Escorted tours in France
A TALE OF « PINK
CITIES »
An unusual and unique escorted tour based in the ancient
capital of the Midi, Toulouse. The tour allows guests
to discover several beautiful mediaeval villages and towns
which have one thing in common: they are all made from
the unique 'pink brick' of this region of France. Relax
in our comfortable 6-seat minivans and let yourself be
guided through the varied and dramatic landscape of the
Midi-Pyrenees and Languedoc to discover Albi, Limoux, St
Lizier and more.
Day 1 Arrive in Toulouse
Arrive in Toulouse. Transfer and check in at your hotel
located in the city centre and free time to recover from
flight.
Welcome dinner and night in Toulouse.
Day 2 Toulouse
Today the largest of the “Pink Cities”, Toulouse,
will reveal
all its secrets. This bustling regional capital has much to
offer for the visitor. In the morning depart for a panoramic
tour of the city, followed by a walk in the historical part of
the city to admire its main monuments. Free time for lunch.
The rest of the day is free; possible optional to visit the
“ Space City”. Return at your hotel and night.
Day 3 Limoux/Carcassonne/Canal du Midi
This morning your tour will take you to the wine-growing region
of Limoux, famous for its sparkling wines. Invented a 100
years before Champagne, the “traditional method” will
delight all those who appreciate bubbles. After a wine tasting
session, you will reach the medieval fortress of Carcassonne.
More than just an amazing decor, this stronghold has withstood
all attempts at siege and has remained unchanged for the past
700
years. Finally, enjoy a unique boat ride on the peaceful Canal
du Midi before returning to Toulouse. Night at your hotel.
Day 4 Albi/Cordes/Wine tastiing in Gaillac
The second “Pink City” you
will admire is Albi. An imposing
Cathedral, a delightful and preserved historical city centre
and some of the most famous posters created by Henri de
Toulouse-Lautrec for the Parisian cabarets will be on your
program today. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you
will
head towards the magnificent peaked Gothic village of
Cordes sur Ciel before experiencing a wine tasting session
surrounded by the Gaillac vineyards. Return to Toulouse
and
diner in a local restaurant to taste some of the regional
specialties. Night in your hotel.
Day 5 Free day
Free day to fully discover the city of Toulouse at your own
pace. Night in Toulouse.
Day 6 Montauban/Bruniquel/Vaour
Last but not least of the three “Pink Cities”, Montauban
differs from Toulouse and Albi. Famous for its main square
the “Place Nationale”, that you will admire, the
town houses
a museum dedicated to one of France's most important
painters Jean Dominique Ingres as well as sculptor Antoine
Bourdelle a disciple of Rodin. Free time for lunch. In the
afternoon discover some of the most beautiful villages of
France of the area: Bruniquel, Saint Antonin Noble Val or the
Templar village of Vaour along the Aveyron gorges. Return to
Toulouse and night in your hotel.
Day 7 Saint Lizier/Montségur/Vals
This final day is devoted to the isolated castles of the Cathars.
These
Christian heretics of the XIIIth century sought refuge
from
persecution in impressive strongholds
on top of
rocky
mountain peaks.
Among the most incredible sites is the one of
Montségur
that you will discover today. Approached by way
of Saint-Lizier
and Foix, a 20 mn climb to the castle will enthrall
and
amaze
The tour ends with the visit of an unusual little church
full of mysteries. Return to Toulouse. Farewell diner in
a famous
Toulouse restaurant. Night in your hotel.
Day 8
Breakfast, transfer at the airport and end of our services.
Dates in 2008 - ask
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