Highlights of Southwest France - Toulouse & Bordeaux

Let’s travel to Toulouse to start our holiday in the capital of the Occitanie region. At the airport let’s meet our friendly local representative, before travelling onwards to our hotel. 

Today let’s step out on a stroll through the heart of Toulouse, fondly known as the Ville Rose for its warm, rosy brick façades. Accompanied by our guide, this gentle walking tour (lasting no more than two hours) brings to life the city’s most treasured landmarks. We marvel at the magnificent Capitole, Toulouse’s emblematic 18th-century building which still serves as the city hall and houses the renowned Capitole Theatre.  Then we wander through history at the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a Romanesque gem and important stop along the famed pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Finally, we visit the stunning Church and Cloister of the Jacobins (admission included), a striking example of Gothic architecture and the spiritual home of the Dominican order.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore more of the city at your own pace. Take a leisurely wander through the historic Old Town, where pretty streets are lined with boutiques, patisseries and inviting pavement cafés — perfect for a spot of people-watching over a coffee or glass of local wine.
Art and history lovers might enjoy a visit to the Musée des Augustins, home to an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. For something more relaxed, enjoy a stroll along the Garonne River or unwind in the peaceful Jardin des Plantes.

Today is a free day, for relaxing or independent sightseeing. For a truly out-of-this-world experience during your free time in Toulouse, why not pay a visit to the Cité de l’Espace — one of Europe’s leading space-themed attractions. Just a short journey from the city centre, this fascinating site opens a window into the universe and celebrates Toulouse’s role at the heart of Europe’s aerospace industry.

Wander through life-size replicas of real spacecraft, including the Ariane 5 rocket, a Mir space station module and a full-scale Soyuz capsule. Step inside a genuine mission control room, learn how astronauts live and work in space, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring science to life in an accessible and engaging way.

You also have the option to discover Carcassonne with a cruise on the Canal du Midi. 
Step back in time with a delightful day in the heart of Occitanie. Your morning begins with a relaxing, fully narrated cruise along the historic Canal du Midi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you glide gently through the countryside towards the Mediterranean, take in the scenic views of the medieval city of Carcassonne. The cruise includes passage through two traditional locks, including the Carcassonne and St Jean locks, before returning along a peaceful, tree-lined towpath.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of Carcassonne’s remarkable medieval citadel. Explore the impressive Gallo-Roman ramparts, pass through the iconic Narbonne towers, and admire the exterior of the mighty Château Comtal. You'll also visit the beautiful Basilique St Nazaire, with time afterwards to stroll at your own pace through the charming, cobbled streets – perfect for browsing local shops or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Subject to a minimum number of participants.
 

Today, we will leave our hotel in Toulouse and our coach will drive us to Bordeaux (roughly a 3h30 drive). 
Sit back, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes as we travel by comfortable coach from Toulouse to Bordeaux. This pleasant journey takes us through the heart of the French countryside, offering glimpses of rolling vineyards, sleepy villages and sun-dappled fields along the way.
It’s the perfect time to unwind, reflect on your time in Toulouse, or simply enjoy the view as we make our way towards Bordeaux — a city famed for its elegant architecture, rich history and world-renowned wines. Comfort breaks will be included en route, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to your next destination.
 

This morning, we join our local guide for a walking tour through the elegant streets of Bordeaux, a city of art and light, proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This two-hour stroll offers a wonderful introduction to the city’s rich history and stunning 18th-century architecture. We begin in Old Bordeaux, where charming squares and grand façades await. Then we admire the graceful Place de la Bourse, the atmospheric St Pierre District and the lively Place du Parlement, once the city’s royal market square. From there, we explore the Golden Triangle, a shining example of Enlightenment-era design, featuring the Alleys of Tourny, the elegant Cours de l’Intendance, and the magnificent Grand Théâtre, a neo-classical masterpiece by Victor Louis.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy a tasting of a traditional canelé, Bordeaux’s much-loved sweet treat — the perfect way to round off our visit.

The afternoon is yours. Take a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River, perhaps pausing at the striking Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool — a lovely spot for a photo or a moment of calm. Those with a taste for culture might enjoy the Musée des Beaux-Arts. You prefer something simpler? Settle into a pavement café in the Saint-Pierre district, watch the world go by, and treat yourself to a glass of Bordeaux’s famous wine or a little something sweet from a local pâtisserie. 

Today, we step into the heart of one of France’s most treasured wine regions with a full-day excursion to Saint-Émilion, a picturesque medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We begin our experience aboard the charming Little Train, as we enjoy a relaxing, guided tour through the rolling vineyards that have made this region world-famous (35 mins).
Then, it’s off to a prestigious Grand Cru Classé château, where we’ll explore the vineyards, traditional vat room and ancient cellars, followed by a lunch served in the Salle des Vendangeurs. Typical regional dishes include a platter of local charcuterie, duck parmentier, a seasonal clafoutis, three estate wines to taste, and coffee — all in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the château. 
In the afternoon, we delve into the rich past of Saint-Émilion on a guided tour of its remarkable monolithic church, carved entirely from limestone rock — the largest of its kind in Europe — as well as its catacombs, the ancient Hermitage where the monk Emilion once lived, and the beautiful Chapel of the Trinity, a 13th-century architectural gem (tour lasts approx. 45 mins).
There will also be free time to explore the village’s cobbled lanes, filled with inviting boutiques and charming views. Please note: good walking shoes are recommended, as some of the streets are quite steep.
 

Today is another day at leisure. Why not hop on a short train ride to the bay of Arcachon? It’s a beloved seaside escape where you can stroll along the promenade, sample fresh oysters at the local market, or simply relax by the water with sea views and salty air.

The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux offers a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. Located along the Garonne River, this modern cultural centre is dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of wine. You are greeted with stunning architecture and a panoramic view of Bordeaux.
Inside, the journey begins with immersive exhibitions that explore the global influence of wine through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Overall, a visit to the Cité du Vin is not just an exploration of wine but a journey through centuries of viticultural history, making it a must-see destination for any wine enthusiast visiting Bordeaux.
You can indulge yourself in tastings of various wines (at your own expense) from around the world, as the Cité du Vin houses a wine bar with a vast selection of wines. The rooftop belvedere offers a breathtaking vista of Bordeaux and the surrounding vineyards, making it an ideal spot to conclude the visit with a glass of fine wine.
 

It's time to say goodbye to the Southwest of France and fly back home as we travel with guide assistance to Bordeaux Airport.