With Wayne Good and Taran Singh.
Whether it’s gastronomical greatness, artistic endeavour or cultural cachet you are looking for, there is no doubt that France still sits at the top of the European experiences. France is a country for which the word chic was invented – seductive, aloof, friendly, old fashioned and forward thinking, but always characterised by a certain “je ne sais quoi”.
The country that gave the world Champagne, Citroen and Camembert is justly famous for its cuisine and you will find plenty of places to indulge yourself. But while France is undoubtedly a wonderful place to eat and drink to your hearts content, there is SO much more to this fascinating country than just cuisine.
I am delighted to be able to share with you a wonderful experience to one of my, if not my favourite countries, a country I first visited as a 10-year-old boy, visiting my family and have visited and toured many, many times since.
I have set the programme in such a way that you will visit many different areas of France, and it will really give you a true French experience. We will visit Paris, Loire, Provence, and the Riviera.
On our tour, outside of Paris, you will be transported in a Minibus. There is a mixture of 3- and 4-star hotels and Chateau.
The tour departs from Paris.
Itinerary:
May 19th:
Arrive in Paris and transfer to our hotel, centrally located in the colourful area of Montmartre. (Taxi fare is 60 Euro from CDG to Paris).
May 20th:
This morning, we are going on a fun 2-hour tour in wee Citroen 2CV cars, to give you a general overview of the city.
In the afternoon we will visit E.Dehillerin, the kitchen shop, made famous by Julia Child. This amazing old and characterful store has been operating since the 18th Century.
From here I would like to make our way to Place de Madeleine to view the magnificent Gothic Style Madeleine Church, before moving onto Gallery Lafayette, with its incredible interior.
The rest of the afternoon will be free.
May 21st:
This morning, we will make our way to the Musee d’Orsay, with its magnificent architecture and vast collection of impressionist art, including Monet, Manet, Renoir etc. This really is a highlight of Paris.
In the afternoon, we will then move onto the Museum of Decorative Art, with treasures abound.
And finally, we will go up Montmartre, visiting the famous Sacre Ceour and wander around the square with all the street artists.
Travel around Paris will be by Taxi (not included).
May 22nd:
Today we collect our mini-bus and head southeast to the Loire Valley. We proceed to the city of Blois and to our accommodation for the next 2 nights.
There is a very good Antique Shop in Blois that I intend to visit, if you would like to join me, or you can wander around Blois at your leisure.
Ladies, I am told, from previous tour guests, that the clothes shopping is particularly good in Blois!
May 23rd:
Chateau Chenonceaux.
Off to visit the beauty and grandeur of Chateau Chenonceaux. This is to me, one of the most beautiful Chateau in France. Each room of the Chateau is furnished in the period and has beautiful floral arrangements created from the flowers out of the vast gardens, which you will also have time to wander around. The actual Chateau spans the River Cher.
In the afternoon we proceed to the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry. This magnificent Potager Garden is really something to behold.
May 24th:
Rocamadour.
On the road, south to my favourite region of France – The Dordogne. The countryside and villages are SO beautiful, and it is a foodie’s paradise. Confit de Canard, Truffles, Fois Gras, Walnut Torte……….
A spot of grocery shopping before heading to our Chateau, which will be our accommodation for our time in the Dordogne.
May 25th:
This morning, we are heading off to the the magnificent gardens of Marqueyssac, with its spectacular Topiary and amazing knot garden.
From here we will go to Beynac-et-Cazenac (the setting for the movie Chocolat) to pick up a traditional barge type boat for a sedate cruise on the Dordogne River.
We will then drive into Sarlat, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site for being a beautiful example of Medieval Architecture.
May 26th:
Today we are going to head to THE MOST STUNNING village of Sainte-Cirq-Lapopie. This is reputed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France, and I would have to agree. There is also a wonderful café, with spectacular views where we will have lunch.
From here we will drive to Rocamadour, which clings to shear rock faces, with a stunning Cathedral carved out of rock.
May 27th:
This morning, we are going to make a short drive to the town of Domme, with spectacular views of the Dordogne Valley. Again, Domme is listed as one of the most beautiful towns in France. Oh yes, did I mention the beautiful shops………..
Marqueysacc Gardens.
May 28th:
Today we head for Carcassonne. The original walls of the city were constructed in the Roman era, with major changes made in the 13th and 14th Centuries. The city has had extensive restoration and was used as the setting for the movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Though very touristic, still a great place to visit.
We will spend a night here.
May 29th:
We continue on our drive to Provence, where we will check into our hotel in Uzes.
May 30th:
Today we are going to drive to the city of Nime, the capital of the Gard Department, Occitaine.
We will make a visit to the famous Amphitheatre of Nime, built over 2000 years ago by the Romans in the style of the Colosseum in Rome, and still used for concerts and events to this day.
From there we will visit the Maison Carree, an extremely well preserved Roman Temple.
We will finish the day with a visit to the Pont du Garde, a well preserved Roman Aquaduct.
May 31st:
Saturday is Market Day in Uzes. The market is recognised as being the best market in France, and it really is INCREDIBLE. I know you are going to really enjoy your day, and the town of Uzes.
June 1st:
Today we will drive to the famous Sunday Market at L’isle sur la Sorgue, a market brimming with Provençal Wears, Food and Antiques!
In the afternoon we will visit the Luberon, in the heart of Provence, made famous by the author Peter Mayle. We will visit the beautiful village of Gordes and the very colourful village of Rousillon, where the buildings are made of the local orange clay. Such a beautiful area of France
June 2nd:
A day of cooking and eating. We will be attending a Cook School in Provence. More details will come later.
June 3rd:
Today we will move on to the beautiful village of Moustiers Sainte Marie on the edge of the Gorge de Verdon. This spectacular national park is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest canyon in the world and is truly amazing.
Our nights accommodation will be in the area.
The Gorge de Verdon
Moustiers Sainte Marie
June 4th:
Today we will drive through the Gorge de Verdon and head south to the famous French Riviera.
Our accommodation is in the very pretty town of Menton, on the French/Italian border.
Menton is famous for being the home of New Zealand author Kathrine Mansfield.
June 6th:
Today we are going to cross into Italy and head to Genoa for a private Italian Cooking Class, which will also include lunch and wine.
There will be time to also wander around the historic centre of Genoa.
June 7th:
Today we are going to visit the most spectacular Villa et Jardin Ephrussi de Rothschild at Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This magnificent palace surrounded by 9 themed gardens: French garden, Spanish garden, Florentine Garden, stone garden, Japanese garden, exotic garden, Provençal Garden and rose garden.
Then of course you have the most opulent and luxurious palace to wander through (check it out on Google). I know you will enjoy this.
On our way back to Menton, we will drive into Monaco, where we will make a visit to the Royal Palace.
June 8th:
Today we will take a visit to Fragonard Perfumery in the old city of Grasse, where we will have a tour through the processes of making luxury perfume.
We will then drive to Saint Paul de Vence, made famous by artists like Picasso and Vincent Van Gough. Such a pretty village. There is a great restaurant at Saint Paul where I will certainly be having lunch. You are very welcome to join me.
They rest of the day will be free for you to explore Menton.
June 9th:
Today we say goodbye. Travel back to New Zealand from Nice or continue on with your travels in Europe. There are many destinations easily accessed from Nice Airport.
COST PER PERSON BASED ON 7 PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER IS:
$12500.00 SHARE TWIN PER PERSON EXCLUDING AIRFARES AND INSURANCE.
(This could increase if numbers decrease).
This includes:
- The services of Wayne Good and Taran Singh as your escorts and driver.
- 2CV Tour in Paris.
- All transportation around France in a Mini-bus, including Diesel and Road-tolls.
- All accommodation in 3- and 4-Star Hotels and Chateau.
- Daily Breakfast.
- Dinners on certain days organised by Wayne, while at the Chateau. (This does not include alcoholic beverages or meals in Restaurants).
- All entrance fees to Musse d’Orsay, Paris Museum of Decorative Art, Villandry, Chenonceau, Marqueyssac, Dordogne River Boat Trip, Perfumery.
- Cook School in Provence and Genoa.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:
Due to limited numbers, a deposit of $5000.00 will be required to hold your place on the tour. Please note it is advisable to organise your travel insurance at this time as unless a place can be filled if for whatever reason you have to cancel, there are no refunds once a booking has been made.
The balance will be due 90 days prior to departure.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation and travel insurance.
The cost of the tour is based on 8 people + your driver/guide.
You must have a reasonable level of fitness as walking is involved. We will endeavour to ensure that your experience of France with me will be beyond your expectations and will be memorable, however we take no responsibility for any last minute changes that are out of our control, including accommodation, or any lack of WIFI in accommodation.