Wine and Sun (Self Drive)

Trip Summary

• Toulouse

  
  Recommended Stay: at least 2 nights

  Toulouse, the capital of France`s southern Languedoc-Roussillon/Midi-Pyrénées region, is at the center of the aeronautics industry in Europe. With three major universities and a thriving high-tech center, including headquarters of Airbus, France`s fourth-largest city hums with inventiveness and creativity. It`s winding cobbled streets lined with lovely rose-colored buildings that give the Pink City its nickname. The tree lined Garonne River divides the city in two with the vieux Quartier (Old Town) falling to the east and the former suburb of Saint-Cyprien rising in the west. The heart of it all is the Place du Capitole, a lovely square that`s presided over by a magnificent town hall of the same name. Toulouse`s laid-back vibe in the sunny southwest is France`s fastest-growing city, cozy, clean, central and friendly! Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights Must See`s: Basilique Saint-Sernin, Couvent des Jacobins, Place du Capitole, Musee des Augustins, Fondation Bemberg, Musee Saint-Raymond, Canal du Midi, Pont-Neuf, Cite de l`Espace, Jardin des Plantes, Aeroscopia Museum, and so much more!

• Lourdes

  
  Recommended Stay: at least 2 nights

  Lourdes is a world renowned place and a pilgrimage site for Catholics that houses some of the most highly-regarded religious sites in the world. Visit the sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes, to discover where the Virgin Mary first appeared. Don`t miss the Basilica of Rosary, the underground basilica, the torchlight Procession in the evening, and drinking the water from La Source spring. It is believed to have healing properties. The area embodies both the natural and ethereal beauty of its landscape and architecture and offers stunning views of the grand Pyrenees Mountains Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights Must See`s: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Chateau Fort, Pic du Jer, Le Cachot, Moulin de Boly, Chemin de Croix, the Grotto of Massabielle, Rosary Basilica, Lourdes Covered Market, Grottes de Betharram, Cirque de Gavarnie, and so much more!
  

• Biarritz

  
  Recommended Stay: at least 2 nights

  Biarritz is a sophisticated coastal town in French Basque Country, which first became popular with the aristocracy and then with wealthy British tourists in the mid-19th century. Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a Palace on the beach at what is now the world class Hotel de Paris. The beaches, casinos, golf courses or surfing spots draw a cosmopolitan crowd from all over the world. Don't forget to take a visit to the Museum of the Sea, it will fascinate you. Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights Must See`s: The Many Amazing Beaches, Musee de la Mer (Museum of the Sea), Phare de Biarritz (lighthouse), Miremont Tearoom, Rocher de la Vierge, Historical Museum, Oriental Art Museum, Chocolate Museum, Port des Pecheurs and so much more!

• Bordeaux

  
  Recommended Stay: at least 2 nights

  Bordeaux is one of the world`s most important wine-producing areas and also a major cultural center. The city has excellent museums, lively nightlife and beaches close by. Wide avenues, neoclassical architecture and well-tended parks all give the city an 18th-century grandeur. The most interesting neighborhood in Old Bordeaux is the "golden triangle:" cours Clemenceau, cours de l'Intendance, and les allées de Tourny. Tour the chateaux, imbibe the world-class wines and Bordeaux will charm you forever. Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights Must See`s: Bordeaux Cathedral, Grand Théâtre, Basilique Saint-Seurin, Museum of Beaux-Arts, Museum of Aquitaine, Esplanade des Quinconces, Gallien Palace, Pey-Berland Tower, Pont de Pierre, Miroir d'Eau , La Cité du Vin, and so much more!