TREASURES OF SOUTH WEST FRANCE 

 This classic car tour offers you the opportunity of taking seven days to explore an area rich in history from Roman amphitheatres, medieval towns and Renaissence chateaux, Bordeaux the city of light, and modern Royan rebuilt following WW2, driving deserted roads through vineyards to the Atlantic beaches.

Saturday - arrive late afternoon. Welcome tea and cakes will be served in the garden at La Rose des Vents, whist you receive your roadbook and briefing on the week ahead.  In the evening aperitifs and a 4 course dinner with wine, coffee and cognac will be served in the Manor House.

Sunday - enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then drive into Cognac to explore the ancient streets and mansions, museums and Romanesque architecture.  Enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes/restaurants clustered around the fountain in the centre.  In the afternoon, a tour of Remy Martin Cognac house has been arranged, followed by a tasting session.  Dinner will be taken in a lovely restaurant with terrace overlooking the River Charente.

Monday we take a scenic drive via Pons with it's medieval Donjon to Talmont sur Gironde, a walled town built in 1234 and modeled on the bastides of Aquitaine, nestled in the Gironde estuary.  We continue to Royan, rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II, famous for it's golden beaches.   Dinner has been booked at the Cardinal de la Mer, St Georges de Didonne where you can admire the view of the bay.

Tuesday - an early start and a whole day to explore the city of light - Bordeaux.  Parking has been reserved for you, and a morning walking tour of the city with a guide has been arranged to ensure you get the most out of your day.  The afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful city (and shops!) Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner from the myriad of restaurants - the choice is yours.

Wednesday - take a day out to laze by the pool, indulge in a game of Petanque, or wander through the vineyards.  Optional scenic drives are available for those who must!  In the evening a BBQ/4 course dinner with aperitif, wine and coffee will be served in the garden at La Rose des Vents.

Thursday already! Take a short scenic route via Chapelle les Pots (stop at the potterie) to the Roman town of Saintes. Reserved parking has been arranged. Take your choice from a range of excellent restaurants, or visit the market and take your pick of the excellent local produce to enjoy as a picnic, sitting beside the river Charente.  Take time to explore the Gallo Roman Amphitheatre, the Abbay aux dames and the old town centre with it's pedestrianised streets. 

In the afternoon, a riverboat trip has been arranged.  Return via a scenic route, following the river Charente.

Friday - enjoy a leisurely scenic drive to the fairy tale Chateau de la Roche Courbon, (known as the castle of the Sleeping Beauty) with it's beautiful French gardens and lake.  Arrangements have been made to park in front of the Chateau for great photo opportunities and a guided tour has been arranged.  Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens.  In the evening, a farewell dinner has been arranged at a neighbouring restaurant.  Aperitif, wine, coffee & cognac included. 

The tariff from  £995 per person , depending on season (2020)  is based on a minimum of 4 people sharing one cottage and includes:

• 7 nights accommodation in a luxury cottage (with ensuite/private facilities) with continental breakfast
• Welcome Tea/coffee and cakes served on arrival
• 4 course dinner served in the Manor House (aperitif, wine, coffee & cognac included)
• Tour of Remy Martin Cognac House and cognac tasting
• 3 course dinner served in riverside restaurant (wine and coffee included)
• 3 course dinner (excluding drinks) in a restaurant overlooking the bay at Royan
• Guided walking tour of Bordeaux
• Midweek BBQ/4 course dinner, with aperitif, wines and coffee served in the garden at La Rose des Vents
• Charente riverboat trip
• Entry to Chateau de la Roche Courbon and guided tour
• 4 course Farewell dinner at local restaurant (aperitif, wine and cognac included)
• Comprehensive roadbook with detailed itinerary, scenic runs and information on places visited

If your group comprises more than 5 couples, additional accommodation is available in the Manor House, and we also have links with other luxury cottages, within 5 minutes drive where additional accommodation can be arranged.  Please contact us to discuss your requirements, we are here to help