Cahors and Albi, are great places on the upstream side, on the coast Biarritz is lovely. In between there are dozens of little places like Lectoure, Brantôme and Loubressac, all of which we have enjoyed a night or two in. You are spoiled for choice. I would recommend trying to stop in places on market day, all these little places spring to life.
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We ended up doing a great trip in Sept 2017, but check places as it’s been 5 years.
Flew into CDG, TGV to Bordeaux, and picked up a car.
Three nights: Along the Dordogne River
Drove to the Dordogne, stopping at Julien de Savignac in Le Bugue for some wine shopping, and then stayed at a luxury B&B, Par La Rivière, in Port St Julien for the first three nights. It’s right on the river and serves large, gourmet breakfast. Fast and easy access to Sarlat, Beynac, Castelnaud, Roque Gageac, Domme, etc. Markets, castles, kayaking, etc.
Two nights: Heart of Gascony
Stopped at Bonaguil and then tasting at Chateau de Cedre. We had previously stayed at Chateau Mercues in 1998 so stopped there for lunch on our way to Cahors. Stayed two nights at Michel Guerards daughters place, La Bastide en Gascogne. One of the best breakfast buffets we’ve seen, as well as options for Guerard’s Cuisine Minceur. Toured small picturesque towns like Montreal-du-Gers, Fources, Larressingle, and Condom. Cathedral and mousquetiere (musketeer) statue (see profile pic) are worth the stop. Then Armagnac tastings and spa.
Two nights in San Sebastián
On the way stopped for tasting at Chateau Montus and Bouscasse, and a quick stop in Pau to tour the castle. Pinxhos tour and not to miss pools at La Perla, shopping. Dinner at Akelarre.
One night in Bordeaux at Chateau Pape Clement.
Travel day stop in Biarritz for market and shopping and lunch at the Hotel Palais Villa Imperiale. Dinner at Pape Clement, then tour and tasting.
One night in St Emilion at Chateau Troplong-Mondot -
Lunch at Terrasse Rouge at Chateau La Dominique and then French Heritage night dinner at Troplong Mondot Les Belles Perdrix.
Then easy TGV back to Paris.
Fantastic trip and much too short timing - could easily have skipped San Sebastián and spent extra time in the other stops. We’ve been to the Bordeaux region many times, so would have added extra days in Dordogne and Gascony.
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In between your areas we enjoyed Bayonne very much for a short visit. There are some great smaller places to stay in Irouleguy such as Ste Étienne de Baïgorry (Hotel Arcé) and St Jean Pied de Port.