Southwest of France Luxury Tour: An Idyllic Getaway

You will also have a chance to see the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, an incredibly immense Gothic church built in 1212. This cathedral inspired the design of other great churches around Paris. Another joy of Toulouse is simply wandering through the pleasant streets and public squares. Stop for coffee at an outdoor terrace to soak up the sun, and be sure to take time for leisurely meals. Toulouse is famous for its hearty country cuisine and especially cassoulet, a slow-cooked stew of beans, duck or goose confit, and sausage.

Your guided audio tour begins at the ancient walls. Notice how there are double rows of walls, designed for extra protection. The area inside the walls is known as “La Cité” (the City). You could spend an entire day wandering through this maze of narrow cobblestone streets, filled with charming cafés and boutiques. You can also visit two historical monuments that date back to the 12th century: the fortified Château Contal (Count’s Castle) and the Basilique Saint-Nazaire with its exquisite stained-glass windows. After exploring the city, enjoy a delicious lunch of regional specialties at one of Carcassonne’s traditional restaurants.

After your excursion to Carcassonne, you’ll head west toward the Atlantic Ocean until you reach Biarritz. An upscale seaside resort, Biarritz was a favorite holiday destination of England’s Royal Family in the 19th century. Biarritz became even more fashionable after the wife of Napoleon, the Empress Eugenie, built a summer palace here. She appreciated the elegant beachside setting and mild climate. Located in the Basque country, Biarritz also has a rich cultural heritage and fabulous cuisine. You will be staying at the five-star resort and hotel. Wonderfully located on prime beachfront property, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay. This stylish hotel is designed with inspiring pastel decor, expansive windows, and private terraces. It’s the ultimate in seaside relaxation and luxury.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Biarritz. You could take a short walk over to the Hotel du Palais, which was once the palace of Empress Eugenie. This hotel is famous for its Michelin-starred Villa Eugenie Restaurant. Gourmands should plan to have lunch or dinner here. In the elegant Belle Epoque dining room, you can indulge in the finest innovative Basque cuisine while watching the outdoor scene of waves breaking on the shore. Alternatively, you could take a short drive to one of the picturesque villages in the nearby Basque country. One popular destination is Ainhoa, a charming village with a fascinating history. Another famous village is Espelette, known for its “piments d’Espelette” (red peppers) used in Basque cooking.

After seeing the village of Saint-Émilion, you’ll tour two châteaux (prestigious wineries) that produce wines of the Saint-Émilion appellation. Enjoy a guided tour of the wineries along with a tasting of the renowned Saint-Émilion wines. Your guide will help you understand the characteristics of these deep-colored aromatic red wines, made primarily from Merlot grapes. You’ll learn about the complex rich, fruity flavors and the tannins that assist in the aging process. You will also have a chance to purchase various Saint-Émilion wines that will be ideal for drinking immediately as well as bottles that will improve with age.