Itinerary: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Coast – Montpellier, Toulouse, Bordeaux & La Rochelle [1]
Route Description
What you see in French cities isn’t usually all you get. From the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s worth going a level deeper to understand a city’s fabulous idiosyncrasies. Along the way, this trip plunges into the heart of the world’s largest fine wine regions.
Masterfully, the pedestrianized Ecusson of Montpellier – its 1,000-year-old medieval center of narrow alleyways and elegant buildings – does not clash with the modern surroundings of wide boulevards and architectural splendors. Or with the broad sweeps of France's biggest vineyard. It's a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Learn more about Montpellier [2]
The very bricks used in Toulouse’s historical buildings imbue the city with a captivating pink light. Add to that the layers of cultural significance – such as one of France’s largest universities, Airbus and the Canal du Midi – and this fourth-largest metropolis in the country demonstrates its depth too. Learn more about Toulouse [3]
In Bordeaux, every sunrise is a daily awakening that echoes the city's remarkable rise in stature and status after its major restoration and redevelopment program. What's in store? 350 historical monuments, scores of cultural events, world-class shopping, high-tech public transport and gastronomic wizardry like there is no tomorrow. Learn more about Bordeaux [4]
For centuries, the towers of La Rochelle have stood sentinel over the Old Port. The adjacent old town of arcaded streets and half-timbered houses was home to merchants and sailors. While tourist attractions today, they are still powerful reminders of La Rochelle's role as a departure point for the New World. Learn more about La Rochelle [5]
Along the Way
Beyond Montpellier
Collioure: protected beaches and a sheltered port on an otherwise rugged coastline where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the Mediterranean
Perpignan: plane trees and palms provide shade over wide sun-drenched avenues dominated by the 13th-century castle of the kings of Majorca
Between Montpellier and Toulouse
Carcassonne: the fortified Cathar city with 52 towers from which to contemplate the surrounding vineyards
Albi: an Episcopal town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the former bishops’ palace dedicated to the masterpieces of Toulouse-Lautrec
Beyond Bordeaux
- Saint-Emilion: a place of great vineyards, but also churches, monasteries and hospices built beginning in the 11th century by passing pilgrims on route to Spain
How to Cover the Route
Cities |
Approximate shortest-path road distances between cities | Approximate shortest train/bus travel times between cities |
Montpellier ↔ Toulouse |
150 miles | 2 h 10 min (TGV) |
Toulouse ↔ Bordeaux | 152 miles | 2 h 10 min (TGV) |
Bordeaux ↔ La Rochelle | 120 miles | 2 h 5 min (intercity train) |
Given the long distances between cities and somewhat far-flung attractions (usually detours along the way), this route lends itself to train travel. Day trips to other appealing places can be made – also by train – once the main destination cities have been reached.