bordeaux, the dordogne & the loire
october 2026
Dr kathleen olive
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Explore the south-west of France, from Bordeaux’s celebrated viticulture, to the prehistoric art caves of the Dordogne and impressive châteaux and gardens of the Loire Valley
OVERVIEW
The history and culture of south-western France is fascinating, from prehistoric cave art to the medieval power struggles between the French and English in Aquitaine. In the modern era, the Loire Valley became a centre of innovation for châteaux and garden design, and Bordeaux emerged as a significant depot on the Garonne River for New World riches.
This 13-day itinerary commences with four nights in Bordeaux, where we explore the excellent collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée d’Aquitaine and understand the history of fine wine in the prestigious Saint-Émilion district. In the Dordogne, we survey paleolithic cave art at Lascaux and Rouffignac and investigate the prehistory of Western Europe at Les Eyzies and Abri Cap Blanc. The tranquil beauty of the region is apparent on visits to iconic gardens such as Marqueyssac and a river cruise in La Roque-Gageac.
The tour concludes with four nights in Angers to admire outstanding monuments of the Middle Ages and the perfection of French garden design. After surveying the Apocalypse Tapestries and visiting Fontevraud Abbey, we visit a selection of châteaux in the Loire that track significant design developments, including Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau and the intricate broderies of Villandry.
The touring program is complemented by select gastronomic experiences, showcasing the best of Bordeaux, and by the experience of your tour leader Dr Kathleen Olive.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Kathleen Olive is one of Australia’s best-known cultural tour leaders, with over fifteen years’ experience leading tours to Western Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan.
Kathleen has led cultural tours since 2003 and has designed and led a number of successful tours to France, from Burgundy’s medieval history, art and architecture to the birth of modern art in southern France. She is well known for her lectures on history, art and culture at the WEA (Sydney), the Italian Institute of Culture (Sydney), the Art Gallery of NSW and for the Art Society (formerly ADFAS).
Tour participants frequently praise her engaging and attentive leadership of a group.
Highlights
Appreciate Bordeaux’s historic role as a major riverine port, and understand its modern revitalisation
Delight in the extraordinary Saint-Émilion region, from its medieval emergence as a centre for wine-making to savouring some of France’s most esteemed appellations
Marvel at some of Western Europe’s oldest surviving art, in the caves and museums of the Dordogne such as Lascaux and Rouffignac
Experience the charm of the Dordogne’s stone villages, including the serene gardens at Marqueyssac and a barge cruise at La Roque-Gageac
Admire one of medieval Europe’s most outstanding artisanal achievements, in Anger’s Apocalypse Tapestries, and understand their influence on modern masters
Enjoy the elegance of châteaux and garden design in the Loire, at Saumur and Azay-le-Rideau
Questions?
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