10 Nights 11 Days

France

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South West France & Paris

Cities : Carcassonne, Lourdes, Bordeaux, 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 colorful 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. This guided tour explains the background of Saint-Emilions unique underground monuments. The tour covers several centuries of history and legend from the time of the monk Emilion to the carving out of the amazing monolithic church. See the paintings in the Chapelle de la Trinité and learn the secrets of the catacombs. This is also one of worlds most famous wine regions known for the Chateau Figeac and Chateau Beau Séjour Becot in the Saint-Emilion appellation. Overnight in Bordeaux.
 
Day 7

Bordeaux - Saint Jean de Luz - Bordeaux
Wake up to an early breakfast and proceed to the train station to take a 2 hours TGV train to Saint Jean de Luz. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is known first and foremost for its long beach of fine sand protected from the ocean by three impressive sea walls. A great day to explore the fine sandy beach in the centre of town at Grande Plage or visit Plage de Lafiténia which is a surfers paradise! Dive into the world of wellness thanks to the Thalassotherapy and Spa. It is between sky, sea and mountain that Hélianthal landed on the beach of the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Serenity, escape, and elegance await you. Another great option is Thalasso Spa Loreamar which disrupts the codes of traditional spa. It is unique in its kind, the center has chosen to combine the techniques of well-being the most advanced the luxury and voluptuousness real spas. If you do not want to spend time at the beach or relax with the spa treatments and need some action you can head for quad biking treks or nnjoy cycling on the Basque Coast roads, along landscapes inaccessible by car. You can enjoy and enrich yourself with a rich history in event: the wedding of Louis XIV, a city of pirates at the Art Galleries and Museums. A very eventful and enlightening day indeed. Back to Bordeaux. 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
Following breakfast Wake up to breakfast this morning following which its time for you to see and explore Paris at your pace armed with the Paris one day Hop On Hop Off pass.  A ticket for you to visit to the Montparnasse Tower is included as it is at one of the stops of the Hop On Hop Off route and the view from here will definitely blow you off your feet ! Later in the afternoon spend your time shopping at the famous shopping mall The Galleries Lafayette for the best in haute couture and places that give the word shopping a completely new meaning. Overnight in Paris.  
 
Day 10

Paris
Wake up to a leisurely breakfast this morning. Amble along the various streets and take in more of the city. Later in the afternoon we highly recommend you heading off to the fabulous Le Chalet des Iles located at Porte de la Muette, a few minutes away from the Trocadero, La Defence etc. It is the best place to lunch at and also gives one the charm of being in the French countryside. Later in the evening make your way to Montmarte and head up to the Sacre Coeur. The village of Montmarte offers you a unique dining experience and its difficult to believe that you are indeed in Paris when up there looking down on the city. 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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