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France

Southwest France: Bordeaux and the Perigord

Program No. 14253RJ
Savor history as you enjoy oenologist-led lectures, gastronomic heritage, ancient villages and prehistoric cave paintings in the timeless regions of Southwest France.

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At a Glance

Romans of the fourth century tilled the soils around Saint-Emilion and began growing grapes. Today, the region ranks among the world’s foremost red wine producers. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Southwest France resonates with the marvelous consequences of long-ago choices. Discover the Bordeaux wineries with Roman roots, the Dordogne and the living museum town of Sarlat.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Extensive walking on uneven ground and cobblestones. Stairs sometimes without railings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the Dordogne Valley and the prehistoric cave paintings of Rouffignac and Lascaux IV.
  • Examine a complete retrospective of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec at the museum dedicated to him in Albi.
  • Discover each region’s unique cultural, gastronomic and wine heritage in the Perigord and Bordeaux.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Ian Tucker
After graduating with a degree in English and history from The University of London, Ian Tucker's interests in European culture initially took him to Barcelona, where he lived for 3 years. Ian's early career was spent teaching in Spain and later at a higher education college in London. He became involved in educational travel, and since that time has traveled throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia, both on a professional basis and independently. He also spent two years living in Tokyo.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ian Tucker
Ian Tucker View biography
After graduating with a degree in English and history from The University of London, Ian Tucker's interests in European culture initially took him to Barcelona, where he lived for 3 years. Ian's early career was spent teaching in Spain and later at a higher education college in London. He became involved in educational travel, and since that time has traveled throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia, both on a professional basis and independently. He also spent two years living in Tokyo.
Profile Image of Libby Chandler
Libby Chandler View biography
Libby Chandler lives in the southwest county of Devon in the United Kingdom, across the English Channel from the Normandy Beaches. At the age of 22, she moved to France to live in the Alps and polish her French for several years. Libby is an addicted traveler with a lust for learning, spending her time in France and across Europe. Leading groups since 1994, she works as a freelance group manager for educational organizations and in the Himalayan mountains during the winter.
Profile Image of Alexandra Chambon
Alexandra Chambon View biography
Alexandra Chambon has been working in the river/canal cruise field since the early 2000s. She likes to share her passion and enthusiasm about her homeland of France and its culture, traditions, history, art and architecture, and she strives to make it come alive for the participants. Outside of being a Group Leader, Alexandra is a foodie and wine connoisseur, and she enjoys playing sports. She loves having convivial moments with a good glass of wine and music.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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