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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of one of France’s best known wine region with this expertly curated wine & dine holiday. Staying at the charming Les Mondains, a beautifully restored 500-year-old farmhouse, you’ll experience the perfect blend of relaxation, gastronomy, and exploration. From private wine tastings with local experts and sumptuous meals paired with exceptional wines to picturesque vineyard walks and guided tours of historic Saint-Émilion, this holiday is a feast for the senses. With highlights like a serene cruise along the Dordogne River and a gala dinner showcasing the region’s finest flavors, this trip promises to immerse you in the culture, history, and natural beauty of France.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Travel to Bordeaux

Our holiday begins as we are met at Bordeaux Airport by our wonderful local host and travel by private minibus to Les Mondains, a beautifully refurbished 500 year old farmhouse located in the heart of the French countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of bubbles and have time to settle in and freshen up before enjoying a leisurely lunch.
The afternoon is yours to relax. You can lounge by the pool, take a refreshing swim, or simply unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance of your surroundings.

As evening falls, our farmhouse’s warm charm sets the stage for a delightful welcome dinner. We’ll be greeted with another glass of bubbles before sitting down to a hearty French meal. To make the evening even more special, our expert local wine host—an authority on French wines—will guide you through an exclusive tasting featuring a selection of exceptional regional wines.

Day 2 - Lunch with winemaker & visit to a working wine cellar

We have a lovely day planned for you! We will start with a traditional French breakfast at the farmhouse before setting off on a guided walk through the picturesque grounds of Château les Grimards. Meander through rolling vineyards and soak in the breathtaking countryside, rich with natural beauty and history.

After working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy an indulgent three-course lunch with Bernard Havard, the château’s renowned winemaker. This intimate dining experience offers not just exquisite food but also the chance to sample Bernard’s impressive range of wines. Feel free to ask him anything about his craft as you savour the meal.

Next, we’ll explore the magic of winemaking at either Chateau des Grimards or Bellevue Peycharneau. Here we will have the chance to observe the wine making process firsthand and learn from where the delicious wines we’ve been enjoying come.

In the late afternoon we will head back to Les Mondains where you will have the afternoon free. Why not curl up with a book in the common lounge or relax by the pool.

Our day concludes with a casual buffet-style evening meal, offering a selection of regional dishes and, of course, wines to complement the flavors. Don’t forget to end the evening on a high note with a nightcap—perhaps one of the local French digestifs, perfect for winding down after a fulfilling day.


Day 3 - Day Trip to Saint-Émilion & visit to Château Faugères

We start our day with a delightful breakfast at a charming local patisserie or boulangerie, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries and rich coffee sets the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Afterwards, we’ll travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away. Here, a guided tour will introduce you to the town’s rich history including its remarkable underground catacombs and historic wine cellars, where winemaking traditions endure.

You will then have some time to wander through the quaint streets lined with wine shops and boutiques, where you can explore local treasures. Be sure to indulge in the town’s famous macarons and other regional delicacies as you soak in Saint-Émilion’s charm. For lunch, you’ll have the freedom to choose a cozy café or enjoy a quick snack at your leisure.

In the early afternoon, we’ll delve deeper into the world of wine with a guided tour at the prestigious Château Faugères or the renowned Union des Producteurs de Saint-Émilion, where we’ll uncover the passion and precision behind exceptional wines.

This evening is our gala dinner – a true gastronomic feast. Indulge in a sumptuous seven-course feast, with each course perfectly paired with a different wine. This is sure to be a highlight of our wine and dine holiday to France.


Day 4 - Boat trip down Dordogne river and visit to old town of Bergerac

This morning will start a little later with breakfast at the farmhouse followed by a refreshing walk.

Mid-morning, we’ll set off for a serene guided boat trip down the Dordogne River aboard a traditional gabarre. Once used for freight transport during Gallo-Roman times, these charming boats glide effortlessly along one of France’s cleanest and most picturesque rivers, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Relax as we take in the flourishing ecosystem, passing by charming villages, ancient mills, and stunning stone buildings nestled among vibrant flora and fauna.

Our journey continues to the historic town of Bergerac, where we’ll meander through cobblestone streets and marvel at the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. A visit to the Maison du Vin awaits, where we’ll enjoy exquisite platters of charcuterie and cheese paired with local wines, all while savouring the panoramic views of the Dordogne from the terrace.

Late afternoon you will be transferred back to Les Mondains where you can relax in the secluded walled garden by the pool overlooking the walnut grove.

As the day winds down, we’ll come together for a relaxed and enjoyable buffet-style meal, featuring a delicious selection of meats, cheeses, fresh salads, and crusty baguettes, perfectly complemented by handpicked local wines.

Day 5 - Free Morning & Flight home

On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the farmhouse and some free time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Perhaps take a final stroll through the gardens or relax with a coffee before we travel to the airport for our direct flight back to Dublin.

Please note that this is our planned itinerary but sometimes due to circumstances outside our control we may have to alter it slightly

Please note all of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. They are not suitable for people with walking difficulties and/or limited mobility.

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Accommodation - Les Mondains Farmhouse

Experience the charm of rural Aquitaine with a stay at Les Mondains, a beautifully restored 16th-century French farmhouse set in the heart of the countryside. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and tranquil walnut groves, this idyllic retreat combines rustic elegance with modern comforts. Inside, you’ll find a spacious sitting room and an authentic old-world kitchen, while upstairs features individually decorated bedrooms and bathrooms, all showcasing original oak beams, Girondine tiles, and exposed stonework.

Outdoors, the private swimming pool is a guest favorite, offering uninterrupted views of the picturesque landscape. The farmhouse also boasts a lovely terrace, perfect for alfresco dining with a BBQ area where everyone can sit out and enjoy meals together. All meals are included in your holiday, whether enjoyed at Les Mondains or at charming local French restaurants. To complete the experience, your knowledgeable local host will be on hand to guide you through the region’s finest wines and traditional spirits, all included in your package.

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Price includes:

-Return flights from Dublin to Bordeaux
-10kg Baggage allowance
-All taxes
-Private Transfers
-4 night’s/5 Days All Inclusive in a traditional French farmhouse with a beautiful private pool
-Guided tour of Saint Emilion
-Visits to vineyards and wine tasting
-Guided walks through stunning rural Bordeaux
-Boat Trip on the Dordogne (with tour guide)

Extras:

- Travel Insurance
- Single room supplement

Testimonials:

“What a wonderful and unique 5 day experience, filled with visits to vignerons to see them make the wine and then interesting discussions over delicious wine tasting lunches. Accommodation was excellent in the authentic French farmhouse with swimming pool that was located in beautiful countryside with vines, walnut groves and wildlife all around. Quiet and safe for walking. Visits to St. Emilion and the market in Sante Foy le Grande. Difficult to decide the food highlight between dinner beside the wine vats with Jean Claude Pires at Chateau Bellevue Peycharneau, sharing his 40 years of wine making knowledge or the 7 course meal with wine at each course later in the week, I can’t wait to do it again...”
Peter Moreau 2022

“From the moment we arrived in Bordeaux, we had nothing to do but eat, drink, be ferried about from vineyard to vineyard, village to village, restaurant to restaurant. Everything was provided in the wonderful farmhouse where we all had our own bedrooms, shared a beautiful sitting room, a large kitchen with a dining area inside and out. The swimming pool was a great attraction for an afternoon splash. I loved the all-inclusive trip, with all food and beverages provided. The only thing I paid for was trinkets and incidentals at the local market. I have booked again for the wine harvest in 2023.”
Stephen’s Green Club Wine Harvest 2022

“Possibly one of the most enjoyable and happy 5 days we have spent, ever! Looked after like VIP’s from morning to night in the most beautiful Bordeaux region, by Shane Maguire, the most knowledgeable wine guide and cook. BBQ’s the very best. Lunching with the wine growers was magical!”
Maureen & Tony Wine Harvest 2023