Ophorus
About
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
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FAQs
What happens if there is bad weather?
If there is bad weather, Ophorus may adjust the itinerary, change certain activities, or in rare cases cancel specific services when conditions make travel or an activity unsafe; you will be informed as early as possible, and weather-related cancellations of certain add-on activities are refunded.
Adjustments to tours in bad weather
All semi‑private and private tours are explicitly “subject to modification of itinerary or cancellation in case of unexpected events such as bad traffic conditions, weather conditions, and any other matter that could incur a risk in driving.”
Driver‑guides or the office team will contact you and keep you updated if changes are needed to ensure the safest possible option (for example, altering routes, changing timing, or replacing an outdoor stop with a more sheltered one).
Specific weather‑dependent activities
Some experiences, like the traditional pinasse boat ride in Arcachon or helicopter flights, operate strictly under good weather conditions.
If a pinasse boat ride is cancelled by the supplier 48 to 24 hours before due to bad weather, the price of that service is fully refunded.
Helicopter flights are also subject to same‑day weather decisions; if a flight is cancelled because of weather, the flight cost is fully refunded, though any separate transfer costs are not refundable.
Tours still running in rain
Many regular sightseeing and wine tours still operate in light rain or cloudy conditions, with guides adapting the experience to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible.
You should bring appropriate clothing (rain jacket, umbrella, non‑slip shoes) as tours are not automatically cancelled for normal rainy weather.
How many people are typically in a group tour?
On most Ophorus shared small-group tours, you will be with a maximum of 8 other guests; in a few cases (mainly certain Bordeaux wine tours), groups can go up to 16–20 people.
Typical group sizes
Standard shared day tours and shore excursions are run in premium minivans and are limited to about 7–8 participants, depending on the vehicle.
For some of the most popular shared wine tours in Bordeaux, group size can occasionally be higher, with certain departures operating up to 16 or, in rare cases, 20 guests.
Small-group travel packages
Small-group multi‑day packages in regions such as Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, or Normandy are also based on a maximum of 8 guests per package departure, keeping the experience intimate and flexible.
Even when a 16‑seater minibus is used on a travel package, Ophorus caps the number of participants at 16, which is the company’s stated maximum for any multi‑day group program.
What is the best time of year to visit these destinations?
For most Ophorus destinations (wine regions, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Provence, French Riviera, Normandy, Alsace), the best overall times to visit are spring (April–June) and early fall (September), when weather is mild and crowds are lighter.
Wine regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne)
Best overall: April–June and September offer comfortable temperatures, active vineyards, and fewer peak‑summer crowds.
Harvest: Early fall (mainly September) is ideal if you want to feel the harvest atmosphere, though specific dates vary each year.
Loire Valley and châteaux regions
Best overall: April–June and September, with long days, pleasant weather, and fully open châteaux.
Gardens: May–June are particularly beautiful for landscaped gardens and floral displays.
Provence and French Riviera
Best overall: April–June and September, which balance sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and more manageable crowds and traffic.
Beach and sea: June–September is warmest for swimming and beach time, but July–August are the busiest and hottest months.
Normandy and Dordogne
Best overall: May–June and September, which combine mild weather, lush landscapes, and fewer visitors at D‑Day sites or medieval villages.
Quietest: Late fall and winter (November–March) see reduced tourism and some limited opening hours, but can suit travelers who prioritize calm over activities.
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
How far in advance should I book a tour?
For shared group tours, it is best to book at least 24 hours in advance; for most private tours and packages, plan at least 30 days ahead, especially in peak season.
Shared small-group tours
You can often book shared semi‑private day tours up to the day before, but availability is limited in busy periods, so 2–3 days ahead is safer.
Changes or cancellations are usually free up to 24 hours before departure, which effectively makes “at least 1 day in advance” the recommended minimum.
Private tours and custom itineraries
For private day tours, Ophorus generally asks for a 30% deposit at confirmation with the balance due 30 days before arrival, so you should aim to book at least 1 month in advance.
Multi‑day packages and group programs (over 8 people) also follow a 30‑day balance deadline, and many services (châteaux, wineries, guides) require advance reservations, so earlier is strongly recommended, especially May–October.
Peak season and last‑minute bookings
In peak months such as July and August, popular tours and wine regions can sell out; booking several weeks ahead is advised to secure your preferred dates and experiences.
If you are already in France and looking for a last‑minute activity, it is still worth checking the website or app, as some tours can be booked until the previous day depending on remaining seats.
What are your business hours and how can I contact you?
Schema data shows address in LE BOUSCAT, 33110 France and email [email protected]; Tawk chat widget indicates live support available
How long are the tours?
The timing of the tours can vary from half-day 4 to 5 hours approximately and full day tours 7 to 9 hours.
What should I wear or bring on the tour?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing with good walking shoes, and bring essentials like water, sun or rain protection, and your booking voucher or e-ticket.
Clothing
Choose comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as many French towns and villages have cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
Dress in layers so you can adapt to changing weather (light sweater or jacket, breathable top, seasonal outerwear).
Essentials to bring
Printed or mobile tour voucher/confirmation, ID, and any required child seats or boosters if traveling with children.
A small daypack with a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a hat for sunny days.
A compact umbrella or light raincoat, especially in spring or autumn.
Extras depending on the tour
For wine or food tours: extra cash or a card for personal purchases such as bottles of wine, snacks, or souvenirs.
For sites with religious buildings (cathedrals, abbeys): modest attire (covered shoulders, no very short shorts) is often recommended.
What payment methods do you accept?
Accepted payment methods
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express are accepted for shared tours, private tours, and shore excursions.
Online payment: Secure internet payment directly through the Ophorus website is supported for reservations.
Bank transfer: Payment by wire transfer is possible; bank fees are at the customer’s charge.
Fees and conditions
There is no extra processing fee for Visa and MasterCard payments.
American Express payments incur an additional 3% processing fee.
For most shared and shore excursions, full payment is required at booking; for many private tours, a 30% deposit at confirmation and balance 30 days before arrival is standard.
Do you offer discounts for large groups?
Homepage shows promo code 'SPRINGVIBES26' for 10% discount on selection of tours, but group-specific discounts not explicitly mentioned
What is included in the tour price?
Homepage mentions tours but specific inclusions not clearly detailed in provided content
Do you offer combination tickets or multi-day packages?
Homepage mentions 'multi day Tours' and 'Packages' category in navigation
Do you offer private or shared group tours?
Homepage describes 'Small Groups France private or shared Transfers, Day Trips' and mentions group category
What languages are your tours offered in?
All our small group tours are offered in English and for private tours other languages are available on request
What is your policy on photography and videos during tours?
You are welcome to take personal photos and short video clips during Ophorus tours, as long as you respect your guide, fellow travelers, and any rules set by the sites you visit.
Personal photography and filming
Casual photography for your own memories and social media is generally fine during tours and at most outdoor stops.
Please avoid filming full commentaries or an entire tour, as this can disturb the group and is treated as non‑permitted professional recording in many attractions.
Respecting sites and other guests
Some châteaux, wineries, museums, or churches restrict or ban photography in specific areas (for example, cellars, tasting rooms, or interiors), and their local rules always take priority; your guide will advise you.
Always be mindful not to block pathways, disturb tastings, or film people at close range without their consent.
Use of images by Ophorus
Photos and videos taken by Ophorus guides or staff during a tour may be used in the company’s promotional materials, website, newsletters, or social media, without separate compensation, as stated in the legal notice.
If you prefer not to appear in such images, you can tell your guide at the beginning of the tour so they can take it into account.
Are the tours guided or self-guided?
Ophorus tours are guided: almost all experiences are led by professional driver‑guides or licensed local guides rather than being self‑guided.
Shared day tours and wine tours
Shared small‑group tours (city, sightseeing, and wine) are conducted by accredited driver‑guides, often licensed guides for cultural visits or professional wine guides in the main wine regions.
Commentary, explanations, and on‑site guiding are included throughout the tour; these are not audio‑only or “follow‑the-map” self‑guided products.
Private tours and shore excursions
Private tours include transportation plus an English‑speaking licensed guide who is also usually your driver, with the option in some cases to separate driver and guide for a more personalized service.
All shore excursions run as private guided tours tailored to your party, not as self‑guided port transfers.
What is your age restriction policy for children?
Shared Semi-Private Tours
Infants under 4 years old are not accepted on any shared semi-private tours. Children aged 4 to 12 receive a reduced price on these tours, but parents must inform Ophorus of the child's age and weight in advance for the appropriate car seat or booster; failure to do so means the child and accompanying adults cannot join, with no refund.
Wine Tours
Children under 18 years old are not permitted on any wine tours, aligning with France's legal drinking age of 18. Parents or guardians are responsible for minors' conduct on vehicles during these tours.
Private Tours
Private tours can be adapted for families, including infant-friendly activities upon request. The same car seat notification requirement applies for children 4 and over
Do you offer transfers to/from airports or train stations?
Homepage description explicitly mentions 'Transfers' and navigation shows 'Transfers' category as primary offering
Do you offer transfers from Paris?
Homepage states 'Transfers...from Paris, Bordeaux, Normandy, Alsace, Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, Provence, Dordogne, French Riviera'
What areas of France do you cover?
Homepage lists extensive destinations including Aquitaine, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Dordogne, French Riviera, Hauts de France, and Île-de-France regions
Are there multi-day tour options?
Homepage mentions 'multi day Tours' as one of the main offerings
Do you offer shore excursions?
Homepage clearly states 'Shore Excursions' as main offering and navigation category
Are tours guided or self-guided?
Ophorus tours are guided: almost all experiences are led by professional driver‑guides or licensed local guides rather than being self‑guided.
Shared day tours and wine tours
Shared small‑group tours (city, sightseeing, and wine) are conducted by accredited driver‑guides, often licensed guides for cultural visits or professional wine guides in the main wine regions.
Commentary, explanations, and on‑site guiding are included throughout the tour; these are not audio‑only or “follow‑the-map” self‑guided products.
Private tours and shore excursions
Private tours include transportation plus an English‑speaking licensed guide who is also usually your driver, with the option in some cases to separate driver and guide for a more personalized service.
All shore excursions run as private guided tours tailored to your party, not as self‑guided port transfers.
Do you offer private or shared tours?
Homepage mentions 'private or shared Transfers' and separate categories for transfers, day trips, and tours
How do I book a tour?
You can book an Ophorus tour directly online on the website or app, or by contacting the team by email or phone for private/custom services.
Online booking (recommended)
Choose your tour on the Ophorus website, select your date and number of participants, then follow the secure checkout to pay by card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or bank transfer when applicable.
Most shared tours show real‑time availability 24/7, so you can book instantly from your computer or smartphone and receive your confirmation/voucher by email.
App, email, and phone
You can also book and manage your excursions via the Ophorus mobile app, available on major app stores.
For private tours, tailor‑made itineraries, and groups, you can fill in the contact form or email/phone Ophorus; a travel advisor will confirm the program, then send a payment link or bank details for your deposit or full payment.
What are your operating hours?
Ophorus operates tours and customer service primarily during daytime and early evening hours, with many departures starting from 8:00–9:00 in the morning; online booking is available 24/7.
Office and phone assistance
The main Bordeaux operation is listed as open roughly 8:00–20:00 Monday to Friday, and around 8:30–16:30 on weekends, matching published hours on major travel platforms.
During these hours, the office can assist with meeting points, last‑minute questions, and same‑day issues by phone at the number shown in your confirmation and on the FAQ page.
Tour departure times
Shared small‑group tours typically depart in the morning (around 8:30–9:00) or early afternoon, depending on the product and destination.
Seasonal schedules apply in some regions, with more frequent daily departures between April and November and a reduced schedule in low season; exact times appear on each tour’s booking calendar.
Are there discounts available?
Homepage displays promo code 'SPRINGVIBES26' offering 10% discount on selection of tours
Do you offer group discounts?
Homepage mentions 'groups' as a navigation category, suggesting group tours available but details not provided
What current discounts or promo codes are available?
Homepage banner shows promo code SPRINGVIBES26 for 10% discount on selection of tours
Is parking available?
Parking is not provided directly by Ophorus; if you are driving to the meeting point, you will need to use public or private parking near the departure location.
Meeting points and parking
Most tours start from central meeting points (city centers, tourism offices, tram stops, or easily accessible squares), where only public street parking or nearby car parks are available.
In cities like Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and others, several paid public car parks and underground garages are within walking distance of common departure points, but spaces can be limited at peak times.
Practical advice if you come by car
Plan to arrive earlier than the meeting time to find parking and walk to the exact pickup spot, as last‑minute parking searches are a common cause of delays.
If you prefer not to deal with parking, Ophorus also offers hotel pick‑up on some private tours and premium private transfers, or you can use local public transport or taxis to reach the meeting point.
What is your dress code for tours?
There is no strict dress code, but we recommend casual, comfortable clothing adapted to the weather, terrain, and specific sites you visit (including caves and similar environments).
General clothing and footwear
Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip for cobblestones, village streets, and light walking trails.
Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures, and bring a light rain jacket or compact umbrella in case of showers.
Caves, cellars, and similar visits
Wine cellars, underground galleries, caves, and some historic sites are cool and sometimes damp year‑round; bring a light sweater or jacket even in summer.
Closed, non‑slip shoes are strongly recommended, as floors can be wet, uneven, or stepped; avoid sandals and high heels for these visits.
Religious, gourmet, and upscale venues
In churches, abbeys, and other religious sites, modest clothing is appreciated (shoulders covered, no very short shorts or skirts), so carry a scarf or light layer if needed.
For high‑end wine estates or gourmet restaurants, smart‑casual attire is preferable: clean, neat clothing and closed shoes rather than beachwear or flip‑flops.
Where is your office located and do you have parking?
Our office is located in the town of Bruges, next to Bordeaux. We do not accept travelers at our head office
What is the pricing for tours and how much do tickets cost?
Homepage mentions tours but specific pricing details not visible in provided content; pricing would be on individual tour pages
Do you offer group discounts or private group bookings?
Homepage navigation mentions 'groups' category but details not provided in content
Are there current discounts or promo codes available?
Homepage banner states 'USE PROMO CODE SPRINGVIBES26 AND RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON A SELECTION OF TOURS'
Do you offer combination packages or multi-day tours?
Homepage mentions 'Packages' in navigation and 'multi day Tours' in schema description, but specific details not provided
What destinations do you cover?
Homepage lists 'Paris, Bordeaux, Normandy, Alsace, Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, Provence, Dordogne, French Riviera' and navigation shows Aquitaine, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Dordogne, French Riviera, Hauts de France regions
Do you currently have any promotional discounts or coupon codes?
Homepage displays promotion: 'USE PROMO CODE SPRINGVIBES26 AND RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON A SELECTION OF TOURS'
Do you offer shore excursions from ports?
Homepage mentions 'Shore Excursions from Paris, Bordeaux, Normandy, Alsace, Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, Provence, Dordogne, French Riviera'
Do you offer private tours or group tours?
Homepage navigation shows 'Packages' and 'groups' categories, and meta description mentions 'private or shared Transfers', but details not provided in extracted content
What destinations and regions do you operate in?
Homepage navigation shows extensive destination list including Aquitaine, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Dordogne, French Riviera, Hauts de France, and meta description mentions Paris, Bordeaux, Normandy, Loire, Provence
How much do tours cost and are there discounts available?
Homepage mentions promo code SPRINGVIBES26 for 10% discount on selection of tours, but specific pricing not detailed in provided content
Do you offer transfers from airports or train stations?
Homepage meta description and page title mention 'Transfers', and navigation shows 'Transfers' category
Do you offer shore excursions for cruise passengers?
Homepage navigation and meta description explicitly mention 'Shore Excursions'
Do you offer combination or package tickets for multiple tours?
Navigation shows 'Packages' category, suggesting bundled offerings, but specific details not provided in extracted content
Do you offer combination tickets or package deals?
Homepage navigation mentions 'Packages' category but details not provided in content
Are there current discounts or promotional codes?
Homepage banner mentions 'PROMO CODE SPRINGVIBES26' for 10% discount on selection of tours
What destinations and day trips do you offer?
Homepage navigation shows multiple destinations: Aquitaine (Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, etc.), Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar), Burgundy, Champagne, Dordogne, French Riviera, Hauts de France
What are your business hours and contact information?
Schema markup shows address: 21 B BD PIERRE 1ER, LE BOUSCAT 33110, France and email: [email protected]
Do you offer private transfers or shared group tours?
Homepage navigation and meta description mention 'private or shared Transfers, Day Trips & multi day Tours, Shore Excursions'
Contact Information
- Website: ophorus.com
- Phone: 05 56 15 26 09
- Email: [email protected]
Socials
Hours
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM