Gourmet Delights of South West France tour

This new driving tour will take you to some of the world's best known destinations in Nouvelle Aquitaine which is the leading culinary and agricultural region in France due to the exceptional quality of its products. Take a gourmet break in Tours and enjoy a wine tour along the water and the châteaux!

Stop at Bordeaux or in the Médoc and then at Cognac to enjoy some tastings! Discover the Atlantic Coast which incorporates La Rochelle and Ile de Ré then head up to Saumur on the return route.

Bordeaux is very famous for its wine and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this multi-faceted city which is also an ideal starting point for day trips to the vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. To visit them is to enter the secret of the cellars, meet passionate winegrowers, sample exceptional vintages and savour gastronomic meals.

Visit Cognac and its famous Maisons (brandy houses) where you can follow guided tours and taste the products. Immerse yourself in the unique world of this remarkable place from its past history to modern day.

La Rochelle is a port and town par excellence which is rich in culture and heritage with the sea and nature in the background. Cross the toll bridge over to the picturesque island of the Ile de Ré and take in the salt marshes that produce the renowned Fleur de Sel, not to mention local potatoes, honey and, of course, there’s the oyster beds too.

Saumur will charm you instantly with its many historical monuments, its culinary delights and sense of celebration! Gourmets will discover a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes and a festival of wines, try the sparkling variety which is the local speciality.

Come and explore in all its splendour and diversity the many visits suggested by our specialist team. This driving trip is inspired by the French art of living, ie gastronomy & wines, and has been tailor made just for you!

• 1 night in Tours

• 2 nights in Libourne

• 1 night in Saintes

• 2 nights in Rivedoux Plage

• 1 night in Saumur

Tours can start on any day from any town on the itinerary but must follow the route in either direction. Approximate tour distances are calculated from the first to the last overnight stop. Should any location be unavailable we'll advise alternatives.

Route planning

For route planning you may wish to visit Google Maps, viamichelin.com or theaa.com.

Hotel directions

With your travel documents you will find an information sheet for each hotel which has been booked for you giving directions together with some further details.

Arrival

Unless stated, you will be expected to arrive at each of the hotels pre-booked for you by 6pm each day. This should allow you time to have a fairly leisurely drive between hotel stops but if you find you will be arriving later than this please ring and advise the hotelier so that your room is held for you.

Extra charges

Details of which meals are included at your hotels are shown on your travel documentation and on these pages. All additional meals, drinks, phone calls etc must be paid for prior to departure from the hotel.