Enjoy a five course Christmas lunch onboard the luxury British Pullman Train BOOK NOW >

Taste of Southern France
8 Days
From £1,970
In association with TS Tours
Check availability
Call now and book 02039934304 Quote ref: EXPLOREFRANCE
Check availability
Call now and book 02039934304
Quote ref: EXPLOREFRANCE
Email us
Travel from Bordeaux to Toulouse, with visits to wine estates, a cheese producer, a truffle hunter, and beautiful historic buildings

The heavenly rural landscapes, quaint villages and gentle pace of life in south-west France make it one of Europe's most appealing destinations. The region is also world-renowned for its food and wine, with rich, hearty dishes and fragrant wines attracting visitors from all over the world.

Join us on an eight-day gourmet adventure in southern France, taking in the regions of Bordeaux, the Lot Valley and The Dordogne.

There'll be plenty of opportunities to get to know the fabulous cuisine of southern France, like hunting for truffles in Sarlat, tasting fresh Archachon oysters and sampling creamy local cheeses.

A highlight of the trip will of course be the wine tastings. On a day trip to the Bordeaux village of Saint-Emilion, you'll visit Chateau Coutet, an esteemed wine estate which is both the largest and oldest Barsac estate in France. Here you'll taste some of the world-class vintages that have made this village a magnet for wine lovers.

You can also look forward to tasting Blanquette de Limoux, a local sparkling wine similar to Crémant, and visiting Cite du Vin, a renowned wine museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of Bordeaux's world-class wines.

As well as plenty of tastings, you'll also discover the rich history and culture of some of southern France's most beautiful towns and cities, with guided tours of Bordeaux, Rocamadour, Sarlat and Carcassonne.

Throughout your trip you'll be staying in stylish, well-located hotels, putting you in perfect position to explore both with your group and individually.

To read more about this trip:
PDF
Download the brochure here

Reasons to book

Rocamadour

Visit this atmospheric village perched dramatically on a rocky cliffside and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes

Truffle hunting

In Sarlat you’ll get the chance to go hunting for truffles with a local producer and their trained dogs

Wine tastings

This region of France is renowned for its fine wines, and you’ll get to sample some including Barsac-Sauternes and Blanquette de Limoux

Delicious cheeses

The Dordogne region is renowned for its exceptional cheese production with the most famous being the creamy and mild Rocamadour

Toulouse

Known as 'La Ville Rose', The Pink City, due to its distinctive terracotta buildings, Toulouse is a dynamic and culturally rich city

Oyster tasting in Arcachon

Look forward to tasting some wonderfully fresh oysters during a visit to Arcachon on France’s Atlantic coast
Share this trip
Tour brochure
PDF
Download a PDF tour brochure

Price includes

  • Seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
  • Two dinners
  • Cheese-themed lunch at local cheese producers farm in the Dordogne
  • Train journey to Arcachon, fish market visit with oyster tasting
  • Visit the Bordeaux wine museum
  • Visit Chateau Coutet in Saint-Émilion with a wine tasting
  • Truffle hunting experience in Sarlat
  • Visit Sarlat market and Gouffre du Padirac cave
  • Expore Toulose and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne
  • All transfers
  • Three-day public transport pass
  • The services of local guide
  • Choose to add flights and transfers
  • One Sea Change Languedoc Duo Pack, exclusively for our readers

Availability

From
Sat, Sat, Apr 26, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, May 3, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,970*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 19 October 2024 departure date and does not include flights. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £465pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. One sea change pack per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Explore Worldwide Ltd.

From
Sat, Sat, Apr 26, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, May 3, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,300*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 19 October 2024 departure date and includes flights. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £465pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. One sea change pack per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Explore Worldwide Ltd.

Call now to book 02039934304
Quote ref: EXPLOREFRANCE
Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll arrive in Bordeaux, a vibrant and historic city in southwestern France, known for its rich wine culture, beautiful architecture, and scenic countryside.

    You'll transfer to your hotel, where you'll meet your tour guide in the afternoon for a guided walk around Bordeaux. You'll see some of the city's highlights, including the Monument of Girondins, St Andre Cathedral, and the Place de la Bourse, before enjoying an aperitif in a local bar.

    If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll along the quays of the Garonne River, admire the city's neoclassical buildings, charming squares, and grand monuments or visit the Contemporary Art Museum as you explore independently.

  2. Day
    2
    Arcachon
    Arcachon, France

    This morning, set off on a scenic train ride from Bordeaux to the pretty seaside town of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast.

    Upon arrival, you'll visit the lively fish market, where local fishermen bring in their fresh daily catch. After taking a good look around, you'll get the chance to try some of Arcachon's famous fresh oysters.

    For a special lunch experience, take a seat in the famous Le Bouchon Market, an indoor treasure trove of local produce, artisanal goods, and local specialities.

    After lunch, you'll return to Bordeaux and cap off the day with a visit to the city's renowned wine museum, the Cite du Vin. You'll cruise along the Garonne by river ferry to the museum and after an initial introductory talk, you'll be free to explore the exhibitions.

  3. Day
    3
    Saint-Émilion
    Saint-Émilion, France

    Today you'll take the train to the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, nestled in the heart of Bordeaux's wine country.

    On arrival, you'll be driven by electric buggy to nearby Chateau Coutet, a renowned wine estate which is both the largest and oldest Barsac estate in France. This estate produces the finest Barsac-Sauternes and you'll discover the secrets of winemaking and sample some of the world-class vintages that have made this village a wine lover's paradise.

    After your visit, you'll return to Saint-Emilion to explore the village with its charming, cobbled streets, steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition.

    On your way back to Bordeaux in the afternoon, you'll stop at a local patisserie and refuel on the famous mouth-watering Cannelé pastry, a classic French pastry from the Bordeaux region.

  4. Day
    4
    Sarlat
    Sarlat-la-Can, France

    Say farewell to Bordeaux this morning before travelling by train to Sarlat, a town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, gothic cathedral, and rich food.

    Sarlat and the wider region are famous for traditional dishes of duck confit, foie gras, and walnut-based desserts. Another of the region's specialities is truffles, and today you'll visit a local black truffle producer to learn more about these prized fungi and head outside to see how they hunt for these prized fungi.

    Later, enjoy a guided walking tour of Sarlat. Making your way through the narrow winding streets with their timber houses and stone buildings dating back to the 14th century, you'll end up at the impressive 12th-century cathedral.

    Tonight, you'll have dinner at a local family-run restaurant to try one of the many delicious duck dishes the area is known for.

  5. Day
    5
    Sarlat
    Sarlat-la-Can, France

    This morning, you'll head to the famous Sarlat market, where you can sample the produce and flavours of the region and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this charming French town.

    As you walk through the market your Tour Leader will explain the produce and offer samples to try, including regional cheeses, duck sausage and walnut cakes.

    After your tasting tour in the market, there'll be free time to explore more of the food stalls or the local handicrafts in the market.

    This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to take a cookery class with a local chef known for his garden-to-plate seasonal menus, who'll teach you more about the principal cooking techniques and ingredients of the region.

    Alternatively, you could head out on the Dordogne River to take a guided canoe tour and enjoy and the afternoon paddling downstream.

  6. Day
    6
    Padirac Cave, Toulouse
    Toulouse, France

    After breakfast you'll leave the hotel and visit the Gouffre du Padirac cave in the Lot region.

    This cave system is a mesmerizing subterranean world of underground rivers and stunning rock formations. You'll stroll through the winding tunnels and take a boat ride on the underground river.

    After exploring the cave, it's time to savour some more local flavours, with a delightful lunch at a local cheese producers farm. You'll get to taste an array of regional cheeses with fresh bread, and perhaps some local wines.

    Once you've satisfied our taste buds, your journey continues to the enchanting, medieval pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, perched dramatically on a cliffside, where you'll enjoy truly majestic views.

    Next stop is the vibrant city of Toulouse. On arrival, we will make a delightful stop at a local pastry shop, where we can uncover the secrets behind the city's renowned chocolatine, before some free time to explore its historic centre and soak in the atmosphere.

  7. Day
    7
    Medieval fortress of Carcassonne
    Carcassonne, France

    Today you'll take a day trip to one of the region's most stunning settings, the walled fortress of Carcassonne.

    You will take a guided walk with your Tour leader to explore the heart of Carcassonne, known as 'La Cité,' including the outside of the Château Comtal, which offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the city and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, an impressive Gothic cathedral.

    After some free time for lunch, you'll visit a local shop to sample Blanquette de Limoux, a local sparkling wine similar to Crémant, which is one of the oldest sparkling wines in the world with a history dating back several centuries.

    You'll end the day with dinner at a small local restaurant known for its Cassoulet, a hearty and flavourful casserole-like dish. Cassoulet is known for its rich and satisfying flavours, making it a beloved comfort food.

  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Toulouse, France

    After a final breakfast at your hotel in Toulouse, you'll be free to begin your journey home.

    Depending on your flight time, you may like to spend some time wandering in the streets of Toulouse or buying your last souvenirs before your holiday comes to an end.

Brought to you by

TS Tours for Explore Worldwide
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
Our travel partner TS Tours Ltd which specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours, is working in partnership with Explore Worldwide Ltd who specialise in small group adventures from ‘Classic Discovery’ cultural group tours, solo traveller holidays and active family adventures, to walking holidays and cycling trips.

For general information, click here.

To view TS Tours for Explore Worldwide’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From
Sat, Sat, Apr 26, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, May 3, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,970*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 19 October 2024 departure date and does not include flights. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £465pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. One sea change pack per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Explore Worldwide Ltd.

From
Sat, Sat, Apr 26, 2025
To
Sat, Sat, May 3, 2025
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£2,300*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 19 October 2024 departure date and includes flights. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £465pp. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. One sea change pack per booking. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Explore Worldwide Ltd.

Call now to book 02039934304
Quote ref: EXPLOREFRANCE
Email us