“ Most
beautiful villages of France”
(7 days / 6 nights)
Based
in a château in the
Quercy this seven day escorted tour allows guests to discover
some of the unspoilt
jewels that comprise les plus beaux villages de France
Day 1: Toulouse / Saint Beauzeil
Transfer to the Quercy and check in at your hotel. Dinner and
overnight in St Beauzeil.
Day
2: Fourcès / Larressingle / St Beauzeil
This morning the day begins with the visit of the
picturesque fortified village of Fourcès. One of the rare
bastides with a circular central 'square', admirably restored,
and surrounded
by XIIIth and XIVth century buildings, among which the Tour de
l'Horloge (Clock tower) and Xvth century chateau stand out. This
central point is accessed through the ancient city gate, bridge
and portcullis.
We continue our morning with the exploration of a gallo-romaine
villa at Séviac, Montréal-du-Gers, known for
the quality of its mosaics and sumptuous baths.
In the afternoon, we visit Larressingle, the 'little Carcassonne':
not only is the romanesque church in the village interior fortified
against invaders but it lies behind a 270 metre line of ramparts.
Larresingle is a gem of religious and military art.
The afternoon finishes with a wine tasting session in this, the
Armagnac region.
Dinner and night in St Beauzeil.
Day 3: Perigord / Sarlat visit / Boat ride / St Beauzeil
Today, experience a unique outing in the Perigord region as you'll
discover some authentic little villages all classified as among
the 'most beautiful of France'. Free time for lunch and visit of
Sarlat.
In the afternoon, a delightful boat ride on the Dordogne river
will reveal the numerous castles that line the banks.
Your day ends by the visit of Domme On the edge of a cliff, Domme
offers a vast panorama over the Dordogne valley. Enclosed by
walls, the 13th century bastide exudes its glorious past thanks
to its
fortified gates and its towers once used as prisons.
The visitor will also discover the consuls’ and the goldsmiths’ houses,
the old covered market and the governor’s hotel.
Dinner and night in St Beauzeil.
Day 4: Auvillar / Moissac / Cooking lesson */ St Beauzeil
Guy Héraut, a renowned local cook, welcomes you this morning
into his kitchen for a hands-on session all about the preparation
and service of Foie Gras, fish or dessert – according to
your wishes. At lunch time you will eat the fruit of your own labour
and wine is included!
In the afternoon, head towards Moissac to admire its world famous
Abbey of Saint Pierre from the XIth century, its superb cloisters
with their finely sculpted 76 pillars and the remarkable tympanum
at the southern end representing St Jean's vision of the Apocalypse.
Your tour ends with the visit of delightful Auvillar: a village
perched on a headland overlooking the Garonne valley with an
unusual circular corn market.
Dinner and night in St Beauzeil.
Day 5: Pêch Merle Caves / Saint Cirq / St Beauzeil
The Lot 'department' will be your destination today. Via the city
of Cahors, famous for possessing one of the only remaining medieval
military bridges of Europe, discover the Cahors vineyards, where
wine tasting awaits.
In the afternoon, you'll be enchanted with the visit to the Pech
Merle Prehistoric Caves that will transport you back 50 000 years
and to the cliff-top village of Saint Cirq Lapopie that many consider
to be the most beautiful of all the villages in France!
Dinner and night in St Beauzeil.
Day 6: Monbazillac / St Emilion / Toulouse
Today the tour ends with one of the most outstanding regions of
France, the Bordeaux vineyards.
Visit of the Château de Monbazillac. Built in the middle
of the XVIth century on top of the hill overlooking the pleasant
valley of Bergerac, Château de Monbazillac harmoniously combines
feudal military architecture and the elegant early Renaissance
style. During your visit, you will discover the very interesting
Museum of Wine and Vineyards, Museum of Furniture in Périgord,
Museum of Protestantism, and the "1001 Châteaux of Périgord".
Continue with a wine tasting session in Monbazillac, a regional
vineyard that produces a famous sweet white wine.
Head towards Saint Emilion for a another wine tasting experience
in a famous chateau and visit this beautiful village. The whole
jurisdiction is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Free time for lunch. Return to Toulouse
Dinner and night in Toulouse.
Day 7: Toulouse
Breakfast at your hotel.
2 hours walking tour “Discovering Toulouse”: this tour
offers a comprehensive overview of the main sites and monuments.
During the tour, you will be able to admire the Capitole town hall
and Saint-Sernin basilica, as well as many churches and private
mansions, and appreciate wonderful views along the Garonne River.
Transfer to Toulouse Airport.
| 
