This trip will plunge you into the heart of the world’s largest fine wine region. The wines here are of an incredible variety, the fruit of many centuries of expertise.
Here you will discover Bordeaux, its historical centre and the classical 18th-century architecture which is behind its reputation. Further north, beyond the land of Cognac and its brandies with complex and generous aromas, Poitiers and its exceptional Roman heritage await you.
BORDEAUX
With its exemplary harmonious town planning and architecture, which has seen almost no break with the traditional style in over two centuries, you can only be filled with wonder at Bordeaux. Go back in time as you discover the 350 historical monuments that make up this City of Art and History. Aboard a tram you will pass alongside the Saint-André cathedral and the Grand Théâtre before crossing the Garonne on the Pont de Pierre. Take advantage of your stay to savour the local dish of delicious finesse: oysters.
What to see
- The Port of the Moon
Name given to the port of Bordeaux, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional urban development.
- Pey-Berland tower in Bordeaux
A symbolic Bordeaux monument, this bell tower from the end of the 15th century offers an unrivalled panorama of the city.
POITIERS
The city counts more than 80 listed monuments in a setting marked by Romanesque art. One of its jewels, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame la Grande, is famed for its sculpted façade. Immerse yourself in old Poitiers: from Saint Jean baptistery to Sainte Radegonde church, from the Palace of Poitiers to Saint Hilaire church, to visit Poitiers is to travel back through 2,000 years of art and history. On your many walks around the city you will be enchanted by the private mansions and typical gardens.
What to see
- Futuroscope
Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the futuristic world offered by this multimedia theme park, to be visited as a family or with friends.
Local sightseeing
- The towers of La Rochelle
Stood facing the Atlantic, the towers of Saint-Nicolas, La Chaîne and La Lanterne have acted as the guardians of the Old Port since medieval times.
- Abbey Church of Saint Savin
This gem of Romanesque architecture bordering the Gartempe has an exceptional collection of wall paintings.
Zoom 1 :
Bordeaux, Journeys through the land of wine
Setting out from Bordeaux, you have the choice of six large wine-producing regions: Bordeaux, Médoc, Graves and Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bourg and Blaye, Saint-Emilion. Each has various activities and ideas for accommodation on offer that are based around wine.
Zoom 2 :
The stages of Cognac
Five itineraries to discover a region and a product with an international reputation: Cognac. Each leg of your journey offers a unique occasion filled with encounters, sharing and exchanges. Visit the great Cognac producers and discover a wealth of expertise: “Les Rendez-vous par Rémy Martin” and “Martell & Co”.
Agenda
June: Bordeaux Wine Festival (every 2 years, even years)
June/September and December: Polychromies de Notre-Dame-La-Grande, Poitiers (illumination of the church façade)
July: Saintes festival
July/August: 1 000 Sources & Dordogne
Festival de la Vézère
July/October: Périgord Noir festival
August: Sinfonia en Périgord festival
Exceptional cultural sites
1 Historic centre - Bordeaux
2 Pey-Berland tower - Bordeaux
3 Futuroscope
4 The towers of La Rochelle
5 Saint Savin sur Gartempe Abbey
6 Pair-non-Pair cave
7 Sauve-Majeure Abbey
8 Château de Cadillac
9 Montcaret archaeological site
10 Abri de Cap-Blanc
11 Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
12 Prehistoric sites and decorated caves of the Vézère valley
13 Château de Puyguilhem
14 Notre-Dame la Grande - Poitiers
15 Fortified town of Saint-Martin de Ré
16 Blaye fortifications/Cussac-Fort-Médoc