13-Nights Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux - Land Journey

Les Eyzies

Les Eyzies is an important destination for those interested in paleontology and Cro-Magnon cave paintings. The first cave paintings were discovered by accident in 1940 in the nearby caves at Lascaux, about 85 mi/135 km east of Bordeaux. Unfortunately, exposure to multitudes of visitors caused an alarming deterioration of the paintings—they can now be visited by special invitation only.

In response to public demand, the government created Lascaux II, a replica, using the same colors and techniques as the original and just a few hundred meters away from Lascaux. Don't be put off by the notion of viewing a copy: It is very well done, and the wonder of these beautiful and intriguing paintings comes across just as strongly. Tickets can be purchased right next to the tourist office in the village of Montignac between April and October. When purchasing tickets for Lascaux II, note that the ticket reserves the time when you will be allowed in with a small group. This can be several hours, or even days after your purchase, so be sure to know when you want to visit. Also visit the town's National Prehistory Museum for a good overview of prehistoric art.

The original cave paintings at Font-de-Gaume are open to the public, but you'll need to make reservations well in advance if you plan to visit during the summer rush, since the total number of visitors allowed per day is limited. There are more than a dozen other prehistoric caves open to the public, all with their own special attractions. Local tourist offices can provide the necessary details.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a vibrant cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches, golf courses and numerous sporting facilities, not forgetting the surf.

Bordeaux

Surrounding Bordeaux are world-renowned vineyards and châteaux. Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking process - from growing grapes to harvesting, fermenting and bottling these top-quality wines. Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a palatial residence to a basic winery. There are thousands of châteaux that rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous wines. Visit Rue Ste. Cathérine - a half-mile-long pedestrian street leading through the Old Town’s major shopping area and marking the beginning of the elegant 18th-century city. - and Musée des Beaux Arts -- a museum with a large collection of 17th-century paintings by Flemish, Dutch and Italian masters as well as works by Delacroix.

Lyon

Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.

Paris

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.