Bordeaux Grand Estates — River City, Medieval Villages & Vineyard Landscapes
A private journey through Bordeaux, the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes, blending elegant city life, historic estates, medieval streets, regional cuisine and sweeping vineyard landscapes.
An overview
Discover southwest France through Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed city, the grand estates of the Médoc, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, and the tranquil countryside of Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes. Expert guides illuminate the history, architecture, and culinary heritage of each region, while curated hotels balance city vibrance with country calm. Enjoy private estate visits, culinary experiences, and flexible pacing tailored to your interests.
- 3 nights in Bordeaux and 3 nights at a countryside or Saint-Émilion hotel
- Private exploration of UNESCO-listed Bordeaux, its river quays, markets and grand 18th-century architecture
- Tour the Médoc Route des Châteaux with visits to historic wine estates
- Discover Saint-Émilion’s medieval lanes, panoramic viewpoints and underground monuments
- Experience Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes’ estate gardens, cellars and tranquil landscapes
- Hands-on château cooking experience alongside time for spa, gardens and leisurely evenings
Day by Day
Arrival in Bordeaux — River Light & Limestone Façades
Arrive at Bordeaux Airport or Saint-Jean station for a private transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then meet your private guide for an introductory walk through Bordeaux’s historic center and Garonne riverfront, exploring the Golden Triangle, Place de la Bourse, the old merchants’ district and Chartrons. Evening at leisure for dining or relaxing at the hotel.
Bordeaux Architecture, Markets & Sweet Traditions
Delve deeper into Bordeaux with a guided tour focusing on its UNESCO-listed urban fabric, grand façades, secret courtyards, and the rich river trade history. Enjoy a food-themed walk tasting local pastries, chocolate, canelés and market specialties, or visit a covered market with a culinary expert. The afternoon offers an optional museum, river cruise, or free time for shopping and cafés.
The Médoc — Route des Châteaux & Grand Estate Architecture
Journey north by private driver-guide along the Médoc’s Route des Châteaux, passing through Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe. Explore grand châteaux and family-owned estates, learning about architecture, winemaking and classification history. Lunch is arranged at a château, a country restaurant, or as a private picnic depending on preferences.
Saint-Émilion — Medieval Stone & the Right Bank
Depart Bordeaux for Saint-Émilion, a hilltop vineyard village and UNESCO World Heritage site. Tour medieval streets, panoramic lookouts and unique limestone monuments with your guide. Subject to availability, include underground monument visits and select estate tours. Settle into your countryside or Saint-Émilion hotel for the next three nights.
Pessac-Léognan & Sauternes — Estates, Gardens & Golden Landscapes
Travel south to explore Pessac-Léognan’s historic estates nestled among woodlands and gravel soils, and continue to Sauternes’ gentle hills and village lanes. Enjoy private visits to estate gardens, wine cellars and learn about the region’s viticulture. Lunch at a château or return early for spa, pool and grounds at your hotel.
A Private Château Kitchen & a Slower Day in the Countryside
Join a private chef at a countryside château for a hands-on cooking class inspired by the southwest. Prepare a seasonal menu, learn classic French techniques, and savor your meal in an intimate setting. The rest of the day is leisurely: opt for a local artisan visit, countryside walk, spa, or independent time in Saint-Émilion.
Departure or Continue to the Atlantic Coast
After breakfast, meet your driver for departure transfers to Bordeaux Airport, Saint-Jean station, or your onward destination. The itinerary can be extended to Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Cognac, the Dordogne or Paris, or slowed down with more countryside nights for gastronomy and wellness.
A bespoke proposal can be tailored to your dates and party.
Recommended hotels in Bordeaux and the vineyard countryside
Enjoy a carefully balanced stay with three nights in Bordeaux for city life and three nights in the countryside or Saint-Émilion for a slower regional experience. The final combination depends on your preferences, travel dates and touring program.
Bordeaux City
A landmark hotel facing the Grand Théâtre, offering a palace ambiance, central location, rooftop terrace and immediate access to the historic center and Golden Triangle.
A discreet five-star townhouse with 20 rooms and suites, blending restored 19th-century architecture, personalized service and a serene setting near Chartrons and Place des Quinconces.
Vineyard Countryside
An acclaimed palace hotel set among the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, chosen for its destination spa, vast grounds, multiple restaurants and peaceful countryside setting.
A luxurious five-star hotel beside the bell tower in Saint-Émilion, with panoramic village views, refined suites and the ideal position for on-foot exploration.
A five-star château hotel in a landscaped park outside Saint-Émilion, with vineyard views, adjoining rooms, a spa, and a relaxed resort-style atmosphere.
Final hotel and room selections are confirmed in your private proposal and are subject to availability.
In your journey
- 3 nights in Bordeaux and 3 nights in the countryside or Saint-Émilion, daily breakfast
- Private arrival, regional, intercity and departure transfers, plus touring transportation
- English-speaking licensed guides, driver-guides, chefs and local experts
- Private guided exploration of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion
- Private food walk or market experience in Bordeaux
- Private full-day touring in the Médoc, Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes with selected estate visits
- Reserved admissions to confirmed monuments and heritage sites
- Private château cooking experience with a seated lunch
- Restaurant recommendations and concierge support throughout planning
Worth knowing
- International and domestic flights or rail tickets
- Lunches and dinners unless specified
- Hotel city tax, personal expenses and minibar charges
- Optional spa treatments, cruises, museums and experiences not listed in the proposal
- Personal purchases at markets, boutiques and estates
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, chefs, hotel staff and hosts
- Travel insurance and itinerary extensions not listed
A sense of place
Questions, answered
Anything else on your mind? Speak to a concierge directly.
+1 210 303 9960Yes. All transportation, guides and scheduled experiences are arranged exclusively for your party unless requested otherwise.
A journey rewritten in your name
Share your dates, your party and the moments that matter. We'll return a private proposal within 48 hours.
