Book a private tour to the ancient town of Saintes and combine the day with cognac tasting. You will begin this tour from Bordeaux with a pickup at your Bordeaux hotel or from your cruise ship docked in Bordeaux.

The town of Saintes has a history which goes back 2000 years. With a history from Celtic times, it was settled by a tribe called the Santon tribe and this region is today often called Saintonge. The Romans conquered much of France and in the 1st century BC, they set up a regional capital where Saintes is today. Because of its location on the River Charente, it prospered and you will be able to see the remains of the Arch of Germanicus, the Amphitheater, and the Thermal Baths. Christianity arrived in the region around  the year 1000 so the Abbaye aux Dames (originally a Benedictine convent that was founded in 1047), St. Pierre Cathedral, and St. Eutorpe Basilica  were built and are landmarks to enjoy today. The entire town has a rich history and culture which you'll be able to discover during this tour (Wednesday and Saturday are market days!).  Saintes is in the heart of the cognac region, so there are many distilleries that offer tastings.

After visiting Saintes, your tour will go to Cognac, the birthplace of King Francois I and today a major tourist attraction. With the church of Saint Leger presenting itself as a beautiful example of Roman and Gothic architecture, the town is also linked to the production of the brandy with the same name --cognac. Many prestigious cognac houses offer tours and tastings.

In the Grande Champagne district, you will be able to enjoy some sightseeing as well as taste more wonderful cognac. Not to be confused with the Champagne region east of Paris, the Grande Champagne area is known for its cognac production.

Your tour will return you to Bordeaux at the end of this 8 1/2 hour day.