Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
France – Basque Country – Landes – Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux
100% customisable for you
The day has come to hop across the channel in search of the sunny southwest of France. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge for some complimentary nibbles ahead of your departure. Flights to Biarritz, the gateway to the Basque Country, take just one hour and 55 minutes – talk about a quick turnaround.
After landing, collect your hire car and venture south for 40 minutes to reach the gorgeously green gem of Bidarray, in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques region. When you arrive, check in for two nights in a charming little property before venturing out in search of your first delicious dinner of the trip.
Tuck into a breakfast of champions this morning, because today, you’re setting off on a hilltop hike along the beautiful ridges of the Basque Country. Made up of deep valleys, lush forests and dramatic ridges, this nature-filled corner boasts a superbly scenic landscape, made even better by the occasional cheeky glimpse over to Spain.
Celebrate your soaring step counts this evening by refuelling with a decadent three-course dinner full of regional delicacies, including mouth-watering meats and simmering stews. Bon appetit.
Head back down the mountains today as you set off on the 55-minute drive to Hossegor, in the Landes region.
Along the way, enjoy a scenic stop in Bayonne, the meeting point of the Adour and Nive rivers. A maze of Medieval streets, the city is divided into three distinct districts, two of which were protected from historic conflicts by the 17th-century engineer Vauban's complex fortifications. Find Bayonne Cathedral in the town’s historic heart, then cross over to the Petit Bayonne district to visit the brilliant Basque Museum.
Once you’ve satisfied your cultural curiosities, continue to Hossegor, where you’ll check in for two nights in another delightfully charming hotel.
A far cry from the people-packed shorelines of the Cote d’Azur, Hossegor is a refined resort town on France’s southwest coast, home to a series of elegant 1930s villas and a mile-and-a-half-long tidal lake.
Your time here can be as laidback or as fast-paced as you fancy – the surrounding landscape is primed for pretty much anything, from blissful beach walks and leisurely seafront lunches to forested bike rides and secluded swimming breaks.
If you’re keen to venture a little further out during your time here, visit the nearby commune of Capbreton, whose sandy shores stretch over three and a half miles. We hope you packed a few funky beach towels…
This morning, strap in for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Cap Ferret, on the northern curve of Arcachon Bay. If your road trip tunes need a refresh along the way, simply dip into our destination-specific playlist.
Sometimes referred to as the French Hamptons, Cap Ferret is a concentrated corner of class. So, after checking in and freshening up, head out this evening to dine in style at one of the many restaurants dotted along the shore – bonus points if you spot an off-duty celeb while you’re there.
Tucked away from the wider Atlantic Ocean in Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret is made up of sand dunes, long beaches and small oyster ports.
To cover as much ground as possible today, hop on a bike and pedal your way along the curve of the bay, charting a course from the Jetee Belisaire (that’s Belisaire Pier to us Brits) to Mimbeau beach. When you arrive on the sandy shores, you’ll have the chance to sample some spectacularly fresh oysters. Time to start shucking...
Rise and shine: the last leg of your adventure in southwestern France begins today. Stock up on snacks, buckle up and hit the road for the one-hour-and-15-minute drive to Bordeaux, where you’ll settle in for one night.
Hit the ground (by which we mean the cobblestone streets) running this afternoon with a bike ride around the city. Accompanied by a friendly local, head to the right bank of the river to explore Bordeaux’s Darwin Ecosystem, an urban playground packed with restaurants, shops and workspaces. Then, pedal over the Jacques-Chaban-Delmas Bridge to reach the Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated to – you guessed it – wine.
Finally, continue on foot in the city centre to admire some more magnificent monuments, including the Grand Theatre, the Allees de Tourny shopping street and the iconic (and incredibly photogenic) Place de la Bourse square. The cherry on top? You’ll have worked up a hearty appetite for the last dinner of the trip – better make it a big one.
Sadly, the time has come to bid Bordeaux adieu and begin your journey home. Stave off reality with one last leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport, returning your hire car and breezing through security to the lounge.
The flight home is a swift hour and 30 minutes, and you’ll land on UK soil in time for dinner, armed with the knowledge that, sometimes, the grass really is greener on the other side.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
