Get a taste for France's divers landscapes as you explore the soaring Pyrenean Mountains to the rocky coastlines of Biarritz to the lively UNESCO Heritage city of Bordeaux. There's so much to see, and so much to learn, follow us on this magical tour that is sure to make your students fall in love with all that France has to offer.
Sample itinerary for trips to the Basque Country & Bordeaux
DAY 1
Take an overnight flight to France.
DAY 2
Arrival in Bordeaux, meet with your tour leader and hit the road towards the Basque Country.
Make a stop en route in the picturesque Bassin d'Arcachon and stretch your legs while walking up the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe!
Arrive in the charming city of Biarritz that will host your nights for the next few days.
DAY 3
Welcome to Biarritz! Discover the seaside resort made famous by Empress Eugenia with a local guide. Admire the remains of its historical grandeur and enjoy the salty air!
You certainly know that the Basque Country is renowned for its rugby champions but another sport make the local hearts beat: the ''pelote basque''. Introduce yourself to this traditional game wit the help of a professional player!
Take a stroll with your tour leader along the ocean shore up to the Rocher de la Vierge to get a good look at the impressive waves of the best viewpoint! Hungry yet? Time for a tasteful dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 4
Today's destination: the Pyrenean Mountains! After a short motorcoach trip, hop aboard a cogwheel train that will bring you to the summit of La Rhune. Don't forget your cameras to capture its stunning views.
Another exceptional activity is on its way, lunch! Eat inside a natural cave to make your dining experience all the more extravagant!
Travel back to a prehistoric time as you're discovering the Grotte de Sare, which peculiar's geology is enhanced by a sound and lights show.
DAY 5
Get ready for a deep dive into Basque Culture with a day-trip dedicated to the most picturesque villages of the region.
Start in Larressore where you'll learn how makhila - the traditional sheperd's stick - is handmade. Don't start counting sheep, it's not time to sleep!
Continue with the famous Espelette! You've certainly heard about Espelette Pepper? Explore the charming village and its traditional outdoor market, before visiting a pepper production farm.
Put your competitive cap on, you're on for an afternoon of Basque sports competition! Vous êtes prêts?
DAY 6
Biarritz is the surfing capitol of Europe, so this activity is inevitable. Put your bathing suits on and try your best to keep balance during your surfing initiation!
Après l'effort, le réconfort! Depart for Bayonne, the capitol of ham. Enjoy a guided tour of the city that includes a stop at the Musée du Jambon where you will learn everything there is to know about this local delicacy.
It's time to explore the lovely town of Saint-Jean de Luz. This commune's rich history will amaze you, from having hosted the Sun King to once being a city of pirates and privateers, Saint-Jean de Luz is truly the perfect place to end a perfect day!
DAY 7
All aboard! Today, you're heading back towards Bordeaux.
Before reaching the capitol of the Aquitaine region, let's make a pitstop in the city of Saint-Émilion. Famous for its wine production, discover what else the town has to offer on your tour with a local guide, which includes a visit to an underground church!
Discover the century-old tradition of wine production for which the region is famous for on a guided tour of a wine estate.
Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll with your tour leader in the heart of Bordeaux. Take the opportunity for a group photo at the photogenic Miroir d'Eau. Say cheese!
DAY 8
Bordeaux's amazing architecture and heritage has made it that the city is now on the Unesco World Heritage List. Let your local guide show you all its marvels, from the Place de la Bourse to the Porte Cailhau, the Cathédrale Saint-André, the Tour Pey Berland, and much more!
Free time in Bordeaux! Pay visit to La Cité du Vin or the Musée Marin, stroll in the brand new Darwin District or shop 'til you drop on Ste-Catherine street.
Roll-up your sleeves, tonight, you're cooking your own farewell dinner during a South-West cuisine cooking workshop!
DAY 9
Pack up your bags and say au-revoir to la France as you catch your flight back home.
Our destination recommendations
8 to 10 Day trip
March to October
Sustainable Travel
Request a specific sustainability mission for your stay + contribute to our Choose Earth program
Combo with Spain
Add a stay in Spain to make this a language trip for your French and Spanish classes.
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