I Use to be Somebody World Tour - Next Stop: Bordeaux, France!

This trip is being organized by Carl Landau, (and his wife Diana), host of the popular I Used to be Somebody podcast and newsletter. Just like our show, this adventure is targeting people that are planning to or are recently retiring from their career job. But they don’t want to retire, they want to do something NEW, something more FUN and something more MEANINGFUL. We call this (Un)Retirement!

This is your opportunity to network with creative people just like you, as you begin this new phase of your life. Plus, you get to do this while experiencing the beauty, history, and culture of France. Did we mention the amazing food and wine tasting too?

Two one-hour, lively, educational “I Used to be Somebody” sessions are included in the tour to make your trip complete. (Check with your tax advisor regarding the possibility of a tax deduction for this educational experience.)

(Sipping Bordeaux wine might help to make the discussions even better!)

By the end of your vacation, you’ll have a well-balanced perspective of what Bordeaux is all about!

Tour Details

• Tour Dates: September 26 – October 2, 2027
• Trip Price Per Person: $5,900
• Single supplement: $1,100
• Group Size: Limited to 20 people
• Guide: Yannick de Cocquéau
• Meals:  All meals except one lunch and two dinners.
• General Tour FAQs

Day 1

Welcome to the wine capital of France! Your guide will meet you in the lobby of our hotel at 10:00 AM for a quick introduction. You’ll then head out for a walking tour of the lovely city of Bordeaux, taking in as many sights as possible, including Mirroir d’eau, Place de la Bourse, Rue Saint Pierre, Rue Saint Catherine, La Grande Cloche, and Marché des Capucins.  We will end our walk with a sweet treat – a stop at one of Bordeaux’s delectable chocolatiers and a light lunch at a local bistro.

We will then take the tram to Bordeaux’s world-class interactive wine museum, La Cité du Vin, for a sensory tasting journey combining artistic displays with seasonal drink pairings, all designed to stimulate your taste buds.

That evening, we’ll reconvene in our hotel’s lobby and walk to Baud et Millet for dinner – a cheese lover’s paradise!  They have their own cheese-aging cave where you can go in and help yourself to over 100 different cheeses from all over France.  You also have the opportunity to pair regional wines with the cheese of your choice. C’est magnifique!

Day 2

Today we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning to experience Bordeaux in the morning at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll along the Garonne River, explore a local market, or simply linger over a coffee at a neighborhood café, this free time offers the perfect chance to soak in the rhythm of the city. We will also host our first of two (Un)Retirement Sessions.

Late morning, we’ll regroup and depart by bus for a short drive into the surrounding countryside. Our first stop is a charming lunch at L’Ô à la bouche. Their menu was created by Samuel Videau, known for reinventing classic French dishes, and focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Château Lauduc for a truly memorable, hands-on experience: a wine blending session. Guided by local experts, you’ll step into the role of winemaker, experimenting with different varietals to create your own personalized Bordeaux blend.

We’ll return to Bordeaux in the late afternoon, and dinner will be a short walk away at a local bistro. It’s the perfect way to wind down the day, and cheers to another great day in Bordeaux with new friends!

Day 3

We’ve been to the Left Bank, now it’s time to explore the Right Bank. This morning, we’ll journey through the picturesque countryside to the storybook village of Saint-Émilion. Our first stop is an exclusive visit to Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate perched on the limestone plateau. Here, we’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting of some of the region’s most elegant wines.

Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore Saint-Émilion and enjoy lunch on your own. Wander the cobblestone streets, browse charming shops, or settle into a café terrace for a leisurely meal surrounded by centuries-old architecture.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore on your own. You can delve beneath the village and visit the remarkable Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church. Carved entirely from limestone, this underground church is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. You may also choose to walk the “Wine Route,” a 4-mile trail that explores the vineyards of Saint-Emilion.

We’ll return to Bordeaux in the late afternoon, then set out for dinner at La Brasserie Bordelaise for a classic Sud-Ouest (South West France) meal.

Day 4

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set out on foot through Bordeaux’s charming streets for a hands-on culinary experience at The Gastronome Bordeaux. Here, you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into the flavors of French cuisine during an interactive cooking class, learning techniques and recipes you can bring home with you. The experience culminates in a leisurely lunch, where you’ll enjoy the dishes you’ve helped create—paired, of course, with excellent local wines.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might wander through Bordeaux’s elegant historic center, browse local boutiques, visit a wine bar, or simply relax at a café and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant city.

In the evening, we’ll offer an optional happy hour to gather and share stories from the day. Dinner will be at one of our favorite restaurants in the city, Blind.

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll bid farewell to Bordeaux and make our way west toward the beautiful Arcachon Bay, one of France’s most beloved coastal regions. Known for its oyster culture, sandy beaches, and relaxed seaside atmosphere, Arcachon offers a refreshing change of pace from the vineyards.

Before reaching the next hotel, we’ll stop at a local oyster farm for an authentic taste of the region. Here, you’ll learn about the centuries-old traditions of oyster cultivation while enjoying a tasting lunch featuring freshly harvested oysters, local specialties, and wines from the surrounding area.

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Arcachon and check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. You may wish to stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse local boutiques, relax at a seaside café, or simply unwind on the beach while taking in views of the bay. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

As the day winds down, we’ll have our second and final (Un)Retirement Session with lively discussion. This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the fresh regional cuisine. It’s the perfect introduction to life on the French Atlantic coast.

Day 6

Today is all about experiencing the natural beauty that makes Arcachon Bay one of France’s most treasured coastal destinations.

After breakfast, we’ll visit Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. Rising over 300 feet above the Atlantic coastline and stretching nearly two miles in length, this remarkable natural wonder offers sweeping views of the ocean, the pine forests of the Landes, and the sparkling waters of Arcachon Bay. Those who climb to the top will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of France.

From there, we’ll board a ferry for a scenic crossing of the bay to the charming peninsula of Cap Ferret. Often described as the “Hamptons of Bordeaux,” Cap Ferret is beloved for its relaxed atmosphere and elegance. We’ll enjoy lunch by the water and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

In the afternoon, we’ll stretch our legs on the iconic Sentier de l’Abécédaire, a scenic three-mile interpretive trail that celebrates the area’s rich ecosystem. Along the route, markers highlight local flora and fauna from A for Algae to Z for Zostère (eelgrass).

Later, we’ll return to Arcachon by ferry. This evening, we’ll reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant, sharing one more memorable meal together. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on the week, raising a final glass to incredible wines, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Cheers!

Day 7

You’ll enjoy a morning of breakfast at your leisure before checking out and starting your journey back home or onto your next adventure!

Nights 1 – 4:  Le Burdigala / Bordeaux

Le Burdigala is a luxury 5-star retreat located in the picturesque city of Bordeaux, just steps from the city’s vibrant shops, restaurants, and historic sights. You’ll enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms, upscale amenities, and awesome staff.

Nights 5 – 6:  Grand Hôtel Richelieu / Arcachon Bay

Grand Hôtel Richelieu is a comfortable hotel in a fantastic location. It’s located just a 10-minute walk from Parc Mauresque or a 5-minute stroll from Casino D’Arcachon. Oh, and you are only a 2-minute walk from the beach!

Please note: Hotels are subject to availability.  If listed hotel is not available at time of tour, a hotel that is equal or better to the original will be secured.