A Two-Week Southwestern France Itinerary

Wine, Chateaux, and History

Eager to plan a memorable trip around Southwestern France but feeling a bit uncertain on where to begin, what to see, the budget, or the length? Consider this itinerary your personal travel advisor with all of your answers, laying out all the essential information to plan for an extraordinary 14-day adventure. This journey will let you experience all of the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food that you've been eager to see.

If you follow this guide, you'll find historic towns, famous chateaux, local wines, delicious food, and beautiful countryside. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Paris (2 days)
2. Le Mans (1 day)
3. Centre and Loire Valley (2 days)
4. Nantes (2 days)
5. La Rochelle (2 days)
6. Bordeaux (3 days)
7. Biarritz (2 days)

Biarritz, France

Itinerary Highlights

• Great for couples
• Family-friendly
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Delicious Food
• Small Town Charm
• Historic Sites
• Big City Activities
• Museums
• Beaches
• Beautiful Locations

Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Southwestern France is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Nantes, Paris, and La Rochelle.

Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture. In particular, make sure you visit La Rochelle for that quintessential small town charm.

You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of Southwestern France. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.

This region is also very popular for its world-class cities adorned with sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, enticing restaurants, shopping, and more. On a trip through the area, you'll be able to spend time exploring these dynamic cities and everything they have to offer. Make sure you specifically visit Paris if you love urban vibes.

Along this itinerary, you'll discover a number of fantastic museums waiting to be explored, so be sure to carve out some time to see them. When it comes to La Rochelle, Nantes, and Paris, the museums offer great experiences.

You can't pass up a trip to the area, especially for its fantastic beaches. Imagine yourself lounging on the sandy shores, soaking up the good vibes, and taking it easy in the water. The beaches in the vicinity of Biarritz are unmissable gems.

Southwestern France pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Paris, Nantes, and Bordeaux for the beautiful scenery.

Paris, France

When is the best time to visit?

You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in Southwestern France, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.

Spring is a terrific time to visit Southwestern France. You'll find plenty of natural beauty, great weather, and inspiring destinations.

Autumn in Southwestern France offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.

Who is this itinerary for?

Southwestern France isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. Especially visit La Rochelle, Nantes, and Paris for the enchanting atmosphere.

If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Paris, Nantes, and Biarritz.

This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Paris and Biarritz can especially help your budget.

Bordeaux

Transportation

Getting from one destination to another in Southwestern France is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 3 hours apart.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Paris to Biarritz because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Biarritz instead of Paris. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in Southwestern France means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.

The train network in Southwestern France offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.

Is 14 days enough time in Southwestern France?

Yes, 14 days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Southwestern France. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around 14 days to truly appreciate everything.

Le Mans, France

How much does a 14-day trip to Southwestern France cost?

Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific 14-day adventure in Southwestern France, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.

The estimated cost for this 14-day adventure in Southwestern France is approximately $2,004 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Southwestern France based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.

Hostel Prices

If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.

Southwestern France Itinerary

1. Paris

2 Days

Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.

Paris brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to see a show, and people come from around the world for the theater scene.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.

Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.

What to See in Paris

How to Spend 2 Days in Paris

Day 1:

When visiting Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Paris is known for its wide range of shows. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Paris is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Day 2:

Paris is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The delicious food of Paris is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Public transit in Paris is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

More Activities

Paris offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Paris

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Paris, see The Best Walking Tours in Paris, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Paris, The Best Versailles Day Trips and Tours in Paris, and The Best Cheap Louvre Tours in Paris.

Paris Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Paris average around $249 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Paris here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Paris, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $126, calculated from the data of 1665 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Paris here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Paris offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $31. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Paris.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Paris to Le Mans.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Paris to Le Mans, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

2. Le Mans

1 Day

Le Mans is located in northwestern France, and it's the host of the 24 hour car race, The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. You can visit the race track and experience simulator rides and go-karting. The town itself also has a cathedral and a long running history with museums and city walls.

Le Mans brings plenty of visitors because it has museums and nightlife. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

What to See in Le Mans

How to Spend 1 Day in Le Mans

Don't miss the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans during your trip to Le Mans, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Public transit in Le Mans is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Le Mans, see Circuit de la Sarthe, Musée de l'Automobile de la Sarthe, Old Town of Le Mans, and Abbaye Royale of L'Epau.

Le Mans Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Le Mans average around $90 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Le Mans here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Le Mans, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $77, calculated from the data of 36 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Le Mans here.

Suggested Hotels

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Le Mans to Centre and Loire Valley.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Le Mans to Centre and Loire Valley, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

3. Centre and Loire Valley

2 Days

The Loire Valley, part of the larger Centre region of France, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France because of the many vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, which line the banks of the river. The Loire Valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period, so it has many notable historic towns, architecture, and wines. The central part of the Loire Valley is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights. This area is a great location if you are looking for French splendor, style, and cuisine. The Loire Valley was once of great strategic importance between the north and south of France, so there are many amazing castles and towers in the area. The Valley is best known for its outstanding wines and its lively, sophisticated cities. The area in general has a pleasant or laid back feel, and has been called a bit of a story-book wonderland. It is definitely a must see if you're planning a trip to France.

What to See in Centre and Loire Valley

More Activities

Centre and Loire Valley offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Centre and Loire Valley

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Centre and Loire Valley, see The Best Loire Valley Cheateaux Tours, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Amboise.

Centre and Loire Valley Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Centre and Loire Valley average around $135 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Centre and Loire Valley here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Centre and Loire Valley to Nantes.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Centre and Loire Valley to Nantes, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

4. Nantes

2 Days

Located along the Loire River in western France, Nantes was historically a port city but today is has a mix of natural and historical beauty that attracts visitors from around the globe. Tourists come to see the city's castles and monuments, as well as sip the wine. There are many parks and gardens throughout the city that bring nature into the city center. There's also an impressive historical center that's found in the Bouffay District.

Nantes brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families because of everything available.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

What to See in Nantes

How to Spend 2 Days in Nantes

Day 1:

Don't miss the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany during your trip to Nantes, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The culinary scene in Nantes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Nantes is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

Day 2:

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nantes, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

The public transit in Nantes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

More Activities

Nantes offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Nantes

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Nantes, see The Best Walking Tours in Nantes, The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes.

Nantes Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Nantes average around $117 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Nantes here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Nantes, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $76, calculated from the data of 76 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Nantes here.

Suggested Hotels

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Nantes to La Rochelle.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Nantes to La Rochelle, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

5. La Rochelle

2 Days

La Rochelle is a coastal town in southwestern France that has a charming atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and a long running history as a port city. Today it is a touristy town with many great seafood restaurants and fine wine. There are also beautiful coastal walks as well a nice beaches in town.

La Rochelle brings plenty of visitors because it has small town charm, museums, beaches, hiking, nightlife, and delicious food. It's also a great destination for couples and backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

La Rochelle has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in La Rochelle

How to Spend 2 Days in La Rochelle

Day 1:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

The delicious food of La Rochelle is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this coastal town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. With only a day in the coastal town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Day 2:

Don't miss the Old Port during your trip to La Rochelle, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This coastal town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Public transit in La Rochelle is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the coastal town quite easily. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

More Activities

La Rochelle offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for La Rochelle

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in La Rochelle, see The Best Segway Tours in La Rochelle, The Best Boat Tours and Cruises in La Rochelle, The Best Walking Tours in La Rochelle, and The Aquarium La Rochelle.

La Rochelle Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in La Rochelle average around $123 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for La Rochelle here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in La Rochelle, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $103, calculated from the data of 55 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in La Rochelle here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in La Rochelle offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $30. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in La Rochelle.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from La Rochelle to Bordeaux.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

6. Bordeaux

3 Days

Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.

Bordeaux brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

What to See in Bordeaux

How to Spend 3 Days in Bordeaux

Day 1:

Don't miss Cathédrale Saint-André during your trip to Bordeaux, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The culinary scene in Bordeaux is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Bordeaux is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Day 2:

Shopping in Bordeaux is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Bordeaux is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens.

The public transit in Bordeaux is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Day 3:

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

More Activities

Bordeaux offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Bordeaux

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Bordeaux, see The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Affordable Food Tours in Bordeaux, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Bordeaux average around $127 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Bordeaux here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Bordeaux, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $112, calculated from the data of 134 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Bordeaux here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Bordeaux offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $28. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Bordeaux.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Bordeaux to Biarritz.

Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Bordeaux to Biarritz, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.

7. Biarritz

2 Days

Biarritz is a beautiful seaside town along the Basque Coast in France. It has grown into a popular tourist town with many surfing schools and long sandy beaches. Whether you're interested in a surfing holiday or just a relaxing trip to the beach, this is a nice destination.

Biarritz brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches and nightlife. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

What to See in Biarritz

How to Spend 2 Days in Biarritz

Day 1:

The beautiful beaches await you in Biarritz, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Biarritz is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the seaside town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Day 2:

Shopping in Biarritz is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

The public transit in Biarritz is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the seaside town quite easily and affordably. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

More Activities

Biarritz offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.

See More Activities and Tours for Biarritz

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Biarritz, see The Best Basque Day-Trips and Tours from Biarritz, The Best Food Tours in Biarritz, The Best Airport Transfers in Biarritz, and The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Biarritz.

Biarritz Costs

Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Biarritz average around $142 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Biarritz here.

Accommodation

Hotels

When it comes to accommodations in Biarritz, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $116, calculated from the data of 89 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Biarritz here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Biarritz offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $47. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Biarritz.

Final Transportation

As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.

Next Steps

So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 14-day trip in Southwestern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!

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