Ready to explore the 'French California'—surfing, beach bonfires, all paired with the finest French wine and gastronomy? Embark on this perfect 8-day adventure from Paris to Biarritz, immersing yourself in the vibrant lifestyle of the French West Coast! After an initial stop in Paris, journey to La Rochelle—a coastal gem adorned with historic allure, vibrant maritime life, and sun-soaked beauty. Discover Île de Ré by e-bike, indulging in local flavours amidst breathtaking landscapes. Bordeaux beckons with its rich wine culture, where you can enjoy guided bike tours and gourmet walking experiences. Head to Biarritz for a coastal retreat, where you can unwind on the beach or partake in water activities. Seamlessly blending cultural exploration, culinary delights, and coastal escapades, this 8-day journey unveils the diverse landscapes of France.
Highlights
View of Saint Emilion
Catamaran at sea
Surfing activity
Day By day
Welcome to France and the city of love, Paris. Begin this French adventure by immersing yourself in the lively rhythm of the city. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, set out to explore the bustling streets of Paris. As you wander through the vibrant city, head towards the iconic Eiffel Tower and ascend its heights to capture a panoramic view of the metropolis below. Whether you choose the elevator or the stairs, each step unveils a new perspective, showcasing the enchanting cityscape of Paris. Dine at a restaurant on the tower itself! A meal with the best view of the capital sparkling below you. Overnight: Paris
French west coast adventure really gets underway today as you take a morning train ride to La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast. Its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere, invite you to wander through its cobbled streets, discover its rich maritime heritage, and enjoy the local cuisine in its quaint cafes. Explore La Rochelle at your own pace, immerse yourself in the beauty of its harbours, visit historic landmarks, and why not indulge in the renowned seafood? There's a daily market in the Saint Nicolas area where you can discover more about the local cuisine. Cap off the day with a sunset sailing, a perfect way to capture the beauty of the setting sun against the backdrop of La Rochelle's historic landmarks. Overnight: La Rochelle
Experience a full day of exploration with an e-biking adventure, on the nearby island called Ile de Ré. Navigate through the island's charming villages decorated with small, white-washed houses, radiating a unique and timeless charm. Uncover the iconic Phare des Baleines, standing tall against the coastal horizon, and discover the island’s untamed wilderness. Cycle through the intricate network of Marais Salants, where salt marshes offer insights into traditional local life. Pause for a moment of relaxation at La Plage de Trousse Chemise, one of Ile de Ré's pristine beaches. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet and soak in the tranquillity of the coastline before returning to mainland France and the town of La Rochelle. Overnight: La Rochelle
It's back on the train as you continue your French West coast adventure with a morning train journey to Bordeaux, a city that blends historical charm with modern vibrancy. Situated in southwest France on the Garonne Estuary and celebrated for its exceptional wine culture, Bordeaux is a haven for wine enthusiasts. It is also known for its cannelés, a local sweet pastry specialty. Take some time to visit Bordeaux by yourselves and then join a wonderful gourmet walking tour led by a local guide. Explore the diverse flavours of regional cuisine and discover local products. Enjoy cheeses, artisan bread, and cured meats, providing a genuine taste of Bordeaux's culinary heritage. Overnight: Bordeaux
Start your day with a delightful visit to the historic French village of Saint-Émilion, celebrated for its exceptional Bordeaux wines and medieval charm. Join a guided wine and bike tour led by our trusted guide, Rémi, as you pedal through the Bordeaux vineyards. Explore prestigious world-renowned, Grand Cru vineyards and a beautiful family estate, where you can savour the finest Bordeaux wines. Take a break for relaxation and indulgence with a picnic at a château for lunch, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the vineyards. Overnight: Bordeaux
Your West Coast adventure in France returns to the seafront as you visit La Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, a natural wonder, offering striking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding pine forests. Explore the area around Arcachon, where an oyster tasting awaits, paired with white wine for a taste of the region's renowned seafood. Back in Bordeaux, take a stroll along the Garonne River, where historic architecture goes hand-in-hand with scenic beauty. Your trail leads you to La Cité du Vin, a captivating wine-themed cultural attraction paying homage to Bordeaux's viticulture heritage. Immerse yourself in the world of wine through interactive exhibits, indulge in wine tastings, and gain insights into the art and culture of winemaking. Overnight: Bordeaux
It’s time to head to Biarritz, a coastal gem in the Basque region of southwest France where the Pyrenees Mountains rise from the sea. Nestled along the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz exudes a relaxed yet vibrant vibe, attracting surf enthusiasts, travellers, and adventurers seeking French seaside charm. In the afternoon, delve into the heart of Biarritz with a private walking tour of the city. Learn about Biarritz's rich history and cultural nuances as you explore its charming streets and landmarks. Discover the influence of its Belle Époque architecture and gain insights into the city's evolution from a small fishing village to a fashionable resort destination. Overnight: Biarritz
Your French West Coast adventure takes you to the beach! Begin your day like a true local as you ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean! Enjoy a private surf lesson in the invigorating waters along the Bay of Biscay, immersing yourself in the vibrant surf culture that defines Biarritz. Under expert guidance, learn the art of riding the waves, and discover this coastal haven's renowned surfing scene. As the afternoon unfolds, unwind with leisure time at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the refreshing coastal breeze. Opt for more solo surfing or explore additional water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and aquatic adventure tailored to your pace and preferences. Overnight: Biarritz
Take the time to savour a final morning on the beach in Biarritz, and if the weather permits, consider going for a swim! Afterward, return to your hotel where one of our trusted taxi drivers will take you to the airport. Along the way, seize a moment to glance back one last time at this stunning seaside scenery as you say au revoir to your French West Coast Adventure! Or stay a bit longer and choose to discover Barcelona for a few days like our "Royal Cities of Europe" trip.
EXCLUSIVE
accommodation
Boutique hotels, unique lodgings, and authentic houses... our team will carefully handpick your accommodations while traveling with us
Our Expertinsight
“The West Coast might be my favourite place in France, especially the Basque Country. I worked there for a few months and fell in love with this place. Along the Coast of France, the atmosphere differs from the rest of the country—everyone is more laid-back, there's less drama, and it's away from the rush of bustling cities. You’ll love it! What I love most about this region is that some places remain untouched and completely wild. For example, l’Île de Ré or Erretegia Beach in Bidart near Biarritz (the best place to watch the sunset). Like many ocean coasts, the weather can be challenging! For the best experience, I recommend visiting between May and early October. While this trip can be done by train without any issues, I believe you’ll enjoy the area even more if you have a rental car from La Rochelle. This way, you can explore the coastal towns or visit typical Basque villages in the French countryside.”
Fanny, Local Expert
Testimonials
The team at High Point Holidays really took the time to plan a great trip for me and three of my girlfriends to France. We met with them to plan the details and they put together a custom itinerary based on what they knew we would enjoy! They made it so easy to enjoy our time! I can’t wait for my next adventure with High Point Holidays!
Lauren H.
Everything was well organized and well communicated
Nancy E.
We are
a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.