Wonders of the West: The Ultimate 15-Day West France Tour

Bordeaux, Dordogne, La Rochelle, Loire Valley

Branching out from Paris, the west of France is woven with alluring and appetising regions. And Albatross’ brand new 15-day tour reveals their abundant treasures and pleasures, from historic, cosmopolitan cities to time-trapped, picture-perfect villages, plus a whole host of entrancing coach journeys in between. Expect the window scenery to flaunt a feast of photogenic French landscapes, from river-carved valleys and vineyards to an Atlantic coast caressed and shaped by the ocean waves and breezes. From Loire Valley châteaux to standout Bordeaux attractions and the best things to do in Bordeaux, France, here are some of the standouts on this glorious Gallic adventure.

LOIRE VALLEY

Within a couple of hours of leaving the French capital, you’ll clasp eyes on the legendary Loire. Birthed in the Massif Central highlands of central France, the country’s longest river flows 1000 kilometres to the ocean, writhing past a symphony of beautiful chateaux, towns and cities. You’ll find riverside strolls a treat in Tours, Blois and Amboise - a trio of places that are both quaint and lively, peppered with tantalising food and drink choices and backdropped by centuries-old landmarks built for French royals, merchants and artisans. It’s the Loire Valley at its most iconic—think Loire Valley castles and famous Loire châteaux.

Amboise is the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived out his final years here as a guest of King Francois I of France. A visit to Chateau de Clos Luce, Leonardo’s last residence, is a thrill, as this handsome property and its lush gardens contain dozens of inventions, including quirky flying machines and bridges that modern-day artisans have crafted using the Renaissance man’s original designs.

Leonardo’s genius is also thought to masterminded the trailblazing double spiral staircase at Chateau de Chambord, a monumental palace commissioned by Francois I. A walk up this incredible staircase is a highlight of a guided tour at Chambord, where you’ll see a selection of the chateau’s 426 rooms and 282 fireplaces. And up on the rooftop, standing by the whimsical chimneys, you’ll enjoy fantastic views over the Chambord estate, a former royal hunting ground blessed with peaceful woodland walks, picnic spots and elegant formal gardens completed under King Louis XIV and restored in 2016.

Even more astounding are the gardens hedging the Chateau de Villandry, another stunner in the Loire Valley portion of this tour. Hewn into geometric and arabesque patterns, these ornamental and kitchen gardens unfurl almost seven hectares by the River Cher, a tributary of the Loire that - upriver - is spanned by another extraordinary sight: the galleried bridge of the Chateau de Chenonceau. Among the Loire Valley châteaux, Chenonceau is one of the most memorable.

Adorned with priceless paintings and objets d’art, this castle overlooks gardens named after two famous former Chenonceau residents: Catherine de' Medici, wife of King Henri II (son of Francois I), and his mistress Diane de Poitiers. You’ll hear absorbing and amusing tales of their rivalry as you tour this magnificent estate.

THE ATLANTIC COAST

You’ll grow accustomed to certain aromas on this tour - especially those of freshly-baked baguettes and croissants drifting from the open doors of local boulangeries. Things take a saltier turn in La Rochelle, where the ocean breeze brushes through this atmospheric port city, a launchpad for fishing, exploration and maritime trade since ancient Roman times. A highlight for anyone planning a visit to La Rochelle, France, it’s a place where maritime history and easy-going coastal life meet.

With its rows of half-timbered medieval houses and elegant arcaded 17th century passageways, it’s a pretty place to wander around and you might be tempted to break at one of the many restaurants serving fresh oysters and seafood platters. Another possibility is a stroll (with an ice cream) by the city’s fortified old harbourfront towards the sleek modern marina, where yachts set off for islands like the Ile de Re, a rustic-chic escape where French and global celebrities like to holiday.

While you’ll spend a couple of nights in La Rochelle, a four-night stop beckons in Bordeaux, a two-hour drive south and regularly named as one of France’s most walkable and liveable cities. Through a mix of guided activities and free time, you’ll appreciate why it earns so many accolades. If you’re collecting a hit-list of Bordeaux sightseeing and the top things to do in Bordeaux, France, this city makes it easy. Countless buildings will seize your attention, with medieval landmarks, such as the giant gothic cathedral - constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries - contrasting with newer, neoclassical palaces and squares.

These include Place de la Bourse, which you can admire if you stretch your legs on the promenades by the Garonne, an Atlantic-feeding river that fuelled Bordeaux’s development from rural backwater to wealthy global trading port. Pause at the sprawling riverside Miroir d’Eau - the world’s largest reflecting mirror pool - and later at the Cite du Vin, a curvy, showstopping piece of contemporary architecture bottling a top-notch museum about Bordeaux’s most iconic product: wine.

No other region of France boasts as many designated wine-making appellations as Bordeaux and you’ll discover rich viticultural history - and sample a raft of different tipples - on tasting tours in the grape-strewn countryside. The itinerary includes Saint-Emilion, known for its smooth, bold red wines and sparkling white varieties that age in underground cellars. The vineyards provide a dreamy setting for a leisurely lunch, while back in the city, more wine-fuelled dining options await, whether you prefer traditional neighbourhood bistros, trendy food halls or sleek Michelin-starred restaurants. For travellers seeking Bordeaux wine tasting, a Bordeaux vineyard visit, or a classic wine tasting in Bordeaux, this region delivers in abundance.

DORDOGNE VALLEY

Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne meets another river, forming the Gironde estuary that empties into the Atlantic. That other river is the Dordogne and it’ll enchant you on and off during the last four days of your tour. The scenery becomes ever more dramatic and bewitching as you venture eastwards, tracing the path of the Dordogne River as it meanders by verdant fields and golden-hued villages guarded by clifftop castles and bastides (fortified medieval towns).

A joy to witness from your comfortable coach, the Dordogne region also delights on foot and from the water. An idyllic barge ride past the ancient port village of La Roque-Gageac is one splendid experience to write (or text) home about. And perhaps even more magical and surreal is a gondola trip on a subterranean river at the Gouffre de Padirac.

Dubbed the “Devil’s Chasm”, this huge, myth-drenched sinkhole was discovered in the late 19th century by Edouard Martel, an intrepid French explorer labelled the “father of speleology”. Descending 100 metres underground, the vast limestone cave system will have you in its thrall. And being punted around in the gondola, past the huge, otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites, is yet another special moment on a life-affirming tour that bubbles with them.