From the Atlantic to the Heart of Southern France

Journey to Lyon. Glittering and full of promise, the city lights are reflected in the Rhône and Saône rivers during the boat trip that awaits you after dinner.

Journey to Bordeaux.

Journey to Saint-Emilion. For most people, Saint-Emilion is the name of a fine red wine, but it is also a charming small town in the heart of the wine region of the same name. Its origins date back to the 8th century. Medieval houses still line the streets today, and the fortification walls from the 13th century 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 mainly white wine is produced. Of course, a wine tasting including cheese is a must.

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 lovers of fish and oysters. During a leisurely boat trip you sample fresh oysters, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine. The Silver Coast is also home to an incomparable natural spectacle: the Dune of 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 arrive in Biarritz, the elegant seaside resort with a long tradition.

Today you leave the elegant Atlantic coast and first travel to nearby Bayonne, whose old town with its colourful half-timbered houses and the imposing Sainte-Marie Cathedral combines French and Basque flair. As a historic trading town, Bayonne has been known for centuries for its ham and its fine chocolate culture. The journey continues east to Dax, one of France's most important spa towns. The Romans already made use of the hot springs here, which still attract visitors today. The town combines a relaxed spa atmosphere with southern French lifestyle and a lively centre. The route takes you through the wide Gascony countryside with its gentle hills, vineyards and fields as far as Auch, the historic capital of this region.

The town's landmark is the monumental staircase leading up to Sainte-Marie Cathedral, 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 surrounding countryside. A further stop is possible in Lectoure, a small town picturesquely set on a hill.

Narrow lanes, historic houses and its location on the Way of St James lend the place a special atmosphere, while the old walls offer a magnificent panorama over the landscape. Finally you reach Toulouse, the "pink city", whose characteristic brick facades glow in the warm light of the south. Along the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, a lively metropolis unfolds 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. Optionally, we recommend a visit to the Airbus plant, where you gain a fascinating insight into the modern aviation industry and can follow the construction of some of the largest passenger aircraft in the world. You then continue your journey towards the Mediterranean. Through the varied landscape of the Languedoc you reach the impressive medieval fortress town of Carcassonne, whose fully preserved town 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 the best-known landmarks of southern France. After some free time, the journey continues to Montpellier, a lively university city with an elegant old town and Mediterranean flair. Spacious squares, historic buildings and the proximity to the sea shape the character of this dynamic city.

On a city tour you get to know the lively university city of Montpellier. Around the Place de la Comédie the pulsating life of the city unfolds, while the narrow lanes of the old town with their historic buildings and small squares invite you to stroll. From the Promenade du Peyrou there are far-reaching views over the rooftops of the city to the surrounding countryside. You then continue your journey northwards.

Via Nîmes, whose impressive Roman arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in Europe, the route leads on to the famous Pont du Gard, a monumental ancient aqueduct that still impressively reflects the engineering skill of the Romans. Past the vineyards of the Rhône Valley you finally reach Lyon, one of the most historic cities in France. As the former capital of Gaul and an important centre of trade and culture, Lyon combines historic architecture with a modern lifestyle and is also regarded as the culinary capital of the country.

Return journey to Switzerland.