Joie de Vivre in France - Cuisine and Wine Tour - 9 Days / 8 Nights

Admire gorgeous scenery, visit charming towns and enjoy fabulous food and wine on this intimate tour of southern France.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Carcassone

    Upon arrival in Toulouse you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Carcassonne, located in the medieval"Cité". Before dinner, you are invited to a wine tasting initiation by a professional sommelier. Welcome dinner and overnight in Carcassonne.

  • Day 2 - Corbieres Vineyards

    Depart for the Corbières vineyards, an AOC located in the heart of the Aude region. Here you will taste different blendings of wine that will give you a better idea of the regional taste. After lunch, visit of the medieval city of Carcassonne classified World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1997. Overnight in Carcassonne.

  • Day 3 - Limoux Vineyards / Canal du Midi Boat Ride

    In the morning, depart for Limoux to visit a wine cellar. The strength of Sieur d'Arques is based on the harmonious combination of the sense of tradition, experience, modernity and rigour of the wine grower. After lunch return to Carcassonne for a unique cruise on the Canal du Midi. Finally transfer from Carcassonne to Saint Beauzeil where you will have a warm welcome to a magnificent château. Dinner and overnight in Saint Beauzeil.

  • Day 4 - Cooking Lesson / Foi Gras Museum

    Guy Hérault, your chef for the day, welcomes you into his kitchen for a hands - on session dedicated to the preparation of typical foods of the region, foie gras, fish or a special desert. For lunch you will enjoy the fruit of your own labours! After the visit of a foie gras museum, you will be introduced to the Cahors wines. Dinner and overnight in Saint Beauzeil.

  • Day 5 - Lascaux II Cave Paintings / Sarlat

    An early departure this morning to visit the Lascaux II cave that will transport you back 15,000 years. Free time to visit Sarlat. This bustling, beautiful market town is the capital of the Perigord Noir. Dinner and overnight in Sarlat.

  • Day 6 - Saint Emilion Village / Bordeaux

    Departure for Bordeaux and en route enjoy lunch in Saint Emilion, a charming town included on the World Heritage list fully justified. During the afternoon your guide will take you on a tour of Bordeaux to discover its main monuments and the old town. Dinner and overnight in Bordeaux.

  • Day 7 - Bordeaux Vineyards

    Head through the famous 'Route des Vins' and discover some of the most prestigious names in French wine and chateaux. From Pauillac to Margaux, niched along the Gironde river, you will explore some of the most prestigious vineyards. Of course, the day is not complete without a wine tasting ! Tonight, enjoy a gourmet dinner in a famous Bordeaux restaurant. Overnight in Bordeaux.

  • Day 8 - Free Day in Bordeaux / Optional Excursion to Arachon

    A day at leisure in Bordeaux, you will have plenty of time to shop, visit some of the finest wine bars and sightsee on your own. Optional tour to some of the towns in the regions such as Arcachon, a famous turn of the century seaside resort. Dinner and overnight in Bordeaux.

  • Day 9 - Bordeaux

    Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport. End of services or optional extension is available.

Featured Highlights

  • • Roundtrip transfers from the airport
  • • Accommodation for 8 nights in charming 3 star hotels (superior rooms)
  • • Breakfast daily, 5 dinners, 1 Gourmet dinner
  • • 1 cooking class
  • • Visits as described
  • • Services of a professional driver guide throughout the tour
  • • Hosted in France

Group Departures

Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 guests.

Photo Gallery

Pricing

Due to the great fluctuation of the euro currency, prices for all of our services will be quoted upon request. This policy enables us to provide you, the traveler, with the most competitive quotes consistent with actual currency exchange. We invite you to browse through our website to select the travel style that meets your needs, our travel planners are only a call/email away ready to provide any assistance in designing your itinerary.