RENDEZ-VOUS EN FRANCE 2020 Pre-program / Familiarization trip to Nouvelle-

NA 2 / Explore Biarritz-Pays Basque, Pau-Pyrénées and -

Theme : The seaside, Basque culture, Heritage Markets targeted : USA, Canada, Australia, Chine, Japan, UK, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium 10 participants

This itinerary takes you to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in South West France. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in France. It is as diverse as it is surprising, with nature, the great outdoors, vibrant cities and legendary beaches. So, no matter what type of holidays you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a destination for you.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine brings to mind famous places, like Bordeaux and La Cité du Vin (1 million visitors in 2 years), Lascaux (which attracted more than 500,000 visitors in its very first year after opening) and the Dordogne Valley, Biarritz and the Basque Country, Poitiers and Futuroscope (where visitor numbers grew by 6%), Cognac, Pau and the Pyrenees, or Limoges and its skilled craftsmanship. But there are also 750 kms of fine sandy coastline, with ports from Bayonne to La Rochelle, the 110-metre-high Dune du Pilat and islands like Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron.

It is increasingly easy to get to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Bordeaux is just 2 hours from Paris by high-speed rail link (LGV), Biarritz, 3 hours 55 min, Futuroscope, 1 hours 40 min and La Rochelle just 2 hours 25 min. Highlights of the trip

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a great destination for wine tourism and is home to prestigious wine regions, including Médoc, Saint Emilion, and Sauternes, along with Bergerac, Jurançon, Duras, Buzet, Irouleguy, and many others. Cognac and Armagnac complete the offering with their world-renowned spirits.

• Biarritz, the most prestigious resort on the Basque coast

• Taste the typical Basque specialities : Bayonne ham and chocolate, Ossau-Iraty cheese, Espelette chili pepper, Gateau Basque, etc.

• Visit the Basque Country’s villages listed as the Most Beautiful Villages in France and discover Basque tradition and culture.

• Explore the elegant city of Pau with its castle, Pyrenees Boulevard, Jurançon vineyards, and nearby city of Lescar.

• Enjoy an Armagnac tasting session and discover the secrets of how this eau de vie (spirit) is distilled and aged in oak barrels. Thursday 19th March 2020 WELCOME TO BIARRITZ-PAYS BASQUE!

Biarritz is the most prestigious coastal resort on the Basque coast that is also brimming with city delights such as gastronomy and luxury and traditional shopping. In 1854, Napoleon III built a palace there for his wife, Empress Eugenie, ensuring the success of the town which was to become “the king of beaches and the beach of kings”. You can relax in one of thalassotherapy sites or wander on the Large Beach and admire surfers (Biarritz is a well-known surfing spot throughout the world), the little fishermen port, the “Golf du Phare” with its wonderful view over the ocean. You can climb at the top of the lighthouse to have a look on the Pyrenees Mountains or shiver in front of the sharks in the Museum Aquarium.

Am: Plane or train transfer from Paris to Biarritz

Pm : Walking tour to discover Biarritz, the most prestigious resort on the Basque coast, brimming with city delights, such as gastronomy, luxury, and traditional shopping.

Night: Welcome Dinner and overnight in Biarritz

Friday 20th March 2020 BIARRITZ - PAYS BASQUE

Located on the Northern coast of the Basque country Bayonne stretches 35 kms along the Atlantic ocean, and rubs shoulders with famous resort towns such as Biarritz, Anglet, St Jean de Luz and Hendaye as well as the picturesque inland-Basque villages of Aïnhoa, Sare, Espelette and St Jean Pied de Port,... Explore the unspoilt beauty of the nearby Côte landaise. Bayonne is famous for its ham, chocolate and its 5-day “fêtes” (festivals) in late July.

Saint Jean de Luz used to be a center for Basque corsairs in the 17th century. It is now a famous beach resort town. Saint Jean de Luz is located on a crescent-shaped bay with fine sand and is chock-full of colorful timbered Basque houses. Am: Visit the medieval city of Bayonne : discover its pedestrian streets around the cathedral, the atmosphere of its market and its specialities. Cooking class and lunch at Novotel in Anglet.

Pm : Visit and explore Saint Jean de Luz. Depart and stop by Espelette to discover its famous house facades strung with pepper garlands. Discover the Lower Navarre villages with great architectural heritage and unspoilt landscapes.

Night: Dinner and overnight in a typical Basque village. Saturday 21st March 2020 PAYS BASQUE, LANDES-ARMAGNAC AND PAU / BEARN REGION

At the heart of the region, the Armagnac vineyards are home to a phenomenal heritage: remains of the ancient Roman Empire, castles, the Flaran Abbey, and villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Am: Visit St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of the historical Basque province of Lower Navarre and starting point of the Camino de Compostela route. Departure to the Armagnac vineyard. Visit the original Ecomuseum of Armagnac and have a tasting session at the Château Garreau to discover the secrets of how this eau de vie (spirit) is distilled and aged in oak barrels.

Pm: Visit Labastide-d'Armagnac, a charming walled-town founded in the thirteenth century with its streets around the Place Royale and beautiful arcade houses. Departure to Pau and the Bearn region

Night: Dinner and overnight in Pau

Sunday 22nd March 2020 PAU / BEARN REGION

Located at the foot of the mountain range, the city of Pau enjoys a privileged situation that has earned it the nickname “Gateway to the Pyrenees”. This is the capital of the Bearn region. In the heart of the city, lined by century-old palm trees, the Boulevard des Pyrénées offers a stunning view of the mountain range, contrasting with the city’s countless gardens, fine homes, and majestic hotels which attest to a refined and romantic past. Am: Visit Pau and the castle where King Henry IV was born and admire its splendid tapestry collection.

Night: Dinner and overnight in Pau

Monday 23th March 2020 DEPARTURE TO NANTES

Am: 8:00 : Departure to the airport 9:30 : Chalair flight from Pau (PUF) to Nantes (NTE) Plane or train transfer from Paris to Bordeaux 10:45 : Land in Nantes and transfer to your hotel.