Most Beautiful Villages of Southwestern France
7 days / 6 nights |
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Explore villages where the country’s
heritage has been exceptionally well preserved,
harbouring architectural treasures to rouse the senses. Admire
quaint winding streets,
honey coloured houses, ancient fortresses, cathedrals and more.
Day 1 Toulouse
Upon arrival in Toulouse you will be met and transferred to
the Quercy region where you will stay for the next 6 nights.
Accommodation is in the very charming Chateau de L’Hoste,
an 18th century château converted into a charming hotel
in a 10-acre park with centenary trees located in St. Breauzeil.
Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Fourcès/Larressingle/ Armagnac Tasting
This morning we begin the day with a visit of the picturesque
fortified village of Fourcès. Continue with the discovery
of the Roman Villa of Séviac, known for the quality of
its exquisite mosaics. In the afternoon, after the visit of
small but very unique village of Larressingle, known as the
'little Carcassonne', you will enjoy a wine tasting experience
in this Armagnac region. Dinner and overnight in St. Beauzeil.
Day 3 Périgord/Sarlat/Boat Ride
Today, experience a unique outing in the Périgord region
as you discover authentic little villages all classified as
most beautiful of France. Enjoy one of France’s most visited
towns, Sarlat-don't miss the streets to the north of the old
town and around the cathedral, you will soon become lost in
the maze of narrow lanes, with something new to see around every
corner. In the afternoon, a delightful boat ride on the Dordogne
river will reveal the numerous castles that line the river.
Your day ends with a visit of Domme, another charming little
village. As you enter the town, admire the large fortified gate
and
the huge towers on either side that also served as prisons.
Dinner and overnight in St. Beauzeil.
Day 4 Cooking Lesson / Moissac / Auvillar*
Guy Hérault, a renowned local chef, welcomes you this
morning into his kitchen for a hands-on session focused on the
preparation of food typical of the region. For lunch, enjoy
what you have learned to prepare. In the afternoon, head towardsMoissac
to admire the Abbey of Saint Peter (untouched by the flooding)
and its world famous cloister and porch. Your tour ends with
the visit of delightful Auvillar, where you will admire the
main square and clock tower. Dinner and overnight in St. Beauzeil.
Day 5 Cahors/Pêch Merle Cave /Saint Cirq Lapopie
The Department of Lot will be your focus for today. Begin in
Cahors, famous for possessing one of the only remaining medieval
military bridges of Europe, explore the vineyards where a wine
tasting awaits. In the afternoon, you will be enchanted with
the tour of the Pêch Merle, one of the sites of the prehistoric
cave paintings where you will be transported back 15,000 years.
The day ends in the village of Saint Cirq Lapopie, in its
stunning position perched over the Lot River, is often considered
as one of the most beautiful villages of France ! Dinner and
overnight in St. Beauzeil.
Day 6 Monbazillac / Saint Emilion / St Macaire
Begin the day with a wine tasting session inMonbazillac, a regional
vineyard that produces a famous sweet white wine. Head towards
Saint Emilion for another wine tasting experience in a famous
chateau and visit this medieval fortified village. The entire
jurisdiction is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.Motor
through the villages
of SaintMacaire and theMas d'Agenais and return to your chateau.
Dinner and
overnight in St. Beauzeil.
Day 7 Saint Beauzeil
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Toulouse Airport for your
return flight home. Optional extensions available upon request.
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| Pricing 2010 - Call for pricing |
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Group
Departures
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests.
Includes
Roundtrip transfers from the airport, accommodation for 6 nights
at Chateau de L’Hoste (superior rooms), breakfast daily,
cooking class with lunch, 6 dinners, guided visits as described,
services of a professional driver guide throughout the tour,
hosted in France.
Note
*July / August Departures in July and August include a visit
to the Souleilles farm where participants will learn all there
is to know about Foie Gras. Visit of the farm followed by foie
gras tasting. Then off to the restaurant La Taulejada where
you will be initiated into the art
of cooking foie gras followed by
another tasting session and a typical Occitan diner. |
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