Bordeaux: Day Trips

Arcachon Beach The seaside resort of Arcachon has wide, sandy beaches, Europe’s largest sand dune, and casual outdoor cafes serving fresh seafood (60% of France’s oysters come from Arcachon Bay). 45 miles from Bordeaux
beach | outdoors | seafood | swimming

Brantome Known as the Venice of Perigord, this sleepy town has meandering canals and a magnificent abbey founded by Charlemagne in 769. 93 miles from Bordeaux
architecture | romantic | history

Cro-Magnon Visit the village where the first homo sapien bones were found. Nearby in Les Eyzies at Lascaux, the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art” was discovered in 1950. The caves of Lascaux II replicate the paintings since the original caves are too fragile for visitors. 110 miles from Bordeaux; 011-33-5-53-05-65-65
family | outdoors | history

Dordogne Picturesque Dordogne is studded with over 1,000 chateaux, many of which are over 1,000 years old. Best of all, it’s an easy drive from Bordeaux. 60 miles from Bordeaux; www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr
family | architecture | outdoors | history

Rocamadour This magnificent pilgrimage stop is known as France’s “second most visited site” after Mont St. Michel. Its vertical cathedral and medieval houses are carved into the side of a cliff.  160 miles from Bordeaux
architecture | history

Sarlat-la-Canéda This preserve of medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century architecture is said to have the best foie gras in France. It’s best enjoyed with a glass of Château d’Yquem Sauternes. Le Relais de Poste is a lovely place to partake of the delicacy. 130 miles from Bordeaux, 19, rue Lino Ventura; 011-33-5-53-28-56-17
family | architecture | culinary