10 Nights 11 Days

France

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Beautiful France

Cities : Carcassonne, Lourdes, Bordeaus, Paris

Day 1

Arrive Carcassonne
Upon arrival into Paris airport we recommend you take the TGV and head to Carcassonne. (Approximately 5 hrs). Located at the heart of the Toulouse-Montpellier-Barcelona triangle, at the crossroads of two major traffic roads dating back to the most ancient times, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, from the Cévennes to the Pyrénées mountain range where the Aude has its source, Carcassonne blooms in the plains of the lower valley, inviting you to walk in and out of its streets. Discover its history, its local cuisine, its wines, or simply enjoy the scenery. From the Bastide Saint-Louis to the medieval Walled City, Carcassonne offers a wealth of monuments to visit and discover!  Upon arrival, take a taxi from the station and make your way to your hotel inside the walled city. Check in and a brief rest later, take a leisurely stroll along the streets on your own and be charmed by the buildings and the people youll meet along the way. For those wanting Indian food, there are 2 authentic Indian Restaurants right within the walled city! Overnight in Carcassonne.
 
Day 2

Carcassone
The Canal du Midi, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, has a delightful port full of pleasure cruisers, and the canal itself can be explored by those who love walking and cycling as well as boating. Situated between the port of the Canal du Midi and the towers of the old city, the Bastide Saint Louis (XIIIth century) is the historic name for Carcassonnes City centre. This is where Carcassonne residents go for shopping and culture. Several times a week a colourful market with local produce enlivens Place Carnot, overlooked by a huge marble fountain.  Stroll around the Bastide Saint Louis and enjoy its churches and Cathedral, museums and galleries as well as its attractive private mansions. A truly well spent day in Carcassonne.

For the afternoon, at 20 minutes from Carcassonne, the region of Minervois opens up its arms. Traditional villages and countryside for lovers of life!! You will make a voyage to the centre of the earth in one of the biggest European caves, the Gouffre of Caprespine. Overnight in Carcassonne.
 
Day 3

Carcassonne - Lourdes
Following breakfast this morning its time to check out and make your way to the train station, to board the train to Lourdes. The journey takes around 3 hrs with a stopover in Toulouse. Upon arrival make your way to one of the 6 Vinuales Hotels here, who undoubtedly enjoy the most envious locations here. Relax and soak in the city. Later in the evening its recommended to attend the Candlelight procession. Overnight in Lourdes.  
 
Day 4

Lourdes
Post breakfast this morning enjoy a morning sightseeing tour with a local guide. The rest of the day is free for you to soak in the ambience of this very special place and follow the pilgrims to the grotto, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St Bernardette in 1858. There is also an opportunity for you to join an excursion to the nearby Pyrenees, which we could advise you with. Overnight in Lourdes.
 
Day 5

Lourdes - Bordeaux
Following breakfast this morning its time to head to the train station to board your train back to the Wine Capital of the world - to Bordeaux! Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering this beautiful city.

Bordeaux, a port city on the Garonne River in southwest France, is the capital of the Aquitaine region. It is classified "City of Art and History" and has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". The city center, with its streets and squares, is a magnificent example of 18th century urban architecture. It is a pedestrian friendly city with enjoyable walks along the roads that run along the river. Among the must-visit places in the city are Palais de la Bourse - a magnificent building overlooking Bordeauxs winding River Garonne; Palais Rohan - a particularly grand and historic building now used as the town hall; Grand Theatre - Europes oldest wooden-framed theatre; Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac - the ultimate tourist attraction for families, with exotic animals from parts Africa and Asia; and also the 11th-century Cathédrale St. André - an iconic local landmark dominating much of Bordeaux. The city has great shopping options with spectacular French and international brands. Overnight in Bordeaux.
    
Day 6

Bordeaux
This morning you set off on an excursion to the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hop in the train with your bike (20 minutes) and prepare for a short ride to a beautiful chateau. Be acquainted at a charming family runned chateau in the middle of a beautiful park at the heart of St. Emilion vineyards. Lunch in the garden of the chateau (inside the Orangerie of the chateau in case of bad weather) and participate to a tasting class. Learn how to become a great wine taster in 25 minutes! All the keys to learn the secrets of the French savoir-vivre! Train your nose to smell and recognize different samples of flavours contained in wine. Then learn the steps of a professional wine tasting from analysing the colour to the mouth feel. Visit, tour and step inside the family house and take a tour of the wine cellars. Take an easy and flat 15-kilometer ride on your bike at the middle of the beautiful St. Emilion vineyards. Ride through the vineyards and tens of beautiful chateaux and later cross the prestigious chateaux and appellations: chateau Cheval Blanc, Pomerol, chateau Petrus, LEvangile. Visit chateau Soutard, a classified growth chateau at the doorstep of St. Emilion. Chateau Soutard was fully renovated in 2010. Walk in the charming village of St. Emilion dating from the middle age (UNESCO Classified). Overnight in Bordeaux.
 
Day 7

Bordeaux
Spend a morning away from Bordeaux on this half-day trip to the Bay of Arcachon. On this small-group tour, visit Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla), the tallest sand dune in Europe, and admire the spectacular views from the top. Explore the town of Arcachon before a visit to an oyster farm for a sample of fresh oysters. Relax on a scenic beach before heading back to Bordeaux. The beautiful Bay of Arcachon is located 45 minutes from Bordeaux. Its 1500 hectares are fed by the Atlantic Ocean forming a lagoon-coloured inland sea, bordered on one side by a fine sand dune culminating at 104 meters above sea level: the Dune du Pyla, the tallest sand dune in Europe. From its summit one can admire the beautiful Landes forest. The Bay of Arcachon is also home to the eponymous town where numerous well-to-do French families spend their summer holidays. Overnight in Bordeaux.
 
Day 8

Bordeaux - Paris
Good morning Paris! Post breakfast it is time to make your way to the airport or the train station and travel to Paris. Check into your hotel and relax awhile. Later in the evening you can experience a relaxing cruise on the River Seine. Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 9

Paris
Post breakfast its time to enjoy an informal introduction to the city, and what better way of doing this than with a local!! The walking tour lasts an hour to an hour and a half and is quite enjoyable. Post this, armed with your Hop On Hop Off card enjoy the Montparnasse Tower, A behind the scenes tour of the Eiffel Tower is highly recommended too and then you could spend time in the Monmarte area. Come evening and you must visit a Parisian cabaret and what better than the Moulin Rouge! Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 10

Paris
No trip can be complete without shopping!  La Vallee is a fabulous outlet Mall where all the best brands are available at a near 70 % discount!! Thats not all - there is a shuttle bus that takes you there too and brings you back from the centre of Paris. Spend the day here and INDULGE! Overnight in Paris.
 
Day 11

Depart Paris
Today its time to say au revoir to this marvelous country, as you head to the airport to take your flight home. Hope you have had a great holiday!!

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