FRANCE A LA CARTE _____ESCORTED TOURS

This tour takes a look at the wealth of architectural gems concentrated into just a small area of France - probably unique in Europe. From the largest Romanesque basilica in the world at Toulouse the tour visits outstanding examples of Romanesque and southern gothic in Cordes, Albi, Figeac, Cahors , Moissac and Montauban, many of which are rarely visited or have disappeared from all but the most demanding guide books.

Basilica of St Sernin in the Medieval City of Toulouse

Day 1 : TOULOUSE / CORDES, ALBI, RODEZ, CONQUES

* Cordes-sur-Ciel The remarkable nature of the setting with its exceptional architectural legacy has made Cordes-sur-Ciel one of the most significant mediaeval towns in France and a major site of European Heritage.
* Albi: Places to visit : The Cathedral of Sainte Cécile, a masterpiece of the Southern Gothic style, presents a startling contrast between its austere, defensive exterior and its sumptuous interior decoration.. The Berbie palace , one of the oldest and best-preserved episcopalian palaces in France, hosts the Toulouse-Lautrec museum...
* Rodez, Rouergue capital. Visit of the Cathedral Notre Dame (13th - 16th century) and its high Gothic style bell-tower.
* Conques: A small village that is listed as 'one of the most beautiful villages of France'. In the heart of the Lot Valley, this key stopping place on the pilgrim's way to Santiago de Compostela conceals a wealth of treasures.
Dinner & Overnight in Conques.

The 3* hotel in Conques
Warmly welcoming and authentic, this lovely eighteenth century mill has been converted into a charming hotel where Dominique and Hervé Busset are happy to play host to your relaxing and tranquil stay.
Rooms: 10 - Woodwork, coloured flooring, stretched fabrics, warm tones and vintage furnishings make each room unique in style but identical in comfort. Some have a balcony or a terrace overhanging the mill race.
Restaurant: At Cambelong , the decoration is ethereal, it lures the eye to details, but even more so to the light that bathes the dining room. All of the beauty of woodwork and stone come together to provide an elegant setting with an intimate atmosphere.
Our restaurant has just been awarded a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide 2007
Leisure & Services:
Lounges, library, fireside nook and secluded tables - so many places in which to make you welcome.
The swimming pool, giving onto the gardens, offers welcome refreshment during the hottest hours of the day.

Day 2 : CONQUES, FIGEAC, CAHORS, SAINT CIRQ LAPOPIE , CAHORS

* Figeac lies on the River Célé, 71km east of Cahors. It's a beautiful town with an unspoilt mediaeval centre.

* Cahors the capital of the old province of Quercy: Among the places of interest: Saint Etienne cathedral, consecrated in 1119, right in the middle of the town and its delicate cloister in the Flamboyant style.

The Pont Valentré, (14thC.). Its three powerful towers, originally closed by portcullises and gates, made it effectively an independent fortress, guarding the river crossing on the west side of town. St Cirq la popie - street scene

* Saint-Cirq Lapopie, "un des plus Beaux Villages de France” the cliff-side village, perched high above the south bank of the Lot. In the Middle-Ages, Saint-Cirq Lapopie was the main town of one of the four counties that made up the Quercy.

Dinner & Overnight in Cahors.

Day 3 : CAHORS / ROCAMADOUR/ PADIRAC / CAHORS

* Rocamadour has several things well worth seeing, including the Chapelle Notre Dame (home to the Black Madonna) ,the Grand Escalier (200+ steps, once climbed by pilgrims on their knees), and L'Hospitalet, with its views of the old town.
* The “gouffre of Padirac” is a natural, 75m chasm on the limestone plateau of the "Causse de Gramat" in the Lot, below which, at 103 m underground flows a river. Dinner & Overnight in Cahors.

Day 4 : CAHORS MONTAUBAN & MOISSAC / TOULOUSE

* Montauban: is a prosperous mid-sized provincial city, 53 km from Toulouse. There's a nice walk through the pedestrian streets that leads to the 17th century “Place Nationale”, in the heart of the historical city. Next to this square, the church of Saint Jacques reflects seven centuries of history. Next to the church is the Ingres museum, housed in the old episcopalian palace.
* Moissac: The main reason people visit Moissac is for the Abbey of Saint Peter (untouched by the flooding of 1930) and its world famous cloister and porch.
Dinner and overnight in Toulouse, Mercure Saint Georges Hotel.

Day 5 : CAHORS MONTAUBAN & MOISSAC / 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 mediaeval town-houses, and appreciate wonderful views along the Garonne River.
End of our services.

Dates and prices in 2009 - ask (we try and arrange a tour around your dates: you must be 4 people at least)

home terms&conditions incentive contact