Amenities include an elegant restaurant and a wine bar, as well as a wood-paneled game room with a pool table. There’s also a lush garden with seating, and an outdoor pool. Parking is free.

Le Pont de L’Ouysse

3-star hotel – Lacave

Perched on a cliff above the Ouysse River, this upscale hotel on a former farm is 1 km from the caverns at Les Grottes de Lacave, 10 km from the 12th-century Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Souillac and 12 km from the Château de Rocamadour.

Featuring wood floors and antique-style furnishings, the cozy, elegant rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.

For a surcharge, breakfast is served in-room or in an acclaimed restaurant that also has a fireplace and a tree-shaded terrace. An outdoor pool is surrounded by sunloungers and umbrella tables. Additional amenities include complimentary parking, and a chic bar/lounge with striking artwork.

Le Grand Balcon Hotel

4-star hotel – Toulouse

Set in a quaint redbrick building, this luxe boutique hotel is a block from Place du Capitole, the main square, and a 5-minute walk from the Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse.

The airy rooms with contemporary touches feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and Nespresso machines. Suites have lounge areas, and a 1930s-inspired suite adds hardwood floors and a free-standing tub.

There’s a retro-chic cocktail bar, as well as massage services (fee) and 2 meeting rooms. An American-style breakfast buffet is available for a surcharge.

Le Regina Biarritz Hotel

5-star hotel – Biarritz

A 5-minute walk from the beach, this luxe hotel in a grand 1907 building featuring belle epoque decor is a 5-minute walk from the lighthouse of Biarritz and 1.9 km from the Aquarium de Biarritz.

Chic, contemporary rooms feature Nespresso coffeemakers and Wi-Fi. Upgraded quarters add ocean views and/or terraces. Elegant suites add living areas; some have separate living rooms with fireplaces.

There’s a celebrated, refined restaurant with a terrace, plus a stylish cafe with a lounge. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness room and a spa with a hammam. The sprawling Le Phare Golf Course adjoins the hotel.

Hotel du Palais

5-star hotel – Biarritz

In a grand 1855 palace that was once the summer home of Napoléon III, this luxury seafront hotel is 7 minutes’ walk from Casino Barrière de Biarritz. Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Aéroport is 4.7 km away.

The opulent rooms come with desks, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access and minibars. Some feature sea views, and suites add living areas.

There is a fine-dining restaurant with high ceilings, chandeliers and sea views, as well as a relaxed patio bistro. An elegant spa features an indoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

Hotel Parc Victoria

5-star hotel – Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Set in a 1-hectare park, this cozy seasonal hotel in a 19th-century mansion is a 5-minute walk from the beach, a 15-minute walk from central Saint-Jean-de-Luz and 15 km from l’Aéroport Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne.

The relaxed rooms and suites feature minibars, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Suites add sitting areas; some offer whirlpool baths.

Breakfast is available for a surcharge. A restaurant serves Basque cuisine in 3 dining rooms. There’s also a bar with billiards, and a kids’ game room. Other amenities include landscaped gardens, plus a hot tub and an exercise room.

Hotel La Réserve

4-star hotel – Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Set on 3 hectares of palm-tree-shaded gardens overlooking the ocean and providing views towards the Biarritz lighthouse, this refined hotel is 1.1 km from the beach and 2.5 km from Maison Louis XIV.

The sophisticated rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Some rooms feature sea views and/or private terraces. Suites have separate living areas. Room service is available.

Amenities include a heated oceanfront infinity pool, a sauna and body sculpting treatments (surcharge), plus a stylish restaurant offering modern Basque dishes and terrace seating. The hotel also has a lounge/bar and 3 meeting rooms.

Hotel Le Café de Paris

4-star hotel – Biarritz

Hôtel Le Café de Paris is in central Biarritz, on the pedestrian Place Bellevue and a 5-minute walk from the casino. This property is only a 2-minute walk from a golden-sand beach.

Uniquely in Biarritz, all the rooms have exceptional panoramic views of the sea and beach. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace.

Guests can sample refined cuisine in Hôtel Le Café de Paris’ restaurant, which has a nautical-themed decor. The restaurant offers a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the Place Bellevue and the sea.

L’Auberge Basque

4-star hotel – Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle

This upscale inn is 6.5 km from Golf de Chantaco and 8.5 km from the beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Individually decorated rooms feature wood floors, rainfall showerheads, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Upgraded rooms offer balconies or private terraces. Suites add separate sitting rooms.

Breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves modern Basque dishes. There’s also free off-street parking and a meeting room.

Les Prés d’Eugénie

5-star hotel – Eugénie-les-Bains

Set across 8 buildings, including an 18th-century convent, this plush hotel on a sprawling estate along Le Bahus river is 3 km from golf at Les Greens D’Eugénie and 48 km from Aeroport Pau-Pyrénées.

Relaxed rooms offer TVs and free Wi-Fi, minibars, and balconies or patios. Elegant upgraded rooms and suites add marble bathrooms, dressing rooms and fireplaces, plus canopy beds and antique furnishings.

There’s an upscale country-style restaurant and a cafe run by renowned chef Michel Guérard. Other amenities include a spa with 21 treatment rooms and steam baths, an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Cooking classes are available.

Domaine de Verchant

5-star hotel – Montpellier

Lying 2.5 km from the A9 autoroute, this posh spa hotel is set in a 16th-century mansion amidst 17 hectares of vineyards. It’s 8.2 km from downtown Montpellier.

Chic, air-conditioned rooms feature flat-screen TVs, minibars and free Wi-Fi; some have whirlpool tubs. Upgraded rooms add terraces, while plush suites also offer round beds and double tubs; some add oak-beamed ceilings and exposed brick. Apartments with kitchens and balconies or courtyards are also available.

Amenities include an elegant restaurant with a poolside terrace, which offers high-end cuisine and 24-hour room service, as well as an outdoor pool, a day spa, and wine tours.

Le Grand Hotel

3-star hotel – Sète

Overlooking the Canal de Sète, this refined 19th-century hotel is a 9-minute walk from Gare Maritime Orsetti ferry terminal and 3.7 km from Plage de la Corniche.

The rooms are individually decorated in a warm style, and arranged around a plant-filled courtyard. All have free Wi-Fi and TVs, plus minibars and double-glazed windows. Suites add separate living areas.

There’s an airy Mediterranean restaurant and a bar, as well as a glass-roofed patio. Meeting space is available.

Domaine de Biar

Montpellier

Discover an exceptional place, an excuse to open up to a soothing nature, a domain dedicated to pleasure and well-being,
perfect communion between the nourishing earth and the human inspiration, at the same time charming cottage, place of refined receptions and manade,
the Camargue horses adorning these lands between vineyards and Mosson …

Le Couvent D’Herepian

Herepian

Located in a small unspoilt village in the South of France, in the heart of the beautiful ‘Parc du Haut Languedoc’ and five minutes from the Lamalou Golf Club, the Couvent d’Hérépian offers the refinement you would expect from an upscale hotel with the relaxation of a boutique spa.

Comfort. Privacy. Well-being. The Couvent offers all three, thanks to our beautifully appointed suites, tranquil location and luxurious spa. An elegant, stone, 17th Century convent, the building was completely renovated to create 13 suites on three floors, all arranged around a majestic stone staircase.

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