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From Bordeaux to the Île de Ré, via vineyards, cities and beaches
3 stops
3 nights
145 miles
This journey along the Atlantic coast begins in Bordeaux with a vitalizing art-filled “city break". The trip up the Garonne river goes hand-in-hand with oyster tasting along the coast of the Banc d'Arguin, and a barge trip to Cap Ferret. To the north of Arcachon Bay, the Cordouan lighthouse and La Rochelle in turn offer beautiful stopovers facing the ocean. Enjoying long white sandy beaches and leisurely bike rides on the Ile de Ré concludes a salt-sprayed getaway that you wish you could prolong...
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Departure
Recommended duration : 0 night
Bordeaux
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Bordeaux, along the Garonne
Strolling along the quaysides of the Garonne offers a glimpse into the history of the city. The grandeur of its private mansions and the sheer size of the old warehouses inevitably evoke bygone eras of international trade and the grim history of the slave trade. From Place de la Bourse to Hangars 15 and 16, nearly three centuries of history are unveiled on captivating guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of how the city has evolved.
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Sons of Caudalies (or the Bordeaux Tour on a Harley)
Rive Gauche or Rive Droite, depending on your taste
The best way to discover the region: get a taste of freedom on the open road!
Comfortably installed behind your driver and the chrome handlebars of a Harley-Davidson (Road King Classic) 1700 cc, you're off on an gourmet road trip with guided information from your “bro”.
Several tours with evocative names: 'initials BB Tour', 'Wine Angels Tour' or 'Little Flaming Tour' (for small bikers)
During your stay
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A day in the life of an oyster farmer
Travel to the Banc d'Arguin to visit the adorable oyster farmers of La Kabane.
Depart from Saint-Emilion by car with a driver, then put on a pair of boots for a barge boat ride from Cap Ferret to the Banc d'Arguin, visit the oyster beds, and taste oysters paired with white wine.
During your stay
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Mobile brunch in the 'Ventre de Bordeaux'
From Tuesday to Sunday, end a night on the town or start your visit of Bordeaux by strolling among the 'food stations' of the Marché des Capucins.
Couche-tard and Lève-Tôt meet at Jean-Mi's for a few oysters from the Bassin and a bit of white wine.
On the road
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Trendy shopping for unique souvenirs
Rue Notre Dame in the Quartier des Chartrons (Bordeaux),
Librairie Mollat in Bordeaux (do not try to get locked up at night, we've tried...without success),
Bages Bazaar specialty store in Pauillac
On the road
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Beard & Tattoos” breakfast, Arty afternoon and Roof Top
Shopping on the other side of the river, a submarine base, and the Roof Top at Mama Shelter in Bordeaux
8am! We cross to the other side of the Garonne, in the new Darwin district which has been completely restructured on the former military wastelands of the Port of Bordeaux. Here, Marie has replaced Rose at the Bakery. Then, stop to visit the submarine base (built by the Nazis during the WWII) to view a collection of contemporary art, before finishing the day with a Rooftop party at Mama Shelter, right in the lively heart of Bordeaux.
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28 milesCar
Recommended duration : 1 night
Saint-Emilion
Things to do, see, and discover
On the road
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Picnic in Vauban, at the Lighthouse of Cordouan
An architectural prowess built in the open sea, the majestic Cordouan lighthouse rises toward the sky standing proudly against the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic and the Gironde.
Classified as a historical monument the same year as Paris' Notre Dame in 1862, this piece of French history has triumphantly lit the Girondine and Charentes coasts since 1611. Visitors who dare to take on the adventure of reaching the Cordouan lighthouse during a low tide get to experience its many hidden secrets.
Embark on a journey to visit this prowess of classical architecture with a delicious picnic basket prepared by Cordeillan Bages. The lighthouse keepers will give you a tour and tell you more about the history.
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117 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
La Rochelle
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Take things to a new level
An adrenaline rush! Dare to take a two-seat parachute (don't worry, you have a guide!) over La Rochelle, l'île de Ré or Oléron. You are guaranteed to get one of the most beautiful aerial views of the Atlantic coast. Followed by appetizers at sunset and dinner on the picturesque port of Saint-Martin de Ré, a UNESCO heritage site.
During your stay
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Ride around Île de Ré in a Mehari
île de Ré is well-known for its many cycling lanes. This time, explore the island with the wind blowing through your hair while riding in a Mehari.
Information from Hôtel de Toiras
During your stay
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Donkey Clothes at the Beach
Have you seen a donkey in clothes? The Rhaetian tradition of 'well-dressed' donkeys is not likely included in your history books. The donkeys were dressed not to be cute, to show-off, or be original. They were dressed out of necessity. The salt marshes are a paradise for flies and mosquitoes, who enjoy continuously bothering the donkeys. The Rhetaise often used donkeys to work the land, so they used to use scrap material to make leggings for their donkeys.
Java, Calin, Cadichon and their buddies take kids and adults for a long stroll on the legendary beaches of île de Ré
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