A holiday in France will never go out of style, and the rich diversity of the south-west is sure to appeal to any traveller. Get ready for a trip to Bordeaux!
Historic and elegant, Bordeaux showcases its centuries-old architecture and relaxed chic, glitz and boho glamour. Next, visit the surfing capital of Biarritz, with its waves, silky sand and oyster beds of the Bassin d'Arcachon. At the end of your journey, drive through lush green vineyards and visit the impressive Médoc Palace.
This campervan tour of south-western France includes towns, sand, windswept cliffs, wine and great food, and will leave a lasting impression on everyone!
1 Start of the journey in Bordeaux
Recommended number of days: 1
Bordeaux, France's sixth largest city, is best known for its wine. Surrounded by verdant vineyards, Bordeaux and its inhabitants enjoy the good life, which means lots of wine.
But it is also a city with a fascinating architecture. Half of the city is UNESCO-listed, making it the largest city in the world to be listed as a heritage site. Alongside its history, it has a youthful atmosphere.
When you arrive at the first stop on your France itinerary, start at Place de la Bourse. This neoclassical masterpiece overlooks the Miroir d'Eau, a shallow fountain that reflects the world above with hypnotic brightness - the perfect place to refresh yourself. Continue along the riverside promenade, where you'll find many art museums and galleries.
After enjoying the menu, go for a swim in the river or just stroll around the rundown but charming Chartrons district. For dinner, choose from upmarket restaurants, boutique eateries and even food shops - just remember to pair your meal with a generous glass of Bordeaux.
Visit
Ecole du Vin
learn how to drink wine at the wine school;
Pont de Pierre
head here after dark for spectacular views;
Grand Theatre
spectacular chandeliers, music, ballet and opera.
Parking
SGGPB (Parc des Allées de Chartres) €€€€
open from 8am-8pm.
Catering
Belle Campagne €€€
seasonal and local produce;
Miles €€€€
modern bistro in the centre;
Belle Campagne - €€€
seasonal and local produce;
Le Bouchon Bordelais €€€
Affordable lunch in the city centre;
Accommodation
Le Village du Lac, Bordeaux €€€€
The city centre is within easy reach by bus or bicycle.
2 Go to the seaside - Bassin d'Arcachon
Recommended number of days: 2
In summer, many Bordeaux residents pack up their cars and head for the golden sands of the seaside paradise of Bassin d'Arcachon. Follow their example and head to the next stop on your Bordeaux itinerary.
From charming Arcachon, with its whimsical villas and gardens, to the chic and sophisticated Cape Faro, you'll find a wealth of unforgettable French charm.
First up: oysters. Oyster beds stretch all along the coast, as do coastal restaurants serving wine and nature's aphrodisiacs. Stroll through the streets of Arkashon, which are full of different architectural styles.
Take a pinasse - a traditional long wooden boat - to Cap Ferret. Or climb the pyramid-shaped Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune, for spectacular views.
Cycle to the picturesque villages of L'Herbe or Le Canon. Or rent a kayak and discover the flora and fauna of the region.
Visit
Parc Mauresque
flowers and nature;
Pilato cluster
a huge sand dune, perfect for paragliding;
Le teich
a bird sanctuary and nature park;
Parking
Catering
"Skiff Club at Hotel Haitza €€€
unpretentious but tasty dishes;
Hotel de la Plage, L'herbe €€€
a classic French restaurant, perfect for oysters;
Sail Fish Café, Cap Ferret €€€€
An all-day café-bar, perfect for people-watching;
Accommodation
Campsite Fontaine Vieille €€€€
Located in Andernos-les-Bains, near the beach;
3 The old-world splendour of Biarritz
Recommended number of days: 2
Once a glittering place for European royalty, Biarritz is still a popular destination for celebrities today, but it's less about aristocratic glamour and more about the tranquillity of the beach. People have flocked to Biarritz for holidays for centuries, and this west coast surfing destination continues to entice many with its six breathtaking beaches.
And it's not just sand and surf. There are also Belle Époque monuments, art deco villas and even a casino dating back to 1930.
When you arrive at your next destination, walk in the footsteps of Empress Eugenie and Napoleon III, who started the high society's obsession with the city, and visit Eugenie's extravagant villa, now the Hôtel du Palais. You can enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of the Casino Municipale, though you'll need a dress or tuxedo to get inside.
Beaches include the sandy La Grande Plage or the rugged La Côte des Basques. For breathtaking views, head to Rocher de la Vierge.
Visit
Port de Pêcheurs
a rustic seafood and sunset harbour;
Musée de la Mer
Art Deco aquarium with shark cave;
Biarritz Halls (Les Halles de Biarritz)
a food market where you can buy picnic supplies;
Parking
Avenue Notre Dame
Free parking overlooking the Côte des Basques;
Catering
Le Clos Basque €€€
"Michelin-starred Basque restaurant;
La Tantina de Burgos €€
Traditional Basque dishes in a rural setting;
Blue Cargo €€€€
music and a private beach;
Accommodation
Oyam campsites €€€
15 minutes' drive south of Biarritz, in a picturesque village;
4 Route finale - Médoca
Recommended number of days: 1-2
North-west of Bordeaux, you'll find the megastars of the French wine world. The region's most famous vineyards are located along the Gironde estuary, including Haut-Médoc, Margaux and St-Julien.
But even if you don't know these vineyards, it's still a great final stop before returning from a trip to Bordeaux. Unspoilt beaches and seaside towns, horse riding and mushroom picking in lush forests. And those crumbling old villages that give this corner of France its unique charm.
Choose your favourite of the region's extraordinary palaces and plan your visit in advance. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou or Château Margaux are two of the best choices.
You might also be able to take part in the Médoc Marathon, a race that offers cheese, oysters, foie gras and - yes, you guessed it - wine at stops along the way. Of course, you'll need something to eat to go with all that wine, so be sure to try the Pauillac lamb - it's delicious.
Visit
Château Lynch-bages
one of the best-known Médoc wineries;
Château Lanessan
A neoclassical castle with English-style gardens;
Centre Equestre Petits Chevaux stud farm
horse riding for children;
Parking
Catering
Cafe Lavinal €€€
sophisticated, but suitable for everyone;
Château Cordeillan-Bages €€€€
"Michelin-starred restaurant in a castle setting;
Le Saint Julien, Saint Julien €€€€
Fresh, grilled dishes on the patio;
Accommodation
Municipal Gabarreys campsite €€€
Quiet campsite with river views;
