Knights Templar
Castles of France
A Deluxe, 8 -Day, Escorted Tour of Discovery
Sept 24-Oct 2 2011
Albi • Millau • La Couvertoirade • Larzac Plateau • La Cavalerie •
Domme
Fortified ramparts and ancient sites, precious witnesses of a former
era to be explored in modern-day Southern France
For centuries, the deeds of the Knights Templar and their holdings in Southern France have been
the subject of mysticism and legend. The Templars made the most of their strategic locations in
Southern France as transportation hubs leading to the southern embarkation ports for the Holy
Lands. The medieval villages of the Larzac Plateau in particular, through their exceptional state of
conservation and preservation, reflect the former military power and the daily activities of the
Templar Knights and the Hospitaliers brethren, the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem.
$4,137.00 Cdn, per person, based on shared accommodation, airfare included. Single
accommodations add $950. Tour includes accommodation, daily breakfast, supper, minibus and
guide services.
A deposit of $1,000 Cdn, per person, is required at the time of booking with the balance
due 60 days prior to departure. Price is based on a minimum of 6 guests traveling.
Contact Ed Rayment at 416 254 1999. Please see Price, Inclusions and
Terms, below. Please book early to avoid disappointment, as tour is limited to 6 guests due to
accommodation limitations as we will be staying in unique and deluxe accommodations all of
particular historical importance.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 — FLIGHT FROM TORONTO TO PARIS -Saturday - Sept 24 2011
Depart for France on your Air Canada flight 880 overnight to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport
(Terminal 2) in Paris the next morning.
DAY 2 ---- Sunday Sept 25---Albi On arrival transfer to your deluxe van and depart for the
ancient city of Albi, centre of the infamous Albigencian Crusade of 1208. Also home to the
exquisite Cathedral of St Cecile whose famed wall painting and sculptures remain, as they were
first created in the 13th century. Little damage was sustained during the French revolution due to
the commitment to security by the local clergy. That night we stay at the Novotel Albi Bastides, a
famous flour mill built in the 18th century which overlooks the fortified Cathedral of St Cecile,
(B,S)
DAY 3 ----Monday Sept 26---Millau Today, our MINIBUS will take us to the town of Millau,
located to the north east of Albi. Time in travel will be approximately 2 hours through some of the
most beautiful mountain areas of France. Millau is known world over for its famous Viaduct. Our
Hotel is Chateau de Creissels, an authentic 12 th Century bastide which has been recently
refurbished. The chateau offers excellent views of not only the Millau Viaduct but also of the
Larzac Foothills and the Tarn Valley. This day will be spent at leisure as well as an opportunity to
tour the world famous Roquefort Cheese Caves and try the famous Templar Cheese available only
in France. (B,S).
DAY 4 —LA COUVERTOIRADE, LA CAVALERIE --- Tuesday Sept 27 At 10:00 a.m. we
depart for our visit to the medieval village of La Couvertoirade. La Couvertoirade was built in
1249 by the Templars and for seven centuries sheltered them and their "heirs", the Hospitaliers,
who took possession of Templar property after 1312. That year signaled the abolition of the
Templar Order, following the plot hatched against them by King Philippe-le-Bel. Exceptionally
well preserved, the village of La Couvertoirade is a veritable example of a medieval town. La
Couvertoirade was of strategic importance to the Templars and their control over the region due
to the grain plantations to the south. In honour of the Templars, the region was eventually named
"la plaine du temple" — The Temple Plain.
Next we proceed to LA CAVALERIE Situated at the strategic junction of ancient trade and
pilgrimage routes, La Cavalerie in the 12th century was a Templar (and later) Hospitalier holding.
The location is not immediately obvious at first glance since its richness can only be discovered
after entering the fortified interior reached through an imposing gateway. Inside we find 15th
century houses, 17th century mansions and a
astonishing 18th century church in which the vestiges of the original Templar
Church has been piously preserved.
DAY 5 — DOMME. ---Wednesday Sept 28 Onwards to the ancient village of Domme. It is
one of the few bastides to have retained most of its 13th century ramparts and three old town
gates. The Porte des Tours, the most impressive and best preserved fortified gate
and towers, was used as a prison for the Knights Templars in the early 14th
Century. Their graffiti can still be seen to this day. Here, you will discover the
consuls’ and the goldsmiths’ houses, the old covered market and the governor’s hotel.
Domme offers the green luxury of its suspended gardens above the Dordogne Valley.
Our home for three nights is the 4-star Hotel L’Esplanade with a completely medieval
atmosphere. Hotel L’Esplanade offers a refined cuisine where lamb, foie gras, truffles, wild
mushrooms and seafood go hand-in-hand. Here, you will enjoy charming rooms, some with a
view over the valley, others looking into old country residences — in short, all the pleasures of
Périgord. (B, S)
DAY 6 — CHATEAU CASTELNAUD & THE FORTIFIED TOWN OF DOMME –
Thursday Sept 29 We start our tour of the town of Domme at 10:00 a.m. Included with be a
visit to the prison which held Templars as well as an overview of the town’s role in the 13 th
century. Early in the afternoon we proceed to the historic fortification of Château
Castelnaud. Although not a Templar site, this castle played an active role in
the 100 years war and is one of the best examples of a fortification of its era.
Château Castelnaud is possibly the most impressive of the 300 medieval
chateaux surrounding Sarlat in the Perigord Noir. It has unrivalled views of the Dordogne Valley
and no end of battlements, hiding places and winding staircases.
It boasts unusual features such as iron smithies and its own medieval
tavern. Château Castelnaud’s impressive collection of ancient weaponry
includes all manner of fiendish contraptions such as the mangonel
– the gigantic catapult used for hurling boulders.
The collection inspired director Ridley Scott’s battle scenes in the Oscar-winning film Gladiator.
DAY 7 – BEYNAC FEUDAL CASTLE & THE CHURCH OF ST AMAND –Friday Sept 30
In the morning we proceed to our second fortified castle to review which was built by the barony
of Perigord, Gallard de Beynac.This castle was used in the recent filming of John of Arc. This
castle was also captured by the Templar King of England Richard the Lionheart in 1189. In the
afternoon we will visit the ancient church of St Amand where Templars prayed. St Amand is
named after a 6th century noble who choose the life of a monk. The church has been expanded
since Templar times but the centre core remains virtually the same, as it would have been in the
13th century.
DAY 8 — RETURN TO PARIS- Saturday Oct 1
This morning we leave at 10:00 a.m. for our drive back to Paris to take our return flight to
Toronto leaving early the next morning that evening we will
stay at a Hotel conveniently located near Charles de Gaulle
Airport.
DAY 9— OUR FLIGHT HOME- Sunday Oct 2
Toronto home bound from Charles de Gaulle airport.. We leave at 1330 hours bound for Montreal
and thence to Toronto allowing us to miss out on the rush periods of busy Paris airport
Price & Inclusions $4,237.00- Single add $950.00
Prices and Final Itinerary: Prices are accurate at the time of printing and are based on current exchange
rates, hotel room rates, fuel prices and 6 guests attending. We reserve the right to alter prices any time prior
to departure in the event the size of our group changes or exchange rates change adversely, subject to
limitations imposed by law.
Reservation & Deposit: Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 Cdn due at the time of booking. Cancellation
insurance must be taken out at the time of the deposit. Balance due as specified above.
Form of Payment: Cheque or cash preferred (payable to the Field House Group Inc)
Booking and Reservations: Please call - 416 254 1999. Book early to avoid disappointment due to
accommodation limitations.
Price includes: • Shared Accommodation • All transfers and coach service • Daily breakfasts and supper •
Economy air Toronto-Paris-Toronto by Air Canada
Not included: Baggage handling, gratuities, all beverages, lunches, museum entrance fees, taxes, service
charges, travel and cancellation insurance, optional tour costs (payable 24 hours in advance). Guests late
for pick-up must return at their own expense.
Terms & Conditions
Advanced reservations required. (See Reservation & Deposit, above.) This offer is not combinable with any
other package. Date restrictions apply. Rate plus taxes and service are based on availability. Package is
applicable to new reservations only. Guests must be above the age
of eighteen (18) years. Other conditions may apply.
Luggage: Limit of one suitcase and one small tote bag as hand luggage per person.
Escort / Host: Tour is accompanied by an experienced Canadian escort who will personally meet you at
Toronto L.B.Pearson Airport and remain with you until your return to Toronto.
Handicapped Persons: Handicapped person must be accompanied by a companion able to administer
necessary assistance. Please notify us of any special requirements including any dietary restrictions.
Responsibility: It is understood by the Field House Group Inc, its suppliers and client guests that The Field
House Group Inc. and its suppliers will not be responsible for — a.) Any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment,
upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical of mental
however caused. b.) Non-performance on the part of any hotel or any other accommodation for any act of
omission that cannot be directly attributed to the neglect of The Field House Group Inc. who reserves the
right to decline any person, as a member of the tour should such person’s presence be considered
detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. Persons leaving the tour
during operation will not receive a refund if services are unused. By booking a tour and making a deposit,
you agree to the above terms and conditions.
Identification: Canadian citizens require a valid passport to travel on this tour which must be valid for the
period 6 months after the start of the selected tour. It is the guest’s responsibility to have the proper travel
documents. Failure to have proper travel documents is not covered by any cancellation insurance.
Insurance:
It is strongly recommended that cancellation and medical insurance be purchased to cover unplanned
cancellation and/or emergency, such as illness to you or a family member before OR during the tour. In the
event insurance is not purchased, you will be responsible for any costs relating to hospitalization and early
return home.
Contact and Booking Mr. C.Ed Rayment is the contact for this tour and may be reached at 416 254 1999