“Most beautiful villages of France”
(6 days / 5 nights)
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Day 1: Toulouse / Saint Beauzeil
Depart to the Quercy and check in at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in St Beauzeil.
Day 2: Saint Beauzeil : Suggested excursion : Gascony
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.
Continue the 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: Saint Beauzeil : Suggested excursion : Perigord
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, enjoy a delightful boat ride on the Dordogne
river which 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: Saint Beauzeil : Suggested excursion : Auvillar / Moissac
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 (not available from mid-june until mid–september, for those date you will assist to a show
cooking of foie gras speciality and visit the Foie gras museum).
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: Saint Beauzeil : Suggested excursion : Pêch Merle Caves / Saint Cirq
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: Saint Beauzeil/ Toulouse
Breakfast at your hotel. Departure to Toulouse
Suggested 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.
Depart to Toulouse Airport.
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Included in prices :
- Accommodation in a 3* hotel, double-room basis
- Half-board from day 2 to day 6.
- Cooking lesson at St Beauzeil exept mid june/mid september, replaced by show cooking of foie
gras speciality and visit of the foie gras museum at the Ferme de Souleilles
- Larroque Gajac cruise
Not included in prices :
- Flights. Car rental.
- Drinks, meals and visits
- Any other options, tips or personal expenses, luggage handling
- Insurance.