📍 France

SOUTHWEST FRANCE: OCEAN TIDES TO PYRENEAN PEAKS

Ocean breezes and endless vineyards, Pyrenean peaks guarding Basque secrets, soothing thermal baths, pink brick towns. The Southwest, warm and generous.

≈ 8
Days
765
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Cross the Southwest between vineyards and ocean. Wander Bordeaux. Enjoy Arcachon. Walk Hossegor beaches. Discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Cross Dax and Tarbes. End at Toulouse.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Bordeaux

wine cellars stone whisper

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

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic center of Bordeaux, UNESCO World Heritage listed.
2
Stroll on the place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe.
3
Walk along the quays of the Garonne and visit to the Miroir d'eau.
🎯

Activities

→
Wine tasting at the Cité du Vin museum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h15
2
Day

Arcachon

oyster beds meet ocean swell

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent of the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe.
2
Walk along the Arcachon seafront and in the Ville d'Hiver district.
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise in the Arcachon basin to observe the tchanquées huts and Bird Island.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 2h10
3
Day

Hossegor

surf breaks golden sand

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

Discover

1
Discovery of the surf beaches of Hossegor and Capbreton.
2
Walk around Lake Hossegor and the typical Landes villas.
🎯

Activities

→
Surf initiation on one of the legendary beaches of the Atlantic coast.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h10
4
Day

Saint Jean De Luz

basque fishing village charm

Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 1Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 2Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 3Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 4Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 5Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its fishing port.
2
Excursion to Sare to take the Rhune train to the summit.
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic observation of the Pyrenees and the Basque coast from the summit of La Rhune.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Dax

mud baths heal deeply

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4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of downtown Dax and its arena.
2
Visit to the Borda museum and Gallo-Roman remains.
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the thermal culture of Dax, the largest thermal resort in France.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 2h30
6
Day

Tarbes

foothills guard mountain passage

Tarbes - Photo 1Tarbes - Photo 2Tarbes - Photo 3Tarbes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the historic center of Tarbes, around the town hall and fountains.
2
Excursion to Lourdes to visit the Notre-Dame sanctuary and the Grotto of Massabielle.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation in the Massey gardens and visit to the Hussars museum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 2h
7
Day

Toulouse

rose brick glows warm

Toulouse - Photo 1Toulouse - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Capitole de Toulouse and the main square.
2
Visit to the Saint-Sernin basilica and the Jacobins convent.
3
Stroll along the Garonne and the lively quays.
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the Aéroscopia museum and the Cité de l'Espace.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

TOULOUSE AND PYRÉNÉES COMMINGES

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OCEAN, PINE FOREST AND TRADITIONS

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BASQUE COUNTRY AND BÉARN

📅 11 days 🛣️ 332 Km

🛡️ 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 6 and 10 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.