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COUNTRY FRANCE
A Gourmet Experience
Historic Villages, the
markets, the chateaux |
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3 – 15 September 2012 (13 days) |
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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 – BERGERAC (BD)
BERGERAC the city of Cyrano was once a flourishing centre for the wine
trade and is still the main market centre for the surrounding farms. The
city centre is a calm and pleasant place to wander with its drinking
fountains on street corners and late medieval houses.
DAY 9 – 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 10 – 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 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.
This day to day itinerary may not
necessarily run exactly in this order.
Expect some pleasant
surprises... Au revoir!
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If you would like to
extend your holiday, we invite you to join us on a
short extension tour to
Cote D'Azur - Click Here to find out more. |
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