From the Atlantic to the Heart of South-West France

Drive to Lyon. Sparkling and enchanting, the city lights are reflected in the Rhône and Saône rivers during the boat trip, to which you are invited after dinner.

Drive to Bordeaux.

Drive to Saint-Émilion. For most people, Saint-Émilion is the name of a fine red wine, but behind it lies a charming small town at the heart of the wine-growing region of the same name. Its origins go back to the 8th century. Medieval houses still line the streets today, and the 13th-century town walls are in part still well preserved. Visit to the underground rock church. The Entre-Deux-Mers region is one of the largest wine-growing areas of Bordeaux, where white wine is mainly produced. A wine tasting with cheese is, of course, not to be missed.

You travel south along the Atlantic coast. Soon you reach the Bay of Arcachon, one of the most beautiful stretches of the Silver Coast on the Bay of Biscay. It is also a paradise for fish and oyster lovers. During a relaxed boat trip, you taste fresh oysters with a glass of chilled white wine. The Silver Coast also boasts an incomparable natural spectacle: the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune. From its summit you enjoy an impressive view of the Atlantic, the wide beaches and the surrounding pine forests. In the late afternoon you reach Biarritz, the elegant seaside resort with a long tradition.

Today you leave the elegant Atlantic coast and first drive to nearby Bayonne, whose old town, with its colourful half-timbered houses and the imposing Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, combines French and Basque flair. As a traditional trading town, Bayonne has been known for centuries for its ham and its fine chocolate culture. Continuing east to Dax, one of France’s most important thermal spa towns, the Romans already used the hot springs here, which still attract visitors today. The town combines a relaxed spa atmosphere with southern French lifestyle and a lively town centre. The journey leads you through the wide landscape of Gascony with its gentle hills, vineyards and fields to Auch, the historic capital of this region. The city’s landmark is the monumental staircase leading up to the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, whose artistic stained-glass windows and impressive architecture are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. From here you enjoy far-reaching views over the green surroundings. A next stop is Lectoure, a picturesque small town on a hill. Narrow lanes, historic houses and its location on the Way of St James give the place a special atmosphere, while a magnificent panorama over the countryside opens up from the old walls. Finally you reach Toulouse, the “Pink City”, whose characteristic brick facades glow in the warm southern light. Along the Garonne and the Canal du Midi unfolds a lively metropolis that is also rich in history, from the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin to the magnificent Place du Capitole.

In the morning you have the opportunity to get to know Toulouse even better. As an optional excursion, a visit to the Airbus plant is recommended, where you gain a fascinating insight into the modern aviation industry and can watch some of the world’s largest passenger aircraft being built. Afterwards you continue your journey towards the Mediterranean. Through the varied landscape of Languedoc you reach the impressive medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, whose fully preserved city walls and towers are among the most important historic sites in Europe. The double ring of walls and the romantic lanes within the Cité transport visitors back in time and make the town one of South France’s best-known landmarks. After a stop, you continue to Montpellier, a lively university city with an elegant old town and Mediterranean flair. Spacious squares, historic buildings and proximity to the sea shape the image of this dynamic city.

On a city tour you get to know the lively university city of Montpellier more closely. Life pulses around the Place de la Comédie, while the narrow lanes of the old town, with their historic buildings and small squares, invite you to stroll. From the Promenade du Peyrou you enjoy a wide view over the city’s rooftops to the surrounding countryside. Afterwards you continue your journey north. Via Nîmes, whose impressive Roman arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in Europe, the route continues to the famous Pont du Gard, a monumental Roman aqueduct that still impressively reflects the engineering skills of the Romans. Passing the vineyards of the Rhône Valley, you finally reach Lyon, one of France’s most traditional cities. As the former capital of Gaul and an important centre of trade and culture, Lyon combines historic architecture with modern lifestyle and is also considered the culinary capital of the country.

Return journey to Switzerland.