Some of the most glorious experiences in France can be enjoyed in the south west. From wine tasting in Bordeaux to exploring picturesque riverside villages in the Dordogne, there is something to suit every possible interest here. The land is also extraordinarily diverse, the from the wild Atlantic coast and the foothills of the Pyrenees to the rich river valleys steeped in Medieval history and producing a bounty of ingredients from Périgord truffles to creamy Rocamadour cheese. Whether it's feasting on fresh oysters in Cap Ferret and traversing the soft sands of the Dune du Pilat, to meandering between the world-class wineries of Saint-Emilion, our France travel specialists have sampled the best experiences to be enjoyed in this captivating region. Read on to discover more.
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux's Vineyards
One of the most renowned wine growing regions in the world, wine tasting in Bordeaux is an experience like no other. The setting alone is a treat, with a backdrop of grand châteaux, centuries-old vineyards, and some of the world’s most revered wine estates. Whether you’re exploring renowned appellations such as Saint-Émilion or discovering hidden gems in lesser-known vineyards, you can expect expert-led tastings, immersive cellar tours, and the chance to savour fabulous wines that have shaped Bordeaux’s global reputation.
Exploring the Medieval villages of the Dordogne
The cultural wealth of the Dordogne is such that you could easily spend a week exploring its glorious villages alone, before you even turn your attention to the outdoor pursuits that can be enjoyed in the surrounding countryside. Beautifully preserved Medieval villages such as Sarlat and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle offer opportunities to step back in time as you explore their narrow, winding streets and timber-fronted houses. Riverside villages Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac, meanwhile, offer picture-postcard panoramas of traditional houses with Lauzé roofs wedged between towering limestone hills and the meandering Dordogne River.
Visiting Prehistoric Caves
The Dordogne’s Vézère Valley was a cradle of early human habitation during the Paleolithic period, and its extensive network of caves are home to an exceptional array of prehistoric wonders. In Lascaux, you can observe sensitive reproductions of some of Europe’s most significant prehistoric cave paintings at the International Centre for Cave Art Lascaux IV. In the Grotte de Rouffignac to the west of Lascaux, cave art from the Magdalenian period is evident across three levels of underground galleries, as well as claw marks thought to originate from long-extinct bears. You could also venture to UNESCO-recognised Font de Gaume, where some 200 Paleolithic paintings and engravings are evident on the cave walls. In Domme, meanwhile, one of the largest caves in the region welcomes you into a dazzling underground world of stalagmites and stalactites. Above ground, remnants of graffiti etched into the fortified walls by imprisoned Knights Templar are just some of the layers of history to be peeled back.
Oyster tasting in Cap Ferret
Sitting at the edge of the Arcachon Bay, one of France’s most celebrated oyster-producing regions, Cap Ferret is one of the highlights of the French Atlantic coast. Oyster farming here dates back to Roman times, but it was in the 19th century that the area truly flourished. Today, over 300 oyster farms operate across the bay, many of them family-run for generations. The tradition of tasting oysters directly at the cabanes ostréicoles—simple wooden huts perched on the water’s edge—grew organically as farmers began offering visitors a taste of their daily harvest. The experience of savouring Cap Ferret's freshest oysters, pulled straight from the ocean, and accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine, is something not to be missed if you are visiting the region.
Climbing Europe's Tallest Sand Dune
Towering over 100 metres high and stretching nearly two miles along the Atlantic coast, the Dune du Pilat offers sweeping views across the forested Landes to one side and the sparkling Arcachon Bay to the other. The climb to the summit—whether barefoot through soft sand or via the seasonal staircase—is rewarded with a vast, ever-changing panorama shaped by wind, tide and time. At sunset, the dune is bathed in golden light, casting long shadows and providing a hypnotic venue for an evening picnic. If you are travelling in the peak season of July and August, you may find an early-morning visit the most rewarding for cooler temperatures, pristine sands, and fewer crowds.
Discovering the Food Markets of South West France
South West France is a paradise for food lovers, so browsing one of the region’s authentic and colourful food markets will add a delicious added dimension to your stay. One of the best local markets in South West France is the twice weekly market at Sarlat in the Dordogne, which offers everything from truffles and walnuts to duck confit, cheeses, and local liqueurs. If you are staying near the Atlantic coast, the lively covered market in Arcachon is not to be missed. Open daily in summer, it offers an irresistible selection of Arcachon oysters and prawns, Atlantic fish, and local wines, alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables from the surrounding Landes countryside.
Stepping back in time in Carcassonne
Carcassonne rises from the Languedoc plains like something out of a medieval legend, its double ramparts and fairy-tale turrets casting long shadows over the surrounding vineyards. Step through the gates of the fortified city and you enter a world of cobbled lanes, stone archways, and ancient battlements that whisper stories of sieges and crusaders. Meticulously restored in the 19th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views across the Aude River and the rolling hills beyond. Museums, workshops, and local bistrots serving hearty cassoulet dot the streets offering plenty of distractions. As dusk falls, lantern light glows against the citadel walls, and Carcassonne takes on a timeless, almost theatrical beauty.
