By bike, 2 CV or by air, you’ll complete this Route du Bonheur in the time it takes to explore the eateries of Bordeaux, enjoy hedonistic romps through the vineyards and partake of trips to the beach under the majestic Pyla dune. It’s then back to the Aquitaine countryside for a trip through the Périgord region, along the Dordogne.
Once on the Quercy and Larzac plateaus, the pace slows. A detour via the wonderful Soulages Museum and the little-known medieval façades of Rodez will take you to the Causses plateaus, a magnificent peaceful wilderness.
This route was created by Sébastien Bras, Owner and Chef at Restaurant Bras
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This property is temporarily closed. Reopening on 03/09/2025
Hotel and restaurant in a village. The Saint-James occupies buildings designed in 1989 by the famous architect Jean Nouvel. They nestle in the delightful little village of Bouliac, in a garden fragrant with lemon trees and antique roses. Inspired by the old tobacco drying lofts, four pavilions, linked by a gallery, create a modern pure space. Far away, you can see the Landes of Gascogne forest, the biggest collection of maritime pines in Europe. The gourmet cuisine is one of the major attractions of the Saint James: the chef serves cuisine which is full of flavour and based on local market ingredients, rounded off by the selection of wines from an outstanding cellar and panoramic views of Bordeaux.
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Called “Les Marins de La Lune", this concept was set up by three Bordelais friends who were determined to promote urban sports in the famous Port de La Lune! They are the ones to see for Paddling or other nautical activities on the Garonne.
Concrete coastline
At the Blockhaus, Dune du Pyla
With a beautiful view from the sand, this bar was built on a former blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall, right under the Dune du Pyla. Its location right at the edge of the waves makes it the perfect rendezvous for surfers. A magical place to appreciate the sunset and the...
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Trendy Rooftop
A must in Bordeaux. The rooftop at Mama Shelter is THE place to be to enjoy a cocktail and have a good time. The hotel, part of the Starck brand, has already conquered the city. Did you know that from 1934 and until its renovation, this concrete Art Deco building housed the Régie du Gaz? It's beautiful,...
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Somewhere, upon the Sea...
Being carried away from the Dune through the air without any engine noise, only the sounds of the wind and waves. Paragliding is an absolute must, allowing you to marvel at the breath-taking views of the Bassin d'Arcachon. Perfect for both shy personalities and thrill-seekers, your guide is attached...
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Over the moon
Called “Les Marins de La Lune", this concept was set up by three Bordelais friends who were determined to promote urban sports in the famous Port de La Lune! They are the ones to see for Paddling or other nautical activities on the Garonne.
Concrete coastline
At the Blockhaus, Dune du Pyla
With a beautiful view from the sand, this bar was built on a former blockhouse of the Atlantic Wall, right under the Dune du Pyla. Its location right at the edge of the waves makes it the perfect rendezvous for surfers. A magical place to appreciate the sunset and the...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. An essential stop along the famed Route des Grands Crus, the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion is home to Hôtel de Pavie, an intimate establishment with an elegant atmosphere. With its gastronomic restaurant–whose menu is spearheaded by Yannick Alléno–it’s a must-visit for epicureans that’s just 40 minutes from Bordeaux. Rooms and suites are arranged around three buildings: La Maison du Clocher (or Bell Tower), named for its neighboring, iconic church; La Maison de Village, a historic residence featuring Roman ceramics and English style; and La Maison des Suites, which juxtaposes contemporary decor with the historic character of its 18th-century origins. Its restaurant–La Table de Pavie–offers its interpretation of regional haute cuisine, paired with wines from surrounding vineyards. You can admire the landscape from the raised terrace, which also offers breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops.
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Hotel and restaurant in a village. Author Henry Miller knew and loved France better than many French people. He was always in search of, inspirational locations. He originally planned to spend a week at this hotel in the heart of the black Périgord but ended up staying a month. Inside the former tobacco drying barn that has been converted into a dining room or outside under the linden trees, Miller’s spirit lives on. Like the author, you will appreciate the tranquillity of this former priory with its lovely gardens, babbling brook and natural pool in which you can swim. While away the hours in a relaxed atmosphere until dusk approaches and it is time to do a tasting of some fabulous regional wines.
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In this quirky little car, discover the hidden secrets of Dordogne through routes showcasing the exceptional cultural sites of the department in a natural and green setting, all while enjoying the charming purr of your 2CV.
Prehistoric treasures
Lascaux IV...this is the first complete replica of the adorned cave from 20,000 years ago. The modern scenery shows the treasures of Lascaux: historical stories, cave visits, workshops for children, 3D theatres...Périgord Noir is a must for any family vacation.
Périgord in a 2 CV
In this quirky little car, discover the hidden secrets of Dordogne through routes showcasing the exceptional cultural sites of the department in a natural and green setting, all while enjoying the charming purr of your 2CV.
Prehistoric treasures
Lascaux IV...this is the first complete replica of the adorned cave from 20,000 years ago. The modern scenery shows the treasures of Lascaux: historical stories, cave visits, workshops for children, 3D theatres...Périgord Noir is a must for any family vacation.
Hotel and restaurant on a river. The towers of this château are so close to the river that it feels as if they are floating on it. Located between the Lot, known as the “land of marvels”, and the Dordogne, home to more than one thousand châteaux, the Château de la Treyne is the ideal base from which to set off and explore this fascinating region. The Chef adapts the cuisine of the terroir, based on foie gras or lamb from the Causses du Quercy nature park. A delicious dinner can be enjoyed in the Grand Louis XIII Salon, or on the terrace overlooking the Dordogne. Breathe in pure, fresh air and look around wide-eyed to take in this extraordinary setting.
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Lot, a land of plenty for fishing enthusiasts! The many preserved streams, rivers, lakes and ponds offers infinite possibilities... In the Dordogne, fly fishing is practiced while wearing boots in the water. Luc, a true fishing enthusiast and connoisseur from the heart of the Dordogne valley, will accompany...
Restaurant and hotel in the country. Sébastien Bras has been at the helm of Le Suquet since 2009, and is forging his own path, reminiscent of the one his father also took. His intuitive and carefully crafted exceptional cuisine provides the perfect showcase for the treasures of the vegetable world offered by the Aubrac plateau. Imagination is given free rein in subtle pairings and harmonies which express this multifaceted living world. The pearly white monkfish and its black olive sauce tell of Gods battling in the skies over Aubrac: your plate is a fragment of the universe. Nature is at the very heart of the Bras family’s daily endeavours.
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A cooperative founded in 1960 by a group of young milk producers, Jeune Montagne preserved the method of making specialty Aubrac cheeses with raw milk.
Its vitality comes from historic traditions and its original terroir: Aubrac. The Jeune Montagne Cheese Cooperative is a tool for milk producers to...
Working as a duo, Serge and Marie-Aude Vieira have mastered the art of marrying contrasts to create harmony. Enamoured with Château de Couffour, they added a playful twist to its medieval charm by creating a sleek angular building to house their restaurant. This same creative freedom is expressed by...
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Lunch at Les Bras, with Soulages, Rodez
The Soulages Museum is a must-see! The largest collection in the world of work by Pierre Soulages, given by the artist himself to his hometown. Pritzker Prize 2017 for architect designers. The Duo Michel and Sébastien Bras at the Museum's bistro. You’re surrounded by amazing people!
The Aubrac cheese Co-op
A cooperative founded in 1960 by a group of young milk producers, Jeune Montagne preserved the method of making specialty Aubrac cheeses with raw milk.
Its vitality comes from historic traditions and its original terroir: Aubrac. The Jeune Montagne Cheese Cooperative is a tool for milk producers to...
Working as a duo, Serge and Marie-Aude Vieira have mastered the art of marrying contrasts to create harmony. Enamoured with Château de Couffour, they added a playful twist to its medieval charm by creating a sleek angular building to house their restaurant. This same creative freedom is expressed by...
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IMAGINE IF EVERYTHING WAS EXACTLY HOW YOU LIKE IT: ALWAYS BE EXPECTED
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
From Bordeaux to the Aubrac: sport, countryside and traditions
This route was created by Sébastien Bras, Owner and Chef at Restaurant Bras
"I was born in l’Aubrac. This is the place where I was born, and where I live with my family. This place Aveyron, in the North, is a land of transition between the chain of the volcanos of Auvergne and the open plateaux on the Mediterranean. From our mountain, we have modestly dominated the horizon. Here, the Aubrac cows, which can be recognised by their wheat-colour coat and their fur-fringed eyes, occupy the summer pastures, quietly occupying the landscape. These are places of few words but also of great beauty. Places where knives and cheese are manufactured every day. Places which extend and reinvent tradition. Just like our restaurant…"
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