Summary

A journey to France's most historic wine and brandy regions

Highlights

Stay north of Bordeaux in a countryside manor overlooking vineyards and five acres of manicured grounds
Make use of the complimentary fleet of e-bikes
Explore the quaint cobbled streets of St Emilion
Stay in a converted cognac distillery on the banks of the River Charente
Soak up the knowledge of the hotels cognac connoisseur

In Brief

3 Nights Bordeaux
3 Nights Cognac

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In pictures

Vineyards in Bordeaux Region

Wine Cellar

La Maison Estournel

Bordeaux, France

Vineyard, Bordeaux

Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa

Vineyards in Bordeaux Region

Wine Cellar

La Maison Estournel

Bordeaux, France

Vineyard, Bordeaux

Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa

About

Recommended for:
City | Food & wine | History & culture

Handpicked by our specialists, this itinerary takes you to the magnificent Bordeaux and Medoc winelands. Explore the best of France's iconic wine country throughout. Stay amongst the the vineyards of Bordeaux, and then on to Cognac best-known for its brandy or eau de vie, choose a visit to one of the Grande Marque Cognac house of Hennessy, Martell, Otard, Camus or Remy Martin, or just east of the town is Jarnac, home to Courvoisier.

Day 1
UK to Bordeaux

After enjoying complimentary airport lounge access, fly out to Bordeaux, picking up your hire car at the airport, take time to explore the city before making the scenic drive which will see you to your hotel around an hour away – a countryside manor overlooking vineyards and five acres of manicured grounds. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and recharging surrounded by nature.

Stay: La Maison D'Estournel, Bordeaux (Deluxe)

Day 2
Bordeaux & Médoc

After breakfast this morning enjoy an exploration of your mansion home in the Médoc region, and make use of the complimentary fleet of e-bikes to enjoy the hilly peninsula that stretches north to the Pointe de Grave. This wine-growing region is famous for Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and many famous wines are produced here including the Château Margaux, Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Lafite-Rothschild. Back at the hotel enjoy a wine tasting in the superb vaulted cellar devoted to the wines of Cos d'Estournel and Pagodes de Cos.

Stay: La Maison D'Estournel, Bordeaux (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 3
Bordeaux & Saint-Émillion

Today take a drive to Saint-Émilion, the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The quaint cobbled streets of the city itself are best explored on foot, perhaps take the opportunity to see the catacombs of the underground church as well as boutique shops and restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Stay: La Maison D'Estournel, Bordeaux (Deluxe)

Meals: B

Day 4
Bordeaux to Cognac

After breakfast head south to cross the meeting point of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers before heading north toward the medieval town of Cognac, your hotel is a converted cognac distillery on the banks of the River Charente. Enjoy the afternoon exploring your hotel and its Spa, maybe visit the Le 1838 where the hotels resident cognac connoisseur can advise your pick from several hundred local varieties behind the bar.

Stay: Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, Cognac (Deluxe)

Days 5-6
Cognac

Explore medieval Cognac where the names Baron Otard, Camus, Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell & Co, Meukow and Rémy Martin are your prestigious destinations. Whichever you choose, your visit will end with a top-flight tasting. Perhaps also visit Musée des Arts du Cognac, retracing the history of Cognac, the development of production techniques and its commercial boom.

During your stay we recommend a tour of the Chateau Royal de Cognac, one of the world’s first cognac houses, begun by Baron Otard in the 18th century, try an exclusive cognac tasting of Baron Otard VSOP and XO Gold in the famous cellars where the eaux-de-vie are still aged and bottled.

Stay: Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, Cognac (Deluxe)