The French Wine Country Trip
Foodie • Nature • Cultural
For the love of rolling vineyards, countryside lunches, and unforgettable French wine. Add medieval villages, golden hour tastings, and a laid back crew. That’s our French Wine Country trip.
Welcome to French Wine Country!
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting At $4,899
Up To 16
This trip is all about slowing down and savoring every moment that makes France so magical. From the elegant streets of Bordeaux to the vineyard covered hills of Saint Émilion and the storybook Dordogne countryside, you’ll experience French wine culture the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Expect hands on tastings, rustic meals made with local ingredients, and plenty of time to soak in medieval villages and scenic landscapes. With a perfect balance of guided experiences and free time, this journey is designed for travelers who value great food, great wine, and even better company.
Physical Activity
Nightlife
Foodie Trip
Cultural
Adventurous
Trip Pace
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
6 nights of shared accommodations (private room upgrades available for an additional cost)
Included meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Guided food walking tour through Bordeaux’s Old Town
Wine blending workshop with a local oenologist
Full-day e-bike adventure through Saint-Émilion
Guided tastings of 10+ Bordeaux wines at two unique châteaux
Vineyard picnic lunch with local French products
Hands-on countryside cooking class using seasonal Dordogne ingredients
Sarlat-la-Canéda market tour & local tastings
Guided visit to discover a traditional walnut orchard and mill process from tree to oil, complete with tasting of artisanal products
Traditional gabarre boat ride along the Dordogne River
Explore the Dordogne Valley’s most picturesque medieval villages with guided walks through cliff-side La Roque-Gageac and historic Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Gourmet dinner featuring seasonal, market-driven cuisine served in an elegant château setting.
Private transportation throughout the trip, including transfers from Bordeaux to the Dordogne and between countryside villages and experiences.
Early morning transfer from your Dordogne countryside hotel back to Bordeaux on departure day.
Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout the journey
*This itinerary is weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
What's Not Included
Flights to and from France
Airport transfers
Meals not mentioned (budget around $350, depending on consumption habits)
Additional wine tastings or optional activities
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
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Limited private room upgrades are available for $999 at checkout. If no longer available, you can inquire after booking, and we may be able to secure one.
Standard payments include a $500 deposit + 3 installments. Extended payment plans are available upon request.
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Day by Day
Read through an outline of what’s in store for our French Wine Country trip. This itinerary may be updated as needed.
Day 1 – Bordeaux
Bienvenue en France
Check into your hotel nestled in Old Havana and grab a drink with your travel crew.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a walking tour where you’ll get your first taste of architecture so significant it earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Continue on and give a mojito a go—the local favorite and Cuban national drink has been a staple on these lively shores for centuries.
That night, we’ll all head out together to grab some dinner and check out local live music in one of the neighborhood's trendiest spots.
Trip Notes
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes, and details about our French Wine Country Trip.
Arrive
Fly into Bordeaux (BOD) or Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG)
You’ll need to arrive at Bordeaux (BOD) by 12:30 PM or Paris (CDG) by 10 AM local time on Day 1 so you can reach the hotel by 3 PM.
Depart
Fly out of Bordeaux (BOD)
If you fly from Bordeaux, we’ll have an early 5:30 AM transfer available so you can arrive at the airport by 8 AM. Some people also choose to take the high-speed train (TGV) from Bordeaux to Paris and fly home from there. Or just extend your time in Europe!
Dietary Restrictions
French cuisine includes seafood, meats, and dairy. Veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options exist but may be limited in rural areas. Let us know your preferences early, and consider packing a few reliable snacks.
Accommodations
You’ll stay in a boutique hotel in Bordeaux and a countryside manor or château style retreat in the Dordogne. Each property offers comfort, character, and a setting that enhances the experience of French wine country.
Itinerary Changes
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather conditions and traveler feedback. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a specific activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Packing Tips
Be ready for warm days and cooler evenings! Light layers for daytime, a warmer layer for nights, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket or umbrella will keep you comfortable through occasional showers, while a hat and sunscreen are great for sun protection in September.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for 3+ months after your departure from the Schengen zone. Six months’ validity is recommended to be safe.
Private Room Upgrades
Private room upgrades are available for an additional amount and can be added during booking. These are available on a first come basis so plan to book in advance if you are interested in your own room.
Weather
Early fall (September–October) offers warm days and cooler evenings, with highs around 65–75°F (18–24°C). Harvest season means golden vineyards, crisp air, and ideal weather for wine tastings and exploring.
Expect warm, sunny weather in September and cooler, milder conditions in October across Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, and the Dordogne.
Let's Get Social
#ftlofrenchwinecountry in the wild
What are the accommodations like?
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In Bordeaux, you’ll stay in a central boutique hotel with easy access to cafés, shops, and the riverfront.
In the Dordogne, accommodations are manor houses or château-style countryside hotels, scenic, peaceful, and full of character, with gardens, pools, and communal spaces. Rooms may be more traditional and vary in size, as is typical of historic properties.
How much should I budget for extras and optionals?
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We recommend budgeting $350–$550 for the week. This covers:
A few lunches and dinners on your own
Optional wine tastings, cafés, or souvenirs
Snacks, coffee, and small extras
Most major activities and several meals are already included.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
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Yes! We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergies. Please note your requirements during booking so we can plan accordingly.
That said, vegan diets can be more challenging in rural France, and we can’t guarantee that all included meals and activities will have fully vegan options. We’ll do our best to accommodate where possible, and your Trip Leader can also help suggest nearby alternatives if needed.
What should I pack?
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Think stylish, comfortable, and practical:
Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones + vineyard paths)
Smart-casual outfits for dinners and wine tastings
A light jacket or sweater for evenings
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
A small day bag for excursions
Swimwear (many countryside hotels have pools)
Any recommendations if I’d like to extend my time abroad?
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Absolutely! Popular extensions include:
Paris – perfect before or after the trip
Basque Coast (Biarritz or San Sebastián)
Provence or Loire Valley for more wine and villages
We’re happy to suggest routes and timing — just ask!
When’s the best time to visit the French wine country?
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May through October is ideal.
September and early October are especially special due to harvest season, grape picking, and vibrant vineyard activity — with beautiful weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
When should I arrive and depart? How should I get to the hotel?
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Arrive: You’ll need to arrive at Bordeaux (BOD) by 12:30 PM or Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) by 10 AM local time on Day 1 so you can reach the hotel by 3 PM.
Depart: If you fly out from Bordeaux (BOD), we’ll have an early 5:30 AM transfer available so you can arrive at the airport by 8 AM. Some people also choose to take the high-speed train (TGV) from Bordeaux to Paris and fly home from there.
We’ll share exact hotel details and recommended transfer options before departure; taxis, Uber, and public transport are all reliable.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
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Relaxed and immersive. This trip is designed to feel relaxed, immersive, and social with slow mornings, long lunches, and unhurried evenings. Days are full but not rushed, blending guided experiences with plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. In the Dordogne, you’ll stay in manor houses or château-style properties, offering a slower rhythm, fresh air, and beautiful natural surroundings. Expect fewer shops and nightlife here, evenings are cozy, communal, and scenic.
Days are thoughtfully planned but never rushed, with:
Slow mornings
Long lunches
A balance of guided experiences and free time
This is a savor-the-moment kind of trip.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
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Elegant but unpretentious.
Think: vineyard picnics, medieval villages, candlelit dinners, riverside walks, and cozy countryside evenings. Social, scenic, and deeply French — perfect for travelers who love food, wine, culture, and connection.
What’s the weather like in the French countryside?
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Early Fall (September–October):
Warm days, cooler evenings. Highs ~65–75°F (18–24°C). Harvest season — beautiful, golden vineyards and ideal wine weather.
Common Questions about this trip
Trip Reviews
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes, and details about our French Wine Country Trip.
Interested in learning more about our French Wine Country trip?
We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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