Paris & The Other South of France

Description

Savor the unparalleled enchantment of Paris and its epicurean delights. Discover the “City of Light” as you walk the cobbled-stone streets to take in the architecture, world-class museums and sights, and hidden gastronomic gems. After Paris, travel South to the other Sud de France that is situated between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. The area offers a relaxing pace to explore its incredible medieval history, canals, local quaint villages, and countryside. Local experts will help you discover the area’s history mixed with some local food and wine. Your stay in France is highlighted by our insider access and stays in a specially selected hotel and chateaux.

Our expertise allows us to create exceptional journeys that are customized just for you. Our itineraries serve as an idea of our bespoke experiences, but allow us to change any element to provide you with a truly tailor-made holiday.

Day 1 Paris

Upon arrival in Paris, your driver will be waiting just outside of baggage for your transfer into Paris and your centrally located boutique hotel. Once you have checked in, you will have the remainder of the day to begin exploring your new surroundings. There are many wonderful things to see and plenty of world-class restaurants waiting for you. We are happy to give you recommendations.

Day 2 Paris

Today you will have your choice of either a private gourmet walking tour or a chocolate & pastries tour. The gourmet walk will take you into one of the finest gourmet neighborhoods in Paris with visits to several specialty food shops for tastings along the way. The chocolate and pastry tour will focus on visits to 4 – 6 specialty chocolatiers and macarons with of course yummy tastings to enjoy. The remainder of the day is on your own.

Day 3 Paris

After breakfast you can explore your choice of museums and sights. A 2-Day Paris museum pass is included so you can make the most of your time without the long lines. Try the Louvre for the d’Orsay for a glimpse at the largest Impressionist collection in Europe or the L’Orangerie for the famous Monet Waterlilies, or any others of interest. Paris is yours to explore on your own, but if you prefer to customize your day you can ask us to arrange today based on your interests.

Day 4 Paris

Your final day in Paris is at your leisure. Consider seeing Versailles, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, or any number of the museums you might have missed. Don’t forget your museum pass will still be good today.

Day 5 Toulouse 

This morning your driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer to the Paris airport for a flight to Toulouse. Upon arrival in Toulouse a driver will meet and transfer you to your Toulouse hotel to settle in. This afternoon you will have time to explore Toulouse know as the City of Violets and the Pink City. Tonight try a Cassoulet dinner, with this tasty casserole of duck, goose, beans and Toulouse sausages is a local specialty that is a hearty meal and especially suited for winter, but shouldn’t be missed when visiting.

Day 6 Carcassone / Limoux

Your driver/guide will escort you today to Carcassonne, where you will have a tour of this amazing medieval fortified town. Learn about this walled city as you stroll the cobbled streets and ramparts. Next a short drive to Lastours that was once attacked by the Cathar Crusaders of Pope Innocent III. You will have lunch at the Bistro of Michelin star chef Jean Marc Boyer in Lastours. Jean is one of the five Michelin star chefs in the region. After lunch it is off to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Hillaire, which is said to be the birthplace of sparkling wine or at least the first recorded mention, dating back to 1531.

Day 7 Narbonne

Starting out towards the Med and the old Roman town of Narbonne. Your local expert guide has spent years developing relationships with the market stallholders at the covered market Les Halles in the center of town. You will see and taste some of the best the Languedoc has to offer, from its olive’s groves to local poultry and charcuterie, as well as all the local seafood from Port la Nouvelle near Narbonne. After the tour of the market, a stop at one of the bars to have a glass of a local white wine and then you will have time for lunch in one of the many fine restaurants in and around the market. After lunch take a stroll around this historical town with its unfinished Cathedral or look at the Via Dominta the original Roman road that has been uncovered. But for all food & wine lovers you must visit the Ferme Narbonnaise a beautifully presented store that has the most amazing produce from the local region as well as from all over the world. This afternoon a stop in the Languedoc appellation of the Clape on the coast and visit the vineyards. Dinner with your wine specialist this evening, it is a great way to begin to understand more about the wines from the region and how to pair them.

Day 8 Minervois

Your final day takes you to the Minervois region that is not only highly regarded for its wines, but also for the black gold that you might know as truffles. You will appreciate a visit with one of the original families of the area who produce truffle at Domain Château D’Argeres. Our insider access allows you into the truffle field where you will learn about the relationship between tuber & tree and more about the history of the surrounding land and the family’s place in that history. Before lunch you are welcomed into the cave where the wine is produced and stored and then for lunch you are invited to try the truffles and wines at the family’s table. Todays last stop is at the Rioux Minervois Heptagonal Church in Peryriac Minervois. This is a special Romanesque church from the 12^th century that has a mystic and unique history.

Day 9 Depart

This morning after breakfast transfer is by private driver to the nearby airport or station.

Included

• 4 nights at Paris boutique hotel
• 4 nights at Toulouse or local boutique hotel
• Daily Breakfast
• 2 Day Paris Museum Passes
• Paris Gourmet Walking Tour or Chocolate Tour
• Airport and station transfers as per itinerary
• Coach airfare from Paris to Toulouse
• 1 dinner with Wine Maker
• 3 exclusive wine tastings
• Truffle visit and lunch
• Airfare Paris to Toulouse
• Transfers and tours per itinerary
• Customizable itinerary