Post on 02-Apr-2016
description
In Bordeaux, in the South
West of France
Indulge
all your
senses
Passionate about
Bordeaux ?Enjoy its heritage.
wine, architecture,
culture....
Experience French
Art de Vivre!Tours featuring
wonderful
discoveries.
TASTE THE UNEXPECTED
Meeting & Incentives
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OUR SUGGESTIONS
Short Break stayAccommodation
4 Groups
14 FIT
Experience French Art de Vivre
in Bordeaux
17 Bordeaux discoveries
27 Bordeaux vineyards
37 Gastronomy
42 Arcachon Bay and Seaside
44 Golf
47 Events
Experience French Art de Vivre in the South West
51 Cognac
53 Dordogne
54 Basque Country
OUR SERVICES Let us design a unique short break holiday for you during which you’ll discover or rediscover France’s art de vivre.In short, made-to-order travel using our confidential addresses and exclusive privileges to meet your most demanding or most eccentric requests, and provide you with what suits you best.
A magical spell from the past will lead you to sites on UNESCO’s world heritage list: Bordeaux and its 18th century architectural ensemble, Saint Emilion – a medieval village, and Lascaux in Dordogne.
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To access Bordeaux
By plane : the flights go to and from Paris ((14 vols daily flights to Orly, 6 daily flights to Roissy-Charles De Gaulle), other French regions, and European capitals.
By train : 25 daily return trips to Paris (3 hours), 5 to Roissy Charles de Gaulle, on a TGV high speed train. The TGV will reach Bordeaux in 2 hours from 2017.
St-Emilion
Lying in the southwestern corner of France, Aquitaine is a region famed for its wine, its beaches and its countryside. The southern part of the region is mostly low lying; the northern part of Aquitaine which includes the Dordogne, is a hillier area, famed for its gourmet cuisine,its picturesque villages, and its historic sites.
Cognac
DordogneMédoc
Biarritz & Basque Country
Eugénie les bains & Armagnac
Arcachon
Spain
Where to go?
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Accommodation Groups
Cordeillan Bages
Les Prés d'Eugénie
Les Vigiers
Grand BarrailGrand Hotel
Les Sources de Caudalie
Hotel du Palais
Le Grand Hotel de Bordeaux and Spa *****
Leading Hotels of the World
Bordeaux
The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa faces the impressive the Grand Théâtre, and is located inside the Golden Triangle, the finest shopping and pedestrian area of Bordeaux. Elegant as it was in the past, respecting its colorful history and offering the finest world class hospitality Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa offers splendid guest rooms and suites decorated by the world-famous designer Jacques Garcia. These comfortable accommodations are equipped with the latest technology, including flat screen televisions, free broadband Internet access, and heated marble bathrooms with Anne Sémonin’s welcome amenities.
Gourmet restaurant.130 rooms and suites
Les Sources de Caudalie*****
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Graves
Sense of deatails and service from a Palace combined with a warm and family atmosphere, Les Sources de Caudalie set among the prestigious vineyards of Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé des Graves, first opened in 1999. This modern, attractive complex is designed to achieve total harmony with its immediate environment, surrounded by vineyards and forests on the outskirts of Bordeaux The contemporary atmosphere accented with recycled structures and materials enhances the hotel's wine country lifestyle.Welcome to a place focused on nature, good taste, and pleasure of the five senses.Welcome to a five star environment.
1 Michelin star restaurant.61 rooms and suites
Chateau Cordeillan Bages ****
Relais & Châteaux
Médoc
The 17th century charterhouse located between the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of the Route des Châteaux du Médoc is the epitome of calm awakening hedonistic pleasures. From its terrasse you can appreciate the gardens and vines. Nested around pines and verbena bushes, the sunbathed rooms and timeless interiors offer utter serenitywithin a confidential setting.This typically Girondine mansion invites you to share singular moments and to explore a entire way of living.
2 Michelin star restaurant.28 rooms and suites
Chateau Grand Barrail ****
Small Luxury Hotels of the world
Saint Emilion
One-of-a kind property, the 4-star, 19th-century Château Grand Barrail Hôtel **** is located in the right-bank area of Bordeaux, next to a medieval town. With Saint-Emilion’s most famous wine-producing châteaux at its doorstep, it is less than an hour-drive to Bordeaux. It offers gorgeous guest rooms, split between the château and its outbuildings, and a gourmet restaurant. Indulge in the hotel’s spa, offering a comprehensive array of Cinq Mondes body treatments to relax you, pamper your body and delight your senses.
The hotel’s friendly and committed staff is always on hand to cater to your every need. Offering each guest a warm and personalized welcome, Château Grand Barrail Hôtel is sure to meet most demanding expectations.
46 rooms and suites
Hotel du Palais *****Leading Hotels of the World
Biarritz
Positioned on a headland between two pristine beaches, this spectacular national monument has been welcoming guests since 1893.
It is a well-known fact that the villa that houses the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, overlooking the Bay of Biscay, was built by Napoleon III for his stunning wife, Eugénie. Today, it blends glamour and sophistication with Basque Country warmth. The scarlet-and-cream-colored seaside villa still channels its grand heritage. Rooms are lavish and high ceilings create a breezy, destination-appropriate vibe. The extensive wellness facility, complete with a Guerlain spa and lounging areas with sea views, is the kind of enclave that Eugénie surely would have loved.
1 Michelin star restaurant 108 rooms and 45 suites
Chateau des Vigiers ****
Dordogne
Situated at the gateway of the Dordogne Valley, in the heart of 'Purple Périgord'. Hidden away between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac, nestled close to the Dordogne river lies a unique and magical place... The Château des Vigiers is the perfect place for those seeking intimacy and a feeling of total relaxation. The magnificent 16th century château with its 25 personalized rooms reflect the history of the château with their antique furniture.
Not far from the château are suites in independent buildings, made from traditional materials, stone and wood, each with their own terrace overlooking the magnificent lake.
1 Michelin star restaurant25 rooms and suites in the Château40 rooms in the "Relais"
Hostellerie de Plaisance
Le Saint James
La C(o)orniche
Le Tertre Franc MayneLa Lagune
Accommodation FIT
Hotels & Private Chateaux
Mirambeau
Le Saint James ****Relais & Châteaux
Bordeaux
The Saint-James occupies buildings designed in 1989 by the famous architect Jean Nouvel. They nestle in the delightful little village of Bouliac, in the heart of wooded grounds and a garden fragrant with citrus and antique roses. Inspired by the old tobacco drying lofts, four pavilions, linked by a gallery, create a modern pure space. Far away, you can see the Landes of Gascogne forest, the biggest collection of maritime pines in Europe. The gourmet cuisine served here is one of its major attractions. The chef at the Saint-James restaurant serves cuisine which is full of flavour and based on local market ingredients.
1 Michelin star restaurant18 rooms and suites
La C(o)orniche
Arcachon
Surrounded by a forest and designed by Philippe Starck, this luxury hotel offers an Infinity swimming pool and panoramic sea views. Balconies offer views of the Great Dune of Pyla.
Each of the guest rooms and suites at La C(O)Orniche are stylishly decorated in pastel colours. All rooms have a balcony and a private terrace with unrestricted views. Guest rooms are equipped with an iPod docking station and a minibar. The private marble bathrooms include an Italian shower.
Located in the heart of Arcachon, hotel La C(O)Orniche is a 45-minute drive from Bordeaux Airport. Bicycle rental is available on site for guests wishing to explore the surrounding area
12 rooms and suites
Chateau La Lagune
Médoc
Château La Lagune was built in a strikingly rigorous, pure, harmonious, and elegantly sober style The rectangular cour d’honneur of main courtyard, in front of the Château is flanked by two wings. The cour aux vins surrounded by the cellars and former vat room. The Château is surrounded by large grounds.The interior decoration was handled by two professional designers.They were asked to make the Château a refined setting where friends and clients of La Lagune would be comfortable.The designers created a richly-furnished and elegant decor in the « Bordeaux bourgeois » style, but with a touch of humour and exotism typical of their work.Beautiful fabrics and family heirloom furniture give a special feel to each room..Variations in each room give each one an individual personality 9 rooms and suites
Château du Tertre
Médoc
The building of the present Château du Tertre dates back to the 18th century. It is a delightful manor which shows off elegantly the architectural features of the Regency period. The whole is built over superb underground cellars. Mirrored by current owner"s passion for the esthetically beautiful, the château today celebrates an art de vivre of extreme refinement, reflecting the arts and Dutch history. While the wall colours are of Tuscan décor insipration, period furniture and paintings by the Flemish 17th century masters combine harmoniously and are set off by sumptuous bouquets, making Château du Tertre an exquisite place to live
5 rooms and suites
Le Relais Franc Mayne
Saint Emilion
Château Franc-Mayne, a prestigious Grand Cru Classé, has 7 hectares of vines in a single block. The vines are planted on a former quarry, in the heart of the Saint-Emilion appellation. Sizeable investment and advice from consulting oenologist Michel Rolland have brought this estate up to an extremely high Standard.
Quality is an absolute priority every step of the way for this superb Saint-Emilion. Franc-Mayne also has a fine château, originally a 16th century coaching inn. The wine is aged in oak barrels in magnificent underground cellars dug out of the former quarry.
8 rooms and suites
Hostellerie de Plaisance *****Relais & Châteaux
Saint Emilion
A warm and friendly welcome, an ambiance both chic and relaxed, low-key elegant décor by Alberto Pinto: the whole hotel exudes the art of living, elegance and discreet luxury.
It also boasts unsurpassed views of the time-honored vineyards of the legendary village of Saint-Emilion, first class service, constant attention to detail, peace, quiet and supreme comfort in exceptional surroundings: the two buildings brimming with character are linked by a series of hanging gardens.
Michelin star restaurant, not yet. 17 rooms and suites
Les Prés d'Eugénie ****
Relais & Châteaux
Armagnac
A small country palace, a romantic haven, a feast for the senses, for pampering your body and letting your mind wander. This family home is an invitation to happiness. Fairytale gardens, aristocratic abode and symphonic cuisine.Les prés d'Eugénie offers a grand gourmet experience against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Christine and Michel Guérard are the purveyors of pleasure in this paradise made for savouring a refined art de vivre. Staged with exquisite elegance, the Ferme Thermale®, the Eugénie houses and springs, share the stage with Michel Guérard's famous restaurant, where delicate flavours go hand in hand with the magic and lightness of taste.
3 Michelin star restaurant34 rooms and suites
Château de Mirambeau *****
Relais & Châteaux
Cognac
Between Cognac and Bordeaux, two renowned wine-growing regions, this Renaissance-style château enjoys a commanding position in the heart of this superb eight-hectare park overlooking the Gironde estuary. This superb residence boasts a past which is rich in both art and history. Its exquisite furnishing fabrics, antique furniture and crystal chandeliers take you back to an elegant and cosseting atmosphere where you lose all sense of time. Château de Mirambeau, which expresses a French art de vivre that is sophisticated yet unpretentious, offers delightful gourmet cuisine. When evening comes, seek out one of the most fascinating rooms in the château, the “Cognathèque”. This is the ideal place if you want an initiation into the tasting of wine and the best cognacs.
1 Michelin star the restaurant22 rooms and 8 suites
What do do in the
South West
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The very essence of eleganceThe historic wine city is being spruced up and updated for the 21st century thanks to a massive regeneration effort
Bordeaux has had a complete facelift few years back– restoring noble façades, installing trams and reclaiming from dereliction the vast swathe of riverbank. There are few more graceful urban sights in France than the water mirror reflecting the splendid Palais-de-la-Bourse.
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mInfluence of wine on the setting of the city:
- Themed guided tour along the waterfront, the wine merchant
district plus a river cruise in the port of Bordeaux
lThe Golden age of Bordeaux
- Hidden mansions and jewels of 18th century architecture
- Private collection of the Decorative Art Museum
- Backstage of the Opera House and terrace
mCity running along the river or bike tour along
the Garonne river banks between the two bridges
lUnusual shops of Bordeaux and craftsmen
workshops:
our local greeters will introduce you to the best spots
mDe luxe spas
Caudalie in the vineyards & Les Prés d’Eugénie
in the Armagnac country
Bordeaux Discoveries
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3-hour tour
Accompanied by an expert of the city and its history, itineraries enable you to discover the architecture of the past centuries of Bordeaux on different thematics such as the Influence of the wine in the city, the XVIIIth century: the Golden age of Bordeaux. Bordeaux – roman period Bordeaux – english period Bordeaux and the saxon influence Bordeaux – 18th century And contemporaneous period withBordeaux – investments overseas in the 21st century & modern art
The tour can be completed with a river cruise on the Garonne;
Themed guided tours of the city
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Wine tour in France being a member of the association « Friends of the Opera » has privileged access for the visit of the costume workshopand to the upper terrace of the Grand Théâtre
Backstage of the OperaDiscover the jewels of the 18th century of Bordeaux
- Hidden mansions - Private collection of the Decorative Art Museum.
If you are looking for something singular ,away from the conventional tours.
Bordeaux is unique...
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Running and biking along the GaronneCombine your passion for running with the beauty of Bordeaux with à la carte “cultural jogging” experienceFinally, for the more active visitor, “Run My City” has quickly proven very popular with guests. With dedicated joggers and out running anyway, it channeled their energy into this group session where they lead a historic and sightseeing tour, usually 3-4 miles long,
that might pass the city’s legendary landmarks. The run, of course, ends at favorite café. Running is a great away to explore a city when visiting, an early-morning departure allows guests to enjoy sunrise over the waterfront– a special time when Bordeaux still sleeps and the city reveals its true splendour
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Lie back and let our Vinotherapists’ expert hands take care of your body in an elegant atmosphere from which you will emerge refreshed and rested.Little extra: you will be able to have lunch or dinner in a Michelin stared restaurant.
Pamper yourselfThese treatments, which are unique in the world, team the beneficial properties of a naturally hot water drawn up from 40 meters below ground, which is rich in minerals and trace elements, with vine and grape extracts.
In each of our treatments, we use the Caudalie Laboratories range products containing grape polyphenols, acclaimed by doctors and surgeons around the world for their outstanding anti-oxydant properties.
During the treatment the access to the Turkish bath, thermal bath with jet stream is free and the organic herbal tea of the day will be offered. Treatments will be booked according to our availability.
Vinotherapy spa Caudalie in Graves vineyards
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A retreat of enchantment Les Prés d’Eugénie
in the Armagnac country.
Hosted at Les Prés d’Eugénie, a luxurious five-star Re-lais & Châteaux property nestled in the South West of France – 1h30 from Bordeaux
This retreat will offer enchantment and sensory indul-gence. A unique experience that is truly the perfect marriage of wellness and rural elegance. This fantastic event will put you through a complete body renewal leaving you relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for mid-autumn.Among the many deluxe offerings, you will relax and unwind in the onsite spa ‘La Ferme Thermale’, located in a stunning 18th-century farmhouse. The traditions of healing waters are recast in sensuous trails of de-lights.
You will have the chance to revitalise yourself with a combination of detoxifying treatments and classes. To unwind after work out’s, Spa rituals will be on offer along with fabulous three-star Michelin cuisine, pre-pared by renowned chef Michel Guérard.
Deep within the southern French countryside, this grand family home has become a gastronomic landmark. Gourmands travel across the globe to dine on the famed cuisine minceur as they look out over fairy tale rose and herb gardens. Relais & Châteaux grand chef Michel Guérard reinvented traditional nouvelle cuisine dishes with his minceur style in the 1970s, making them lighter to cater for guests at the Eugénie-les-Bains spa resort.
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Bordeaux Vineyardsm The treasures of 19th architecture in Medoc chateaux – Half day or Full
day tours with wine tastings
Discover the magnificent architecture of these buildings along the Chateaux
Road from neo classical to Tudor style and even asian style.
lHigh tech cellars in Saint Emilion – Half day or Full day
Enjoy the contrast of high tech wine cellars recently built in Saint Emilion
area neraby the enchanting tiny medieval village - Can be combined with a
biking tour
m Helicopter ride over the Medoc - Half or Full day
Fly over the backstage of these wonderful chateaux along the river and
discover the somptuous gardens and stop for wine tasting or lunch
l Vintage car itineraries in the vineyards of Bordeaux – Full
day
Select one of the mythical cars and drive it: Porsche 356, Excalibur,
Monaco Moss and proceed to the vineyards and countryside
m Balloon flight in Entre Deux mers – sunrise or sunset
l Private river cruise on the Gironde –Spend a day or
evening on an island in the Medoc
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19th century architecture in Medoc
Our specialized guide will unveil all the secrets of these wonderful buildings and the families who lived there
The most famous Grands Crus from the 1855 classifi-cation are opening the doors to offer you a magic tasting
You cannot miss to follow the « Route des Chateaux of the Medoc » to finally discover all these names you have been dreaming about!
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Rando VinoTake up the challenge and try to be recruited as an oenologist for a great growth wine property.
Divided in teams, you will need to show diligence for all the activities organised in the vineyard, the cellar and at the tasting workshop.
You will have to take up several challenges over several stages. Each of the themes includes actions for each participants. All the actions are related to the wine industry:- Initiation to vine growing and race in the vineyards to reach the first château- Visit and discovery of wine making by involving all the participants in a “maitre de chais” or cellar master’s every day life-
- Finding all the road marks- Solving tangrams upon arrival- Identification of flavours- Recognition of colours in second great growth wines - Oenologist workshop
At the end of the race, your guide will announce the results but bear in mind that for us, there are no winners or loosers as everybody gives the best of their abilities.
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VinivBe a Bordeaux Wine Maker you become a winemaker, producing your own barrel of high-end Bordeaux wine. That’s 288 bottles, personalised and custom-blended to fit your palette and reflect your personality.The process of VINIV winemaking typically comprises six steps.
Step 1 – Introduction : A member of the VINIV team meets with you, either in a face-to-face or virtual setting, to introduce the winemaking process. During this meeting, we explain the journey that lies before you, gauge your desired level of involvement, and answer any questions you may have.
Step 2 – Select Your Vineyards and Varietals : The magic of Bordeaux winemaking comes from the perfect blend of any of the region’s three key varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. VINIV works with you to define your wine style, visit the parcels, and select the vineyards and varietals that will make up your initial blend.
Step 3 – Develop and Refine Your Wine Plan : We work closely with you to develop a detailed blueprint that covers the entire winemaking cycle. We will help you understand the process and ensure you are informed of all your options to make the best possible wine.
Step 4 - Participate in the Winemaking Process : Our winery, located in the charming village of Bages directly behind Château Lynch-Bages, is your winery. Here, you can enjoy a series of unique experiences, from harvesting your fruit to vinification. We provide you with vineyard updates and you can follow your wine through the fermentation, aging, blending and bottling processes. You participate when and as often as you wish.
Step 5 - Finalise Your Wine Blend : During ‘l’assemblage’, you taste your selected blend components and determine if changes are required to further improve your wine’s aromatics, texture and balance. However you choose to finalise your blend, our experts are here to guide you with this important step.
Step 6 - Design Your Label and Packaging : While your wine is aging in barrel, we turn your attention to the design process and the final personalisation of your wine. This involves selecting your wine’s name and designing a label that is uniquely yours. Our graphic designer is here to guide you in this process and ensure that all legal requirements are met. You will also have the option to personalise your cork and select other packaging options.
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Along tradition -
a brand new vision.
Owners such as Bernard Arnaud with Cheval Blanc cellars wanted something that would anticipate the future while blending into a historic landscape, since Saint-Emilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous architects are now present in our vineyards and in 2016 a museum of wine civilization will open in Bordeaux.
Do not miss to discover these new realizations just nearby the tiny medieval village of Saint Emilion.
After visiting the most modern wineries, you will be able to wonder in the narrow streets of the village and its 2000 year of history.Your guide will take you through the amazing underground monuments of Saint Emilion including the beautiful monolithic church that is carved from the rock. Covering several centuries of history and
legend, you will enter the catacombs to learn their secrets and see the wonderful paintings inside the Chapelle de la Trinité.
High-tech cellars in Saint Emilion
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Road Rally
The Icons of the Medoc : visit/tasting at prestigious wineries during the road itinerary .To make this tour unforgetable, it can be combined with an helicopter flight over the Medoc châteaux.
Discover the region driving your own vintage car such as the Porsche car driven by James Dean.
Depart from Bordeaux and head to Medoc vineyards along the Châteaux Road, selecting wineries usually not open to public such as one belonging to Chanel or a 1st classified growth such as Château Margaux.
Guests will be remitted a very detailed roadbook to proceed along the tiny road of the re-gion.
Itineraries also available in Saint Emilion/Entre Deux Mers and Graves/Sauternes
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Take off by helicopter from Bordeaux airport or better from your hotel and fly along the Gironde River and over an ocean of vineyards. Discover or rediscover the most famous wine chateaux, their architecture and gardens offering an outstanding point of view unveiling treasures you will never see from the road.
The helicopter will land on the lawn of one of a chateaux such as Château Pichon Longueville, your host will lead you to the cellars for a comprehensive visit of the technical facilities ending up by a wine tasting or why not a lunch served and hosted by owner in a private dining room.
Helicopter flight over the Médoc
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River Cruise on the Gironde
Discover the estuary Embark on a boat to explore the richness of the area by its river. From Bordeaux or from Pauil-lac, you will be able to discover the biggest estu-ary in Europe. You entered another world, the world of the es-tuary’s left bank and of the great domains of the Médoc whose very names make discerning oeno-philes giddy with pleasure: Margaux, Pauillac, Beychevelle, Saint-Estèphe…
The right bank counts with the fa-mous citadel of military architecture reconstructed by Vauban.
Left or right, the only things that count here are the water and the earth, sub-ject to the rhythm of the tides.
At the end of the cruise you could land on the private island of Patiras where the owner has built a refuge of modern architecture, wide open over the vastness of the water.
Epicurean meals will be served on the island.
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Dinner or Lunch on the Gironde Embark on a river cruise experience and board the Sicambre for a lunch or a dinner and enjoy the embakment of Bordeaux.
Possibility to privatize the upper deck or the whole boat.
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Gastronomym Market tour and cooking class with a famous chef
– Half day + tasting lunch
How can you understand a culture : popular gastronomy is the best
example.
lCooking classes in Relais & Chateaux – Full day
- Côte Cours in Bouliac
- Prés d’Eugénie in Armagnac country
m Caviar of Aquitaine : tasting lessons – Half day
Aquitaine might be a newbie in Caviar, you can find its production in
the best restaurants and caviar houses such as Petrossian.
l Foie gras at Moulin de la Molle in Graves area – Half day
Foie Gras is an icon of the french gastronomy. Moulin de la Mole
provides the best tables.
m Discover the oyster farming in Arcachon – Full day
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Discover the local culture through gastronomy with our hands-on workshops. Our half-day workshops are highly participative. You will start with a walking tour around afa-mous market, where our charistmatic chef will give you plenty of tips on picking local, seasonal products You will then learn how to cook the French dishes that have travelled the world. You will cook them yourself with the aid of an experienced chef and the complicity of a small group.
Amongst scents, flavours and good wine, we will unveil the secrets of our cuisine while you enjoy a traditional meal.
Market tour and cooking class
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Cooking class at Relais & Chateaux
Le Saint James
" The school belongs to you! " Touch with the fingertips stars, it is you the chef!
From 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to midnight. After a first exchange with the chef where you will have announced him your cooking desires , you will cook and will serve a meal realized by your care in associa-tion with the Chef.
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Located 1h20 from Bordeaux – can be reached by helicopter
Best of Michel Guérard dayAt 1st cooking school opened by Michel Guérard – famous chef of Les Prés d’Eugénie – 3 Michelin stars for more than 20 years
A unique introduction to Eugénie’s three kinds of cuisine: Michelin 3-Star, Slimming and Earthy, all studied using a compendium of appetising recipes which will allow you to explore all the secrets and tricks used by our chefs.
Les Prés d'Eugénie
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Taste a unique foie gras at Moulin de la Molle : Robert Chaffanjon prepares his foie gras himself in the most traditional way.
Hand-made, the foie gras is safely preserved by ancient machines (museum pieces).
Presentation of a movie about cavi-ar production in our region
Tasting techniques
Tasting of 3/4 different types of cav-iar : Primeur, Vintage, Origin, Oscietra
Caviar d'Aquitaine
Foie Gras
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Oyster farming in Arcachon
Discover the complex method of oyster farm-ing, board a typical « pinasse » and visit the oysters park with a specialist and finally taste some of the most renowned oysters in the world.
Enjoy a glass of white wine, contemplating the beautiful landscape of the Arcachon bay.
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Secluded, laid-back and authentic, the French oyster capital of Cap Ferret, on the Atlantic coast, is a heaven for seaside sophistication, says Jonathan Bastable. Cap Ferret is unique and trendy - our Martha’s vineyard only 1 hour away from Bordeaux.
On that day, enjoy a very chic seaside break : tasting oysters, caviar and cham-pagne nearby sandy islands, end up the day at one of the most trendy spot of the area
Board Pic nic rapid boat to visit oyster parks, taste them along with caviar of Aquitaine and champagne
Unboard on opposite side for a lunch at trendy restaurant « La Co(o)rniche » designed by Philippe Starck : a WOW spot
Arcachon seaside
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If you are looking for something more sporty, we can suggest to explore the bay with Jet skis or Kayaks in the water or with a bike.
Option Jet skis
With no compulsory circuit, no round and round circles, it'sjust pure adrelanine pumping of wave riding with heaps of carv-ing, donuts, fish tails and sharp turns. you will be able to enjoy and rides a powerfull machine going from Arcachon to the Banc d'Arguin.
Option Kayaks
You will embark on a sea kay-ak and paddle to the wonders of the Arcachon bay and the Arguin sandbank, situated at the entrance of the Basin of Arcachon. It is the biggest sandbank of the region. Al-though its contours change all the time under the influence of the tides, it measures at low tide about 4 by 2 kilometers. Not only yachts-men and oyster farmers appreciate the sandbank : it also serves as a favourite resting place for many species of migrating birds. Every spring, it shelters the biggest colo-ny of sterns.
Option Bike
With our guide you will be able to bike all the way round Arcachon Bay. You will discover the fabulous panorama from small port to harbour, entering the pine forest to reach Cap Ferret. It will be a complete change of scenery filled with extraordinary colours.
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Services providedBooking tee timesEquipment rented on siteTransportation
Golf
Possibility to benefit from the ad-vices of a professionnal player with whom you can share experiences when playing on the best fairways around the world due to her ranking in international competition (In the European championship since 2007, N°3 among the top ten , 2nd in the Swedish Open).
Château des Vigiers forms the centre-piece of a spectacular 27-hole golf course. The course opened in 1992 and was designed by Donald Steel, who is considered one of the very best “natural” golf course architects. Arranged in three 9-hole loops, giving three 18-hole combinations, our golf course was rated in the top ten courses in South West France. Other golf facilities include a 6-hole academy course, a covered driv-ing range, practice greens and bunkers as well as resident golf Professionals, making Vigiers an ideal place to begin or improve your game.
The coursesLa Vallée : Par 36 de 3 112 metersLes Vignes : Par 36 de 3 083 metersLe Lac : Par 35 de 2 937 meters
The three courses of 9 holes can be com-bined as follows in 3 courses of 18 holes.
Chateau des Vigiers
Chateau des Vigiers
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Golf du Médoc
This golf is located at the bottom of the Medoc area – only 20 mn away from Bordeaux city center – 4 star hotel on-site Two 18 holes fairways
The "Chateaux"
The Par 71, 6576 metres, Chateaux Course, which was designed in 1989 by American golf course architect, Bill Coore, a native of North Carolina and a graduate of Wake Forest University, is in the purest Scottish links tradition. The broad fairways lined with heathers, gorse and broom, lead players through unspoilt natural surroundings.
The quality of the greens, the influence of the winds coming in from the ocean and the layout's technical difficulties make this championship course a top notch golfing challenge.
The “Vignes”
The Par 71, 6220 metres, Vignes (Vines) Course owes its creation in 1991 to Ca-nadian Rod Whitman, who was Bill Coore's assistant during the construc-tion of the Châteaux Course. It is set amidst a typically regional landscape where the esthetics of the heath and the maritime pines serve to enhance the ar-chitect's design.The longs pars punctuated by finely maintained greens and the judiciously placed hazards call for intelligence and precision on the part of the player.The wide variety of game situations, the quality of the course and the magic of the environment will delight the most discerning of golfers.
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EventsFor any occasion , a lunch, a dinner , we will find the best venue to organize your event.Gala events can be held in Castles - Wineries - Cultural sites...
Let us create a memorable experience.
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Cognac
Dordogne
Experience French art de vivre in the South West
Extension Full days or Several days
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The Basque Coast
Experience French art de vivre in the South West
Extension Full days or Several days
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Cognac
Dive into the heart of the Charente vineyards: the cradle of Cognac, only 1h20 from BordeauxLet us guide you through the vineyards of Charente and discover Cognac, the worldwide famous “eau de vie” made from white wine variety, which dates back to 19th century.
Discover the origins of Cognac and learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about Cognac, its development, the ageing process through the stages of distillation.
Drill the mystery of the "nectar of the gods" by going out to meet men, cellar masters, their jobs, their expertise and visiting distilleries, temples of Cognac.
Upscale tours and visits are the key to paradise where old “eaux-de-vie” are stored and where VIP tastings involving cognacs and sweet and savoury appetizers, will inspire the senses.The aromas of Cognac will no longer have secrets for you thanks to the tastings that we can offer in the most prestigious trading houses : Remy Martin and Camus, Hine, Hennessy
Make this experience unforguetable and and discover the heritage of the King of the Cognacs in one of the most prestigious house: Rémy Martin.
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DordogneSarlatSarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir, is situated in the heart of a forested area – to the east of the great region of the Aquitaine and close to the Dordogne valley. The name Sarlat itself, evokes both gastronomic and cultural pleasures. Its worldwide reputation is linked with its rich history from the Middle Ages onwards. Its evolution over the centuries has left it with an exceptional heritage.
Sarlat was the first place in France to be safeguarded by being restored under the Malraux law of 1964. Its classification as Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Artistic and Historic Town), is testament to its high architectural quality. Its medieval lanes and its large, sunny squares, particularly lively on market days, create an agreeable atmosphere. Sarlat Market is a must for food lovers. All year long, depending on the season you can find foie gras, the famous cepe mushrooms, magret (duck breasts)& confit (conserves of duck or goose), truffles, walnuts, strawberries and countless other delicious local products to tempt the visitor’s taste buds.
There is a lively and cheerful atmosphere, the stalls are colourful and wonderful smells abound, all set against the background of a beautiful town with exceptional, historical architecture
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Maybe Dordogne's most beautiful French Garden - the Eyrignac Manor Gardens have always been handed down to son or daughter, for the last 500 years : 22 generations have been following since the construction of the first castle or "Repaire Noble". The first gardens were created in the 18th (great-grandson of Antoine), who had a large fortune : French garden inspired by the 18th century Italian design. They were totally modified into an English romantic garden in the 19th century, following the fashion of the time.
This garden is built as a new scenery, a theatre stage of the 18th century in which takes place a gorgeous Manor house from the 17th century, both owned by the same family for more than than 500 years.
The Marqueyssac gardens are on a hill overlooking the Dordogne River, with splendid views. The primary planting is boxwood hedging, with cypress and wild cyclamen. The box is more sculpted than clipped, with the organic shapes harmonizing with the landscape. The clipping is done, by hand, with only four gardeners and the planting dates from the nineteenth century.
Parks & Gardens in Perigord
Lascaux prehistoric cavesLascaux (Lascaux Caves) is the setting of a complex of caves in southwestern France famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings. The original caves are located near the village of Montignac, in the department of Dordogne. They contain some of the best-known Upper Paleolithic art. These paintings are estimated to be 17,300 years old. They primarily consist of images of large animals, most of which are known from fossil evidence to have lived in the area at the time. In 1979, Lascaux was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list along with other prehistoric sites in the Vézère valley
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Hôtel du Palais *****
Among the most beautiful hotels in the world, the Hotel du Palais overlooks Biarritz main beaches. Its luxury charm coupled with the areas’s outstanding sports facilities make the Hotel du Palais an international mecca for vacationers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Discover this luxury hotel with the Imperial Spa with Guerlain dedicated to well-being: relaxing pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, massage rooms and body cares by Guerlain, fitness center with cardio-training, and Hair Care Institute by Leonor Greyl. We’ll welcome you to an invitation to taste the sweet harmony of this region, where the gentle caress of time fades into the magic during a delightful stay.
Extension to Biarritz,Saint Jean de Luz
& the Basque Coast,
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Bayonne
Bayonne owes its significant architectural heritage to its rich history. The port at the confluence of the Nive and Adour riv-ers and its close proximity to Spain con-tinue to shape its future
Several stopovers for gourmets: Bayonne is a true capital of French gastronomy and Basque cuisine.Bayonne has a long history with chocolate and is today home to many of France's top chocolatiers (spe-cialist chocolate makers) Famed for its ham, the excellent Jambon de Bayonne
Bayonne , gateway to the Basque country and the picturesque inland villages
Bayonne , 10 mn from the famous atlan-tic beaches and the fishing port of Saint jean de Luz where King Louis XIV was married
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BiarritzLet’s welcome the guests in style to Biar-ritz!. It’s a wonderful way to introduce Biarritz. After checking into the hotel, for those wanting to try we have surf-ing lessons available! For those less ad-venturesome, they can choose the guided Biarritz walking tour.
After spending the afternoon learning to surf or learning about the city, we’ll take you to a fabulous restaurant. Nestled in the Biarritz’ Fisherman’s Port just a short walk along the oceanfront from the Hotel is the restaurant Chez Albert. The tables are in close proximity of each oth-er and are always full of happy custom-ers many of whom are enjoying fresh fish which is the house speciality.
A nice way to end your stay in Biarritz!
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Basque country the home of Golf
Itinerary with The Golf de Biarritz le Phare
Golf in the morning
Buffet Lunch along the pool at hotel
City tour and Shopping in Biarritz
Dinner at Ostalapia – authentic & trendy basque inn
It spreads on 34 hectares. It's a 69 par of a 5402 meters length- 15 mn from hotel
It looks like being an easy course, which does not require any important physical efforts, but it’s really not. Its difficulty lies in his technicality and it is not that easy to « score ». 70 bunkers are there to remind us, if necessary is, that golf is, above all, a reflection and shrewdness affair.The greens are fast, the rough very cautious.
The situation of the course, in town-centre - originality due to its old age - offers the great privilege to be near all necessary services : hotels, beaches, trades.Nearness the ocean, it has the advantage, all along the year, of a temperate weather : soft in winter, rarely too hot in summer.
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Itinerary with The Golf de ChantacoLocation 30 mn from the hotel
Golf in the morning
Seafood lunch in Ciboure/Socoa
Visit of Saint Jean de Luz town where King Louis XIV was married
ShoppingReturn to Biarritz
Since 1928 many golfers have shared their passion for the game in this historic club set in the heart of the Basque country .
The course designed by Harry Colt is a great test for all golfers, requiring accuracy and strategy, and players can enjoy the wonderful parkland environment in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Chantaco remains a very unique club thanks to the family and sport spirit that has been preserved since its origins.
Chantaco hosts the Lacoste Ladies Open de France
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Northern Spain is a misty land of green hills, low russet rooflines, and colorful fishing villages; it's also home to the formerly industrial city of Bilbao, reborn as a center of art and architecture and the beautiful city of San Sebastian. The Basque Country, with its steady drizzle (onomatopoetically called the siri-miri), damp verdant landscape, and rugged coastline, is a distinct national and cultural entity within the Spanish state.
Basque country Gateway to Spain
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Bordeaux Excellence26, rue Latour
33000 BordeauxTél. +33 (0)5 56 44 27 68
mmarchand@see-travel.com
Meeting and Incentives Get in touch with Bordeaux Excellence
and start planning your stay.