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The Romantic Wine and Castle Route

Added byAurélieAurélie - voyages

Let yourself be guided from Burgundy to Bordeaux via the majestic Loire Valley. This itinerary offers a perfect balance between intimate moments, refined tastings, and the discovery of legendary châteaux.

Discover the most beautiful vineyards and French historical heritage on an exceptional journey designed for lovers.

This grand 15-day tour is designed as a self-guided road trip. To fully enjoy it, a personal or rental vehicle is essential, allowing you to travel freely and flexibly between major cities, castles, and secluded vineyards.

The Elegance of Burgundy (Days 1 to 6)

Day 1 - Arrival in Mâcon and First Bubbles
  • Morning: Lunch at your leisure after arrival in Mâcon, then check-in at your hotel.
  • Afternoon: First exploration of the Mâconnais vineyards. Late afternoon: Tasting of Pouilly-Fuissé at the Cave de Lugny (or a similar renowned estate).
  • Restaurant: L'Autre Rive, chic setting and panoramic view.
Day 2 - Beaujolais Panoramic Views and History
  • Morning: Short hike to the Roche de Solutré (exceptional panorama).
  • Afternoon: Beaujolais wine route. Visit to Château de la Chaize (Brouilly) with Gamay wine discovery and tasting in a historic cellar.
  • Restaurant: Auberge du Paradis, local Beaujolais cuisine in a rural setting.
Day 3 - From the Vineyard to the Hospital
  • Morning: Drive to Beaune. A must-see visit to the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu).
  • Afternoon: Guided tour and tasting at a prestigious wine merchant in Beaune to discover the white wines of the Côte or visit to the Wine Market.
  • Restaurant: La Table du Square, bistronomic cuisine by a Chef
Day 4 - The Secrets of Grand Cru Wines
  • Morning: Immersion in the Cité des Climats de Bourgogne. Private visit and tasting at the Château du Clos de Vougeot or at Domaine Drouhin-Laroze (Gevrey-Chambertin).
  • Afternoon: Free time for strolling or visiting the Beaune market.
  • Dining: Le Bistrot du Bord de l'Eau, excellent Burgundian cuisine by the river.
Day 5 - Between Cities of Art and Local Cuisine
  • Morning: Relaxation or free activity (exploration of Nuits-Saint-Georges or Burgundian cooking class with Terroirs by Adeline).
  • Afternoon: Drive to Dijon. Visit to the majestic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
  • Restaurant: DZ'Envies, modern and creative cuisine.
Day 6 - Departure for the Loire
  • Morning: Free morning in Dijon (gourmet shopping). Lunch on your own.
  • Afternoon: Long drive to the Loire Valley (Tours). Check-in.
  • Restaurant: Le Bouchon du Nivernais, a quality stopover on your journey for a simple and gourmet break between Burgundy and the Loire.
Royal Interlude in the Loire Valley (Days 7 to 8)

Day 7 - The Castle of Love
  • Morning: Exclusive tour of the Château de Chenonceau (the "Ladies' Castle") with Premium audio guide included.
  • Afternoon: Romantic stroll through the gardens of Catherine de Medici. Drive to Tours.
  • Restaurant: L'Accalmie, refined market cuisine.
Day 8 - Tours and the Charm of the Loire
  • Morning: Visit to the historic centre of Tours (Place Plumereau, medieval streets). Lunch in town.
  • Afternoon: Visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. Wine tasting of Vouvray or Chinon wines at the Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray.
  • Restaurant: La Deuvalière, seasonal, refined and inventive cuisine.
The Atlantic and Bordeaux Elegance (Days 9 to 15)

Day 9 - Arrival in Bordeaux, a UNESCO City
  • Morning: Long car journey to Bordeaux.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel. Explore the historic center, the Water Mirror and the Place de la Bourse.
  • Dining: Le Quatrième Mur, a chic and refined brasserie.
Day 10 - The Wine Odyssey (Médoc)
  • Morning/Afternoon: Excursion along the Médoc wine route. Two visits and tastings. Lunch on the way.
  • Restaurant: La Tupina, traditional and authentic Southwestern cuisine.
Day 11 - Urban Culture and Tasting
  • Morning: VIP access to the Cité du Vin (unique interactive experience).
  • Afternoon: Free time for shopping or museums.
  • Restaurant: Le Prince Noir, Moment d'Exception - 1* Michelin, signature cuisine with a view of Bordeaux.
Day 12 - Feet in the Sand and Head in the Vineyards
  • Morning: Ascent of the Dune du Pilat and oyster tasting at an oyster farmer's on the Arcachon Basin.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Saint-Émilion. Check into your accommodation in the vineyards.
  • Dining: Chez Hortense, legendary for its seafood by the sea.
Day 13 - Immersion in Saint-Émilion (UNESCO)
  • Morning: Underground guided tour of the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion.
  • Afternoon: Visit and tasting at the Château de Figeac (or equivalent 1st Grand Cru Classé).
  • Dining: L'Envers du Décor, a chic and historic bistro
Day 14 - Stay in the heart of the vineyards
  • Morning: Visit to a 1st Grand Cru Classé A or B (ex: Château Angélus or Cheval Blanc).
  • Afternoon: Relaxation, romantic walk through the vineyards, final tasting.
  • Dining: La Terrasse Rouge, an exceptional dinner in the middle of the vineyards.
Day 15 - Last Morning and Departure
  • Morning: Free morning (buying canelés, last coffee).
  • Afternoon: Transfer to Saint-Jean train station or Bordeaux airport for departure.

Exploring the surroundings

Discover the places that make this trip so special.

Halle de Beaune

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Iconic covered market (open Saturday mornings). Vibrant heart of the city, ideal for discovering local Burgundy products (cheeses, gingerbread, cured meats) and the authentic market atmosphere.

Jardin de Catherine de Médicis

park Park
An elegant Italian-style garden structured around a large circular pool. It offers an unobstructed view of the west façade of the famous Château de Chenonceau, also known as the "Ladies' Castle".

Le Miroir d'eau

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Icon of Bordeaux (UNESCO). The most beautiful view of the city, ideal for photos and strolling.

Place Plumereau

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The lively medieval heart of Tours, with its half-timbered houses and numerous bars and restaurants.

Activities and leisure

Ideas to move, explore, and have fun.

Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne

local_activity Activity
A new immersive and interactive space dedicated to the history and complexity of the Climats (UNESCO). Ideal for understanding the Burgundy terroir.

Dune du Pilat

beach_access Beach
The highest sand dune in Europe, offering an exceptional panorama of the ocean and the Arcachon Basin.

Marché aux Vins

shopping_cart Shopping
Located in the former Cordeliers church, this historic venue offers guided tastings of prestigious selections of Côte de Beaune wines, including white wines, Premiers and Grands Crus.

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

museum Museum
A magnificent historic palace in Dijon, housing the Museum of Fine Arts. The heart of the capital of the Dukes.

Vignoble du Mâconnais

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This vineyard, the birthplace of the great white wines of Southern Burgundy (Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran), is distinguished by its rolling landscapes. Ideal for tasting lively, mineral wines and discovering typical wine-growing hamlets.

Terroirs by Adeline

local_activity Activity
Gourmet Burgundian cooking class taught by an Artisan Chef. The experience includes the preparation of regional dishes followed by a lunch/dinner with food and wine pairings.

Restaurants and bars

Great spots to eat, drink, and unwind.

Where to stay

Cozy places to rest and recharge in peace.

All Suites Appart Hôtel | Bordeaux Centre Gare

hotel Accommodation
Located near the train station, with good tram access to the city center. These aparthotels are modern and affordable, a good starting point for exploring the Médoc region.

Hôtel du Manoir

hotel Accommodation
A classic and elegant hotel, perfect for exploring the Loire Valley. Its central location in Tours makes it easy to visit the castles and discover the banks of the Loire.

Hôtel Restaurant LE BON DUC

hotel Accommodation
A classic hotel located in Libourne, near the quays. A strategic starting point for excursions to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the historic city center. Offers renowned regional cuisine.

Le Jacquemart

hotel Accommodation
A charming hotel in the heart of Dijon, on a historic street. Its location allows for easy access to museums, gourmet restaurants, and the Palace of the Dukes.

Logis Hôtel de Bourgogne

hotel Accommodation
A charming and traditional establishment in the heart of Mâcon. Ideally located for exploring the city on foot and providing quick access to the Mâconnais vineyards. Private parking available.

Logis Hôtel Parc Adelie

hotel Accommodation
Located in a quiet area, just a few minutes' walk from the historic center and the Hospices de Beaune. Offers modern comforts, perfect for immersing yourself in the capital of Burgundy wines.

The 29 places of the trip

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Château du Clos de Vougeot

Château-Figeac

City of Climates and Wines of Burgundy

Monolithic church and bell tower of Saint-Émilion

Vouvray Cellar

Terroirs by Adeline

hotelAccommodation

All Suites Apart Hotel | Bordeaux City Centre Train Station

Manor Hotel

Hotel Restaurant LE BON DUC

The Jacquemart

Logis Hôtel de Bourgogne

Logis Hôtel Parc Adelie

castleCastle

Azay-le-Rideau Castle

Château de La Chaize

restaurantRestaurant

The Red Terrace

At Hortense's

DZ’envies

The lull

hikingHiking

Mâconnais vineyards

Roche de Solutré

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Beaune Market Hall

Hôtel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune

The Water Mirror

Place Plumereau

museumMuseum

City of Wine

Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy

shopping_cartShopping

Wine Market

parkPark

Catherine de Medici's Garden

beach_accessBeach

Dune of Pilat