ITINERARY THROUGH OUTSTANDING VINEYARDS

DAY 1: COGNAC, SO MUCH MORE THAN A SPIRIT!

Dive into the history of the city and famous cognac makers such as Hennessy (immersive VR experience such as Destination Cooperage) or Rémy Martin (new visitor trail at the historic site) and soak up the history inside Château de Cognac.
End the day with a drink and views of the old town at the Indigo by Martell rooftop bar.

DAY 2: CÔTES DE BLAYE ET BOURG

Morning: walk in Bourg-sur-Gironde’s “old town” with its port, washhouse, citadel and craft shops. Take a tour of Pair-non-Pair Cave.
The French monument dates back to the Upper Paleolithic and is one of the oldest painted caves in the world. Then head to Blaye along the “route de la corniche” coastal road to visit villages with troglodyte houses, fishing huts (carrelets) and fabulous views of the biggest estuary in Europe.

Lunch: at Maison des Côtes de Bourg and its wine bar.

Afternoon: guided tour of Blaye citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Vauban’s masterpiece above the Gironde Estuary or tasting experience at Le Clos de l’Echauguette where the vineyard is ploughed by horse. Then visit Château des Tourtes for a wine blending workshop or bike ride.

Dinner and overnight stay: at the 3* Auberge du Porche in Blaye or guestrooms at Château de la Grave in Bourg in summer or a cottage at Château le Clos du Notaire.

DAY 3: MÉDOC WINERIES

Morning: head down to the jetty in Blaye for a ferry trip to Lamarque in Médoc. Continue along the Médoc Winery Route through iconic winemaking villages (Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien etc.). Tours and
tastings available at the biggest wineries and little-known châteaux alike.

Lunch: at Château Marquis de Terme in Margaux (chef Grégory Coutanceau) or Café Lavinal in Bages
village.

Afternoon: head to Château Prieuré Lichine for exciting themed tastings introducing you to the art of
serving wine, or gaze at artwork at Château Castera, or uncover the secrets behind making barrels with
the artisan cooper Nadalié (Thursday mornings, booking required).

Dinner and overnight stay: at the 4* Hôtel des Vignes et des Anges (former renovated Hôtel de France,
Green Key) or 4* La Bastide de Siran cottage in Labarde.

DAY 4 (OR MORE): BORDEAUX, THE REGION’S HISTORICAL CAPITAL AND VINEYARD GATEWAY

Dive into the UNESCO city and soak up its history and heritage. Set aside 2 or 3 hours to visit the Cité du Vin.

DAY 5: SAINT-ÉMILION AND ITS VINEYARDS

Morning: Explore the medieval UNESCO town of Saint-Émilion.
Unmissable : the underground monolithic church, Tour du Roy tower, collegiate church and Cordeliers convent.

Lunch: in a winery with a winemaker e.g. Château de Ferrand or Le Comptoir de la Rose at Château Rose Pourret.

Afternoon: see another side to the vineyard on an e-bike, segway, tuk-tuk, side-car or hot-air balloon or embrace nature at Château Fleur de Lisse or Château Mauvinon.

Dinner and overnight stay: Château Fleur de Bouard (wine tourism trail blending innovation and togetherness), dinner on-site or at Château Fage.