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Travel day with an indulgent stop in Burgundy
The total distance from Frankfurt to Bordeaux is too long for one day, so today you'll only go as far as Beaune.
About five hours' driving on the travel day, followed by a quiet evening.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
This is where your trip begins. As the route to Bordeaux is too long for one day, you'll split the journey and stop off in Burgundy today.
Beaune is the wine heart of Burgundy, with the colourfully tiled Hôtel-Dieu and plenty of wine cellars in the old town. A perfect first evening to get into the spirit of the trip with a good glass and regional cuisine.
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Elegant house in a historic townhouse right in the old town of Beaune, quiet and comfortable. Ideal for arriving after the drive and walking to dinner.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Second travel stage and first evening in Bordeaux
Second travel day with about five hours' driving, followed by a quiet evening to settle in.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
Bordeaux greets you with pale limestone, broad boulevards and the banks of the Garonne. After arriving, a first stroll and dinner at one of the bistros in the city centre is enough for today.
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Grand hotel right opposite the Grand Théâtre, comfortable and central for the coming days. From here you can reach the sights of Bordeaux easily on foot.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
City and wine culture without a car
No car today: you'll explore Bordeaux on foot and by tram.
After the Cité du Vin, there's time left for a relaxed afternoon on the banks of the Garonne.
This classical square on the banks of the Garonne is regarded as the landmark of Bordeaux. Opposite lies the Miroir d'eau, a shallow water mirror that reflects the façade and has become a popular photo spot.
This modern wine culture museum, housed in a curving building, tells the story of wine around the world, interactively and with all the senses. At the end, the Belvédère at the top is well worth it, with a glass of wine and panoramic views over the city.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Day trip into the Médoc
Relaxed day trip with a total of just over two hours' driving.
When it comes to wine tasting, remember that one person needs to stay fit to drive.
Margaux is one of the most famous appellations of the Médoc, lined with magnificent wine estates along the D2. Many châteaux offer tours with cellar visits and tastings, which should be booked in advance.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The Route des Châteaux is the classic Médoc wine route, running from Margaux via Pauillac to Saint-Estèphe. A drive along the rows of vines with their famous names like Latour, Lafite and Mouton Rothschild is a must on any wine trip.
The small port town of Pauillac lies on the banks of the Gironde and is a good spot to stop for lunch with a view over the water. The bistros along the quay serve regional dishes and, of course, the wines to go with them.
Moving on to the wine region east of Bordeaux
A short drive in the morning, then plenty of time for a car-free stroll through Saint-Émilion.
The lanes are steep and cobbled, so comfortable footwear is worth it.
This medieval wine town sits on a limestone hill amid the vines and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the monolithic rock church and the steep lanes; wine estates all around invite you in for tastings.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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The Maison du Vin offers a good overview of the appellation and tastings from local producers. A good starting point for finding the right wines to take home.
Comfortable little house right amid the vineyards, quietly located yet still close to the village centre. Perfect for an enjoyable evening among the vines.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Moving on to the Atlantic and the great dune
About an hour and a half's driving in the morning, then the dune and a quiet evening in Arcachon.
There's hardly any shade at the dune, so bring water and sun protection.
At over 100 metres, the Dune du Pilat is the highest shifting dune in Europe, offering sweeping views from its ridge over the Atlantic, the forest and the sandbanks of the basin. The climb through the sand is tough but rewarding.
The elegant seaside resort of Arcachon, with its Belle-Époque architecture in the Ville d'Hiver quarter, sits right on the basin. The seafront promenade and oyster bars are perfect for a relaxed first evening by the water.
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Charming hotel in the quiet Ville d'Hiver villa district, comfortable and close to the centre. A good base for the coming days on the basin.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Boat trip and oysters on the basin
Today you'll leave the car behind and take the ferry across the basin.
Ferry times depend on the tides, so allow some buffer time for the return trip.
The narrow Cap Ferret peninsula separates the basin from the open Atlantic and is known for its laid-back beaches and oyster villages. From the lighthouse you get a panoramic view over the headland, the basin and the Dune du Pilat opposite.
The oyster village of L'Herbe, with its colourful cabanes, is one of the loveliest spots on the basin for eating oysters straight from the producer. With a glass of white wine and a view over the water, it becomes the highlight of the day.
Oyster ports and the Cabanes Tchanquées
Relaxed final day on the basin with little driving.
Boat tours run according to the tides, so check the times in advance.
Gujan-Mestras is the oyster-farming capital of the basin and boasts several picturesque ports. At the Port de Larros you can see the ostréiculteurs at work and sample fresh oysters right at the cabanes.
The small bird island in the middle of the basin is famous for the Cabanes Tchanquées, two wooden huts standing on stilts. Boat tours from Arcachon or the surrounding ports circle the island and bring you right up close.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Homeward drive on the last day
Driving straight back in one day is a long haul; an extra stopover makes the journey home more pleasant.
Set off early, plan several breaks and take turns driving.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
End of the round trip: from Arcachon it's back to Frankfurt. As the distance is long, set off early and plan generous breaks; if you'd prefer, split the return journey and spend another night on the way.
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