📍 France

GIRONDE: BORDEAUX WINE AND ARCACHON BASIN COASTAL ESCAPE

Terraced vineyards facing the estuary, oyster beds beaten by sea spray, honey-stone villages between river and ocean. Gironde marries land and sea with Bordeaux elegance.

≈ 9
Days
520
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Set out to discover great vineyards and Atlantic coastline. Explore Bordeaux and wine merchant heritage. Wander Saint-Émilion lanes and its classified wine plateau. Discover Pauillac and Médoc châteaux. Enjoy Arcachon Bay, its oyster markets and beaches. Follow the estuary to Blaye citadel.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Bordeaux

wine merchant city elegance

Bordeaux - Photo 1Bordeaux - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Place de la Bourse.
2
Cité du Vin.
3
Saint-André Cathedral.
4
Rue Sainte-Catherine.
🎯

Activities

→
Water mirror.
→
Garonne cruise.
→
Wine tasting (grand crus).
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 44.2 km
Travel time: 1h28
2
Day

Saint Emilion

vineyard plateau medieval crown

Saint Emilion - Photo 1Saint Emilion - Photo 2Saint Emilion - Photo 3Saint Emilion - Photo 4Saint Emilion - Photo 5Saint Emilion - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval village (UNESCO).
2
Monolithic church.
3
Château route (Lafite).
4
Mouton Rothschild.
🎯

Activities

→
Grand cru tasting.
→
Pauillac lamb.
→
Estuary shores.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 75 km
Travel time: 1h15
3
Day

Pauillac

wine terraced vineyard tradition

Pauillac - Photo 1Pauillac - Photo 2Pauillac - Photo 3Pauillac - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Latour).
2
Château Margaux.
3
Winter town (Belle Époque villas).
4
Thiers Pier.
🎯

Activities

→
Médoc wine route.
→
Dune du Pilat.
→
Ocean and basin beaches.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23.6 km
Travel time: 47min
4
Day

Margaux

vineyard classified grand estate

Margaux - Photo 1Margaux - Photo 2Margaux - Photo 3Margaux - Photo 4Margaux - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Lighthouse (panorama).
2
Oyster farming villages (L'Herbe).
🎯

Activities

→
Pointe de Grave.
→
Cordouan Lighthouse (boat).
→
Corniche road.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 74.6 km
Travel time: 1h15
5
Day

Arcachon

oyster bay seaside resort

Arcachon - Photo 1Arcachon - Photo 2Arcachon - Photo 3Arcachon - Photo 4Arcachon - Photo 5Arcachon - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Canon).
2
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres (UNESCO).
3
Belle Époque seaside resort.
4
City hall (12th century).
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Blaye wines.
→
Garonne riverbanks.
→
Saturday market.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 122.8 km
Travel time: 2h03
6
Day

Soulac Sur Mer

beach resort atlantic coast

Soulac Sur Mer - Photo 1Soulac Sur Mer - Photo 2Soulac Sur Mer - Photo 3Soulac Sur Mer - Photo 4Soulac Sur Mer - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres (UNESCO).
2
Belle Époque seaside resort.
🎯

Activities

→
Beaches.
→
Pointe de Grave.
→
Cordouan Lighthouse (boat).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 72.7 km
Travel time: 1h13
7
Day

Blaye

fortress rampart estuary tower

Blaye - Photo 1Blaye - Photo 2Blaye - Photo 3Blaye - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Vauban Citadel (UNESCO).
2
Gironde estuary.
🎯

Activities

→
Corniche road.
→
Blaye wines.
→
Markets.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 106.8 km
Travel time: 1h47
8
Day

La Reole

wine river medieval town

La Reole - Photo 1La Reole - Photo 2La Reole - Photo 3La Reole - Photo 4La Reole - Photo 5La Reole - Photo 6La Reole - Photo 7La Reole - Photo 8La Reole - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval bastide.
2
Priory.
3
City hall (12th century).
🎯

Activities

→
Garonne riverbanks.
→
Saturday market.
→
Gastronomy.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.