5 - 17 May 2010
20 September - 2 October 2010

  

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL (D)
Your tour in ‘Country France’ begins when you are welcomed at the TGV train station at Vendome-Villiers-sur-Loire. Settle into our place of stay where we will spend the next few wonderful days exploring the spectacular LOIRE VALLEY, the region of magnificent Chateaux where the French nobles lived out the Renaissance in style.

DAY 2 – AMBOISE (BD)
Today we will visit the true Renaissance town of AMBOISE which is located on the banks of the Loire in the centre of vineyards known as Touraine-Amboise. A former famous resident, Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here.

DAY 3 – CHAMBORD & BLOIS (BD)
To visit the Chateau de CHAMBORD is a must. One of the greatest Renaissance chateaux and the Loire’s largest residence and brainchild of Francois I was a former hunting lodge. Today it remains a prestigious symbol of royal rule, resplendent amid vast hunting forests and waterways. BLOIS is situated on the banks of the Loire and is one of the most historic towns of France. It was a former seat of the powerful counts of Blois and a favourite residence of French royalty. The city rose to prominence during the 15th century and today retains its historic facades and refined atmosphere. The town boasts a famous Renaissance chateau, cathedral, terraced gardens overlooking the river and vast cobbled stone pedestrian areas.

DAY 4 – CHEVERNY & RIVER CRUISE (BD)
This morning we visit CHEVERNY where the classical Chateau de Cheverny dating back to the 1600s is situated. This magnificent chateau with its vast parklands still belongs to descendants of the original owner. A wonderful cruise on the River Cher will be a highlight of the day – relax on board whilst enjoying the picture-postcard scenery and the magnificent Chateau de Chenonceau.

DAY 5 – LOCHES – MONTRESOR (BD)
Visit the medieval city of LOCHES, situated in the hills on the banks of the Indre. Known as the acropolis of the Loire, its walled Citadel is by far the most impressive of the Loire Valley fortresses. We then visit Montresor, one of the most beautiful medieval villages of France.

DAY 6 – TRAVEL TO THE DORDOGNE VIA BRANTÔME (BD)
Today we say farewell to the Loire and transfer to our next destination, the DORDOGNE VALLEY historic villages and lushly wooded valleys, great wines and gastronomic delicacies. Enroute we will visit the beautiful village of BRANTÔME, surrounded on all sides by the river Dronne and known as the Venice of the Perigord. The abbey has the oldest bell tower in France. Time to unpack and settle-in before enjoying our welcome dinner

DAY 7 – LA ROQUE GAGEAC – BEYNAC – DOMME (BD)
A wonderful day when we will visit the magnificent village of LA ROQUE GAGEAC, officially classed as one of the loveliest in France and nestled at the foot of tall cliffs along the Dordogne River. We will board a traditional ‘gabare’ boat to enjoy a river cruise and view five of the valley’s most beautiful castles. Another beautiful village along the river is BEYNAC where it is a delight to wander through its ancient little streets and tiny squares. The panoramic views from the castle will take your breath away. Later we visit DOMME one of the most beautiful villages in France and known as the ‘balcony of the Dordogne Valley’. Its 13th century bastide with fortified gates and towers was once used as a prison.

DAY 8 – SARLAT (BD)
SARLAT is an exceptionally preserved city with its mainly 15th and 16th century houses of honey-coloured stone. Wander through the lanes and courtyards of this medieval town and marvel at the architecture. The weekly produce market in the streets of the historic centre, is renowed throughout the area and offers the opportunity to sample products typical of the Perigord.

DAY 9 – ST EMILION, BORDEAUX (BD)
Our excursion today takes us into the BORDEAUX wine region, land of fine Cognacs and Armagnacs, historic villages and lushly wooded valleys, great wines and gastronomic delicacies. Bordeaux is the largest quality wine district in the world and is particularly renowned for its red wine. We will take time to explore ST EMILION, a town constructed mostly of golden stone and dating back to the Middle Ages. The town abounds in ancient monuments, churches and chateaux and to wander its narrow streets is to step back in time.

DAY 10 – LIMEUIL (BD)
Today we go to medieval LIMUEIL situated on the confluence of the Vezere and Dordogne rivers. This peaceful village is famed for its artisan community and its medieval honey stoned buildings are typical of villages in the area. Visiting the village from the riverbanks below to the top of the hill, you will discover the three gates of the medieval fortifications. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside.

DAY 11 – THE LOT VALLEY & ST CIRQ LA POPPIE (BD)
After breakfast we will depart for Carcassonne where we will spend our last two nights of the tour. Enroute we will travel through the beautiful Lot Valley with its narrow gorges stretches along the river dotted with small villages. We will visit ST CIRQ LAPOPIE, a village perched high above the Lot with wonderful views over the river and valley. A 15th century church, cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses built into the cliffs plus an array of interesting little shops and cafes add to its charm.

DAY 12 – CARCASSONNE (BD)
CARCASSONNE has two distinct faces - la Cité and the Ville Basse – separated by the River Aude. La Cité, an impressive medieval citadel built on a high crag was perfectly restored to its 12th century form at the end of the last century. In the walled medieval city, the streets are full of tiny stores, boutiques and cafes occupying quaint old stone buildings. In the 18th century the town grew rich from cloth-making. The most notable sights are the Chateau Comtal and the Basilique St-Nazaire dating from the 11th to the 14th centuries and containing some beautiful stained-glass windows.

DAY 13 – DEPARTURE (B)
Sadly, today your tour comes to an end and you will be transferred to the airport in TOULOUSE where we say our farewells.

Note - During the May tour we will visit antique centres and brocante markets in the local areas whilst enjoying the natural beauty and lifestyle of “Country France”.

This day to day itinerary may not necessarily run exactly in this order.
Expect some pleasant surprises!
Au revoir!
If you would like to continue your holiday in France, perhaps you’d like to join us on a short extension trip to the CÔTE D’AZUR.
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If you would like to continue your holiday, perhaps you’d like to join us on a short extension trip to SPAIN.
Click Here for more information.


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