The Food & Wine of Bordeaux
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The Food & Wine of Bordeaux A Gastronomic Tour of the Bordeaux Region September 18th - 26th 2021 Dear Travelers to the Bordeaux area, Bordeaux! The word conjures up the flavor of an excellent glass of wine, preferably red, though not necessarily so. Situated on the Garonne river upstream from the Gironde estuary, Bordeaux is France’s undisputed wine capital and as such attracts visitors from all over the world. But it is much more than that. On our tour we will first explore the city’s treasures—it boasts no fewer than seven listings on the UNESCO World Heritage sites—and the world’s largest reflecting pool, the miroir d’eau (water mirror), a relatively new site (2006) on the quay of the Garonne in front of the 18th-century Place de la Bourse. A gathering place for city dwellers young and old, especially during the Vineyard in St. Emilion summer months, it is also a refuge for tourists who seek an alternative to the noisy streets of Bordeaux. As we get to know the city, we will learn the region’s history. Bordeaux was not always part of France, for in the 12th century, when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of the House of Plantagenet, it became English and remained so until it was re-annexed to France by Louis the XIV in 1653. A more somber chapter in the history of Bordeaux is the important part it played for three centuries in the slave trade. After Bordeaux, we will begin our exploration of the region by driving to the medieval town of Saint-Emilion which presides over one of the principal red wine areas (the others are Médoc, Graves and Pomerol). The country roads we will travel are lined by sun- drenched vineyards and small châteaux whose names are familiar to most of us. On another daylong excursion, we will go to the town of Sauternes whose name is synonymous with the most famous—and expensive—white Bordeaux, Château d’Yquem. At one point in our travels we will drive west to the Atlantic and the town of Arcachon, where we will taste its delicious oysters and admire the largest sand dune in France, the Dune du Pilat. The Bordeaux region is the birthplace of two famous the cost of this itinerary, per person, literary figures whose châteaux we will visit and whose double occupancy is: works we will sample towards the end of our stay. After our visit of the Abbey of Sauve-Majeure, we will proceed Land only (no airfare included): $4999 to the town of La Brède to see the estate of Montesquieu Single supplement: $1380 (1689-1755), a former judge and philosopher whose writings greatly influenced our Founding Fathers. And Airfares are available from many U.S. cities. Please call for details. on our last day, we will travel east to the birthplace of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), a former mayor of The following services are included: Bordeaux, and visit the remains of his château where he Hotels: 7 nights’ accommodation in a first-class hotel, including all composed his Essays. hotel taxes and service charges Coaching: All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary As you can see, this tour is designed to offer a variety of Meals: Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners experiences to enrich your knowledge and understanding Host: Accompanied throughout by Prof. Catharine Lafarge of this southwest region of France. Guides: Discover Europe tour guide throughout, local guides for tours of Bordeaux and St. Emilion I look forward to seeing you in Bordeaux in September Expenses: Porterage of one large suitcase per person 2021. Entrances: Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary Best, Please note that travel insurance is not included on this tour. Insurance information will be sent to each registrant on receipt of deposit. Catherine Lafarge Discover Europe Ltd. e - [email protected] 95 Adams Street w - www.discovereuropeltd.com Keene, NH 03431 t - (toll free) 866-563-7077 USA f - (fax) 603-563-7137 Paris Saturday, September 18th - Departure from your chosen US gateway. Overnight: Plane Sunday, September 19th - Your morning arrival at Bordeaux Airport will be met for the transfer to our city-center hotel. After checking in, there will be time to unpack, relax and begin exploring the neighborhood. Early this evening our tour guide will gather us together in the hotel lounge for welcome reception and orientation meeting, before we head out to a local restaurant for dinner. (D) Overnight: Bordeaux Bordeaux Monday, September 20th - Today we will explore the beautiful, sophisticated center of Bordeaux, one of the leading wine cities in the world and an important way station on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. We will start our day with a panoramic tour of the city before we meet a local foodie guide of a culinary walking tour of the city center. For lunch, we will sample the wine, oysters, foie gras, cheese, pastries and chocolate that the city is known for! After lunch we will pay a visit to the magnificent Cité du Vin on the outskirts of the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for individual exploration. (B, L) Overnight: Bordeaux Tuesday, September 21st - After breakfast today we will explore the nearby town of Saint- Emilion. We will visit the Maison du Vin, and the iconic tower of the Chateau du Roy, before we head underground to explore the galleries, church, catacombs and other mysteries that lie beneath the city streets. After lunch (included), there will be time to explore on your own before we head back to the city. This medieval village offers more than just spectacular bottles Bordeaux Vineyard of wine, beautifully narrow side streets to explore, and ancient churches hewn into the rocks; there is much to explore beneath the surface as well. The evening is free in Bordeaux. (B, L) Overnight: Bordeaux Wednesday, September 22nd - Heading towards the ocean today, we go west from the city to the coastal town of Arcachon, famed for its spectacular oysters. On the way, we’ll stop for a tasting and tour of one of the famous vineyards which have made the region synonymous with good wine. On arrival in Arcachon, we’ll visit the Maison des Huitres (the House of Oysters), which is a museum dedicated to everything oysters! After our visit, there will be time for lunch and then we’ll take a walk to visit the town’s four distinct districts, known by the seasons; summer (Ville d’Ete), autumn (Ville de’Automne), winter (Ville d’Hiver) and spring (Ville de Printemps). We will also see the Dune De Pilat, the largest sand dune in France, before we enjoy a lovely seafood dinner, accompanied by some local wine, and then head back to our hotel. (B, D) Overnight: Bordeaux Thursday, September 23rd - Life requires balance, so to balance out all those deep reds and savory foods, today we turn our attention to the sweeter varieties. To do so, we will head southeast, following the course of the River Garonne, to the town of Sauternes. This renowned dessert wine is made from the Semillon, Muscadelle and Savignon Blanc grapes which are then conditioned by the “Noble Rot” (Botrytis cinerea). We will visit a local vineyard to try a variety of whites and have lunch among the freshly harvested grapes. This afternoon we visit the magnificent medieval castle of Roquetaillade – inhabited by the same family for over 700 years! We return to Bordeaux for a free evening. (B, L) Overnight: Bordeaux Friday, September 24th - An excursion to the south today takes us to visit the romantic ruins of the Abbey of Sauve-Majeure. Originally founded in 1079, this Benedictine monastery became an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly because of the wonderful examples of Romanesque architecture that still survive here. We’ll stop in the nearby town of Créon, where yu will be free to find lunch around thecharming main square. This afternoon we cross the river to the town of La Brède, where we will visit the domaine de Montesquieu, former home of the judge and philosopher Baron de Montesqieu - the man who came up with the theory of the separation of powers in government. On our return to Bordeaux, we will have time to freshen up before we gather again for dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B, D) Overnight: Bordeaux Saturday, September 25th - The history of wine-making in this region of France goes back to at least Roman times and this morning’s visit will illustrate this. Heading east along the Dore Valley into the heart of the Dordogne, we will visit the town Montcaret and the remains of a Roman Villa, excavated here in the 1920’s. The mosaic floors are among the best preserved in France. Following the river east we next visit the charming medieval “bastide” (a fortified town at a crossroads) of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. We’ll stop here for lunch and have free time to explore the town (and perhaps do a little shopping). This afternoon, on our way back to Bordeaux, we’ll stop and visit the Chateau de Michel de Montaigne, the renowned 16th century French philosopher. On arrival at our hotel, we will have time to relax and freshen up before we gather for a farewell dinner and one last toast to one of the world’s best wine regions, Bordeaux. (B, D) Overnight: Bordeaux Sunday, September 26th - Transfers this morning back to Bordeaux Airport for returning flights to the US.(B) Overnight: Home Key to included meals: B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner Your Host: Catherine Lafarge Leading your trip will be Catherine Lafarge, Professor Emeritus of French at Bryn Mawr College.