tours in - Destination Sud de France

Transcription

TOURS IN
LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON MIDI PYRÉNÉES
LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON MIDI PYRÉNÉES ACCUEILLE LE TOURISME MONDIAL
LAND OF FREEDOM
Change of scenery and relaxation. Tradition and delicacy. Wonder. Sharing…
Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées is home to a host of outstanding
attractions. Officially recognised as Great Tourist Sites or Unesco World
Heritage Sites, they fly the flag for our South of France. The Canal du
Midi, the Way of St. James pilgrimage routes, The Episcopal City of Albi,
the Causses and Cévennes, Vauban's fortifications, the list goes on…
Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées, a vast region in the South of France,
is the ideal destination for those looking for authentic France, complete
with stunning scenery and a heritage to match. It's a region of prestige
destinations, world-famous tourist attractions highlighted by our ambitious tourism promotion policy.
Exploring Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées is also about seeking
out the top-quality produce so close to our hearts. It's about savouring
the atmosphere of an arcaded square in a bastide village, half-timbered houses, ports and markets in the midday sun, from the Rhône to the
Garonne, from the Cévennes to the Pyrenees, stopping off in Toulouse,
Montpellier, Sète and Auch along the way… It's about going back in time
in Ariège, in places alive with 14,000 years of history, experiencing the
splendour of the Roman Empire at the amphitheatre in Nîmes and the
medieval beauty of the towers rising from the City of Carcassonne and
the Château de Foix. It's about soaking up the Mediterranean sun along
nearly 220 km of coastline.
But we must also not forget that Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées is a
land of tolerance and freedom. Lourdes, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: they're
here. The Cathars, the Spanish refugees thrown out by their dictator, they
were also here. The Resistance too.
Famous for its gastronomy, top restaurants, enviable way of life and the
buzzing atmosphere of its towns and two major cities, Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées is a sure-fire hit with all who come here. The Region
has all the assets required to become leader in tourism industry, and
today it is inevitably one of France's leading tourist destinations, with a
tourist sector that accounts for nearly 90,000 jobs and that is resolutely
backed by the Regional Council.
Welcome to you all!
Carole DELGA
Former minister,
President of the Languedoc Roussillon
Midi Pyrénées Region
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Rendez-vous en France 2016
THE REGION IN A NUTSHELL
The Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées region, the second largest region of France by area, occupies a large part of Southern France. With Toulouse and Montpellier as the two major cities, to the
north, it borders the Massif Central, and to the south, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
Tourism in key figures
Main points of reference
4th
Area :
72 724
region in France,
from the tourism aspect.
It represents :
billion euros
of tourism revenue
Km2
Population :
5,7
13
4 500
historical monuments
181
million bed-nights per annum
millions
8
Number of departments :
13
(Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Hérault, Gard,
Gers, Lot, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales,
Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne).
Major cities :
Toulouse
(725 000 inhabitants)
and
Montpellier
(434 000 inhabitants).
sites listed in the UNESCO World
Heritage
2
1
6
1st
region in terms of outdoor
accommodation capacity
and number of visitors
national parks,
marine nature park,
regional nature parks.
4th
region in terms
of tourism-related jobs (87 500)
3
4th
region in terms of number of
chambres d'hôtes (bed and breakfast)
30
million visitors including 21,25%
of international tourists
Summary
1 GREAT TOURIST SITES MIDI-PYRENEES DISCOVERING THE UNESCO SITES
P. 5
2 THE MAIN STAGING POSTS ON SAINT JAMES’S WAY IN MIDI-PYRENEES
P. 9
3 THE MAIN STAGING POSTS ON SAINT JAMES’S WAY IN MIDI-PYRENEES
P. 13
4 THE RECORDS BREAKER TOUR P. 16
5 ARMAGNAC, GASCONY AND FRONTON VINEYARDS
P. 20
THE GREAT TOURIST SITES MIDI-PYRENEES
6 AROUND CAHORS AND GAILLAC VINEYARDS
P. 25
7 HEART OF GASCONY IN THE LAND OF ARMAGNAC AND MUSKETEERS
P. 28
8 AROUND LOURDES - HAUTES-PYRENEES P. 32
9 PYRENEES TRIP BETWEEN FRANCE AND SPAIN P. 35
10 FROM THE CANAL DES DEUX MERS TO THE ARIEGE-PYRENEES
P. 38
11 FROM TOULOUSE TO THE PIC DU MIDI : SKY AND SPACE
P. 41
12 PAINTERS OF MIDI-PYRENEES AND COLORS OF THE CANAL DU MIDI
P. 44
13 WELL BEING AND HIKING IN ARIEGE PYRENEES
P. 49
14 CATHARISM AND MIDDLE AGE
AROUND THE GREAT TOURIST SITES MIDI-PYRENEES
P. 52
15 BIKING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND SPA ON THE COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE
P. 56
16 UNESCO HERITAGE EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 60
17 VILLAGES OF ART AND HISTORY EDUCATIONAL TOUR
IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 63
18 EXCLUSIVE TOURISM EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 66
19 CANAL DU MIDI EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON P. 70
20 WINE TOURISM, ART OF LIVING, WELL-BEING IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 73
21 ADVENTURE TOURISM EDUCATIONAL TOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 76
22 NATURAL EDUCTOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
P. 79
In partnership with Air France and SNCF, official carriers of the
Rendez-Vous en France Travel Market, a tourism trade fair organized
by Atout France, France Tourism Development Agency.
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GREAT TOURIST SITES MIDI-PYRENEES
DISCOVERING THE UNESCO SITES
T O U L O U S E / TA R N / A V E Y R O N
Midi-Pyrénées is home to 5 World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi, the Episcopal City of Albi, many monuments and
staging posts on St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela, the Causse du Larzac and Gavarnie.
First day
9.30 am: Meeting in the lobby of the hotel with your
guide. Walking guided tour, discover the rich heritage of Toulouse, through the UNESCO sites.
The Saint-Sernin Basilica, this Romanesque building,
considered to be the biggest in the western world, never fails to surprise by the size and beauty of its nave.
Inside this 11th century brick masterpiece, lies treasures
of 11th and 12th centuries, as well as the underground
chambers, which hold a treasure relics including that of
Saint Saturnin, the martyred bishop of the city, to whom
the building is dedicated. This monument is an essential
stage on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
The “Hotel Dieu”, built in 1197 with the aim of caring for
and accommodating pilgrims arriving in Toulouse.
11.30 am: End of the guided tour and transfer to the
barge Samsara
12.00 pm: Boarding in the barge Samsara
42 rue du Japon - 1 boulevard Montplaisir - 31400 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 32 63 98 / +33 (0)6 17 44 61 99
www.samsara.fr
Contact: Mrs Carole Torreguitart
over 240 kilometers between the Etang de Thau, near
Sète, and Toulouse. It is extended to the Atlantic Ocean
by the Garonne Lateral Canal, over 193 kilometers.
2.00 pm: Transfer by bus to the city center
2.30 pm: Discover the Maison de la Violette
The barge "House of the Violet" dropped its anchor
on the Canal du Midi classified world inheritance of
UNESCO. Since July 2000, Helene Vié and her team welcome you on board a traditional barge built in 1930 to
make you discover the authentic world of the Violet. An
original stopover in the respect of the regional tradition.
Enjoy a tea time on board during summer time and see
green houses during winter time.
Maison de la Violette - Barge on the Canal du Midi
In front of 2, boulevard Bonrepos, near the train station- 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 99 01 30
www.lamaisondelaviolette.fr
Contact: Mrs Hélène Vié
4 pm: Free time / Shopping
Lunch-Cruise in the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, constructed in the reign of Louis
XIV, is the oldest canal in Europe that is still in use. This
waterway, a product of the imagination of the engineer
Pierre-Paul Riquet, includes some remarkable pieces of
work, which give it exceptional patrimonial interest. Its
significance is now recognized at international level.
UNESCO has now classified the Canal du Midi as one
of the 469 World Heritage Sites. The Canal du Midi runs
From 4.30 to 7.30 pm: Exclusive shopping at Galeries Lafayette Toulouse
Welcome desk « Rendez-vous en France » on the 6th floor
4 - 8 rue Lapeyrouse - TOULOUSE.
8 pm : Toulouse evening at l’Espace EDF Bazacle
11 quai Saint-Pierre - 31000 TOULOUSE
Night in Toulouse at Grand Hotel de L’Opéra****
1 place du Capitole - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 21 82 66
www.grand-hotel-opera.com/en/
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1
Second day
the dungeon to the nave, from the nave to the ramparts and
finally down to the water's edge.
8.30 am: Departure for the Tarn area and Sorèze (1h30)
The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Since 1922, over a thousand works, paintings, lithographs,
drawings and all posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec have
been kept and shown at the Museum in Albi. This exceptional collection is on display at the Palais de la Berbie, or
Berbia Palace, a powerful fortress built in the 13th century,
which has thus become the largest museum in the world
to show the works of Toulouse-Lautrec, who was born in
the town in 1864. This most prestigious collection was given to the Museum by the artist's relatives, the Count and
Countess of Toulouse-Lautrec, advised by Maurice Joyant,
a friend of the artist, and by Joyant's cousin, Doctor Tapié
de Céleyran. The museum's paintings exhibited are considered among the painter's most famous works.
Beware; because of a late arrival the visit of the Museum
closing at 5.00pm could be cancelled.
10.00 am: Visit of the Royal School-Abbey of Sorèze
You will wonder at the prestigious past of the “Abbayeécole”. On the way of St James of Compostela (Path of
Arles), this former Abbey became a Royal Military School
by the King of France Louis XVI and welcomed illustrious
names. The visit of the whole architectural ensemble
listed as historical monument is magic: the” Cour des
Rouges”, the cloister, the “Salle des Bustes” (exhibited
busts), the park… Travel back into the past, you might
feel you don’t want to go home !
2015 was marked by the opening of the huge Museum
dedicated to the famous monk tapestry-maker Dom Robert. The work of the Benedictine monk (died in the 90’)
is celebrating the Nature. Made at Aubusson, the tapestries are listed by UNESCO.
Abbaye-Ecole de Sorèze - Rue Saint Martin - 81540 SORÈZE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 50 86 38
www.abbayeecoledesoreze.com
11.30 am: Departure for Les Cammazes (0h15)
Les Cammazes is a village of the Black Mountain located
in the extremity southwest of the Tarn and not very far
from Carcassonne. In the village flows the trickle of the
Mountain (« Rigole de la Montagne ») which supplies in
water the Saint Ferréol’s dam and the Canal du Midi. It
was built in 1666 by Pierre Paul Riquet. The « Rigole »
runs under Vauban Vault (built in 1686), a long tunnel of
122 meters. The « Rigole » and the Vault are classified in
the UNESCO world heritage.
12.00 / 12.30: Lunch at the restaurant / art gallery
«Le Salon de Vauban»
100% locavore, this pleasant place offers organic food
and is used to suggest different menus gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free.
Sainte-Cécile Cathedral.
This unique Cathedral built in the 13th century offers an
astonishing contrast between the outer defensive style
and the inner riches of its sumptuous decoration.
Indoor decoration is both rich and refined, including 16th
century wall paintings, a rood screen, without mentioning
the lace of stones enhancing the «last judgement day»
paintings, all of these being rare examples of church indoor ornaments.
Next to the cathedral is the former Bishop’s Palace
built during the 13th century, the ancient fortress is the
unexpected site for the artistic work of Henri the Toulouse-Lautrec.
Tourist Office of Albi - Place Sainte Cécile - 81000 ALBI
Tel.: +33 (0)563 49 48 80
www.albi-tourisme.fr
2.00 pm: Departure for Albi (1h40)
4.00 pm: Guided tour of Albi
Albi is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site and classified Great Tourist Site Midi-Pyrénées..
The Episcopal City was classified World Heritage by
the UNESCO in August 2010.
"Crucible of brick", "fortress of faith", "Italian city", Albi
has stimulated the imagination of those seeking an epithet
to describe its appeal. With the trilogy of the Sainte Cécile
cathedral, the Palais Berbie (which houses the ToulouseLautrec museum) and the “pont vieux”, not forgetting the
charm of the old streets. Bright red in the morning sunlight,
sombre red at dusk, deserted in the heat of the afternoon.
Half-timbered corbelled houses, narrow passages, cobbled
streets... medieval buildings with the colours of the south.
Stroll around, follow your instincts; the slightest opening
may reveal hidden treasures: the Hotel Reynes with its extraordinary loggia, built by a rich pastel merchant in 1530,
the cloisters of Saint Salvy (13th century) with their triangular lawn and twinned columns... Beyond the obvious and
the well-known, Albi likes to surprise its visitors, particularly
rewarding for those who are not in a hurry. From the 'pont
vieux' (one of the oldest in France), watch the sun go down:
night descending as it casts its shadow over the belfry - from
8.30 pm: Diner and overnight ****Hôtel Mercure,
Episcopale City
Only one charming hotel in front of the episcopal City
classified World Heritage by the UNESCO, the buildings
which shelter the hotel are classified Historic Monument.
Former mills built from 10th century, the Moulins Albigeois will be until 1972 a factory of pastas and vermicelli:
"Pastas of the Sun". It is here that was created the famous vermicelli in the form of alphabet.
Hôtel Mercure Cité Episcopale****
Moulins Albigeois - 41 rue Porta - 81000 ALBI
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 47 66 66
www.lavermicellerie-hotelmercure.fr
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Third day
8.00 am: Departure for Conques
10.00 pm: Arrival in Conques
10.15 pm: Visit of Conques, the jewel of Romanesque
art
One of the major monuments of architectural and cultural heritage that line the route to Santiago de Compostela, Conques abbey-church prides itself on sheltering under its vaults, a unique treasure of Romanesque sculpture
and artefacts. Among these are the tympanum of the Last
Judgment and figurative capitals, all magnified by Pierre
Soulages’ stained glass windows. The gilded or plated
reliquaries of the Treasure, embellished with ancient enamels, cameos, intaglios and precious stones are exquisite examples of medieval craftsmanship. The precious
treasure, assembled and preserved through the ages,
nestles around the monastery within an environment of
great beauty that is today recognized in the selective list
of The most Beautiful Villages of France (Les plus beaux
villages de France).
Office de Tourisme - Le bourg - 12320 CONQUES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 72 85 00
Email: [email protected]
www.tourisme-conques.fr
12.00 pm: Lunch at l’Auberge Saint Jacques
2.00 pm: Departure for Rodez
3.00 pm: Visit of Rodez and the Soulages Museum
Visiting the Cathedral and its magnificient bell tower is
a prelude to a walk in the historical centre through a pedestrian route.
You extend the discovery of the City with an access to the
Soulages Museum.
Pierre Soulages is an internationally celebrated contemporary painter who was born in Rodez in 1919. The
museum hosts an outstanding collection, providing a
remarkable home for his works, but also for temporary
exhibitions.
Office de Tourisme du Grand Rodez
12 place de la Cité - 12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 75 76 77
www.tourisme.grand-rodez.com
7.00 pm: Check in - Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale
Located in the heart of Rodez, opposite the Cathedral,
the 4-star Mercure Rodez Cathédrale hotel is a beautiful
art-deco building in the heart of the historical city center,
just 219 yards (200 m) from the Soulages Museum.
Perfect for relaxing after a seminar or for spending time
with friends, the hotel bar offers a large selection of
drinks, in a beautiful setting with Venetian frescoes by
well-known painter Maurice Bompard. And our comfortable and modern rooms allow you to fully enjoy your
stay.
Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale
1 Avenue Victor Hugo - 12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 68 55 19
www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-7013-hotel-mercure-rodez-cathedrale/
index.shtml
7.45 pm: Departure for Hostellerie de Fontanges
8.00 pm: Diner at l’Hostellerie de Fontanges
If there is one unique and historic place that is firmly rooted in the Aveyron soil, open to the public, infused with
the spirit of authenticity and hospitality, this is it, right
beside Rodez: the Hostellerie de Fontanges.
This enchanting, unusual and environmentally friendly
venue, which is also a paradise for gourmets, is located
in the heart of a breathtaking natural and architectural
heritage which is just waiting to be explored.
Hostellerie de Fontanges - Route de Conques
12850 ONET-LE-CHÂTEAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 77 76 00
www.hostellerie-fontanges.com
Night Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale
Fourth day
8.45 am: Departure for Millau
10.00 am: Visit of glove manufacture « Living Heritage Company »
Workshop visits of the manufacture of Millau leather
gloves, shop area (factory shop) and museum area of the
history of the Maison Causse.
When you come into the workshop in the historic glove
makers' quarter, a stone's throw from the town centre,
you will discover how leather gloves have been made for
over 11 centuries, using a unique savoir-faire and artisanal methods that are still practised by our Master glove
makers. In the heart of the Causse workshop, the oldest
manufacturer still in activity in Millau, you will have access to the factory shop that offers great classics and new
collections which are also presented in the most beautiful boutiques in Paris, Tokyo, Moscow and New York.
Company labelled as "Entreprise du patrimoine vivant"
(Living Heritage Company).
Causse Gantier - 5 Boulevard des Gantières
BP 228 - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 03 05
www.causse-gantier.fr
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12.45 pm: Lunch at l’Espace Gourmand
L'Espace gourmand - Goûtez l'Aveyron
Aire du Viaduc de Millau Brocuéjouls - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 61 65 28
www.capucinbras.fr
1.45 pm: Departure for La Couvertoirade
11.00 am: Visit of Millau and its belfry
Millau is part of the national network of towns and regions of
art and History since 2010. You will stroll through the old town
with a French Ministry of Culture certified tour guide. You will
discover the History of the city, its world famous knowledge
of leather work and glove making, its medieval tower, the Palace of the kings of Aragon, and its belfry, Notre Dame de
l'Espinasse Church and its impressive fresco relating the life
of the Virgin Mary and the main monuments of the town, the
Maison du Peuple, the meeting place for social discussions
and work conditions, and its Protestant Temple...
Office de Tourisme de Millau****
1 Place du Beffroi - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 02 42
11.45 am: Visit of the Viaduct area
This unique viewing area, created in the old caussenarde
farm of Brocuéjouls, is the ideal place for discovering Millau
viaduct, the Aveyron, its cultural and natural heritage and
the local gastronomy. Both a “viewing area” and “tourist
information centre”, it also offers a “gastronomical area”.
Take a few minutes to climb to the belvedere viewing
point from where you can admire the sublime and panoramic view of the viaduct. You can then taste, amongst
other things, the famous “capucins” made by the Michelin starred chef Michel Bras in the gastronomical area
or learn all there is to know about the viaduct and its
construction in the Eiffage company Expo/Boutique area.
Brocuéjouls - 12100 MILLAU
www.tourisme-aveyron.com/fr/decouvrir/incontournables/viaduc-millau.php
2.15 pm: Visit of La Couvertoirade - Member of the
most beautiful villages in France
As soon as you approach the village set in the heart of
the Causse du Larzac you are surprised by the two towers
that spring from a rocky chaos.
Come through the old fortified gateway, a meander of
streets, small covered passageways and 15th century
houses await you. Climb up to the chemin de ronde
walkway on the ramparts and you dominate the listed
village and admire the exceptionally well preserved surrounding countryside. The village is brought to life by the
artisan boutiques and old shops.
Dare to open the doors of time and plunge into the life
of this mediaeval village! You will discover, on your own
or accompanied by a guide, an exceptional heritage
built by the Knights Templar and Hospitaller. This listed
and protected fortified village is full of treasure: the 12th
century Knights Templar château, the Templar then later
Hospitaller church, the 14th century oven, the ramparts,
the lavogne water hole and a maze of streets lined with
small shops and houses typical of the Causse. Mediaeval
events and visits of different kinds are offered
Office de Tourisme Larzac et Vallées
Place du Claux - 12230 NANT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 62 23 64
www.tourisme-larzac.com
3.00 pm: Departure for Montpellier
4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting at your hotel
with your delegation.
Enjoy your stay in Midi-Pyrénées !
This program has been prepared by the Midi-Pyrénées Tourist Board with the help of :
Toulouse Tourist Board :
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
www.toulouse-tourisme.com
Aveyron Tourist Office
Eric MAURY
Tél: 33 (0)5 65 75 55 74 / 33 (0)6 48 14 48 78
www.tourisme-aveyron.com
Marine BRUNET-MODESTE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Midi-Pyrénées Tourist Board :
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
http://to-vo.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
www.tourisme-tarn.com
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
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THE MAIN STAGING POSTS
ON SAINT JAMES’S WAY IN MIDI-PYRENEES
T O U L O U S E / TA R N E T G A R O N N E / L O T
Toulouse, Conques, Figeac, Rocamadour in the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Cahors, Moissac... these
are just some of the highlights on the Le Puy (Via Podiensis) and Arles (Via Tolosana) pilgrim routes to Santiago de
Compostela.
First day
9.30 am: Guided tour, discover the rich heritage of
Toulouse, on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
The Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage was an important part of Christian life in the Middle Ages. There are
three major St. James routes across France, used by pilgrims from all over Europe on their way to Santiago de
Compostela, Spain. One of them, the Arles Way, or the
“Via Tolosana”, goes through Toulouse, bringing large
numbers of pilgrims from Eastern France and Italy. Toulouse is an essential halt on the Arles Way, as it allows
pilgrims to gather around the wonderful relics in the St.
Sernin Basilica and the Black Madonna in the church of
La Daurade. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Toulouse
became a hub for vast crowds of pilgrims, which contributed to the growth of the city. There are still a few remaining traces of how the accommodation of pilgrims was
organised: the St. Sernin Basilica and its treasure of relics,
and the “Hotel Dieu”, built in 1197 with the aim of caring
for and accommodating pilgrims arriving in Toulouse.
12.00 am: Boarding in the barge Samsara
42 rue du Japon, 1 boulevard Montplaisir - 31400 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 32 63 98 / +33 (0)6 17 44 61 99
www.samsara.fr
Contact: Mrs Carole Torreguitart
vel. UNESCO has now classified the Canal du Midi as one
of the 469 World Heritage Sites. The Canal du Midi runs
over 240 kilometers between the Etang de Thau, near
Sète, and Toulouse. It is extended to the Atlantic Ocean
by the Garonne Lateral Canal, over 193 kilometers.
2.30 pm: Second part of the visit on
the way to Santiago de Compostela.
The Saint-Sernin Basilica, this Romanesque building, considered to be the
biggest in the western world, never fails
to surprise by the size and beauty of its
nave. Inside this 11th century brick masterpiece, lies treasures of 11th and 12th
centuries, as well as the underground
chambers which hold a treasure relics
including that of Saint Saturnin, the
martyred bishop of the city, to whom
the building is dedicated. This monument is an essential stage on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
3.30 pm: Free time / Shopping
From 4.30 to 7.30 pm: Exclusive shopping at Galeries
Lafayette Toulouse
Welcome desk « Rendez-vous en France » on the 6th floor,
The Canal du Midi, constructed in the reign of Louis XIV,
the Canal du Midi is the oldest canal in Europe that is still
in use. This waterway, a product of the imagination of the
engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet, includes some remarkable
pieces of work, which give it exceptional patrimonial interest. Its significance is now recognized at international le-
Night in Toulouse at Crowne Plaza Hotel****
7 place du Capitole - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 61 19 19
www.crowneplaza.com/toulouse
9
2
Second day
10.00 am: Arriving in Moissac - Guided visit of Moissac and its cloister
Situated in the Tarn-et-Garonne, Moissac is nestled in an
epicurean landscape dominated by orchards and Chasselas AOC grape vines. Moissac, an important step on
the St. James Way, is also world-renowned for its Romanesque abbey, whose cloister and portal are classified as
World Heritage Sites. What’s more, the Deux Mers (Two
Seas) bike path linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean
crosses the city and is a beautiful place for family walks as
it meanders along the shaded banks of the canal and the
Tarn. Tasting products from the Regio.
Moissac Tourist Office - 6 Place Durand de Bredon - 82200 MOISSAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 04 01 85
www.tourisme.moissac.fr
11.30 am: Departure for Lauzerte
12.00: Lunch at Auberge du Quercy
Faubourg d'Auriac - 11 Route de Cahors - 82110 LAUZERTE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 94 66 36
www.hotel-du-quercy.fr
1.30 pm: Arriving in Lauzerte and visiting.
Perched above the valleys and hills of Quercy Blanc, this
fortified village founded in the 12C by the Count of Toulouse is on the "via Podiensis", one of the pilgrimage
routes to Santiago de Compostela. Many traces of its
historical and religious past still remain intact: the main
square and its cobblestones, stone-built or half-timbered
houses, and the pilgrim’s garden.
Lauzerte Tourist Office - Place des cornières - 82110 LAUZERTE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 94 61 94
www.lauzerte-tourisme.fr -
conserved a remarkable number of fine mediaeval houses
once belonging to the religious aristocracy and the merchant bourgeoisie, as well as the Cathedral of St Etienne
(St. Stephen), with its 2 cupolas and Romanesque portal.
Admire the Valentré Bridge, a 14th century fortified
bridge, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, and symbol of Cahors. It stands close to the Santiago Pilgrim Way,
still much frequented by walkers and pilgrims.
Tourist Office of Cahors Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Place François Mitterrand, Villa Malbec - 46000 CAHORS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 65 / +33 (0)5 65 53 20 74
www.tourisme-cahors.com
5.00 pm: Transfer to Rocamadour
6.15 pm: Visit of the hotel*** Les Esclargies
16-rooms hotel, with the labels « Hôtels de Charme et de
Caractère en Midi-Pyrénées », « Hôtels au Naturel », and
« Tourisme et Handicap ».
Hotel*** Les Esclargies - Mrs MEJECAZE
Route de Payrac - 46500 ROCAMADOUR
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 38 73 23 /+33 (0)6 13 03 47 23
www.esclargies.com
7.00 pm: Check-in at the hotel-restaurant*** Le Beau
Site, dinner and night
This 38-rooms hotel is a member of Best Western and
is labelled "Hôtels de Charme et de Caractère en MidiPyrénées“ ; the restaurant is a "Bonnes Tables du Lot”.
Hotel Le Beau Site - Restaurant Jehan de Vallon
Mr Martial MENOT - Cité Médiévale - 46500 ROCAMADOUR
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 33 63 08 / +33 (0)5 65 33 65 23
www.bestwestern-beausite.com
2.30 pm: Departure from Lauzerte to the Lot department
Third day
3.45 pm: Guided visit of Cahors, « Great Tourist site
Midi-Pyrénées »
The Lot’s main city, Cahors, surrounded on 3 sides by the
river Lot, was an important town in Roman times, and a
flourishing commercial and university centre. The city has
8.30 am: Guided Tour of Rocamadour, « Great Tourist
site Midi-Pyrénées »
Built in side of cliff dominating the canyon of Alzou, Rocamadour is a true challenge in equilibrium, the city introduces a deployment of brown roofs and rocks, a wonder-
10
ful superimposing of houses and shrines. Major religious
place dedicated to the Black Virgin, on the “Santiago de
Compostella” pilgrim way.
Tourist Office Vallée de la Dordogne Rocamadour-Padirac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 33 22 00
www.vallee-dordogne-rocamadour.com
10.00 am: Transfer to Padirac
10.30 am: Guided tour of the Padirac Chasm
The “Gouffre” at Padirac is a natural, 75 metres chasm
that shows on the limestone plateau of the “Causse de
Gramat" in the Lot, below which, at 103 metres underground flows a river.
Gouffre de Padirac - Mrs Alexandra CALOR - 46500 PADIRAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 33 64 56 / +33 (0)5 65 33 71 86
www.gouffre-de-padirac.com
12.00 pm: Transfer to Lacave
12.30 pm: Lunch at the hotel-restaurant*** Le Pont
de L’Ouysse, followed by a visit
A charming hotel of 13 rooms, located between Souillac
and Rocamadour, nearby a small river named “L’Ouysse
» which goes to the Dordogne river. The hotel is member of « Châteaux et Hôtels Collection » and « Hôtels de
charme et de caractère en Midi-Pyrénées » ; the restaurant is « Bonnes Tables du Lot » and 1-star at the Michelin
red guide.
Hotel-restaurant *** Le Pont de l’Ouysse - 46200 LACAVE
Mr. CHAMBON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 37 87 04 / +33 (0)5 65 32 77 41
www.lepontdelouysse.com
3.00 pm: Transfer to Saint-Céré through the touristic
road of the Dordogne Valley, stops in Carennac and
Loubressac, « Most beautiful villages in France »
Carennac: at the foot of the cliffs of the Gramat Causse
beside the river Dordogne, the village of Carennac,
famous for its Romanesque tympanum and its Gothic
sculpture group depicting the Entombment, grew up
around a Clunisian priory founded in the middle of the
11th century.
Loubressac: from its promontory, the village affords superb views over the Dordogne Valley and the castles of
Castelnau-Bretenoux and Montal. A pocket-sized village
with a fortified gate, houses built of golden stone, flowerfilled gardens, picturesque lanes…
Tourist Office Vallée de la Dordogne Rocamadour-Padirac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 33 22 00
www.vallee-dordogne-rocamadour.com
6.00 pm: Arrival at the hotel-restaurant « Les Trois Soleils de Montal » near Saint-Céré for dinner and night
This 29-rooms hotel is located in a park and nearby a golf
and Renaissance-castle. Gastronomic restaurant with 1
star at the Michelin red guide.
Hotel-restaurant Les Trois Soleils de Montal - Mrs BIZAT
Les Prés de Montal - 46400 SAINT-CÉRÉ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 10 16 16 / +33 (0)5 65 38 30 66
www.3soleils.fr
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Fourth day
8.30 am: Departure from the hotel
9.30 am: Guided tour of Figeac, « Great Tourist site
Midi-Pyrénées »
Figeac, a “Town of Art and History”, possesses remarkable examples of civic architecture from the Middle
Ages to the 19thC., and is an important stop on the
Santiago Pilgrim Ways. Jean-François Champollion, who
deciphered the code of hieroglyphics, was born here: his
family home is now “The Writing Systems of the World”
museum (Musée des Ecritures du Monde), with a replica
of the Rosetta Stone (a contemporary art work) in an adjoining courtyard.
Tourist Office of the Pays de Figeac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 34 06 25
www.tourisme-figeac.com
11.00 am: Visit of the hotel Le Quatorze
This new hotel with 14 large rooms, decorated with natural atmosphere is located in the heart of Figeac.
Hotel Le Quatorze - Mr LASGUIGNES et Mrs MOMBOISSE
14 Place de l’Estang - 46100 FIGEAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 14 08 92
www.le-quatorze.fr
12.00 am: Transfer to Montpellier, light lunch on the
coach prepared by the restaurant
La Table de Marinette - Restaurant La Table de Marinette
Mr BEAUMONT - 51 allée Victor Hugo - 46100 FIGEAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 50 06 07
www.latabledemarinette.fr
Before 4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting at
your hotel with your delegation.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Lot
CCI Lot - Anne SIMON
Tel.: +33 5 65 20 35 28
www.espacepro-lot.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tarn et Garonne Tourist Board
Armelle GIUDICELLI
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 79 21 46
E-mail: [email protected]
www.tourisme82.com
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
12
THE MAIN STAGING POSTS
ON SAINT JAMES’S WAY IN MIDI-PYRENEES
Toulouse, Rabastens, Sorèze, Conques, Najac, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Rodez... these are just some of the highlights
on the Le Puy (Via Podiensis) and Arles (Via Tolosana) pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela.
First day
9.30 am: Guided tour, discover the rich heritage of
Toulouse, on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
The Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage was an important part of Christian life in the Middle Ages. There are
three major St. James routes across France, used by
pilgrims from all over Europe on their way to Santiago
de Compostela, Spain. One of them, the Arles Way, or
the “Via Tolosana”, goes through Toulouse, bringing
large numbers of pilgrims from Eastern France and
Italy. Toulouse is an essential halt on the Arles Way, as
it allows pilgrims to gather around the wonderful relics
in the St. Sernin Basilica and the Black Madonna in the
church of La Daurade. In the 11th and 12th centuries,
Toulouse became a hub for vast crowds of pilgrims,
which contributed to the growth of the city. There are
still a few remaining traces of how the accommodation
of pilgrims was organised: the St. Sernin Basilica and
its treasure of relics, and the “Hotel Dieu”, built in 1197
with the aim of caring for and accommodating pilgrims
arriving in Toulouse.
12.00: Boarding in the barge Samsara
The Canal du Midi, constructed in the reign of Louis
XIV, the Canal du Midi is the oldest canal in Europe that
is still in use. This waterway, a product of the imagination of the engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet, includes some
remarkable pieces of work, which give it exceptional
patrimonial interest. Its significance is now recognized
at international level. UNESCO has now classified the
Canal du Midi as one of the 469 World Heritage Sites.
The Canal du Midi runs over 240 kilometers between
the Etang de Thau, near Sète, and Toulouse. It is ex-
tended to the Atlantic Ocean by the Garonne Lateral
Canal, over 193 kilometers.
42 rue du Japon, 1 boulevard Montplaisir - 31400 TOULOUSE.
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 32 63 98 / +33 (0)6 17 44 61 99
www.samsara.fr
Contact: Mrs Carole TORREGUITART
2.30 pm: Second part of the visit on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
considered to be the biggest in the western world, never
fails to surprise by the size and beauty of its nave. Inside
this 11th century brick masterpiece, lies treasures of 11th
and 12th centuries, as well as the underground chambers
which hold a treasure relics including that of Saint Saturnin, the martyred bishop of the city, to whom the building
is dedicated. This monument is an essential stage on the
Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.
3.30 pm: Free time / Shopping
8.00 pm: Evening in Toulouse
Night in Toulouse
Second day
8.30 am: Departure for Rabastens
Discovery with a guide from the Tarn of the Church Notre
Dame du Bourg in Rabastens.
The Way of St James was classified World Heritage
by UNESCO, from 1993 for the Spanish side (Camino
13
3
francés ) and in 1998 in France. A large number of buildings, places of stages important for the pilgrims, benefit
from this label as the local church Notre-Dame-du-Bourg
in Rabastens.
9.15 am: Visit of the pilgrims church of Notre-Dame
du Bourg
The Church occupies the place of a priory established in
Rabastens by the middle of the 12th century by the abbey of Moissac. The church is completely reconstructed
after the crusade against the Albigensians, between 1235
and 1270. Of the Romanic building do not remain any
more today than eight capitals of the gate.
The new church is designed as a vast unique and rectangular nave, on the model of the cathedral Saint Etienne
of Toulouse.
Murals paintings are rediscovered on the occasion of
these works. They had disappeared at the end of the
16th century under layers of successive distempers. They
are restored by Joseph Engalière from 1860 till 1863. The
church is listed as "Historic Monument" in 1899.
10.00 am: Departure for Castres
11h30 am: Guided tour of Castres
The origins of the city go back to the 9th Century (810AD)
with the foundation of a Benedictine abbey. The monks
brought with them the relics of Saint Vincent of Saragossa (patron saint of the city), for which a basilica was built.
Castres became one of the stopover points of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims who had chosen the Arles
route. The 17th Century bequeathed Castres with some
remarkable architectural treasures, in particular the Episcopal Palace, the work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, which
today houses the Town Hall and the Goya Museum. It was
further enhanced by a formal garden designed according
to the plans of André Le Nôtre.
3.30 pm: Departure for Sorèze
4.15 pm: Visit of the Royal School-Abbey of Sorèze
You will wonder at the prestigious past of the “Abbayeécole”. On the way of St James of Compostela (Path of
Arles), this former Abbey became a Royal Military School
by the King of France Louis XVI and welcomed illustrious
names. The visit of the whole architectural ensemble
listed as historical monument is magic: the” Cour des
Rouges”, the cloister, the “Salle des Bustes” (exhibited
busts), the park… Travel back into the past, you might
feel you don’t want to go home !
is celebrating the Nature. Made at Aubusson, the tapestries are listed by UNESCO.
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 50 86 38
Diner and overnight in the former School-Abbey of
Sorèze
The hotel, located in the middle of a 6-hectare park, is an
ideal spot to spend a weekend in the department of Tarn,
to take a refreshing break in the country with the family,
to have a romantic getaway, or to hold a seminar in the
middle of the Midi-Pyrenees region of France.
www.abbaye-soreze.fr/
Third day
8.00 am: Departure to Conques, in the Aveyron Department
10.30 am: Arrival in Conques - Member of the most
beautiful villages in France
10.45 am: Visit of Conques and its treasure Conques,
the jewel of Romanesque art
Pilgrims descended from the austere and wild Aubrac plateau towards the Lot valley and a major stop: Conques.
In their thousands, they flocked to the Via Podiensis in
search of their inner self.
At the end of the trail, the superb mediaeval village of
Conques and its abbey-church with its splendid tympanum, which remains one of the most important centres
of art and spirituality in the western world. Thanks to
the relics of Sainte Foy, brought here from Agen in 883,
Conques became one of the main stops on the Santiago
de Compostela pilgrimage route from Puy en Velay. This
is still the case today, numerous walkers take to this historical trail, stopping in the heart of the village where they
are welcomed by the monks.
Office de Tourisme - Le bourg - 12320 CONQUES
Tel.: 33 (0)5 65 72 85 00
www.tourisme-conques.fr
12.00 pm: Lunch at l’hôtel St Foy
2.00 pm: Departure for Najac
4.00 pm: Visit of Najac - Member of the most beautiful villages in France
Najac stretches out along a single street. The village is
perched on an exceptionally long rocky ridge. Right at
the end, the imposing Castle. Below, the meanders of
the river Aveyron.
Najac is a green village, surrounded by forests that offer
varied and astonishing tones all year round. The widening
of the street turning it into a vast square bears witness to its
transformation into a bastide in the middle of the 13th century. Right along the street you will admire the large number of
old houses and a remarkable 14th century fountain still in situ.
14
Fourth day
9.00 am: Departure for Rodez
5.00 pm: Departure for Villefranche-de-Rouergue
5.30 pm: Visit of Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Your stroll through the bastide’s narrow streets will undoubtedly lead you to the central square, the heart of the
town. A square lined by covered arcades characteristic of
the bastides and by the enormous entrance porch of the
Collegiate church.
Can you be here on a Thursday morning? If so, make
the most of the market with its local colours and smells.
Then, continue and enjoy the riches of the town’s architectural heritage.
The old centre of the bastide lets you discover Place
Notre Dame and its couverts (arcades), the collegiate
church and its powerful porch-bell tower, the mediaeval
streets as well as the rich merchants’ houses whose doors
and towers symbolised the social position of its inhabitants in the 15th century.
Office de Tourisme*** Villefranche-de-Rouergue
Promenade du Guiraudet
BP239 -12202 VILLEFRANCHE DE ROUERGUE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 45 13 18
6.30 pm: Check in - Hôtel les Fleurines
8.00 pm: Diner at restaurant l’Univers
10.00 am: Visit of Rodez and the Soulages Museum
Visiting the Cathedral and its magnificient bell tower is a prelude
to a walk in the historical centre
through a pedestrian route.
You extend the discovery of
the City with an access to the
Soulages Museum.
Pierre Soulages is an internationally celebrated contemporary painter who was born in
Rodez in 1919. The museum
hosts an outstanding collection, providing a remarkable
home for his works, but also for
temporary exhibitions.
Office de tourisme du Grand Rodez
12 place de la Cité - 12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 75 76 77
12.00: Lunch at the Kiosque
This establishment is located in the heart of the public
garden in front of bandstand dating the 20s in the shade
of lime trees.
Le Kiosque proposes you a cooking based on the fish,
the seafood as well as Portuguese specialities without
forgetting the flavours Aveyronnaises that you can have a
rough time since his shaded terrace.
Le Kiosque - Avenue Victor Hugo - 12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 68 56 21
www.lekiosque-rodez.fr
Before 4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting to
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Eric MAURY
Tél: 33 (0)5 65 75 55 74 / 33 (0)6 48 14 48 78
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
15
4
THE RECORDS
BREAKER TOUR
What do the Basilica of Saint Sernin in Toulouse, Millau Viaduct in the heart of the Grands Causses Regional Nature
Park, and the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi have in common? Their magnificence!
First day
9.00 am: Transfer by bus.
9.30 am: Guided tour of the new museum Aeroscopia
Based on four “icons” of aeronautical history, Caravelle, Concorde, Super Guppy and Airbus A300B, as well
as over 30 historic machines, Aéroscopia offer an extensive cultural programme: exhibitions, activities, festivals,
educational meetings… The park consists of an exhibition building (5000 m2), a reception building (1000 m2)
and an outdoor display area (4000 m2). Visitors have access to the 3 main plane models displayed outside (Super
Guppy, Concorde and A300B) via footbridges connected
to the historic exhibition gallery.
Groupe Manatour - Allée André-Turcat - 31700 BLAGNAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 39 42 00
www.musee-aeroscopia.fr
Contact: Mrs Vicenta Molinero: [email protected]
11.15 am: Jean-Luc Lagardère english guided tour
Airbus A380 (1h30) - PASSPORT MANDATORY
Discover the fascinating world of Airbus. The tour begins
in the "telemetry room" with a presentation of the A380
programme. You will then enter the Jean-Luc Lagardère
site and see, from an observation tower, the general testing stations, the outside testing stations and an overall
view of the entire site.
12.45: End of the guided tour - Transfer to the restaurant
1.00 pm: Lunch at the Ribouldingue
1 avenue Firmin Pons - 31700 BLAGNAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 71 96 95
www.restaurant-leribouldingue.fr
3.00 pm: Transfer to the city-center
3.30 pm: Walking guided tour to discover Toulouse
heritage.
is dedicated. This monument is an essential stage on the
The Jacobins Convent, the Mother House of the Order of
Preaching Friars, an order that was founded in 1216 by Saint
Dominique. Famous for its “Palm Tree”, this magnificent
example of monastic architecture has 2 naves, built between
1230-1340, divided by 7 columns supporting its starry vaults.
The Capitole, now the home of the Town Hall and the
Théâtre National du Capitole, this building is remarkable
16
for its façade with its eight pink marble columns, its Cour
Henri IV and the "Salle des Illustres" (inspired by the Galleria Farnese in Rome), where the gilt mouldings vie with
the painted cartouches. Also on your tour are the JeanPaul Laurens, Henri Martin and Paul Gervais Rooms.
11 quai Saint-Pierre - 31000 Toulouse
mittent warfare. The first impression of Cordes is formed
by its military role during the Middle Ages; thickset and
austere, where the stones are piled high for protection.
One has to break through the first line of defence (there
are five in all!), the gateways 'les portes de l'Horloge,
de la Jane or des Ormeaux' to discover the hanging
gardens, the fig trees, the almond trees. Secrets like
oriental gardens. Higher still, the central market square
and the covered market, the Middle Age give way to the
Renaissance: elegant facades - the magnificent houses of
the Grand Fauconnier, Grand Ecuyer, Grand Veneur- the
large mullioned windows, genre sculpture, hewed out of
stone. Here the wealth of Cordes, its taste for life is there
for all to see. At the end of the summer, under 'les Halles',
the villagers gather to celebrate good life.
Night in Toulouse at Mercure Compans Cafarelli****
Boulevard Lascrosses - 8 Esplanade Compans Caffarelli
31 000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 11 09 09
www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1585-mercure-toulouse-centre-compans-hotel/index.shtml
12.30: Lunch at the new restaurant “La Magnanerie”
situated at the foot of the medieval village.
Tourist Office of Cordes sur Ciel
Place Jeanne Ramel-Cals - 81170 CORDES SUR CIEL
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 56 00 52
www.cordessurciel.fr
5.00 pm: End of the visit
From 5.00 to 7.30 pm: Exclusive shopping at Galeries Lafayette Toulouse
Welcome desk «Rendez-vous en France» on the 6th floor
2.00 pm: transfer to Albi
Second day
8.30 am: Transfer to the medieval fortified village of
Cordes sur Ciel
Cordes-sur-Ciel, very first Bastide of Midi-Pyrénées, classified as Great Tourist Site Midi-Pyrénées.
9.30 am: Cordes sur Ciel, imposing on its promontory,
defensive behind its ramparts.
Incontrovertibly a bastide town, with its charter dating
back to 1222, a difficult birth during a century of inter-
2.30 pm: Guided Tour of Albi, listed as Great Site
Midi-Pyrénées
ALBI, the Episcopal City was listed World Heritage by
the UNESCO in August 2010.
"Crucible of brick", "fortress of faith", "Italian city",
Albi has stimulated the imagination of those seeking an
epithet to describe its appeal. With the trilogy of the
Sainte Cécile cathedral, the Palais Berbie (which houses
the Toulouse-Lautrec museum) and the “pont vieux”,
not forgetting the charm of the old streets. Bright red
in the morning sunlight, sombre red at dusk, deserted
in the heat of the afternoon. Half-timbered corbelled
houses, narrow passages, cobbled streets... medieval
buildings with the colours of the south. Stroll around,
follow your instincts; the slightest opening may reveal
hidden treasures: the Hotel Reynes with its extraordinary loggia, built by a rich pastel merchant in 1530, the
cloisters of Saint Salvy (13th century) with their triangular lawn and twinned columns... Beyond the obvious
and the well-known, Albi likes to surprise its visitors,
particularly rewarding for those who are not in a hurry.
From the 'pont vieux' (one of the oldest in France),
watch the sun go down: night descending as it casts its
shadow over the belfry - from the dungeon to the nave,
from the nave to the ramparts and finally down to the
water's edge.
Since 1922, over a thousand works, paintings, lithographs, drawings and all posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec have been kept and shown at the Museum in Albi.
This exceptional collection is on display at the Palais de
la Berbie, or Berbia Palace, a powerful fortress built in the
13th century, which has thus become the largest museum
in the world to show the works of Toulouse-Lautrec, who
was born in the town in 1864.
This most prestigious collection was given to the Museum by the artist's relatives, the Count and Countess of
Toulouse-Lautrec, advised by Maurice Joyant, a friend of
the artist, and by Joyant's cousin, Doctor Tapié de Céleyran. The museum's paintings exhibited are considered
among the painter's most famous works.
17
Sainte-Cécile Cathedral.
century wall paintings, a rood screen, without mentioning the
lace of stones enhancing the «last judgement day» paintings,
all of these being rare examples of church indoor ornaments.
Tel.: +33 (0)563 49 48 80
6.30 pm: Installation to your hotel, Grand Hôtel d’Orléans*** a warm welcome plus fine local dining.
5th generation Hotelkeepers restaurant owners', Hélène and
Olivier Arguel welcome you in their family hotel where professionalism, comfort and warm welcome make this address
one of the safe values appreciated by tourism professionals.
Most of their rooms are refurbished this year 2016.
1 Place Stalingrad - 81000 ALBI
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 54 16 56
www.hotel-orleans-albi.com
8.00 pm: Diner at the restaurant “Le Goulu” in the
hotel.
Third day
8.30 am: Departure for Lacaune-Les-Bains
10.00 am: Visit of the Salting enterprise Oberti & fils
Visit of the traditional salting founded in 1956, recently
open to the public. Today, working with his two daughters, this family company carries since 3 generations the
secular know-how of the Mounts of Lacaune.
Salaisons Oberti & Fils - Granisse - 81230 LACAUNE-LES-BAINS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 37 00 21
www.oberti.fr
12.00: Welcome by the local Tourist Office and lunch
at The Relay of Fusiès in Lacaune-Les-Bains
Created in 1690 a few meters away from the current location, this first relay of diligence marks the beginning of
the adventure Fusiès in the Mounts of Lacaune. Moved on
its current location in 1902 at the instigation of grandma
Albania, the last large-scale renovation made in 2006 allows us to suggest you an establishment of character and
charm with a current comfort. (Reclassified 3 *** in 2012).
***Le Relais de Fusiès (Logis)
2 rue de la République - 81230 LACAUNE-LES-BAINS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 37 02 03
www.hotelfusies.fr
discover the animated model, its sound and light show,
its museum- its gallery of illustrated people, without forgetting the free tasting.
Visit of the famous cheese's maturing caves. Reconstruction of the formation of the caves. History of Roquefort.
Commentated visit of the refining caves. Free tasting.
Roquefort Société
Avenue François Galtier - 12250 ROQUEFORT-SUR-SOULZON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 58 54 38
www.roquefort-societe.com
4.30 pm: Departure for Jardin des explorateurs
5.00 pm: Visit of le Jardin des explorateurs
The “Viaduc Espace Info” at the foot of the Viaduct offers
a viaduct info area as well as the "jardin des explorateurs"
(explorers' garden), a fun open air exhibition where you
will learn everything about the viaduct and its construction and that will enable you to enter the viaduct’s P2
pillar, the tallest in the world.
This unique viewing area, created in the old caussenarde
farm of Brocuéjouls, is the ideal place for discovering
Millau viaduct, the Aveyron, its cultural and natural heritage and the local gastronomy. Both a “viewing area”
and “tourist information centre”, it also offers a “gastronomical area”.
Take a few minutes to climb to the belvedere viewing
point from where you can admire the sublime and panoramic view of the viaduct. You can then taste, amongst
other things, the famous “capucins” made by the Michelin starred chef Michel Bras in the gastronomical area
or learn all there is to know about the viaduct and its
construction in the Eiffage company Expo/Boutique area.
Viaduc Espace Info
Les Cazalous RD 992 - Route d'Albi 12100 CREISSELS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 61 61 54 / +33 (0)5 65 59 06 99
www.leviaducdemillau.com
6.00 pm : Visit of the viaduct area
7.00 pm: Check-in and Diner at Cévenol Hotel*** and
its restaurant le Pot d’Etain
The hotel- restaurant Cevenol Hotel is open all year. Located 300 m from the city center, it offers views of the
Millau Viaduct With private parking, swimming pool and
terrace. Seminars and groups Meals.
Quiet and pleasant, at the confluence of the Tarn and the
Dourbie, the charming hotel at the foot of Millau. Fully
refurbished rooms, pleasant and bright, king size beds .
Cevenol Hotel - 115 Rue du Rajol - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 74 44
www.cevenol-hotel.fr
2.00 pm: Departure for Roquefort-surSoulzon
3.30 pm: Arrival in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
and visit of Roquefort Cave Société.
Enter into the legend of Roquefort Société!
For an hour, accompanied by a guide, learn
about the mystery of these natural cellars
and the secrets of these Master-Maturers. In
a grandiose setting stamped with solemnity,
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Fourth day
10.00 am: Visit of Millau
Millau is part of the national network of towns and regions
of art and History since 2010. You will stroll through the
old town with a French Ministry of Culture certified tour
guide. You will discover the History of the city, its world
famous knowledge of leather work and glove making, its
medieval tower, the Palace of the kings of Aragon, and its
belfry, Notre Dame de l'Espinasse Church and its impressive fresco relating the life of the Virgin Mary and the main
monuments of the town, the Maison du Peuple, the meeting place for social discussions and work conditions, and
its Protestant Temple...
Office de Tourisme de Millau**** - 1 Place du Beffroi -12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 02 42
11.00 am: Fabrication of hand-cut leather gloves «Fabres»
Sales of gloves at factory prices. Sales area with leather
goods and clothes. Presentation of the Millau site, its cutting out work, assembly and finished models. Free visit.
Two boutiques in Paris: les Gants du palais (01 42 60 75
88) and Les Saints Pères (01 42 22 44 86). Glove manufacturer in Millau, in the same family since 1924. Entirely
renovated by Guy FALCO. The family glove makers welcomes 20 000 visitors a year.
Maison Fabre Ganterie - 20 Boulevard Gambetta - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 58 24
www.maisonfabre.com
12.00: Lunch at Capion
Nestled in a small street in the city center, the restaurant
is waiting for you to discover an inventive and refined
cuisine. People come here mainly for traditional cuisine,
noted for inventive touches and flavors of the world that
the Christian Right Aveline known to change with the
seasons and his inspiration.
Capion - 3, rue Jean Alméras - 12100 MILLAU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 60 00 91
www.restaurant-capion.com
As soon as you approach the village set in the heart of
the Causse du Larzac you are surprised by the two towers
that spring from a rocky chaos.
Come through the old fortified gateway, a meander of
streets, small covered passageways and 15th century
houses await you. Climb up to the chemin de ronde
walkway on the ramparts and you dominate the listed
village and admire the exceptionally well preserved surrounding countryside. The village is brought to life by the
artisan boutiques and old shops.
Dare to open the doors of time and plunge into the life
of this mediaeval village! You will discover, on your own
or accompanied by a guide, an exceptional heritage
built by the Knights Templar and Hospitaller. This listed
and protected fortified village is full of treasure: the 12th
century Knights Templar château, the Templar then later
Hospitaller church, the 14th century oven, the ramparts,
the lavogne water hole and a maze of streets lined with
small shops and houses typical of the Causse. Mediaeval
events and visits of different kinds are offered.
Office de Tourisme Larzac et Vallées - Place du Claux - 12230 NANT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 62 23 64
www.tourisme-larzac.com/
13h45 : Departure for La Couvertoirade
14H15 : Visit of La Couvertoirade - Classified at the
most beautiful village in France
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Eric MAURY
Tél: 33 (0)5 65 75 55 74 / 33 (0)6 48 14 48 78
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
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5
ARMAGNAC, GASCONY
AND FRONTON VINEYARDS
TOULOUSE / HAUTE-GARONNE / GERS
Discover the gastronomic wealth of our region, which make it one of the most appreciated by gourmets and gourmands.
First day
Fronton, the vineyard of Toulouse
What makes the difference in this little winegrowing area
of just 2400 hectares is its high proportion of Négrette,
a variety with delightful aromatic intensity, and which gives birth to fruity and elegant wines, with aromas of violet, blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice with touches
of pepper. Over the centuries, this black grape, which is
where it gets the name Négrette from, has become an
exclusive variety in the Fronton appellation.
www.vins-de-fronton.com
9.45 am: Welcome by Laurence & Claude at Gîtes des
Palombes in Fronton.
In their wooden chalets situated on a big raised park, in a
peaceful place, Laurence welcomes you for the breakfast.
Les gîtes des Palombes : Laurence FERRAN
375A chemin de Pourradel - 31620 FRONTON
Coordonnées GPS : Longitude 1,392 Latitude 43,825
Tel.: +33 (0)6 22 26 45 08 / +33 (0)6 15 89 92 10
www.lesgitesdespalombes.fr
10.00 am: Stroll in quad!
After that, you will go to quad bike with Eric (Rando Quad
Aventure) to Château Caze in Villaudric village.
Rando Quad Aventure : Eric GIACOBONE
205 chemin de Tarda - 31620 FRONTON
Tel.: +33 (0)6 80 24 06 57
www.rando-quad-aventure.com
10.30 am: Martine Rougevin-Baville welcomes you at
Château Caze
Arrival in quad at Château Caze: the oldest wine
storehouse of AOP Fronton, built in the end of the 18th
century. In this estate of AOP Fronton, appellation that
has just celebrated its 40 years; you will discover Négrette, symbolic grape variety of AOP Fronton, but also
the management of the vineyard, the wine production
secrets through the various stages of wine making. A
wines tasting will be offered after the tour.
Château Caze : Martine ROUGEVIN - BAVILLE
45 rue de la Négrette - 31620 VILLAUDRIC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 82 92 70
www.chateaucaze.com
Return towards Maison des Vins et du Tourisme in
Fronton
20
12.30: Tasting & lunch at la Maison des Vins & du Tourisme in Fronton
Near Toulouse, the Maison des Vins et du Tourisme is
located in the heart of the Fronton vineyards in the remarkable setting of a residence dating from the end of
the 19th century in its 7 hectare park.
This so beautifully restored and transformed building,
has become a space of discovery of the Fronton appellation and its territory.
Maison des Vins & du Tourisme - Château de Capdeville
140 allée du Château - 31620 FRONTON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 82 46 33 / +33 (0)5 61 74 80 69
Email: [email protected] (Maison des vins)
Email: [email protected] (Office de Tourisme)
2.30 pm: Welcome by Laurent Phillis at the Domaine
de Cransac
Château Cransac is ideally located in the vineyards of Fronton, not so far away from Toulouse and Montauban, about
30 minutes. We suggest you to make a guided tour. We
make all the best to share our wine passion with you. Guided
tours of the wine making cellar and barrel cellar, to discover
the vineyards, a tasting will be offered after the tour.
Château Cransac -1020, chemin du Cotité - BP 61 - 31620 FRONTON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 79 34 30
www.chateaucransac.com
4.30 pm: return to Toulouse
Night in Toulouse at Pullman**** hotel
84 Allées Jean Jaurès - 31000 TOULOUSE
www.pullmanhotels.com/fr/hotel-1091-pullman-toulouse-centre/
index.shtml
tower, extrication of the mural paintings of the 12th Century, revival of the alter from 1096, the crypts and the displays of the treasure trove (with its exceptional works). An
important pilgrimage stop on the Way of Saint James,
“Routes to Santiago de Compostela”.
The Jacobins: In this building entirely made of bricks, the
contrast between its massive or even austere aspect of
the exterior and the extraordinary lightness of the interior architecture where the famous palm-tree ribs thrust
upwards. There is also the cloister, the sacristy, the chapter house, a chapel dedicated to Saint Antonin decorated
with a set of mural paintings from the 14th Century which
are unique in Toulouse along with a refectory where prestigious exhibitions are organised.
The Capitole: The current city hall (Hôtel de Ville) and
Théâtre National du Capitole orchestra and opera house,
this building is remarkable with its 8 columns of pink
marble on façade, Henry IV courtyard, the place where
the Duke of Montmorency was killed, and the “Salle des
Illustres” inspired by the Farnese Gallery in Rome where
the golden mouldings compete with the beauty of the
paintings in the cartouches. Also see the rooms JeanPaul Laurens, Henri Martin, Paul Gervais.
From 11.00 am to 2.00 pm: the visit goes on for food
and wine lovers.
Let’s go to the famous Victor Hugo market in order to discover the best specialities from South West of France and
to choose the products which will make up your meal.
Then you will go to a wine cellar to find the good wines
which will be in harmony with what you bought before.
Finally it is in one of the best « pâtisserie » of the city that
you will choose your dessert. It is in a typical apartment
of Toulouse that you will enjoy your meal ! Florence the
enologist will take time for to teach you a local wine tasting.
2.00 pm: Departure for Gers-Gascony.
Second day
From 9.00 am to 11.00 am: walking guided tour to
discover the cultural heritage of Toulouse.
Saint-Sernin Basilica: a masterpiece of Roman art, the
Saint-Sernin basilica has had significant renovation work
done on it over the past 30 years: recovery of the bell
3.30 pm: Mauvezin - Visit of the Brewery «L'Excuse»
In Gers, it's possible to find excellent brewery. Romain
Biscan created it in 2014 and it is a success. He produces
quality craft beers and organizes tours of its brewery.
Romain BISCAN - Route de Gimont - 32120 MAUVEZIN
Tel.: +33 (0)6 74 00 34 33
www.brasserie-lexcuse.com 21
5.30 pm: Saint-Puy - Visit of Château de Monluc and
taste of Pousse-Rapière.
The present Chateau Monluc, in the centre of Gascony, is
built on a site that has been continuously inhabited since
the latter part of the Stone Age from around 9500 BC.
During the guided tour, you will discover the rich historical past of the château renovated in the 16th century by
Blaise de Monluc, Marchal of France and illustrious captain of the wars in Italy, and how the chateau has been
modified by its inhabitants. The chateau is now the headquarters of a big wine estate which produces the well
known POUSSE-RAPIERE cocktail. The production and
refinement of the Vins de Pays, sparkling wines, liqueurs
and Armagnacs are all detailed during the uderground
cellar tour and ancient wine-press visit. Exhibiton of ancient wine making equipment.
Château Monluc - Jérôme LASSUS - 32310 SAINT-PUY
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 28 94 00
www.monluc.fr
7.00 pm: Lectoure - Check in Hôtel de Bastard.
In the spa resort of Lectoure, town of Art & History, enclosed within its ramparts, at the heart of Gascony, welcome to Hotel de Bastard. If you arrive by car you can
drive straight into our private garage and on foot you
will enter this fine townhouse through a magnificent 18th
century porch. Our bedrooms, each with its own personal
design style, are located on the first and second floors of
our two buildings. Garden, swimming pool, and an interior courtyard on which meals are served in summer…
Our chef will present you with tasty creative cooking, with
pride of place being given to local produce. Whether for
business seminars, family get-togethers or a romantic
weekend break, you will appreciate the peace and calm
of this fine 18th century townhouse.
Hotel De Bastard - Philippe & Annick BIRCKEL
Rue Lagrange - 32700 LECTOURE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 68 82 44
www.hotel-de-bastard.com
8.00 pm: Diner at Hôtel de Bastard.
Third day
8.30 am: Departure for Caussens.
9.00 am: Visit of the Château de Mons's vineyard.
Since its origins around 1285 and until its purchase by the
Gers chamber of Agriculture in 1963, "Chateau de Mons"
had been the home of many families and had been an
important historical place for the "tenareze area", before
becoming the conservatory of "Gascon" tradition and
Know-how. The Castle with its main body of remarkable
architecture, is located in the middle of a park planted
with cedar and redwood trees, and surrounded by 80
hectares of land. Our 35 rooms with 1 or 2 beds (13 including bathroom and telephone) will ensure you a complete rest. In the castle, the biliard table, reading room,
tennis court, and fitness room are at your free disposal.
Château de Mons - 32100 CAUSSENS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 68 30 30
www.chateau-mons.fr
11.00 am: Armagnac Delord - Visit of domaine.
Founded 1893… It was Prosper Delord, a travelling
distiller, who initially fell in love with the magnificent
eau-de-vie of Armagnac. In 1893, he founded the
house of Delord that became the Armagnac Delord
Brothers, when his two sons Gaston and Georges
took over the alambic still and followed in their father's footsteps with the same passion for Armagnac.
Today, Gaston's sons Jacques and Pierre Delord continue the family tradition, along with the next generation,
Jérôme and Sylvain. Situated in Bas-Armagnac, our vineyards are made up of Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Folle
Blanche grape varieties.
The distillery is to be found in the village of Lannepax, the
ancestral home of the Delord family. The distillation, the
most essential and fascinating stage in the production
of Armagnac, takes place at the beginning of November
through to the end of December. Our old Sier Armagnac
alambics, that we wouldn't part with for all the gold in the
world, produce less than 30 litres of eau-de-vie an hour. Our
cellars contain our old treasured vintages and include more
than 700 oak barrels that protect and age the Armagnac
eau-de-vie dating from the 20th Century to the present day.
ARMAGNAC DELORD - Joëlle - Rue Principale - 32190 LANNEPAX
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 06 36 07
www.armagnacdelord.com
1.00 pm: Nogaro - Lunch at Hôtel*** Restaurant Solenca. The bedrooms of Hotel Solenca, many of which are located on the ground floor, have all been totally renovated
and are air-conditioned and soundproofed. The hotel
is equipped with a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna,
gymnasium, boules area as well as a number of soundproofed modular function rooms for group events and
seminars. The bedroom furniture is also new: large beds
(200 x 160cm & 200 x 100cm), 22" wall-mounted LCD TV
screens, free Wi-Fi. A number of Quality labels, such as
"Qualité Tourisme", "Tourisme et Handicap" and Ecolabel testify to our commitment to quality and service.
Enjoy gastronomic meals and regional specialities in our
air-conditioned restaurant or on the poolside terrace.
The quality and originality of our meals has also been
22
recognized, with the award of a number of quality labels:
"Restaurateurs de France", "Maître Restaurateur" and
Logis "2 cocottes".
Hôtel*** Restaurant Solenca - Gérard DUCES - 32110 NOGARO
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 09 09 08
www.solenca.com
3.00 pm: Saint-Mont - Visit of Saint Mont 's wine cooperative.
Ever since the Middle Ages, the passion with which the
Benedictine monks of Saint Mont Monastery patiently
transformed grapes into wine has been handed down
from generation to generation giving birth to a real and
enduring love affair between man and the land.
For many years, until the arrival of André Dubosc, a local
boy from a family of three generations of winemakers,
the wine produced was destined for distillation and the
production of Armagnac.
With a group of young winegrowers Dubosc set about
waking up the appellation of Saint Mont, revitalising the
sweet white wines of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and creating
Vin de Pays dry whites (Côtes de Gascogne). In 1979 the
three wine cooperatives of Plaisance, Aignan and SaintMont in the Gers joined forces - and initials (PL for Plaisance, AI for Aignan and MONT for Saint-Mont) - to set
up a united group of cooperatives and vineyards which
became “Plaimont Producteurs” in the Gers.
In 1999, Plaimont Producteurs were joined by the cooperatives of Crouseilles (producing Madiran, Pacherenc
du Vic-Bilh and Béarn) and Condom (Côtes de Gascogne
and Condomois).
SCA Vignerons Du Saint Mont - Route d'Orthez - 32400 SAINT MONT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 69 62 87
www.vins-saintmont.com
4.30 pm: Maumusson-Laguian - Visit of the Castle
Bouscassé/Vineyards Brumont.
You will discover regional meals, in perfect agreement
with the wines Vineyards Brumont. BRUMONT winemaker Alain recognized and respected in the wine environment develops great wines of international recognition.
In the 80s, he proved to the whole world through prestige
cuvées that could make great wines in Madiran. Owns
more than 300 hectares of vineyards divided into 3 main
areas of production, he wants to share his philosophy of
winemaking. Castle Bouscassé product 3 Madiran wines,
3 Pacherenc Vic Bihl wines and 1 Pays de Gascogne wine.
During your visit to Castle Bouscassé, you will receive a
warm welcome by a personalized and specifically trained
pedagogical staff to taste wines produced by Alain BRUMONT. You can also visit during your discover the underground cellar breeding, housing some 1,000 oak barrels.
See also on site: Gardens Bouscassé.
Chateau Bouscasse - Vignobles Brumont
32400 MAUMUSSON-LAGUIAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 69 74 67
www.brumont.fr
6.00 pm: Check in Hôtel-Restaurant Domaine de Baulieu.
Domaine de Baulieu is a fully-restored former Gascon
farm located in the upper reaches of Auch. The hotel provides accommodation in rooms that offer the very best in
terms of modern comforts, including flat-screen TV with
satellite channels, bath or walk-in shower, private toilets,
WiFi, free car park... This little slice of paradise is made all
the more pleasurable by the provision of a heated swimming pool and a relaxation area with spa and jacuzzi,
and all of this set within a splendid estate. Domaine de
Baulieu also boasts a large reception room for hosting a
vast range of special events. It is also possible to rent the
entire hotel for a private event. The peace and calm that
reign at Domaine de Baulieu will ensure that you enjoy a
truly memorable stay.
Hotel Domaine de Baulieu - Chemin de Lussan - 32000 AUCH
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 59 97 38
www.ledomainedebaulieu.com
7.30 pm: Diner at Domaine de Baulieu
23
Fourth day
10.00 am: Auch, heart of Gascony. Visit of this Great
Tourist Sites Midi-Pyrénées.
Indeed, from whichever direction one arrives, especially
coming from Toulouse, a prestigious architectural ensemble made up by St Mary’s Cathedral, the monumental Staircase overhanged by the statue of D'Artagnan, the
Prefecture (previously an archiepiscopal palace) and the
Tower of Armagnac can be admired. The city expands
on either side of the river Gers: on the left bank, around
the cathedral lays the medieval part, whereas on the right
bank, 19th and 20th century buildings stand in the plain,
on the side of large avenues opened to the exterior.
Visit of the Saint Mary's Cathedral (15th - 17th centuries),
the major site on the route to Santiago de Compostela
designated on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is one
of the most recent cathedrals in France but also one of
its vastest and richest: over 100 m long and 40 m wide
with 2 towers 44 m high framing the superb Renaissance
façade. Started in 1489, its construction took 200 years.
To be seen: the chair and its 113 stalls, incomparable
iconographic ensemble with over 1,500 characters sculpted in oak, the 18 stained glass windows masterpiece of
Arnaud de Moles. They offer a vision of the world from
the Creation to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and comment the theme in the parallelism between the Old and
the New Testaments. Auch Tourism Office - Sylvain Pechcontal - 32000 AUCH
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 05 22 89
www.auch-tourisme.com
12.00: Departure for Montpellier - lunch (picnic in the
bus).
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Gers Tourist Information Office
Richard RAMBOER
Tel.: . +33 (0)5 62 05 95 95
www.tourisme-gers.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Haute-Garonne Tourist Board
Corinne DURAND
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 99 44 10
www.resa31.com
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
24
AROUND CAHORS AND GAILLAC VINEYARDS
L O T / TA R N
Discover the authenticity of the Great Tourist Sites Midi-Pyrénées around Cahors and Gaillac, through the visit of their
famous vineyards and typical small villages and bastides.
First day
9.00 am: Departure from Toulouse to the Lot department
10.30 am: Arrival in the vineyard of Cahors at Château Lagrézette: visit of the famous wine-domain, followed by a wine-tasting of Cahors AOP
Built in the 15th c. on the foundation of a 12th c. fortified house, the Château Lagrézette was purchased in
1980 by Alain Dominique Perrin. Produced by traditional
methods, the wines of Lagrézette fully illustrate the revival of the Cahors appellation.
Domaine de Lagrézette -M. PERRIN - Lieu-dit Lagrézette - 46110 CAILLAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 20 07 42
www.château-lagrezette.com
12.30 pm: Lunch at the hotel-restaurant*** Le Vinois
This 10-rooms hotel is a member of the « Hôtels de
Charme et de Caractère en Midi-Pyrénées ». The restaurant is labeled « Bonnes Tables du Lot ».
Hotel-restaurant*** Le Vinois - Mr Mrs VOISIN - La Croix - 46140 CAILLAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 30 53 60
www.levinois.com
2.00 pm: Transfer to the vineyard of Cahors through
the touristic route of the Lot Valley and the charming
villages of Crayssac, Luzech, Albas and Belaye (stops
depending on weather conditions and the time left)
Having long enjoyed a good reputation, Cahors wine is
now classed amongst the best in France. This vineyard
spreads along the beautiful Lot Valley and up on to the
hot, dry "causse" (limestone plateau) which overlooks
Cahors. In 1971, the vineyard was awarded AOC status
for its 4200 hectares. Sun, soil and know-how combine
to produce Cahors wines whose flamboyant personality
is drawn from their traditional grape variety, the Malbec,
admirably seconded by Tannat and Merlot.
Discover various landscapes shaped by meanders of the
Lot and enjoy 2 different facets of the vineyard: from below and from above, or how the vineyard, which came
down from the hillsides, have settled the plain…
3.00 pm: Guided tour of the village Puy-l'Evêque
Puy L’Evêque has been built on isthmus, surrounded by
steep hills; it is a delightful medieval village situated on
the right bank of the meandering river Lot, with considerable historic interest, XIVth century church, and golden
houses that clusters along the narrow streets.
Tourist Office Vallée du Lot et du vignoble
12 Grand Rue - 46700 PUY-L'EVÊQUE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 31 37 63
www.tourisme-lot-vignoble.com
4.00 pm: Transfer to the vineyard
4.30 pm: Visit of the family-run wine-domain Château
Fantou and Cahors wine tasting
Château Fantou is a very old property where the AldhuyThévenot family works since 5 generations in the town
of Prayssac, in the heart of the Cahors vineyard. Nowadays Aurélie and Loïc, her husband, welcome you all year
round in their traditional 19th century-house near the Lot
river. They work 21 hectares of vineyards to organic farming.
Château Fantou - Mr Mrs ALDHUY-THEVENOT - 46220 PRAYSSAC
Tel.: 33 (0)5 65 30 61 85
Email: châ[email protected]
www.chateau-fantou.com
5.30 pm: Transfer back to Cahors
25
6
11.00 am: Discovery of the Cahors wine and tasting
at the « Cahors Malbec Lounge »
A design place dedicated to wine and Cahors vineyard
especially, located in the heart of Cahors.
Cahors Malbec Lounge - U.I.V.C - Villa Cahors Malbec
Mr Jérémy ARNAUD/Mr Armand De GERARD
Place François Mitterrand - 46000 CAHORS CEDEX
Tel.: +33 (0)6 85 79 32 94 / +33 (0)5 65 23 82 35
www.vindecahors.fr
12.00 : Transfer to Cieurac
6.30 pm: Arrival in Cahors at the hotel-restaurant La
Chartreuse for the night, check-in
50-rooms hotel-restaurant completely renewed, labeled
« Logis de France », very well-located on the banks of the
river Lot, close the heart of the town.
Hotel-restaurant La Chartreuse (Logis 3 chimneys, 2 pots)
Mr. Lionel MARSAUD - Saint Georges - 46000 CAHORS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 35 17 37 / +33 (0)5 65 22 30 03
www.hotel-la-chartreuse.com
7.30 pm: Boarding onto the passenger boat “Le Fénelon” to have dinner on the Lot river
Boarding for the evening onto the boat « Le Fénelon »
and having dinner on the river (if weather is good, the
boat will sail on the Lot).
Les Croisières Fénelon - Mr GINIER - Allées des Soupirs - 46000 CAHORS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 30 16 55 / +33 (0)5 65 24 92 67
www.bateau-cahors.com
Around 10.30 pm: Back to the hotel
12.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant “La Table de HauteSerre"
Château de Haute Serre - Mrs VIGOUROUX - 46230 CIEURAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 20 80 20 / 80 / +33 (0)5 65 20 80 21
www.hauteserre.fr
2.30 pm: Visit of the wine-domain of Haute Serre and
showing of a truffle hunt (« cavage »)
On the heights above Cahors, the Château de Haute
Serre is a historic vineyard which provides not only vineyard and winery visits, but also tasting workshops, harvest workshops, cookery lessons…
The restaurant, located within the winery itself, is developing the concept of «bistronomy» where refined cuisine
shows the excellent local products of the Lot to their best
advantage. Then enter the world of truffle growing and
discover the truffle's secrets: visit the truffle plantation
and see a truffle hunt (“cavage”) with the help of a dog.
The black truffle “tuber melanosporum” grows in the Lot
and especially around Lalbenque, a few kilometres from
Cahors: Lalbenque is even labeled “Site remarquable du
gout” for its truffle market which takes place every Tuesday between December and March.
4.00 pm: Departure to the Tarn department
Second day
8.30 am: Departure by coach to visit Cahors
Until 11.00 am: Guided visit of Cahors, « Great Tourist site Midi-Pyrénées »
river Lot, was an important town in Roman times, and a
flourishing commercial and university centre. The city has
conserved a remarkable number of fine mediaeval houses
once belonging to the religious aristocracy and the merchant bourgeoisie, as well as the Cathedral of St Etienne
(St. Stephen), with its 2 cupolas and Romanesque portal.
bridge, UNESCO World Heritage listed, and symbol
of Cahors. It stands close to the Santiago Pilgrim Way,
still much frequented by walkers and pilgrims. Discover
also the indoor market and the weekly outdoor market
(Wednesday and Saturday) on the cathedral square.
Tel.: 33 (0)5 65 53 20 65 / 33 (0)5 65 53 20 74
6.00 pm: Setting at the ***Hostellerie du Vieux
Cordes (Logis)
Former 13th century monastery, this typical countryside
hotel downtown the medieval village and overlooking
the valley will surely charm you.
21 rue Saint Michel - 81170 CORDES-SUR-CIEL
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 53 79 20
www.vieuxcordes.fr
7.30 pm: Quick presentation of the medieval fortified
village of Cordes sur Ciel listed Great Site Midi-Pyrénées and elected Favorite Village of the French people.
8.00 pm: Apéritif and dinner with a menu around
wines of Gaillac at the hotel
Third day
The History of the Gaillac wines - In brief, the story begins
during the Neolithic era, when vines grew wild on the banks
of the Tarn. The Emperors of Rome drank Gaillac - clearly
documented by the poet Ausone. The potteries of Montans produced amphoras in which the wine, with the addi-
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the commercial revolution resulting in the construction
of 36 Bastide towns, more than any other département.
Towns which symbolised freedom and prosperity.
Tourist Office of Vignoble & Bastides du Gaillac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 57 14 65
www.tourisme-vignoble-bastides.com
5.00 pm: Departure for the Green Station of LacauneLes-Bains (2h)
tion of a few herbs, seemed to travel well. In 972, the monks
of Candeil founded their monastery at St Michel and produced the first sparkling wines, long before Dom Perignon
in Champagne (as the locals never cease to remind you).
9.30 am: Welcome by the Tourist Office and the local
Incoming service Gaillac Visit.
Guided visit of the former Saint Michel Abbey. Brief
guided tour of the heart of the town and the Museum of
the Wine and the Vine.
10.30 am: Departure for a local wine property
11.00 am: Visit, wine tasting in a Château of the Gaillac vineyard
Initiation to oenology with the wines of the domain.
Country vigneron meal in the wine property.
3.00 pm: Departure for the discovery of one of the
medieval fortified town Bastides Albigeoises (Castelnau de Montmiral, Puycelsi, Lisle sur Tarn ou Cordessur-Ciel…)
"Bastide": the word is used to describe fortified 'new'
towns built in the south of France during the Middle
Ages. These towns were constructed in order to exploit the natural resources of the locality and to serve as
centres of commercial exchange. They played a major
role in the struggle between the English and the French
for domination of the region. The noble who founded the
town normally paid for the construction of the two principal gateways to the town, at both end of the main street.
The Tarn lived through a golden era in the Middle Ages:
7.00 pm: Welcome by the local Tourist Office at the
***hotel and restaurant Le Relais de Fusiès (Logis)
Created in 1690 a few meters away from the current location, this first relay of diligence marks the beginning of the
adventure Fusiès in the Mounts of Lacaune. Moved on
its current location in 1902 at the instigation of grandma
Albania, the last large-scale renovation made in 2006 allows us to propose you an establishment of character and
charm with a current comfort. (Reclassified 3 *** in 2012).
***Le Relais de Fusiès (Logis)
2 rue de la République - 81230 LACAUNE-LES-BAINS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 37 02 03
www.hotelfusies.fr
8.00 pm: Diner (local specialities) with Gaillac and
local wines.
Fourth day
10.00 am: Visit of the Salting enterprise Oberti & fils
Visit of the traditional salting founded in 1956, recently
open to the public. Today, working with his two daughters, this family company carries since 3 generations the
secular know-how of the Mounts of Lacaune.
Salaisons Oberti & Fils - Granisse - 81230 LACAUNE-LES-BAINS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 37 00 21
www.oberti.fr
Lunch in the Monts de Lacaune area.
Before 4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting at
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Lot CCI Lot - Anne SIMON
Tel : +33 5 65 20 35 28
Email : [email protected]
Web : www.espacepro-lot.com
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7
HEART OF GASCONY IN THE LAND OF
ARMAGNAC AND MUSKETEERS
TOULOUSE / GERS
Starting in Toulouse, this circuit focuses on nourishing both body and soul. Wending your way through the rolling hills of
the Gers département, you'll come across gem after gem: foie gras, Armagnac, D'Artagnan, Flaran Abbey, Auch Cathedral,
Jazz in Marciac, these names are part of the special way of life in and around three Great Tourist Sites Midi-Pyrénées.
First day
From 9.00 am to 2.30 pm: special morning for food
and wine lovers.
Let’s go to the famous Victor Hugo market in order to discover the best specialities from South West of France and
to choose the products which will compone your meal.
Then you will go to a wine cellar to find the good wines
which will be in harmony with what you bought before.
Finally it is in one of the best « pâtisserie » of the city that
you will choose your dessert. It is in a typical apartment
of Toulouse that you will enjoy your meal ! Florence the
enologist will take time to teach you a local wine tasting.
The Capitole : The current city hall (Hôtel de Ville) and
Lafayette Toulouse
Welcome desk « Rendez-vous en France » on the 6th floor,
From 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm: walking guided tour to
discover the cultural heritage of Toulouse.
8.00 pm : Toulouse evening at l’Espace EDF Bazacle
Saint-Sernin Basilica : a masterpiece of Roman art, the
done on it over the past 30 years : recovery of the bell
“Routes to Santiago de Compostela”.
Night in Toulouse at Appart hotel Odalys Colombelie
****
76 rue de la Colombette - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 54 82 40
www.odalys-vacances.com/location-ville/sud-ouest/toulouse/colombelie.html?duree=1#ectrans=1
The Jacobins : In this building entirely made of bricks,
the contrast between its massive or even austere aspect
of the exterior and the extraordinary lightness of the interior architecture where the famous palm-tree ribs thrust
upwards. There is also the cloister, the sacristy, the chapter house, a chapel dedicated to Saint Antonin decorated
with a set of mural paintings from the 14th Century which
are unique in Toulouse along with a refectory where prestigious exhibitions are organised.
Second day
8.30 am: Departure for Gers-Gascony.
9.30 am: Gimont - Visit of Atelier de cuisine du Foie
Gras and Hôtel*** Restaurant Villa Cahuzac.
Not only you will learn how to cook foie gras in a variety
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of ways, but also how to choose it at Gimont’s age-old,
traditional foie gras market. Learning how to recognize
its freshness, finding out the difference between farming
methods and breeds, learning how to cook all the parts
of a fattened duck, making up recipes together, discovering how to compose the right menu for the season. Located in Gimont, a small 14th century village, the elegant
11-room hotel resides in the heart of foie gras country,
in the Gers, South West France. The hotel is a converted 19th century, neo-colonial villa and has succeeded in
preserving its original "family home" feel. The soft and
charming cosy atmosphere is perfect for a night’s rest or
a longer break; the gallery conservatory featuring 12 columns opens out onto a garden misted by the fine spray
of water fountains.
Pierre DUBARRY - L’Atelier Cuisine du Foie Gras - Hôtel-Restaurant
Villa Cahuzac - 32200 GIMONT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 67 84 75
www.atelier-cuisine-foiegras.com
is rebuilt and becomes an important town with many fine
mansions and religious buildings…
Area Aquadetente: In a luxurious and cozy, fans may well
be time to take care of them a time or two hours through
a aquadétente providing free access to the swimming
pool, sauna, steam bath and spa.
Woad: Rightly regarded as the best in Europe during
the Renaissance, Occitan Woad had its golden era in XVI
century when benefiting from the growth of European
trade at that time.
Through its economic impact, it forged the legend of
"Pays de Cocagne". Those who became the most famous
woad ''pastel'' traders in history settled in Toulouse (the
Rose Town) accumulating extraordinary wealth. Due to
competition from indigo, the dye gradually disappeared.
Today, the ''Bleu de Pastel'' workshop is situated on the
site of a former XVIII century tannery at Pont de Pile, and
is undertaking a project to promote this ancient skill.
Office de Tourisme de Lectoure - 32700 LECTOURE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 68 76 98
www.tourisme-lectoure.fr
Atelier du Bleu de Lectoure - Ancienne Tannerie
Pont de Pile - 32700 LECTOURE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 68 78 30
www.bleu-de-lectoure.com
10.30 am: Gimont - Visit of the Brewery Jean Brasse.
In Gers, it's possible to find excellent organic beer.
Brewery Jean Brasse produces quality craft beers and organizes tours of his brewery.
Brasserie Jean Brasse - 1 avenue de la gare - 32200 GIMONT
Tel.: +33 (0)6 28 93 85 84
www.facebook.com/jeanbrasselabiere
12.00: Auch - Lunch at the new panoramic restaurant
«Tablo»
Restaurant TABLO - 6 rue Lucie AUBRAC - Zone Endoumingue
32000 AUCH
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 05 34 47
2.00 pm: Lectoure - Visit of this Tourism resort on the
major hikking circuits (Santiago de Compostela).
Proudly built on its rocky outcrop, Lectoure has towered
above the gentle hills of Lomagne for centuries. Ancient
Gallo-Roman town, residence to bishops and the Counts
of Armagnac, today the town can boast a rich history.
Many archaeological discoveries are here to prove human presence dating back to the Palaeolithic aera, but
history really begins when a group of men, "lactorates",
settled on the promontory and quickly joined the Roman
Empire. With the invasion of the barbarians in the Middle
Ages, the fortified town revolves around its imposing
Cathedral and its Chateau, residence of the Counts of Armagnac. Following the siege of Louis XI in 1473, the town
4.30 pm: La Romieu - Visit Collegiate of Romieu.
The entire architecture of La Romieu is a splendid example
of the patronage extended principally toward the South
of France. The collegiate of Saint Pierre formed the basis
of an establishment, which included a cloister and living
quarters for the Canons. The Deanery and the Palace of
the Cardinal d'Aux were situated in the south-west of
the cloister. The collegiate church was built very rapidly
between 1313 and 1318 (the date upon wich the Cardinal
d'Aux would consecrate it himself) following a plan as for
a large chapel, a single nave being sufficient for the exclusive use of the Canons. The dimensions set out were not
however the traditional ones for a single nave, with a total
length of 36 metres, the width barely exceeded 9 metres
whereas the height at the keystone was 15 metres....
Office de Tourisme - 32480 LA ROMIEU
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 28 86 33
www.la-romieu.com
7.30 pm: Arrival at the Hôtel-Restaurant*** Le Continental. Settling in the hotel.
Right in the middle of the Armagnac area, Véronique SEMEZIES and the whole team at Continental Hotel*** offer
you friendly accommodation with its 25 rooms including
a suite, and care to make your stay in Gascony loving and
memorial’s one.
In the ''Jardins de la Baïse'' restaurant, Serge NAVARRO
invites you to savour all the culinary traditions of Gascony
in a pleasant environment.
You’ll be delighted by the diversity and the architectural
wealth of the city of Condom and its surroundings: the
Cathedral and the Cloister of Condom, the Armagnac
Museum, Flaran Abbey, the Baïse river with its cruises…
The Restaurant "Les Jardins de la Baïse" : Restaurant
welcomes you every day of the year (barring exceptional
dates). It offers you a wonderful dining room of 80 seatings and a shaded terrace which will allow you to enjoy a
pleasant time in the lush garden. Serge NAVARRO offers
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you the opportunity to taste and relish all culinary traditions of Gascony. His cuisine combines originality and
tradition with local produce.
Hôtel Le Continental - Véronique SEMEZIES - 32100 CONDOM
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 68 37 00
www.lecontinental.net
8.00 pm: Diner at the Hotel Continental.
Third day
9.15 am: Condom - Visit of this Great Tourist Sites
Midi-Pyrénées.
The town is built on a limestone promontary. The origin
of the name is most probably «Condatòmagus» which
means «market at he confluence». To be seen : St Pierre's
Cathedral with the cloister (16th century), the ancient
diocese (17th century), the bishop's chapel and the «
condom » exhibition which can be an enlightening and
funny experience... Known as «the silver river» in 19th
century because of the importance of river transport,
the Baïse river has played a part in Condom's economic
development thanks to the transport by boat of armagnac and other commodities. Nowadays, the Baïse river
is navigable between Valence-sur-Baïse and Condom
(40 miles). Boat rental and discovering or gastronomic
cruises are organised on this river. Pleasant marina.
Office de Tourisme de la Ténarèze - Catherine GOXE - 32100 CONDOM
Tél : +33 (0)5 62 28 00 80
www.tourisme-tenareze.com
10.30 am: Visit of the Château Cugnac'vineyard.
Delicious Armagnac Ryst-Dupeyron.
Château Cugnac-Armagnac - Jacques-François RYST - 32100 CONDOM
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 28 08 08
http://maisonrystdupeyron.com
12.30 pm: Valence-Sur-Baise - Lunch at the restaurant
« La Ferme de Flaran ».
A few steps from Flaran Abbey, our Hotel Restaurant La
Ferme de Flaran welcomes you in the heart of the Gers,
in the city of Valence sur Baise. We will offer you gardens,
shaded terraces, swimming-pool, free Wi-Fi and car park.
Our rooms include flat TV, individual heating, air conditioning, desk and private bathroom with shower, toilet
and free toiletries. The restaurant offers a daily buffet
breakfast, as well as seasonal and country cooking, made
with local products.
Lieu dit « Bagatelle » - 32310 VALENCE-SUR-BAISE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 29 39 83
www.fermedeflaran.com
3.00 pm: Valence S/ Baise, Visit of Abbey of Flaran.
The Abbey of Flaran, founded in 1151 by the monks of
Escaladieu (Hautes-Pyrénées), lies in the valley of the
Baïse, and is one of the best preserved abbeys in the
South-West of France.
The monastic buildings with their gardens, situated in the
centre of parkland, form a perfect example of a Cistercian monastery of the twelth century, modified down to
the eighteenth century.
The Abbey buildings suffered various changes before
being bought in 1972 by the Gers department, which has
undertaken a major campaign of restoration.
The Departemental Centre at the Abbey of Flaran organises many cultural activities to enhance the heritage of
the Gers, and is also the base of the Conservation départementale du Conseil Général.
Currently, it will be hosting the Simonow's Collection, a
original collection of masterprices which are representative of 16th to 20th Century European art. Young or old,
individuals or families - this exceptional exhibition will
delight anyone and everyone who is keen on undertaking a marvellous journey through the artistic trends of
European societies.
Abbaye de Flaran - Michel HUE - 32310 VALENCE-SUR-BAISE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 28 50 19
4.30 pm: Eauze - Domus of Cieutat / Interpretive Center.
A 10 years excavation campaign has unearthed a Gallic-Roman aristocratic residence named “Domus of Cieutat”. This urban residence is part of Elusa’s residential
aristocratic quarter. The survey focused on elite housing
unmasking Elusa’s urban community organization. Indeed, the architectural features of the Domus embody
the social status of its successive owners. A quest for
comfort and a desire to assert one's social rank were the
pillar of the Domus architectural style. Discover a vibrant
archeological site revealing an in depth analysis of an antic city in the making. Step in one of the largest archeological reserve.
The Archeological Site Interpretive Center equips visitors
with prior knowledge as to deepen their understanding
of the vestiges at hand and behind. It also offers cuttingedge interactive modules and encourages visitor decoding the site and move through then-and-now images of
the site.
Elusa, Capitale Antique - 32800 EAUZE Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 08 97 48
www.elusa.fr
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6.30 pm: Cazaubon - Check in Hôtel-Restaurant Château Bellevue.
The sleek silhouette of Château Bellevue has stood
amdist the lush green valleys and vineyards of Armagnac since the early 19th century. Once a hunting lodge,
it is now a family home where we enjoy introducing our
guests to the beauty, the riches, and the cuisine of Gascony.
As you step through the doors at the Château Bellevue,
you are entering a home that has retained its soul. The
antique furniture, exposed beams, and heritage fabrics
preserve the warm atmosphere and charm of this family
house.
Our dining room is decorated to bring diners a sense of
pleasure and harmony with its honey-coloured walls, crystal glassware, silverware, and specially designed crockery.
Hôtel *** - Restaurant Château de Bellevue - 19 rue Joseph Cappin
32150 CAZAUBON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 09 51 95
www.chateaubellevue.org.
Fourth day
10.00 am: Auch, heart of Gascony. Visit of this Great
Tourist Sites Midi-Pyrénées.
Indeed, from whichever direction one arrives, especially
coming from Toulouse, a prestigious architectural ensemble made up by St Mary’s Cathedral, the monumental Staircase overhanged by the statue of D'Artagnan, the
Prefecture (previously an archiepiscopal palace) and the
Tower of Armagnac can be admired. The city expands
on either side of the river Gers: on the left bank, around
the cathedral lays the medieval part, whereas on the right
bank, 19th and 20th century buildings stand in the plain,
on the side of large avenues opened to the exterior.
Visit of the Saint Mary's Cathedral (15th - 17th centuries),
the major site on the route to Santiago de Compostela
designated on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is one
of the most recent cathedrals in France but also one of
its vastest and richest : over 100 m long and 40 m wide
with 2 towers 44 m high framing the superb Renaissance
façade. Started in 1489, its construction took 200 years.
To be seen : the chair and its 113 stalls, incomparable
iconographic ensemble with over 1,500 characters sculpted in oak, the 18 stained glass windows masterpiece of
Arnaud de Moles. They offer a vision of the world from
the Creation to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and comment the theme in the parallelism between the Old and
the New Testaments. Auch Tourism Office - Sylvain PECHCONTAL - 32000 AUCH
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 05 22 89
www.auch-tourisme.com
12.00 : Departure for Montpellier - pack-lunch in the bus.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
Gers Tourist Information Office
Richard RAMBOER
Tel.: . +33 (0)5 62 05 95 95
www.tourisme-gers.com
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8
AROUND LOURDES - HAUTES-PYRENEES
TOULOUSE / HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES-LOURDES / HAUTE-GARONNE
From the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the famous Marian City to the waterfalls of the Pont d'Espagne, and to the
clear blue sky above the Pic du Midi: four unmissable attractions all within striking distance.
First day
9.30 am: Departure for Lourdes
Arrival in Lourdes - check in at the Alba hotel****
27 Avenue du Paradis - 65100 LOURDES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 42 70 70
www.hotelalba.fr
12.00 : Lunch at the restaurant Le Magret
2.30 pm: Visit of the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes
On February 11, 1858, in a grotto near the Gave, the river running through Lourdes, the Virgin Mary appeared
to Bernadette Soubirous. Hearing a noise, Bernadette
sees in a natural niche of the rock, "a little lady dressed
in shining light who looks and smiles at her". This is the
first apparition, followed by seventeen more. On March
25, the “beautiful lady” will introduce herself by the name
of “the Immaculate Conception”. Since then, the “mysterious” call of the Grotto of Lourdes has never stopped
irradiating over all the continents… A place of fraternity
and spirituality, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has
become a path of hope for millions of sick, invalid persons
and marginalised people. A path of fraternity for countless
volunteers who have found a direction in their life. A school
of life for tens of thousand young people who can express
their faith in an international atmosphere. From April to
the end of October, every night takes place a torchlight
procession. This is the most moving event in Lourdes and
the essential moment of prayer which cannot be missed
by the pilgrims and visitors of Lourdes. An international
mass is also celebrated on Wednesdays and Sundays in 6
languages.
The Jubilee of Mercy: from 8th December 2015 to 13th
November 2016, Lourdes will live at the pace of the extraordinary Jubilee decided by Pope Francis to celebrate
time of Mercy.
6.00 pm: Visit of hotels
7.00 pm: Dinner at the restaurant of the hotel (to be
confirmed)
9.00 pm Candlelight procession
11.00 pm: Night at the Alba hotel****
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Second day
8.30 am: Departure for the Cirque de Gavarnie
le cirque de gavarnie, you enter in the Pyrenees National
Park, go through the village of Gedre and you have arrived. First there is the village - lively and charming. Suddenly at the end of the road, it appears. That is when
the shivering starts and superlatives are insufficient. A
master of words, Victor Hugo described it as: «nature’s
coliseum». After a 30 minute easy and fascinating walk,
along the Gave du Pau and across the Courade plateau,
you arrive at the cirque’s orientation table, possible by
feet, horse-back or donkey. Push on a bit further and you
arrive at the Hostellerie du cirque. There you have a clear
view of France’s biggest waterfall. How about visiting
Troumouse or Estaubé? Leave Gavarnie and follow the
D921 towards Gavarnie is a glacier cirque of rare perfection and impressive beauty. 5.5 km wide with vertical
walls 1,500 m high and hundreds of waterfalls, it is unique
in the world. Leaning against the Spanish Haut-Aragon
grand canyons, together they form the “Gavarnie MontPerdu” site, a sacred mountain on Unesco’s World Heritage Site list.
Tourist Office of Gavarnie
Tel.: +33 (0)562 424 910
www.gavarnie.com
12.00: Lunch at The Regent - restaurant in Cauterets
5 place Maréchal Foch - 65110 CAUTERETS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 92 50 10
3.00 pm: Visit of Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne
(Do not forget to take mountain shoes and warm
clothes)
In years gone by this small mountain town welcomed
Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… the
cream of high society came to cultivate their romantic
aspirations in Cauterets. Follow in their footsteps along
the Boulevard Latapie Flurin where sculptures and monumental porches succeed one another. Now it is up to
Pont d’Espagne , the highlight of the day, the road is a
spectacle in itself. Once arrived at the Puntas parking it is
a treat for the eyes, you are about to enter the site Caute-
rets - Pont d’Espagne, one of the most visited sites in the
Pyrenees National Park.
Every little corner here has life bursting out. The centenary
old Pins a Crochet (mountainpines) even grow out of the
rocks, the many torrents and streams provide a constant
acoustic sound track, frogs are calling, marmots gambol in
the sun, the hardy isards look down on you from high, the
bouquetins are forever quarrelling, the lawns are covered in
alpine flowers... the pure mountain air has aromas of pine
resin and thyme. Such a place makes you feel so good to
be alive, a beautiful harmonious natural paradise. Yet there
is more! Higher on is the splendid Gaube lake in a beautiful
valley beneath the towering Vignemale, the highest summit
in the French Pyrenees. The immense mountain with its glacier is reflected magically in the turquoise waters of the lake.
Tourist Office of Cauterets
Tel.: +33 (0)562 925 050
www.cauterets.com
7.30 pm: Departure to Saint-Savin
8.00 pm: Dinner at the restaurant Le Viscos
10.30 pm: Back to the Alba hotel****
Third day
9.00 am: Departure to the Pic du Midi
At La Mongie, climb into the Pic du Midi cable-car - like a
fairground ride, this is your first visit to a castle in the sky.
Its inhabitants call it the observatory. Indeed, a handful of
scientists use it to observe the sun and the galaxy. Here
the landscape looks down at you haughtily, as does the
lunch at the Pyrenees highest restaurant. The opportunity
for your fork to peak at 2,877 m.
The spectacle and the silence resonate around you - A
panoramic vision of the planet - 4 km on from the cablecar station you reach the extremely famous Tourmalet
mountain pass, well-known internationally.
Tel.: +33 (0)825 00 2877
www.picdumidi.com
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12.30 pm: Lunch at the top
Piémont Pyrénéen footpath. Other halting place on this
route to Santiago de Compostela, the Romanesque basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère, charming church in the
middle of the fields, has the distinction to be built with
gallo-roman remains.
Les Olivétains - Parvis de la cathédrale
31510 SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMINGES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 95 44 44 - Fax : +33 (0)5 61 95 44 95
www. tourisme.haute-garonne.
4.00 pm: Visit of the thermal spa of Aquensis
Tel.: +33 (0)562 95 86 95
www.aquensis.fr
6.00 pm: Back to the hotel Alba hotel****
8.00 pm: Dinner at the Alba hotel**** in Lourdes
9.30 am: Welcome and introduction in Les Olivétains
by an english speaking guide.
Visit of the Augustan Trophy, proof of the long roman history of the antic city of Lugdunum Convenae.
Fourth day
8.00 am: Check out and Departure for Saint-Bertand
de Comminges
9.15 am: Arrival in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges,
Great Site Midi-Pyrénées
At the foot of the village, some remains of the antic city
of Lugdunum Convenae are still visible. On the hill, the
cathedral Sainte Marie is an important halting place on the
10.00 am: Visit of the cathedral Sainte Marie
Romanesque cathedral, built during the episcopate of
Bertrand de L’Isle (1083-112), rebuild in Gothic style during the 13th and 14th century, the cathedral Sainte Marie
has in its nave Renaissance treasures such as the stalls
choir and organ
31510 SAINT-BERTRAND-DE-COMMINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 89 04 91
11.15 am: Visit of the Basilica Saint-Just de Valcabrère
The building of this basilica during the 12th century was to
finalize the successive transformations made to the suburban district of the roman town of Lugdunum Convenae.
The walls of the church contain many fragments of roman
sculptures, that give it an undeniable originality.
31510 VALCABRERE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 95 49 06
12.00 : Departure for Montpellier. Lunch box with
local products for lunch in the bus.
Before 4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting with
your delegation at your hotel.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Corinne DURAND
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 99 44 10
www.resa31.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Hautes-Pyrénées Tourism Board
Anna FONTAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 56 70 01 / +33 (0)5 65 56 70 05
E-mail : [email protected]
www.tourisme-hautes-pyrenees.com
Lourdes Tourism Board
Corine LAUSSU
Tel.: +33 562 42 77 40
www.lourdes-infotourisme.com
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Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
9
PYRENEES TRIP BETWEEN
FRANCE AND SPAIN
HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES
Take a deep breathe! Enjoy the pure air of the mountains, through the visit of prestigious places which fly the flag
for The Pyrenees.
First day
10.00 am: departure for the Louron Valley
To visit the roman chapel in the mont village, a classified
Historic Monument A beautiful village of 41 inhabitants
with an exceptional view. Its church is unique in having an
outdoor fresco, depicting scenes of the Last Judgement,
which bravely resists the ravages of time. Inside, the walls
are also covered with admirable painting.
Walk around the Genos-Loudenvielle lake A short circular walk of maximum 1 hour with almost no slope which
leaves from the Balnea car park.
www.vallee-du-louron.com
one of the preferred take-off spots for hang-gliders and
paragliders. Then descend towards the great Pyrenean
valley, Saint-Lary which is directly accessible to Spain via
the first cross-border tunnel, Aragnouet-Bielsa After a
tunnel of only 3 km dug through the heart of the Pyrenees and you find yourself in a different world. Welcome
to Aragonese Spain. Here everything is ochre and flooded with light by the force of the sun.
Take the road towards Ainsa , the capital of Sobrarbe,
built on the headland around the ancient castle.
8.00 pm: Diner at the Bodega in Ainsa
11.00 pm: Night in Ainsa
Spa Center : Balnea
Balnea on the banks of the Genos-Loudenvielle lake
Since it was created in 2000 Balnea has continued to grow
and is now number one in the French Pyrenees. With its
international baths theme - American Indian, Roman, Japanese and Inca - the different well-being areas and soothing thermal baths take the young and the old on a journey around the world and accross time. The ultimate: the
outdoor lagoons of the Japanese and Inca baths, with
temperatures from 33°C to 40°C and a panoramic view
over the top of the valley. Nestled in the heart of one of
the Hautes-Pyrenees most beautiful natural settings, on
the banks of the Genos-Loudenvielle lake, Balnea does
not only look after your physical and spiritual well being.
You will also be dazzled by the beauty of the Pyrénées.
1.00 pm: Lunch in Planetalis - Balnea restaurant
From Genos, strike out on the hairpin bends of the Val
Louron-Azet mountain pass. Concentrating on the road
is difficult with such a magnificent view of the mountainpeaks of more than 3,000 m serving as a border with Spain.
On the summit the road crosses vast grazing meadows,
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Second day
8.30 am: From Saint-Lary, take the RD929 towards
Arreau and make a first stop to visit the covered market, castle, churches and half-timbered houses with
corbel arches.
On leaving Arreau talk the first left on the road to the
Aspin mountain pass , regularly taken by the Tour de
France. The road rises gently but above the village of Aspin-Aure, the bends in the road get tighter and tighter
until you reach the top of the pass (1,489m). Park at the
top to admire the panorama over the Pic du Midi and Arreau. The winding road descends amongst the majestic
pines giving it abackdrop of greenery.
Pic du Midi
scientists use it to observe the sun andthe galaxy. Here the
landscape looks down at you haughtily, as does the lunch at
the Pyrenees highest restaurant. The opportunity for your
fork to peak at 2,877 m. The spectacle and the silence resonate around you - A panoramic vision of the planet - 4 km on
from the cable-car station you reach the extremely famous
Tourmalet mountain pass, well-known internationally.
Tel.: +33 (0)825 00 2877
www.picdumidi.com
1.00 pm: Lunch at The pic du midi restaurant
running through Lourdes, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. Hearing a noise, Bernadette sees in a
natural niche of the rock, "a little lady dressed in shining
light who looks and smiles at her". This is the first apparition, followed by seventeen more. On March 25, the “beautiful lady” will introduce herself by the name of “the Immaculate Conception”. Since then, the “mysterious” call of the
Grotto of Lourdes has never stopped irradiating over all the
continents… A place of fraternity and spirituality, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has become a path of hope for
millions of sick, invalid persons and marginalised people. A
path of fraternity for countless volunteers who have found
a direction in their life. A school of life for tens of thousand
young people who can express their faith in an international
atmosphere. From April to the end of October, every night
takes place a torchlight procession. This is the most moving
event in Lourdes and the essential moment of prayer which
cannot be missed by the pilgrims and visitors of Lourdes. An
international mass is also celebrated on Wednesdays and
Sundays in 6 languages.
The Jubilee of Mercy: from 8th December 2015 to 13th
November 2016, Lourdes will live at the pace of the extraordinary Jubilee decided by Pope Francis to celebrate
time of Mercy.
Corinne LAUSSU
Tel.: +33 (0)562 427 740 / +33 (0)562 42 77 47
www.lourdes-infotourisme.com
7.00 pm: Diner in Chapelle et Parc restaurant
3.00 pm: Departure for Lourdes
4.00 pm: Stop to the thermal spa center Aquensis
Tourmalet mountain pass will be closed at this date, we
cannot cross the mountain to reach another valley
6.30 pm: Visit of the Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes
On February 11, 1858, in a grotto near the Gave, the river
9.00 pm: Candlelight procession
10.00 pm: Night in Chapelle et Parc 4*
8 avenue Bernadette SOUBIROUS - 65100 LOURDES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 94 35 28
www.hotelsvinuales.com/31-hotel-lourdes-4-etoiles-hotel-chapelleet-parc.htm
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Third day
8.00 am: Departure for Gavarnie listed World Heritage by UNESCO
You enter in the Pyrenees National Park, go through the village of Gedre and you have arrived. First there is the village
- lively and charming. Suddenly at the end of the road, it
appears. That is when the shivering starts and superlatives
are insufficient. A master of words, Victor Hugo described it
as: «nature’s coliseum». After a 30 minute easy and fascinating walk, along the Gave du Pau and across the Courade
plateau, you arrive at the cirque’s orientation table, possible
by feet, horse-back or donkey. Push on a bit further and you
arrive at the Hostellerie du cirque. There you have a clear
view of France’s biggest waterfall. How about visiting Troumouse or Estaubé? Leave Gavarnie and follow the D921
towards Gavarnie is a glacier cirque of rare perfection and
impressive beauty. 5.5 km wide with vertical walls 1,500 m
high and hundreds of waterfalls, it is unique in the world.
Leaning against the Spanish Haut-Aragon grand canyons,
together they form the “Gavarnie Mont-Perdu” site, a sacred mountain on Unesco’s World Heritage Site list.
Office de tourisme de Gavarnie
Tel.: +33 (0)562 424 910
www.gavarnie.com
12.00: Lunch in Cauterets : Abri du Benques
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 925 015
www.benques.com
3.00 pm: Cauterets-Pont d’Espagne
a treat for the eyes, you are about to enter the site Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne, one of the most visited sites in the
Every little corner here has life bursting out. The centenary old Pins a Crochet (mountainpines) even grow out
of the rocks, the many torrents and streams provide a
constant acoustic sound track, frogs are calling, marmots
gambol in the sun, the hardy isards look down on you
from high, the bouquetins are forever quarrelling, the
lawns are covered in alpine flowers... the pure mountain
air has aromas of pine resin and thyme. Such a place
makes you feel so good to be alive, a beautiful harmonious natural paradise. Yet there is more! Higher on is
the splendid Gaube lake in a beautiful valley beneath the
towering Vignemale, the highest summit in the French
Pyrenees. The immense mountain with its glacier is reflected magically in the turquoise waters of the lake.
Office de tourisme de Cauterets
Tel.: +33 (0)562 925 050
www.cauterets.com
6.30 pm: Spa center Les Bains Du Rocher (don’t forget
swiming suit ! if somebody want just to visit the center
spa, it’s possible)
Diner and night in Luz Saint Sauveur at Londres***
Hotel
Rue du Pont de Luz - 65120 LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 92 80 09
www.hotelpicdumidi.com
Fourth day
9.00 am: Walk and visit the Pays Toy
12.00: Departure for Montpellier. Lunch Box in the
bus
Before 4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting with
your delegation at your hotel.
Anna FONTAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 56 70 01 / +33 (0)5 65 56 70 05
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
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10
FROM THE CANAL DES DEUX MERS
TO THE ARIEGE-PYRENEES
A R I È G E - P Y R É N É E S / TA R N E T G A R O N N E
By bike along the Canal des Deux Mers traffic-free cycle path and on foot following the Cathar Trail in the Pyrénées
Ariégeoises Regional Nature Park, this circuit combines nature and heritage, exploring the Great Tourist Sites MidiPyrénées of Moissac and the Ariège Collection.
First day
11.30 am: Departure for Port Canal
8.30 am: Departure for Montauban, Tarn et Garonne
11.45 am: Welcome by the « Capitainerie » of Port
Canal
9.30 am: Montauban, The pink city.
Visiting Montauban and the famous “Place Nationale”
located in the heart of the city. It remains the essential
element of the grid plan of the medieval city. Its commercial function was recorded from the Middle Ages. At the
northwest corner of the square was once the home town,
the seat of municipal power.
Montauban Tourist Office
4 rue du Collège - 82000 MONTAUBAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 63 60 60
www.montauban-tourisme.com
12.00: Departure for Montech and lunch in Bistro
Constant
Lunch in the restaurant « Le Bistrot Constant » located in
Montech in front of the canal. Opened by the star chief
of violon d’Ingres in Paris, Christian Constant. Amazing
view over the canal, the cycle green path and the Marina.
Bistrot Constant - 25, rue de l’Usine
82700 MONTECH
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 24 63 02
Open 7/7 from 8 am to 10 pm .
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2.30 pm: Bicycle tour : Départure from Montech by
bicycle along the green canal (20 km)
Departure from the centre of Montech for a trip in bicycle
for two hours along the «canal de Garonne” on the “voie
verte” until Moissac, Great Site Midi-Pyrénées. The Canal
des deux mers links Toulouse and Bordeaux.
Bicycles Rental - Rand’eau Loisirs (Moissac)
Tel.: +33 (0)6 85 47 72 47
4.30 pm: Arrival in Moissac, Great Site Midi Pyrénées,
City « d’art et d’histoire ».
Situated in the Tarn-et-Garonne, Moissac is nestled in an
epicurean landscape dominated by orchards and Chasselas AOC grape vines. Moissac, an important step on the St.
James Way, is 2 also world-renowned for its Romanesque
abbey, whose cloister and portal are classified as World
Heritage Sites. What’s more, the Deux Mers (Two Seas)
bike path linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean crosses
the city and is a beautiful place for family walks as it meanders along the shaded banks of the Canal and the Tarn.
6.00 pm: Tasting of local products with chasselas
grape, the famous golden grape.
Moissac Tourist Office - 6 Place Durand de Bredon - 82200 MOISSAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 04 01 85
www.tourisme.moissac.fr
6.30 pm: Installation at the hotel “Le Moulin de Moissac”.
It’s a hotel-restaurant off his smooth silhouette on the banks
of the Tarn since 1474. This property, unique history, you will
discover a beautiful view and enjoy the charms of Moissac.
It offers benefits of comfort (air conditioning, DVD / CD
player, espresso coffee maker) in each room. A spa with
sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, beauty salon is at your disposal.
Hôtel le Moulin de Moissac - Esplanade du Moulin - 82200 MOISSAC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 32 88 88
www.lemoulindemoissac.com
Second day
8.00 am: Departure for Ariège Pyrénées Department
10.00 am: Arrival in Ariège Pyrenees, in the Cathars
Pyrenees Country, next to the Montbel Lake in Léran
Biking on the ancient railway road next to the Montbel
Lake to Lavelanet (15 km). The ancient railway road is also
called the path of the textile workers because its history
is linked to the local textile industry.
10.30 am: Biking on the ancient railway road next to
the Montbel Lake to Lavelanet (15 km)
The ancient railway road is also called the path of the textile
workers because its history is linked to the local textile industry.
Pyren Bike - Matthieu BATY
Tel.: +33 (0)6 87 65 63 75
Velomondo - Craig & Jo Heritage - 09600 LÉRAN
Tel.: +33 (0)6 31 94 24 91
www.velomondo.com
12.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant
La Brasserie Le Théâtre
3, Rue Jean Jaurès - 09300 LAVELANET
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 09 08 45
Tel.: +33 (0)6 87 46 53 60
2.00 pm: Visit of The textile and comb in horn Museum
with your guide Noémie DE BONO.
This Museum shows the local textile industry and the comb
made with horn history through a rich collection of machines of all the times and allows the participation of the
public on a set of workshops.
Office De Tourisme Du Pays D'Olmes
Rue Jean Canal - 09300 LAVELANET
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 01 22 20
www.ariege-pyrenees-cathares.com
Noemie DE BONO, Guide Conférencière - 09000 FOIX
Tel.: +33 (0)6 88 96 12 67
http://debononoemie.wix.com/visites-guidee
2.45 pm: Transfer to Montségur.
3.15 pm: Meeting point on the hillside of the Montsegur Castle.
3.45 pm: Visit of the Montségur
Castle, Great Tourist Site Midi
Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
Situated at an altitude of 1.207 m,
this symbol of Cathar resistance
dominates the village and surrounding valleys. In 1244, following the
siege during the war against the
Albigeois, more than 220 cathars
perished here, burnt at the stake.
30 minutes walking to reach the
castle at 1 207 meters high.
4.30 pm: Visit of the historic and archeological Museum
in the village.
This museum shows the objects from the digs carried out
on the castle site: canon balls, oil lamps, chisels, weapons,
objects from the everyday life of the 13th century. It also
houses a permanent exhibition on Catharism in Ariège. The
museum provides vital extra information to help us understand the daily lives of the generations of men and women
who lived on the Château de Montségur site. It contains
many historical and archaeological reminders, the result of
years of over 40 years of research carried out on the “Pog.
Montsegur Castle And Museum - Le village - 09300 MONTSEGUR
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 01 10 27
www.montsegur.fr
5.15 pm: Transfer to Auzat.
6.15 pm: Check in at l’Auberge du Montcalm in Auzat.
In the inner of the Montcalm Nature and Sport resort this
new building eco constructed in harmony with its environment (local wood and stone).
19 rooms (48 beds) from 2 to 4 people with privative bathroom TV, telephone. 3 rooms with terrace opening onto
the garden and 2 rooms disabled friendly.
Restaurant room, conference room.
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Dinner and night.
Auberge Du Montcalm - Route du Montcalm - 09220 AUZAT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 03 83 23
www.aubergedumontcalm.fr
Third day
Day in the Ariege Pyrenees Natural Park.
10.30 am: Hiking on the Retrouvance® footpath in
Auzat, at the Spain and Andorra borders.
In the inner valley of Auzat and Vicdessos, the National
Forest Office has renovated its forest shelters, certified
« Retrouvance ». Of a quality of comfort and in a respect
for tradition mountain dweller and environmental; the
authenticity of these accommodations of height remains
often unequalled. In the concept Retrouvance ® the walkers take advantage of an exceptional and varied landscape while a logistician transports luggage and forwards
the meals prepared by the restaurant owners of the
valley. A unique touristic product in the Pyrenees which
values the forest heritage, the local wealth, joining a real
long-lasting development process.
12.30 pm: Visit of the Grail shelter on the mythic
GR10 footpath.
You will appreciate this confortable shelter entirely renovated in the mountain dweller tradition.
Picnic for lunch.
2.00 pm: Hiking with snowshoes or not to go down in
the valley (it will depends on the weather).
Office de Tourisme des Montagnes de Tarascon et du Vicdessos
Rue des Pyrénées - 09220 AUZAT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 64 87 53
www.tarascon-vicdessos.com
5.00 pm: Come back to l’Auberge du Montcalm in Auzat
8.00 pm: Dinner an night
Fourth day
9.15 am: Visit of The Niaux Cave, Great Tourist Site
Midi Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
The famous Niaux Cave is one of the rare decorated
caves still open to the public. It shelters paintings and
traces of Man dating back 14 000 years. You start by
going through some truly impressive galleries before entering the Salon Noir, a monumental rotunda whose walls
are covered with outstanding and highly detailed paintings of animals: bison, horses, ibex and deers.
La Grotte De Niaux - Grands Sites Ariège - Route de Banat
09400 TARASCON SUR ARIEGE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 05 10 10
www.grands-sites-ariege.fr
11.00 am: Departure for Montpellier - pack-lunch in
the bus.
Before 4 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting at your
hotel with your delegation.
Think about : Sunglasses, little backbag for the day, tennis shoes, walking shoes, warm and light garment, camera, hiking bottle.
Armelle GIUDICELLI
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 79 21 46
www.tourisme82.com
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
Ariège Pyrénées Tourist Board
Karine CHEVALIER
Tel : (+) 33 5 61 02 30 73
[email protected]
www.ariegepyrenees.com
40
FROM TOULOUSE TO THE PIC DU MIDI :
SKY AND SPACE
TOULOUSE / HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES
Spend four days the head in the stars with this circuit that combines aeronautics, aerospace and astronomy.
First day
9.00 am: transfer by bus.
Groupe Manatour - Village Aéroconstellation
Allée André Turcat - 31700 Blagnac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 39 42 00
www.musee-aeroscopia.fr/en
Contact : Mrs Vicenta Molinero [email protected]
9.30 am: Guided tour of the new museum AEROSCOPIA
Based on four “icons” of aeronautical history, Caravelle,
Concorde, Super Guppy and Airbus A300B, as well as
over 30 historic machines, Aéroscopia offer an extensive
cultural programme: exhibitions, activities, festivals, educational meetings… The park consists of an exhibition
building (5000 m2), a reception building (1000 m2) and
an outdoor display area (4000 m2). Visitors have access to
the 3 main plane models displayed outside (Super Guppy, Concorde and A300B) via footbridges connected to
the historic exhibition gallery.
Groupe Manatour - Allée André-Turcat - 31700 Blagnac
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 39 42 00
www.musee-aeroscopia.fr
Contact : Mrs Vicenta Molinero : [email protected]
11.15 am: Jean-Luc Lagardère english guided tour
Airbus A380 (1h30) - PASSPORT MANDATORY
Discover the fascinating world of Airbus. The tour begins
in the "telemetry room" with a presentation of the A380
programme. You will then enter the Jean-Luc Lagardère
site and see, from an observation tower, the general testing stations, the outside testing stations and an overall
view of the entire site.
12.30: End of the guided tour - Transfer to the restaurant
1.00 pm: Lunch at the restaurant «L’Esprit du Sud-Ouest»
84 rue de Bordebasse - 31700 Blagnac
2.30 pm: Transfer by bus to the Cité de l’Espace.
From 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm: visit of the Cité de l’Espace.
Have you ever dreamed of walking on the Moon or going
into the MIR Space Station or taking a Soyouz spacecraft
somewhere ? The Space Museum opens its doors into the
universe... More than 12 acres to discover Space as if you
were there. Go on an unforgettable voyage into the heart
of deep space. In the exhibition hall there are more than
250 interactive exhibits available for your exploration. Outdoors you'll discover a park with the MIR Space Station, a
full size Ariane 5 satellite launcher and many more symbols of Mankind's conquest of space. In Astralia, the sixth
continent, a new planetarium and a large format IMAX 3D
cinema which brings you right into the heart of space!
Cité de l’Espace - Avenue Jean Gonord - BP 25855
31506 TOULOUSE CEDEX 5
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 22 23 24
Contact : M Bertrand BRICHET
www.cite-espace.com
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11
5.00 pm: end of the visit. Return by bus to the city
center.
Lafayette Toulouse
4 - 8 rue Lapeyrouse Toulouse.
8.00 pm: Toulouse Evening at the Espace EDF Bazacle
11 quai St Pierre - 31 000 TOULOUSE
Night in Toulouse at Hotel Privilège Mermoz****
50 rue Matabiau - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 63 04 04
www.privilegetoulouse.com
Second day
From 8.30 am to 10.30 am: walking guided tour to
discover Toulouse heritage.
is dedicated. This monument is an essential stop on the
The Jacobins Convent, the Mother House of the Order
of Preaching Friars, an order founded in 1216 by Saint
Dominique. Famous for its “Palm Tree”, this magnificent
example of monastic architecture built between 12301340, has 2 naves, divided by 7 columns supporting its
starry vaults.
The Capitole, now the home of the Town Hall and the
Théâtre National du Capitole, is remarkable for its architecture, its “Cour Henri IV” and the "Salle des Illustres"
(inspired by the Galleria Farnese in Rome). Also on your
tour are the Jean-Paul Laurens, Henri Martin and Paul Gervais Rooms.
Stroll along the Victor Hugo food covered market : In
2012, Victor Hugo cover market (100 different vendors) celebrated its 120th anniversary with pride as it is recognized
as “one of the most prestigious market in France”! It is
also an icon for Toulouse residents and restaurant owners,
as it is famous for its gourmet stores (Maison Garcia: deli
and sausages from Toulouse, Maison Samaran: foie gras
and cassoulet, Xavier and Betty: cheeses, Octave: ice
cream maker, Pillon / Gimm: chocolates, Maison Busquets
/ Chai Vincent: wines, Bellocq / Belou: fish and seafood…).
10.30 am: departure for the Hautes-Pyrénées
12.15: arrival in the Pic du midi
(Take warm and waterproof clothes)
1.45 pm: Lunch time at the Pic du Midi restaurant
Pic du Midi
scientists use it to observe the sun andthe galaxy. Here
Tel.: +33 (0)825 00 2877
www.picdumidi.com
3.15 pm: Pic du Midi Visit- The highlight of the day
The cable car leaves from la Mongie (1,800 m) and
reaches le Pic(2,877 m) - simple and effortlessly.
The Observatory perched high on the mountain, was reserved for many years to technicians and scientists, nowadays it welcomes more than 100,000 vistors. Up there you
can gaze at 300km of summits from the vast panoramic
terraces built on this site which is classified for the beauty
of its landscapes.
The Pic du Midi also welcomes visitors in the evening or
during the night to observe the stars. Thanks to the purity
of the air and the rare stable atmosphere at an altitude of
2,877 metres, the night sky seen from the Pic du Midi is
exceptional. Thanks to this particular quality, it has been
classified as International Dark Sky reserve.
5.00 pm: Pic du Midi descent
5.15 pm: departure for Lourdes
It is a cosmopolitan and welcoming town, offering the
light of hope to many, the town has a particular atmosphere that you will not find elsewhere. It is a place of
prayer, a great meeting point, where emotions are not
hidden and posseses a unique beauty, you will be made
welcome no matter your origins or your beliefs.
Each year millions of visitors come to this small town,
where in 1858, a young girl called Bernadette saw visions of the Virgin Mary, in caves on the river banks. It
was around these caves that the sanctuaries of Our Lady
of Lourdes were constructed. Follow the Boulevard de la
Grotte to enter the site by the Saint Michel gates which
offer the best view. Start the visit to the three superb basilicas, then continue to the Massabielle Grotto, the beating
heart of Lourdes. You will see the crowds eager to touch
the rocks, nowadays worn smooth by the passage of so
many pilgrims, who will then pray in front of the spring that
Bernadette discovered, it is a symbol of purification. The
pilgrims will then move on to the water fountains and the
pools before lighting a candle, which will prolong their
prayers long after departure. In Lourdes everything is symbolic; the light of the candles, the water from the spring.
Sit yourselves down on the river banks to rest and contemplate the scene. To come here is to escape the daily routine, to make a journey within a journey. A spiritual retreat
to gather strength, a return to one’s spiritual origins, or to
seeing the light for a new start in life, a visit to Lourdes provides that spark... Before finishing this journey a mention
must be given to the torchlight processions.
6.15 pm: Arrival in Lourdes and check-into the
Lourdes hotel
7.45pm: Diner at the restaurant Chapelle et Parc 4*
in Lourdes
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10.00 pm: Night in Lourdes - Hotel Alba 4*
15 avenue du PARADIS - 65000 LOURDES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 42 14 14
www.hotelalba.fr
Tel.: +33 (0)562 925 050
www.cauterets.com
10.30 am: Visit of Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne (take
mountain shoes and warm clothes)
Third day
8.30 am: Lourdes visit
10.30 am: Departure for Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne
In years gone by this small mountain town welcomed Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… the cream
of high society came to cultivate their romantic aspirations
in Cauterets. Follow in their footsteps along the Boulevard
Latapie Flurin where sculptures and monumental porches
succeed one another. Now it is up to Pont d’Espagne , the
highlight of the day, the road is a spectacle in itself. Once
arrived at the Puntas parking it is a treat for the eyes, you are
about to enter the site Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne, one of
the most visited sites in the Pyrenees National Park.
1.00 pm: Lunch at the restaurant «L’abri du Benqués»
in Cauterets
Tel.: +33 (0)562 925 015
www.benques.com
3.00 pm: Visit and demonstration of making «Berlingots»
(sweets) in a shop and visit of the beautiful village.
6.00 pm: Visit of the thermal spa centre : Les Bains
Du Rocher
A decor of lustrous lights, damask curtains, jade flooring,
pebbled walls, mosaics and glass beads...the exterior lagoon with its bubbling waters is so inviting, relax a while
in the waters at 38C. Don’t forget your suimming suit
8.00 pm: Dinner in Cauterets at the Hotel
10.00 pm: Night in Cauterets at Astérides Sacca*** Hotel
9/11 boulevard Latapie Flurin - 65110 CAUTERETS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 92 50 02
www.cauterets-asterides-sacca.com
Fourth day
9.00 am: Free Time
11.30 am: Departure for Montpellier.
Before 4 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting at your
hotel with your delegation.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
Anna FONTAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 56 70 01 / +33 (0)5 65 56 70 05
43
12
PAINTERS OF MIDI-PYRENEES
AND COLORS OF THE CANAL DU MIDI
T O U L O U S E / L O T / A V E Y R O N / TA R N / TA R N E T G A R O N N E / H A U T E - G A R O N N E
Midi-Pyrénées is home to several world-famous museums: the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, the Musée Ingres
in Montauban, the Fondation Bemberg in Toulouse, the Musée Pierre Soulages in Rodez... Three days discovering a
selection of the Great Tourist Sites Midi-Pyrénées. The fourth day is entirely dedicated to the Canal du Midi.
First day
9.00 am to 12.00: Walking guided tour to discover Toulouse but also some emblematic places like the Augustins Fine Arts Museum and the Fondation Bemberg.
The Augustins Museum : A museum rich in sculptures, the
Musée des Augustins has a unique collection of Roman
sculptures and also masterpieces from the area’s Gothic era
as well as numerous 19th Century sculptures representing
the vitality of Toulouse’s artistic creation. The collections
are housed inside the sumptuous settings of the church
and chapter-house of the former Augustins convent, along
with a wing built at the end of the 19th Century following
the plans of the architect Viollet-Le-Duc, and comprising a
monumental stairway and vast sunlit rooms.
The Bemberg Fondation : A private museum which exhibits a permanent collection of paintings, bronzes and art
objects brought together by Mr. Bemberg. The paintings
which are the best represented are works from during the
Renaissance and from the Modern French School.
12.00: Lunch at « Brasserie des Beaux-Arts ».
A magnificent place in the city centre, in front of the
"New Bridge" ("Pont-Neuf") with terrace and sight on
the banks of the Garonne. In a 1900 style, woodwork to
flood it, wall lamps and big mirrors, it is a greedy address
where trays of seafoods, fine meats and fishes, or still
specialities of South Western France will come to exhilarate your papillae.
1 quai de la Daurade - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 21 12 12
[email protected]
www.brasserielesbeauxarts.com/
Contact : Mrs Lucie ALVES
1.30 pm: Transfer by bus to Montauban
2.30 pm: Arriving in Montauban and installation in the
Hôtel “L’abbaye des capucins” (4 stars - spa and resort)
Hôtel l’Abbaye des Capucins - Hôtel Spa et Resort
6-8, quai de verdun - 82000 MONTAUBAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 22 00 00
www.abbayedescapucins.fr
3.00 pm: Visit of the famous Ingres Museum..
Overlooking the Tarn, this vast mansion is spread around
a courtyard enclosed by a screen wall pierced with a
majestic porch. Became City Hall after the Revolution,
44
the building was gradually transformed into a museum
during the nineteenth century. Today, the lower rooms
accommodate both archaeological and lapidary, a wide
array of pottery as well as temporary exhibitions. On the
ground floor, two rooms housing the sculptures of Antoine Bourdelle. The first floor is devoted to the work of
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. A collection of paintings, artifacts and antiques is presented about a fund
exceptional graphics.
Museum Ingres - 19 rue de l’hôtel de ville - 82000 MONTAUBAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 22 12 91
www.montauban.com
4.30 pm: Visiting Montauban and the famous “Place
Nationale” located in the heart of the city.
It remains the essential element of the grid plan of the
medieval city. Its commercial function was recorded from
the Middle Ages. At the northwest corner of the square
was once the home town, the seat of municipal power.
Visiting …. After we offer you a cocktail in the heritage
centre spread out around the courtyard of the former Jesuit college.
Montauban Tourist Office - 4 rue du Collège
82000 MONTAUBAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 63 60 60
www.montauban-tourisme.com
7.45 pm: Dinner at the College de France with the
collaboration of the Montauban Tourist Office
Night in your Hotel
Second day
8.15 am : Departure from Montauban to the Lot department
9.15 am: Arrival in Cahors: guided tour of this « Great
Tourist site Midi-Pyrénées »
river Lot, was an important town in Roman times, and
a flourishing commercial and university centre. The city
has conserved a remarkable number of fine mediaeval
houses once belonging to the religious aristocracy and
the merchant bourgeoisie, as well as the Cathedral of St
Etienne (St. Stephen), with its 2 cupolas and Romanesque
portal.
bridge, UNESCO World Heritage listed, and symbol of
Cahors. It stands close to the Santiago Pilgrim Way, still
much frequented by walkers and pilgrims. Discover also
the indoor market and the weekly outdoor market (Wednesday and Saturday) on the cathedral square. Visit on
the steps of the local neo-Impressionist painter, named
Henri Martin (1860-1943).
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 65 / +33 (0)5 65 53 20 74
10.30 am: Transfer to Saint-Cirq Lapopie
11.30 am: Guided tour of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, « Great
Tourist site Midi-Pyrénées »
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie belongs to the exclusive group «the
Most Beautiful Villages of France» and was voted “favorite village of the French” in 2012. It consists of a network
of narrow old streets and houses dating from the mediaeval period. The site itself is majestic: a rocky spur standing high above the Lot river.
This guided tour is on the thematic of “Saint-Cirq Lapopie and the artists”: the poet André Breton who lived
there and loved it, others artists from the Surrealism
movement, the painter and art collector Rignault whose
house has been converted into a museum opened to visitors.
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 53 20 65
Rignault Museum - 46330 SAINT-CIRQ LAPOPIE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 31 23 22
http://musees.lot.fr/index.php/musee-rignault
12.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant Bar Lapopie
This restaurant in St-Cirq Lapopie is located on the top of
the village. Groups welcome. Traditional cuisine.
Mr Thomas FRAYSSINOUS - 46330 SAINT-CIRQ LAPOPIE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 30 27 44 / 33 (0)5 65 31 23 55
Email: [email protected] - www.barlapopie.com
2.00 pm: Departure for the Aveyron department
4.00 pm: Visit of Rodez and the Soulages Museum
Visiting the Cathedral and its magnificient bell tower is
a prelude to a walk in the historical centre through a pedestrian route.
You extend the discovery of the city with an access to the
Soulages Museum.
Pierre Soulages is an internationally celebrated contemporary painter who was born in Rodez in 1919. The
museum hosts an outstanding collection, providing a
remarkable home for his works, but also for temporary
exhibitions.
Office de tourisme du Grand Rodez - 12 place de la Cité
12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 75 76 77
45
6.30 pm: Check in - Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale
Located in the heart of Rodez, opposite the Cathedral,
the 4-star Mercure Rodez Cathédrale hotel is a beautiful
art-deco building in the heart of the historical city center,
just 219 yards (200 m) from the Soulages Museum. Perfect for relaxing after a seminar or for spending time with
friends, the hotel bar offers a large selection of drinks, in
a beautiful setting with Venetian frescoes by well-known
painter Maurice Bompard. And our comfortable and modern rooms allow you to fully enjoy your stay.
Hôtel Mercure Rodez Cathédrale - 1 Avenue Victor Hugo - 12000 Rodez
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 68 55 19
www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-7013-hotel-mercure-rodez-cathedrale/
index.shtml
8.00 pm: : Diner at The Kiosque
This establishment is situated in the heart of the public
garden in front of bandstand dating the 20s in the shade
of lime trees. Le Kiosque proposes you a cooking based
on the fish, the seafood as well as Portuguese specialities
without forgetting the flavours Aveyronnaises that you
can have a rough time since his shaded terrace.
Label France Restaurant Masters - Le Kiosque
Avenue Victor Hugo - 12000 RODEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 68 56 21
www.lekiosque-rodez.fr
Third day
8.30 am: Departure for Camjac and the Château du Bosc
9.15 am: Visit of the Château du Bosc with Mrs. Nicole
Tapié de Celeyran, little cousin of Toulouse-Lautrec.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, was born in Albi on the 24 November 1864 but until he died (1901) he spent most of his
holidays at the family stronghold, the Château du Bosc.
10.30 am: Departure for Albi
11.30 am: Welcome, visit and lunch at the ***Grand
Hôtel d’Orléans
5th generation Hotelkeepers restaurant owners', Hélène
and Olivier Arguel welcome you in their family hotel
where professionalism, comfort and warm welcome
made of this address one of the safe values appreciated
by the professionals of the Tourism. Most of their rooms
are refurbished this year 2016.
2.30 pm: Guided tour of Albi, classified as Great Site
Midi-Pyrénées
ALBI, The Episcopal City is classified World Heritage by
the UNESCO since August 2010.
"Crucible of brick", "fortress of faith", "Italian city",
Albi has stimulated the imagination of those seeking
an epithet to describe its appeal. With the trilogy of the
Sainte Cécile cathedral, the Palais Berbie (which houses
the Toulouse-Lautrec museum) and the “pont vieux”, not
forgetting the charm of the old streets. Bright red in the
morning sunlight, sombre red at dusk, deserted in the
heat of the afternoon. Half-timbered corbelled houses,
narrow passages, cobbled streets... medieval buildings
with the colours of the south. Stroll around, follow your
instincts; the slightest opening may reveal hidden treasures: the Hotel Reynes with its extraordinary loggia, built
by a rich pastel merchant in 1530, the cloisters of Saint
Salvy (13th century) with their triangular lawn and twinned
columns... Beyond the obvious and the well-known, Albi
likes to surprise its visitors, particularly rewarding for
those who are not in a hurry. From the 'pont vieux' (one
of the oldest in France), watch the sun go down: night
descending as it casts its shadow over the belfry - from
the dungeon to the nave, from the nave to the ramparts
and finally down to the water's edge.
Very quick tour of the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral.
46
century wall paintings, a rood screen, without mentioning
the lace of stones enhancing the «last judgement day»
paintings, all of these being rare examples of church indoor ornaments.
Next to the cathedral is the former Bishop’s Palace
built during the 13th century, the ancient fortress is the
unexpected site for the artistic work of Henri the Toulouse-Lautrec.
Since 1922, over a thousand works, paintings, lithographs,
drawings and all posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
have been kept and shown at the Museum in Albi. This
exceptional collection is on display at the Palais de la
Berbie, or Berbia Palace, a powerful fortress built in the
13th century, which has thus become the largest museum
in the world to show the works of Toulouse-Lautrec, who
was born in the town in 1864.
This most prestigious collection was given to the Museum by the artist's relatives, the Count and Countess
of Toulouse-Lautrec, advised by Maurice Joyant, a friend
of the artist, and by Joyant's cousin, Doctor Tapié de Céleyran. The museum's paintings exhibited are considered
among the painter's most famous works.
Tel.: + 33 (0)5 63 49 48 80
4.00 pm: Departure for Castres
5.00 pm: Guided tour of Castres
Visit of Castres and of the Goya - Spanish Art Museum
In terms of comparisons, Florence and Arno spring to
mind: like the dyers and weavers in Tuscany, the Cardayres, the Teisseires, the Parayes, the families of
Castres needed water. The river Agoût was the textiles
thoroughfare: houses of brightly painted wood - best
seen today from the pleasure craft the 'Coche d'eau'
- were veritable sweatshops, even right up to the roofs
where the cloth or leather was hung out to dry in attics
specially ventilated by 'solheilhou' windows. Castres
industrious, but also belligerent. The leading centre of
Protestantism in the Tarn: both agent and victim in the
wars of religion. No point in searching for evidence of
Castres during the Middle Ages for nothing remains.
Mansart and Le Nôtre rebuilt the town, wealthy families did the rest, as evidenced by the mansions built by
rich merchants and known as 'hôtels', such as the hôtel
Leroy, the hôtel Viviers, the hôtel Lacger. Family wealth
made from clothing and textiles, then invested in property and art with collections of paintings by Spanish
artists such as Goya, Murillo, Pacheco, Velasquez, Zurbana. Also the museum Jean Jaurès, defender of the
poor, those who created this prosperity.
Tourist Office of Castres - 2 place de la République - 81100 CASTRES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 62 63 62
www.tourisme-castres.fr
Diner and overnight at the***Hôtel l'Occitan (Logis
de France)
201 Avenue Charles de Gaulle - 81100 CASTRES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 35 34 20
www.hotel-restaurant-l-occitan.fr
Fourth day
8.00 am: Departure for Sorèze
9.00 am: Visit of the Royal School-Abbey of Sorèze
You will wonder at the prestigious past of the “Abbaye-école”. On the way of St James of Compostela
(Path of Arles), this former Abbey became a Royal Military School by the King of France Louis XVI and welcomed illustrious names. The visit of the whole architectural
ensemble listed as historical monument is magic: the”
Cour des Rouges”, the cloister, the “Salle des Bustes”
(exhibited busts), the park… Travel back into the past,
you might feel you don’t want to go home!
is celebrating the Nature. Make at Aubusson, the tapestries are listed UNESCO.
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 50 86 38
47
Saint-Ferréol is still the main reservoir of the water supplying system of the Canal du Midi listed at the UNESCO
as well.
Canal du Midi Museum
Boulevard Pierre-Paul Riquet - Saint-Ferréol - 31250 REVEL
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 80 57 57
Email: [email protected] www.museecanaldumidi.fr
11.15 am: transfer to Renneville - Canal du Midi
Péniche le Surcouf - Les Croisières en douce
BP 47 - 31 290 RENNEVILLE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 60 31 65
www.lescroisieresendouce.com
10.00 am: transfer to Saint-Ferréol
10.15 am: Visit of the Canal du Midi Museum Saint-Ferréol lake
Located below the dam at Saint-Ferréol lake, this Museum explains the fabulous history of the Canal du Midi
and its fantastic designer Pierre Paul Riquet. This exceptional work is listed as a World Heritage by the UNESCO.
With 6 thematic rooms, the visit brings to life the orignis
of this incredible creation (models, genuine documents,
audiovisual devices). A Romantic park fitted out in the
19th century shelters waterfalls and a spray right next to
the Museum. There you can enter the Galerie des Robinets (valve tunnel) and discover the 19th century water
valve system.
12:00 pm: From Renneville discover the Canal du
Midi and the Lauragais landscapes!
The program starts with a regional lunch on board the
Surcouf, formely a merchant freight boat on the canal.
The two hour cruise on one of the oldest part of the canal, will allow you to admire its oval locks and its hundred
year old plane trees. You will experience a picturesque
moment going through Gardouch lock gate (round trip
to Renneville).
2.00 pm: Transfer by bus to Montpellier
with your delegation
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Armelle GIUDICELLI
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 79 21 46
www.tourisme82.com
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Lot
CCI Lot - Anne SIMON
Tel.: +33 5 65 20 35 28
www.espacepro-lot.com
Corinne DURAND
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 99 44 10
www.resa31.com
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
Eric MAURY
Tél: 33 (0)5 65 75 55 74 / 33 (0)6 48 14 48 78
48
13
WELL BEING AND HIKING
IN ARIEGE PYRENEES
TOULOUSE / ARIÈGE-PYRÉNÉES / HAUTE-GARONNE
Ski on runs of the skiing resort of Ax 3 Domaines, relaxation in Les Bains du Couloubret, the recreational spa centre,
cross-country skiing on the Scandinavian Space of Beille, jump in the prehistory to Tarascon on the Ariège, the circuit
ends with the visit of Toulouse, Great Site Midi-Pyrénées.
First day
9.00 am to 11.30 am: Walking guided tour to discover the cultural heritage of Toulouse and the period
of the Renaissance.
Saint-Sernin Basilica : a masterpiece of Roman art, the
done on it over the past 30 years : recovery of the bell
“Routes of Santiago de Compostela”.
The Jacobins : In this building entirely made of bricks,
the contrast between its massive or even austere aspect of the exterior and the extraordinary lightness of
the interior architecture where the famous palm-tree
ribs thrust upwards. There is also the cloister, the sacristy, the chapter house, a chapel dedicated to Saint
Antonin decorated with a set of mural paintings from
the 14th Century which are unique in Toulouse along
with a refectory where prestigious exhibitions are organised.
The Capitole : The current city hall (Hôtel de Ville) and
Then discover Toulouse golden century between 1463
and 1560. This period of the Renaissance brought the city
great wealth and turned it into a real crossroads for the
pastel trade. The pastel plant had long been grown in
the West. Its leaves were harvested, crushed and shaped
to form shells, or “cocagnes”, from which the blue dye
used to colour cloth was released. The visit then ends by
a short presentation of the different cosmetic products
made by “Graine de Pastel”.
11.30 am: Departure by bus for «Terre de Pastel» a
unique concept.
Created in 2013 and directed by Jean-Jacques Germain,
alongside his associate Sandrine Banessy, the Terre de
Pastel group is a holding company whose activities are all
centred on PasTel.: cultivation and extraction of the pigment, creation of pastel based products and the opening
of establishments that sell the brand.
Terre de Pastel - 629 rue Max Planck
31 670 LABEGE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 88 36 79
Contact : Mrs Cécile GRIMALDI
http://terredepastel.com/
12.00: Lunch at the restaurant «Les Jardins du Pastel»
From 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Visit of the Museum of
Terre de Pastel with a dying activity and a test of
the products to discover their line of natural beauty
treatments made with pastel plant extracts.
Lafayette Toulouse
4 - 8 rue Lapeyrouse Toulouse.
49
11 quai St Pierre - 31000 TOULOUSE
Night in Toulouse at Hotel Adagio Parthenon****
86 Allée Jean Jaurès - 31000 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 10 24 00
www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1910-aparthotel-adagio-toulouse-parthenon/index.shtml
Second day
10.00 am: Arrival in Luchon, Great Site Midi-Pyrénées
Luchon Pyrénez vous!
At the heart of the Pyrenees, just 1h30 from Toulouse, at
the foot of the highest peaks (13 peaks over 3000m) this
magnificent and authentic chain, unique mountain town,
away from pollution, presents an environment ideal for all
sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Winter sports, white water, swimming pools, tennis, golf,
paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, gliding, powered
flight, without forgetting hydrotherapy and spa in Luchon
Forme et Bien Être or many cultural events, is that all year
Luchon appreciate without moderation !
Tourist Office - 18 allées d'Etigny - 31110 LUCHON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 79 21 21 - Fax : +33 (0)5 61 79 11 23
www.luchon.com
1.00 pm: Lunch at the restaurant l'Arbesquens
In a warm and friendly setting, this restaurant offers mixed
meals, mixed grill and mountain specialties such as fondue, raclette. The menu is not imposed, each participant
will choose his meals.
47 allées d'Etigny - 31110 LUCHON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 79 33 69
2.30 pm: Luchon Forme et Bien Être. Visit and presentation by the director Laurent Dupont.
Access to the Fitness Spa (Vaporarium, Relaxation Pool)
The Vaporarium is a cave under the mountain surrounded
by the Luchon's thermal water. This water seeps throught
the rocks and recreates the conditions of a hammam.
The temperature in the cave is between 38° and 42° with
100% humidity in the only natural hammam of Europe.
Luchon Forme et Bien Être - Cours des Quinconces - 31110 LUCHON
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 79 22 97 - Fax : +33 (0)5 61 79 72 41
www.luchon-bien-etre.fr
Diner, Night and breakfast at the Hôtel Majestic***
Place Amédée Fontan - 31110 LUCHON
Tel : +33 5 62 00 75 70 - Fax : +33 5 31 60.58.06
This hotel has been completely renovated, it's located in
a quiet area just steps from downtown
Third day
8.30 am: Departure for the Ax Valley
12.00: Arrival in Ariège Pyrenees in the Ax Valley
Lunch at the restaurant la Table du Boulanger.
La Table Du Boulanger - RN20 - 09110 SAVIGNAC LES ORMEAUX
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 14 63 03
www.la-table-du-boulanger.com
2.00 pm: Winter hiking with Le Bureau des Guides
Ariège Pyrénées at Le Chioula.
The Chioula, nordic ski resort, offers a beautifull panorama on the Pyrenees Mountains. Between 1240 m et
1650 m high, your mountain guide will share with you his
knowledge on the environment.
Bureau Des Guides Ariege Pyrenees - Gare aval du téléporté
Camp de Granou - 09110 AX-LES-THERMES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 01 90 62 / +33 (0)6 84 59 20 63
www.guides-ariege.com
Walking tour with Olivier Dejean (mountain guide of
the Tourist Office): the route will be defined according to the weather
Duration: 2 h / 2h30 - Level of difficulty: Easy (the difference in height is not important)
5.00 pm: Check in at the Holidays Résidence***Les
Chalets d’Ax à Ax les Thermes.
Located at 800 m far from the ski lifts, the city centre and
the spa centres, the Holiday Residence Lagrange Confort
LES CHALETS D'AX has an eleguant architecture wich
uses material as wood and stone. The interior decoration is both contemporary and warm composed with 73
apartments on 2 stages (without lift). Spa, hammam, tubs,
swimming pool.
Lagrange Confort Residence De Tourisme*** Les Chalets D'ax
Chemin de l'Aourédou - 09110 AX LES THERMES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 05 13 34
www.vacances-lagrange.com
50
5.30 pm: Presentation at the Holidays Résidence*** Le
Grand Tétras by the Spa Centres managing director.
Fourth day
6.00 pm: Relaxation at Les Bains du Couloubret in Ax
les Thermes.
Welcome at The Couloubret recreational spa center.
This 3000 m² complex has been built in a former spa
with a neo-gothic façade. The spa water that made Axles-Thermes’ reputation supplies de various pools combining pleasure and the benefits of balneotherapy in an
outstanding setting inspired by Roman Antiquity.
Les Bains Du Couloubret - Allées du Couloubret
09110 AX LES THERMES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 02 64 41
www.bains-couloubret.com
8.30 am: Transfer in The Plateau de Beille
9.30 am: Arrival in thePlateau de Beille and presentation by the managing director.
Beille, the 1st nordic ski resort in the Pyrenees is located
at 1800 m high. It offers a 360° panorama on the Pyrenees Mountains. Beautifull landscap and numerous leisure activities are provided in winter or in summer. It is
also famous thanks to the Tour de France.
10.00 am: Walking on le Plateau de Beille and visit of
Angaka (huskies, snowshoeing, horse skiing,…) with
Magalie from La Maison Lacube who deals with summer walking to encounter the herd of cows and to
explain the local agricultural activity.
Plateau De Beille - 09310 LES CABANNES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 09 35 35
www.beille.fr
La Maison Lacube - Place des Platanes - 09310 LES CABANNES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 09 09 09
www.lamaisonlacube.com
11.30 am: Transfer to Montpellier.
Pic nic for lunch during the transfer (made by the Maison
Lacube Restaurant).
8.00 pm: Dinner at the Casino's restaurant in Ax-lesThermes.
CASINO JOA - Promenade Paul Salette - 09110 AX LES THERMES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 64 65 00
www.joa-casino.com/Casinos-Loisirs/CASINO-JOA-D-AX-LES-THERMES
Important: Take Hiking boots and Swimsuit + sandals or
flip flops.
Night.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Karine CHEVALIER
Tel : (+) 33 5 61 02 30 73
[email protected]
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Corinne DURAND
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 99 44 10
www.resa31.com
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
51
14
CATHARISM AND MIDDLE AGE AROUND
T O U L O U S E / TA R N / A R I È G E - P Y R É N É E S
Explore the countryside of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises, discovering the great remnants of medieval history: the Château de Montségur and Château de Roquefixade, the 'bastide' town of Mirepoix, Romanesque chapels in the Ax Valley, the medieval town of Foix and a tour of the highlights of the Ariège Collection, a Great Tourist Site Midi-Pyrénées.
This circuit ends with a visit of Toulouse.
First day
10.00 am: First part of the walking guided tour « Toulouse medieval »
Discover the rich historical heritage of the city in the
Middle Ages on urban, economic, artisanal and cultural
aspects.
12.00: Lunch at the Auberge du Tranchoir
1 bis rue du May - 31000 TOULOUSE
2.00 pm: Second part of the walking guided tour
«Toulouse and the Catharism»
Catharism was a name given to a dualistic religion that
appeared in the South-West of France and in others parts
of Europe in the 11th century and flourished in the 12th
and 13th centuries. The Cathars believed in two worlds:
the Good spiritual World and the Evil material world.
Identified as an heretical sect of Christians, the Cathars
were also referred to the Albigenses. They took their
name from the local town Albi and refers to the conflict
between priest and the Cathars.
Lafayette Toulouse
11 quai St Pierre - 31000 TOULOUSE
Night in Toulouse at the Pier Hôtel****
26 boulevard du Maréchal Juin - 31400 TOULOUSE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 24 03 60
http://piertoulousehotel.com/
Second day
8.30 am: Departure for Saint Lizier in Ariège Pyrénées
10.00 am: Arrival in Ariège Pyrénées, at Saint-Lizier.
10.15 am: Visit of the walled town of Saint-Lizier.
Great Tourist Site Midi Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
The Mediaeval walled town of Saint-Lizier - designated
“most beautiful village of France” - is a stopping on
Saint-James Way. Discover the cathedral church, its cloister and Romanesque paintings, the Bishop’s Treasure, the
18th century “Hotel Dieu”, general hospital and its apo-
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thecary’s dispensary dating back to 1764 and unchanged
since then. Discover the canons’ lovely residences in the
village and its Gallo-Roman ramparts.
Unesco site on the Saint James Way.
Office De Tourisme De Saint Lizier - Place de l'Eglise - 09 190 SAINT LIZIER
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 96 77 77
www.st-lizier.fr
dominate the town of Foix with a wonderful panorama
over the Pyrenees.
Le Chateau De Foix - Grands Sites Ariège
Route de Banat - 09400 TARASCON SUR ARIEGE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 05 10 10
www.grands-sites-ariege.fr
12.00: Lunch at the restaurant L’Hôtel*** Eychenne in
Saint-Girons.
Hotel*** Restaurant Eychenne
8 avenue Paul Laffont - 09800 SAINT GIRONS
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 04 04 50
www.hoteleychenne.com
6.30 pm: Check in at the hotel in Foix.
Hotel** Balladins Foix - ZA Nord 09000 FOIX
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 05 36 10
www.hotel-balladins-foix.com
1.30 pm: Transfer to Montségur.
3.15 pm: Meeting point on the hillside of the Montsegur Castle.
3.45 pm: Visit of the Montségur Castle, Great Tourist
Site Midi Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
Situated at an altitude of 1.207 m, this symbol of Cathar
resistance dominates the village and surrounding valleys.
In 1244, following the siege during the war against the
Albigeois, more than 220 cathars perished here, burnt at
the stake. 30 minutes walking to reach the castle at 1 207
meters high.
Chateau et musee de montsegur - Le village - 09300 MONTSEGUR
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 01 10 27
www.montsegur.fr
Noemie DE BONO, Guide Conférencière - 09000 FOIX
Tel.: +33 (0)6 88 96 12 67
http://debononoemie.wix.com/visites-guidee
4.30 pm: Transfer to Foix.
5.15 pm: Visit of the Foix Catsle, Great Tourist Site
Midi Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
Jewel of the Middle Age, its high walls and three towers
8.00 pm: Dinner at the restaurant of the Hotel ***
Lons in the town centre.
Hotel***Restaurant Lons - 6, place Georges Dutilh - 09000 FOIX
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 09 28 00
www.hotel-lons-foix.com
Night.
Third day
8.30 am: Transfer to Mirepoix.
9.15 am: Visit of the medieval city of Mirepoix, Great
Tourist Site Midi Pyrenees of Ariege Collection.
Destroyed after a dam broke, the town was rebuilt in
1289. The architects at that time designed it as a fortified
town. The square has kept its original structure: half timbered houses over timber arcades and the Maison des
Consuls with its sculpted wooden beams.
Continue your tour with a visit of the Saint-Maurice cathedral, which has the widest nave in France (22 meters large).
Office De Tourisme Du Pays de Mirepoix
Place Maréchal Leclerc - 09500 MIREPOIX
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 68 83 76
www.tourisme-mirepoix.com
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10.30 am: Departure from Mirepoix to Mazamet, the
Albigeansian citadel of the Montagne Noire
12.30: Welcome by the Tourist Office and lunch at the
restaurant Le Grand Balcon in Mazamet.
2.30 pm: Guided tour of Mazamet and the former Cathar fortress of Hautpoul.
During the Middle-age, The North hillside of the Montagne Noire (The Black Mountain) was a place of refuge
for the Cathar Perfects persecuted in Occitan lands.
It is at Hautpoul, historic birth place of Mazamet, that
the Catharism found protection. In April 1222, Simon of
Montfort attacks the fortress of Hautpoul.
The Museum dedicated to this disappeared religion thus
finds all its legitimacy to Mazamet. It explores meanders
and vicissitudes of the History to find the memory of the
actions of that disturbed period.
The exhibition evokes the context of the appearance of
this new shape of faith, the originality of the Occitan Catharism, its perpetuation through time. The question of
the role of the Roman Catholic Church and the Inquisition is also approached. An atmosphere and information
which cannot only urge you to discover any more this religion and the sites where its believers practised it.
Office de Tourisme de Mazamet
Tel.: +33 (0)563 61 27 07
www.tourisme-mazamet.com
5.30 pm: Guided visit of the Adelaïde’s mansion in
Burlats
The "pavillon d'Adelaïde" (13th century?) is a rare example of secular Romanesque art. Adelaïde, daughter of
Constance, inspired the poetic and the carnal emotions of
the troubadours. Ramon de Miraval sang of "the Countess
with the violet eyes", whilst Arnaud de Mareuil, getting
straight to the point, dreamed "of holding you tightly in
my arms and covering you with kisses". Arnaud was asked to depart to Montpellier where he pined for his lost
happiness "all my hopes so gently extinguished". The four
magnificent Romanesque windows which look out over
the river Agoût, were they witness to the verses and songs
of these enamoured poets? One can but wonder.
Today, the mansion is open to the visits and we can even
follow sometimes, during a guided visit, the Lady's companion of Constance who will reveal you all the secrets
on Adelaïde de Burlats and will lead you on the tracks of
her lost love …
Office de Tourisme du Sidobre
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 74 63 38
www.sidobre.tourisme-tarn.com
6.30 pm: Departure for Albi (1h)
7.30 pm: Arrival in Albi - Setting and diner at the very
new hotel Ibis Style Le Théatro***
48 Place Jean Jaurès - 81000 ALBI
Tel.: +33 (0)7 61 41 50 06 / +33 (0)5 63 43 20 20
Fourth day
4.30pm Departure for Burlats via Castres (no stop)
Became fief of Trencavel in 1040, The city is strengthened by
Roger Trencavel (viscount of Albi). Simon de Montfort takes
all the lands of Trencavel, of which Castres where he stayed.
Simon de Montfort installs a French garrison in the former
castle of Caudière, seigneurial property of Viscounts of Albi.
Adelaïde of Burlats had received the papal legates came
there to excommunicate her husband Roger Trencavel.
In 1209 in Castres, two Cathars, a Perfect and a novice
were arrested and condemned by Simon de Montfort
himself. In spite of the pleas of the novice who wanted to
renounce, he made him stick on the stake next to the Perfect. But since the very first flames the links were broken
and the novice was safe and free. The heretic, him, died
by flames. It was the 1st stake of the Crusade…
Office de Tourisme 2 Place République - 81100 CASTRES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 62 63 62
www.tourisme-castres.fr
9.00 am: Guided tour of Albi Great Site Midi-Pyrénées
and listed World Heritage by UNESCO.
Metropolis of the fief of Trencavels Lords and Viscount
of Albi, Carcassonne and Béziers, Albi keeps nothing of
the castle of the vassals of the Counts of Toulouse.
Cathar and Catholic diocese, Albi will welcome saint Bernard then saint Dominique who came to preach and to
try to convert the population..
From 1270, Albi saw the Bishop becoming the Lord of the
City and the vice - inquisitor of France. Having from now
on all the powers, Bishop Bernard de Castanet was going
to mark for ever the City of red bricks. Several places to
Albi are directly connected to the Catharism in particular:
The Saint Cecile Cathedral
It is "God's fortress". Official answer of the Roman Catholic Church in the face of the Cathar heresy, the cathedral
aims to be a double symbol: that of the double power of
the bishop.
Religious power protective souls and political and military power protecting the peoples.
Real fort of bricks, her could so protect the inhabitants
in case of siege. But only the good Christians could take
refuge inside it …
The Berbie Palace.
Built almost at the same time as the cathedral, the Bisbia (bishop's palace in Occitan) was the Palace of the Inquisition.
Donjon (which looks like strangely that of the movie The
Name of Rose …), prison, torture room, room of garrisons, these 13th century rooms are visible today.
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Indeed it is in these rooms that took place since 1922 the
immense collection of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
11.30 am: Departure for Montpellier (4h30). Lunch
box in the bus
The Old Alby (old town)
Vaster listed and protected district of South of France,
the old town preserved through its streets the charm of
corbelled c and half-timbering houses. In the center of this
district, is the Castelnau. Today property of the city, the
Castelnau would be the castle built by the son of Trencavel
returned to live in Albi to try to recover its fief. Raised and
protected by Gaston Phébus Comte of Foix, the young
Trencavel never succeeded in countering the Bishop…
Tourist Office of Albi
Tel.: +33 (0)5 63 49 48 80
4.00 pm: Arrival in Montpellier, meeting with your
delegation at your hotel.
Muriel MARTIN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 54
Karine CHEVALIER
Tel : (+) 33 5 61 02 30 73
[email protected]
Tel.: +33 (0)5 67 20 26 56
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Tarn Tourist Office
Christian RIVIERE
Tél: +33 563 77 32 29
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
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15
BIKING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND SPA
ON THE COLS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE
HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES
The star turns of the cycling world in the Pyrenees lead you from the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park to the
Pic du Midi, a Great Tourist Site Midi-Pyrénées. This tour also offers an overview of modern spa & wellness centres,
earning the department a full place among the most popular mountain destinations.
First day
1.30 pm: Accompanied walks into the Parc National
des Pyrénées - Pont d’Espagne.
(don’t forget mountain shoes and warm clothes)
Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne
a treat for the eyes, you are about to enter the site Cauterets - Pont d’Espagne, one of the most visited sites in the
Tel.: +33 (0)562 925 050
www.cauterets.com
8.30 am: Departure for Hautes-Pyrénées
12.00: Lunch time in Cauterets - Le Regent
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 92 50 10
3.30 pm: Departure to d’Argelès-Gazost Valley, to
practicea lot of outdoor activities
(Some activities can change according to weather conditions)
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Biking on the « voie verte » 17 km ….easy …!
Mountain bike in Hautacam which can offer a lot of
mountain activities ( mountain sled - segway…)
www.hautacam.com/
Unesco’s World Heritage Site list.
Office de tourisme de Gavarnie
Tel.: +33 (0)562 424 910
www.gavarnie.com
6.00 pm: relax at the spa center - Jardin des Bains
www.lejardindesbains.com -don’t forget your swimsuit if
you want to taste the hot water - possibility to go in the
village to take a drink before dinner
8.30 am: Stop at the Napoléon Bridgewhich, constructed in 1860 under the orders of Napoleon III, who was
taking the waters in Luz-Saint-Sauveur with the Empress
Eugenie. The bridge crosses the deep gorge of the Gave
and today it is a famous bungee jumping venue.
8.00 pm: Diner and night in Argelès-Gazost at Miramont*** hôtel
44 Avenue des Pyrénées - 65400 ARGELÈS-GAZOST
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 97 01 26
http://hotel-argeles-gazost.com/fr/
9.00 am: Walk in Gavarnie
BE CAREFUL : Pic du Midi closed between 12.00 and
2.00 pm
10.30 am: departure for the Pic du Midi
Second day
7.30 am: Departure for Gavarnie World Heritage site
listed by UNESCO
You enter in the Pyrenees National Park, go through the
village of Gedre and you have arrived. First there is the
village - lively and charming. Suddenly at the end of the
road, it appears. That is when the shivering starts and superlatives are insufficient. A master of words, Victor Hugo
described it as: «nature’s coliseum». After a 30 minute
easy and fascinating walk, along the Gave du Pau and
across the Courade plateau, you arrive at the cirque’s
orientation table, possible by foot, horse-back or donkey.
Push on a bit further and you arrive at the Hostellerie du
cirque. There you have a clear view of France’s biggest
waterfall. How about visiting Troumouse or Estaubé?
Leave Gavarnie and follow the D921 towards Gavarnie is
a glacier cirque of rare perfection and impressive beauty.
5.5 km wide with vertical walls 1,500 m high and hundreds
of waterfalls, it is unique in the world. Leaning against the
Spanish Haut-Aragon grand canyons, together they form
the “Gavarnie Mont-Perdu” site, a sacred mountain on
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12.30: Lunch in Pic du Midi
scientists use it to observe the sun and the galaxy. Here
Tel.: +33 (0)825 00 2877
www.picdumidi.com
2.00 pm: Departure for the Via Ferrata
3.00 pm: Stop in the Via Ferrrata, le Vertige de l’Adour
http://viaferrata-pyrenees.com/
6.00 pm: Relaxing in the thermal spa center - Aquensis
(could be modified because of the weather conditions)
www.aquensis.fr
8.00 pm: Dinner and night in Carre Py Hotel*** in
Bagnères de Bigorre
3 Avenue Maquis de Payolle
65200 BAGNÈRES-DE-BIGORRE
Tel.: +33 (0)5 64 25 00 25
Third day
8.30 am: Departure for Louron Valley by the Hourquette d’Ancizan road, very famous thanks to The
Tour De France and the Col d’Aspin.
10.30 am: paragliding next to the Loudevielle lake
It’sa one of the best spot for this kind of activity
(could be modified because of the weather conditions).
Walk around the Genos-Loudenvielle lake A short circular walk of maximum 1 hour with almost no slope which
leaves from the Balnea car park.
1.00 pm: Lunch at the Planatalis restaurant in Loudenvielle
www.balnea.fr/le_restaurant
4.00 pm: Relaxing in Balnéa Spa Center
Balnea on the banks of the Genos-Loudenvielle lake
Since it was created in 2000 Balnea has continued to
grow and is now number one in the French Pyrenees.
With its international baths theme - American Indian,
Roman, Japanese and Inca - the different well-being
areas and soothing thermal baths take the young and
the old on a journey around the world and accross time.
The ultimate: the outdoor lagoons of the Japanese and
Inca baths, with temperatures from 33°C to 40°C and a
panoramic view over the top of the valley. Nestled in
the heart of one of the Hautes-Pyrenees most beautiful
natural settings, on the banks of the Genos-Louden-
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vielle lake, Balnea does not only look after your physical
and spiritual well-being. You will also be dazzled by the
beauty of the Pyrénées.
6.00 pm: Col de Val Louron Azet
From Genos, strike out on the hairpin bends of the Val
Louron-Azet mountain pass. Concentrating on the road
is difficult with such a magnificent view of the mountain
peaks of more than 3,000 m serving as a border with
Spain. On the summit the road crosses vast grazing
meadows, one of the preferred take-off spots for hanggliders and paragliders. Then descend towards the great
Pyrenean valley, Saint-Lary which is directly accessible to
Spain via the first cross-border tunnel
8.00 pm: Dinner in Saint-Lary
10.00 pm: Night in Saint-Lary at Hotel La Neste de
Jade***
Graouès - 65170 VIGNEC
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 39 42 79
Fourth day
9.00 am: Free time
12.00: Departure for Montpellier. Lunch box in the
bus
4.00 pm: Arrival for Montpellier, meeting with your
delegation at your hotel.
Anna FONTAN
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 56 70 01 / +33 (0)5 65 56 70 05
Sandra DARGENT
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 01 / +33 (0)6 89 99 40 59
Nicole PRADINES
Tel.: +33 (0)5 34 44 18 29 / +33 (0)6 72 87 29 68
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16
UNESCO HERITAGE EDUCATIONAL TOUR
H É R A U LT / A U D E / G A R D
Discovery of the majestic sites of the Languedoc-Roussillon, classified on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites: the
Pont du Gard, the Canal du Midi, the Citadel of Carcassonne.
First day
Arrival at Montpellier’s railway station/ airport and
transfer to your hotel: Hôtel Pullman
The Pullman Montpellier Centre hotel is located in the
heart of the historic center near Place de la Comédie, the
Polygone business district, Le Corum convention center,
Zénith and the arena. The hotel offers upscale services
ideal for business trips andgetaways.
1 Rue des Pertuisanes - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 99 72 72
7.00 pm: Meeting in the Hotel Lobby
Dinner and overnight in Montpellier
12.00-1.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant Le Grillardin
3 Place de la Chapelle Neuve - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 66 24 33
www.restaurantlegrillardin.com
1.45 pm: Departure to the Pont du Gard
3.30 - 5pm: Discovery of this majestic aqueduct
More than just a masterpiece of classical times, the Pont
du Gard is a symbol of the genius and audacity of an entire civilisation which still inspires admiration today. Almost 21 centuries later we still need this same genius and
audacity for the success of our ventures. The site surrounding the Pont du Gard inscribed on the world Heritage
list, covers 165 ha of natural Mediterranean landscapes.
Here, there is a year-long festival and artistic schedule with
floodlight of the bridge, concerts, expositions, the discovery areas: the museum, cinema, ludo, the surrounding landscape, visit of the bridge. Restaurant facing the Pont du Gard
Second day
8.30 am: meeting in the hotel lobby
9.00 am: departure for a walking tour through the
medieval streets of Montpellier.
Learn more about the History of Medicine : Pharmacie de
la Miséricorde, Faculty of Medicine & Botanical garden
Montpellier became the site of the first medical school in
the kingdom of France and beyond, where Nostradamus
and Rabelais both studied! The botanical garden adjoining the university, founded in 1593 by Henri IV to provide medicinal plants, is thus the oldest in France.
Guided visits can be booked at the Montpellier Méditerranée Tourism & Conventions Tourist Office:
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 60 19 19 - Email: [email protected]
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5.00 pm: Transfer to Nîmes
6.00 pm: check-in at the hotel: Imperator 4*
The Hotel Imperator is situated in the heart of the Roman city.
In the city center of Nîmes, the Hotel IMPERATOR’s 60
rooms and suites are spacious and are spread over three
floors. They have pleasant views over the Imperator’s
gardens the Jardin de la Fontaine or the Assas area.
15 Rue Gaston Boissier - 30900 NÎMES
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 21 90 30
www.hotel-imperator.com
8.00 pm: Dinner at the restaurant: Le Ciel à Nîmes
Place de la maison carrée - Carré d’Art - 30900 NÎMES
www.lecieldenimes.net
almost 350 locks, bridges, aqueduct, outlets, some which
haven't been modified since their origin; a towpath lined
with trees, allowing multiple outdoor activities such as
hiking or mountain biking.
This unique architectural heritage is the work of PierrePaul Riquet, who convinced Colbert, and then Louis XIV,
of the technical possibility to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean sea, and proved that the waters of the Black
Mountain would be enough to feed the canal.
The river cruise is an important activity in the department
of Aude. The « Canal du Midi » and the « Canal de la Robine », listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, favour
an original discovery of these places that are among the
finest and most authentic of France.
Stop/Overview : Ecluses de Fonserannes
Overnight at the hotel Imperator 4*
12.30 - 2.15 pm: lunch at the restaurant: Coté Canal
on the border of the Canal du midi
2640 Voie Communale 13 - 34500 BEZIERS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 28 08 54
www.restaurantcotecanal.fr
Third day
2.30 pm: Transfer to Carcassonne
8.00 am: Check out
8.30 am: Discovery of Nimes, the Roman city with a
glorious ancient past
Nîmes, capital of the Gard area, combines some of the
most beautiful vestiges of Roman France (Arènes, Maison Carrée, Temple de Diane, Tour Magne, Achilles and
Pentheus mosaics…) with 17th and 18th century marvels
(Jardins de la Fontaine, private mansions…) and emblematic contemporary representations (Sir Norman Foster’s
Carré d’Art Museum, Jean Nouvel’s Nemausus housing
development, Martial Raysse’s sculptures on Place d’Assas, Philippe Starck’s bus shelters, and Jean-Michel Wilmotte’s urban amenities).
www.ot-nimes.fr
10.00 am: Departure to the Canal du midi
Work of 240 km in length, powered by a highly sophisticated system, the « Canal du Midi » presents the oldest
inventions in terms of hydraulic control and works of art:
4.00 pm: Guided Tour of the Medieval City:
The citadel of Carcassonne looks like a medieval film set.
The spectacular walled town is one of France’s most famous
national monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally a Roman settlement, then a medieval walled
town, Carcassonne was built between the 12th and 14th
centuries and restored in the 19th century by Viollet le
Duc. The River Aude and the Canal du Midi separate the
citadel from the lower town.
Visit of Hôtel de la Cité 5*
A château within a château, a monument within a monument, the Hôtel de la Cité is full of a delightfully retro charm - that dreamt-of place closing the door on the
noisy world outside.
Character and Reputation are Hôtel de la Cité’s Letters
Patent of Nobility. 47 bedrooms and 13 suites and junior
suites offer personalised and elegant surroundings and
amenities.
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9.45 - 10.45 am: Guided Tour of the first Roman city
in Gaule founded in 188 BCE and the ancient cradle
of French wine-making.
Narbonne, City of Art and History, is one of the most popular destinations in the South of France.
Between the Canal de la Robine, sea and ponds, numerous activities are offered to visitors: river cruises, hiking,
horseback or mountain biking, sea or river fishing, as well
as many cultural events, and heritage discoveries. Not to
mention pleasures of fine sandy beaches!
Gourmets, gourmands and lovers of good food can also
find in Narbonne emblematic places of the Mediterranean lifestyle (restaurants, halls, winegrowers ...).
Narbonne Tourist Office - 31 Rue Jean Jaurès - 11100 NARBONNE
www.narbonne-tourisme.com
11.00 am: Departure through the vineyards landscapes of la Clape
11.45 - 12.30 am: Visit of a winery: Château l’Hospitalet
Situated between Narbonne and its beaches, Chateau l’Hospitalet is a perfect place to stay in the heart of a wine estate
cultivated with biodyanmic methods in the protected Massif
of la Clape. The wine estate is committed to Art of living and
achieves this by combining a 3*hotel, a fine dining restaurant
and an Art gallery, celebrating the work of local artists.
Château l’Hospitalet which dates back to 1561, is a lively
estate in tune with the grapevine, wine, art and Jazz life.
Route de Narbonne Plage - 11100 NARBONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 45 28 50
www.chateau-hospitalet.com/fr
Visit of Hôtel le Donjon 4*.
Located right in the heart of Carcassonne's medieval citadel, the hotel's 61 rooms are spread over three buildings. Guests are greeted by a warm welcome and provided with excellent service by a staff attentive to each
client's needs and comfort.
6.15 pm: Check-in at the hotel: Mercure Porte de la
Cité 4*
The 4-star Hôtel Mercure Carcassonne Porte de la Cité
nestles in a former traditional Languedoc farm house,
equipped with two private parking areas and situated at
the entrance to the Mediaeval City of Carcassonne with a
view over the ramparts and the fortress. 80 Rooms.
8 Rue Camille Saint-Saëns - 11000 CARCASSONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 11 92 82
www.mercure-carcassonne.fr
12.30: Lunch on the restaurant of the winery, L’Art
de vivre
2.00 pm: Return to Montpellier
Drop off to your hôtel
End of the program
Some visits, restaurants or accomodations may be replaced with venues of same quality.
This program has been prepared in partnership with
the Sud de France Tourism board
7.30 pm: Transfer to the Château de Villegly
8.00 pm: Dinner at The Château
Overnight at the Hotel Mercure Porte de la Cité 4*
www.destinationsuddefrance.com
The dinner and the evening of saturday 2nd April are organized in partnership with the Tourist Office of Nîmes and the Development Agency
and Tourism Reservation of Gard
Fourth day
The dinner and the evening of sunday 3Th April are organized in partnership with the Tourist Office of Carcassonne and the Development
Agency Tourism of Aude
8.00 am: Check out
8.15 am: Meeting in the Hotel Lobby
8.30 am: Departure to Narbonne
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VILLAGES OF ART AND HISTORY EDUCATIONAL
TOUR IN LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON
H É R A U LT / G A R D / P Y R É N É E S - O R I E N TA L E S
Medieval villages, fishing villages, villages of art and history, this fam trip offers the discovery of the most beautiful
charming villages of Languedoc-Roussillon…
First day
Arrival at Montpellier’s railway station / airport and
transfer
Transfer to your hotel: Marriott
Ideally located on the forecourt of the new City hall designed by the famous architects Jean Nouvel and François
Fontès, The Courtyard by Marriott**** is part of "The" new
economic and strategic center of Montpellier. The Hotel
Courtyard Marriott**** offers 123 rooms (including 3 design
suites), 5 meeting rooms overlooking the patio/pool or the
prestigious city council, and a stunning Mediterranean restaurant in design and sleek lines with a lounge bar.
105 Place Georges Freche (Rue du Chelia) - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : + 33 (0)4 99 54 74 00
Today the village is dominated by its castle and adorned
with a beautiful aqueduct which you can discover on a
hiking trail through vineyards and pine forests.
Transfer towards the Manade Vitou (bull ranch):
guided tour of the manade in a carriage.
Seated in a horse-drawn and covered carriage, you wil
experience the customs and traditions of the horses and
bulls of the Camargue. Our heardsman or “Gardians” will
demonstrate how the bulls are sorted and selected.
+33 (0)4 67 60 19 19 - Email: [email protected]
Manade Vitou - Mas Saint Léonard, Route de Saint Brès
34160 CASTRIES - Mr. Nicolas Vitou
Tel. : +33 (0)6 36 55 82 03
www.manadevitou.com
12 - 1.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant
l’Authentic
134, Chemin de la Pierre Bleue - Domaine de La Pierre Bleue
34160 CASTRIES
Tel. : + 33(0)4 67 83 91 12
www.restaurant-lauthentic-34.com
Second day
8.00 am: Check out
8.30 am: Transfer to Castries
9.15 am: visit of the Castle with its Renaissance facade and its French formal garden
Located 15 km east of Montpellier, Castries got its name
from an ancient roman castrum built on the Via Domitia.
1.45 pm: departure to Uzès, a medieval village with a
rich historic heritage
A jewel arising from a landscape of vines and olive groves, this ducal city reigns supreme in the Gard countryside, and in the hearts of tourists.
Like those campaniles which ring the hours in the countryside around St Tropez, Uzès has its Fenestrelle Tower, the
steeple of the Cathedral of St Théodorit, cleaving the
countryside with its varnished yellow and green tiles.
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Quite a symbol for this little Languedoc town of only 8000
inhabitants, without a doubt a vital stopping-off point on
any Languedoc itinerary !
Listed as a protected site in 1965, Uzès, with its squares
surrounded by arcades, cafes and restaurants, picturesque
mediaeval little streets, gentle pace and its stars (actor Samuel Benchetrit, Jean-Louis Trintignant etc.) fully deserves
the praise heaped on it by Jean Racine, who once wrote to
a correspondent in Paris, “Our nights here are more beautiful than your days” (Letters from Uzès).
Third day
8.00 am: Check out
8.30 am: Bus Transfer to the village of Saint Guilhem
le Desert
3.15-4.15pm: Visit of Uzès & a 5* property:
La Maison d’Uzès sits perfectly in the center of
this glorious town of “Ucetia”. Behind its emblematic and noble facade, over three centuries
of history are revived today in this 9-roomed
luxury hotel boasting an intimate and warm
atmosphere. After four years of careful renovation, La Maison d’Uzès***** is now listed French
historical monument and transformed into a
unique and intimate hotel.
La Maison D'Uzès - 18 Rue du Dr Blanchard - 30700 UZES
Tel : + 33 (0)4 66 20 07 00
www.lamaisonduzes.fr
4.30 pm: Departure for the Pont du Gard
5.15-6.30 pm: Discovery of this majestic aqueduct
More than just a masterpiece of classical times, the Pont
du Gard is a symbol of the genius and audacity of an entire civilisation which still inspires admiration today.
Almost 21 centuries later we still need this same genius
and audacity for the success of our ventures. The site
surrounding the Pont du Gard inscribed on the world
Heritage list, covers 165 ha of natural Mediterranean
landscapes.
Here, there is a year-long festival and artistic schedule
with floodlight of the bridge, concerts, expositions, the
discovery areas: the museum, cinema, ludo, the surrounding landscape, visit of the bridge. Restaurant facing the
Pont du Gard
6.30 pm: Transfer to Vers-Pont-du-Gard
10.30-11.15 am: Guided Tour of Saint Guilhem le Desert
In the very heart of the Hérault Gorges, in the Gellone Valley, the medieval citadel of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert has little streets stretched out across a green backdrop following
the winding Verdus stream. These old backstreets have
been here, in the Languedoc sunshine, for 12 centuries.
Expanded around Gellone Abbey, the village, retaining a
distinct medieval character, amounts to an unusually harmonious entity for the languedoc. Great Site in France®, it's
also one of France's Most Beautiful Villages and the abbey
is now listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO as part of the
Saint-James of Compostela route in France...
Saint Guilhem le Désert Tourist Office
3, Parc de Camalcé - 34150 GIGNAC
Tel. : + 33 (0)4 67 57 58 83
www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr
11.30 am: Transfer to Villeneuve-lès-Béziers
6.45 pm: Check-in at the hotel: La Bégude SaintPierre 4*
At a small walk from the Pont-du-Gard, the stone walls
of this former seventeenth century coach house now
contain an exclusive hotel completely reinvented and a
gastronomic hotel.
In this exceptional framework, la Bégude Saint-Pierre offers its visitors a wide range of services with
23 rooms and suites, the 3 dining rooms, terraces lined
with century old olive trees, the pool of 7 x 14 mand its
shady park, the intimate and relaxing courtyard, the sheltering canopy for aperitifs and summer evening drinks ...
each space is unique and calls for the “Farniente”, provençal term expressing a lazy enjoyment of life.
295 Chemin des Bégudes - 30210 VERS-PONT-DU-GARD
Tel. : + 33 (0)4 66 02 63 60
www.hotel-begude-saint-pierre.com
8.00-10.00 pm: Dinner and overnight at the hotel la
Bégude Saint-Pierre 4* in partnership with the GARD
tourist Board
12.45-2.15 pm: Lunch on the border of the Canal du
Midi at the restaurant: L’Ecluse
16 Avenue Pierre Bérégovoy - 34420 VILLENEUVE-LES-BEZIERS
Tel. : + 33 (0)4 69 00 12 85
www.restaurant-ecluse-beziers.fr
2.30 pm: Departure to Collioure, discovery of the jewel
of the Vermillion coast a veritable muse for painters
Situated in the very south of France, close to the Spanish
border, COLLIOURE is an idyllic place on the rocky coastline, nestling in an unspoilt, protected environment. The
small Catalan port is sheltered by a creek where the waters of the Mediterranean meet the rocks of the Pyrenees
mountain chain.
4.30-4.45 pm: Visit of the Hotel Casa Pairal
Our 3-star hotel La Casa Païral, a magnificent town house
that was formerly the home of a 19th century Catalan family, is a haven of peace and tranquillity situated in the
heart of Collioure, right on the Mediterranean coast. We
have 27 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, each deco-
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10.30-11.30 am: guided
tour of Pezenas
Pézenas Tourist Office Place des États du Languedoc
34120 PÉZENAS
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 98 36 40
www.pezenas-tourisme.fr
rated differently in its own unique, appealing style. The
hotel’s typical Catalan architecture sits amid beautiful
flowers and lush green vegetation.
Casa Pairal - Rue des Palmiers - 66190 COLLIOURE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 68 82 05 81
4.45-5.45 pm: Guided Visit of Collioure
6.15 pm: Check-in at: Grand Hôtel du Golfe 3*
The hotel is along the coast, in front of the creeks
between the historical centre of Collioure, the famous
Racou beach and Argeles sur Mer beaches. The Grand
Hotel du Golfe reflects the Catalan art of living and offers
seaside panoramic views. The hotel’s renovations have
been completed by an excellent Catalan artist. The hotel’s design is as refined and elegant as it is comfortable.
Route de Collioure - 66700 ARGELES-SUR-MER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 81 14 73
www.hoteldugolfe-argeles.com
7.30 pm: Dinner and overnight at the Grand Hôtel
du Golfe 3*
11.30-12 am: Visit of: La
Distillerie de Pezenas
La Distillerie de Pézenas
provides genteel accommodation in its 50 bedrooms &
suites artistically decorated in
a style which reflects the building’s industrial past.
In a warm friendly atmosphere with a quirky touch to
its decoration inspired by the
colours of the vineyards, you
will be able to enjoy the ambiance of the wine bar “Le Vintage” where you can sample
local wines and other local delicacies.
6 Rue Calquières Hautes - 34120 PÉZENAS
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 11 51 10
www.distillerie-de-pezenas.garrigae-resorts.fr
12 - 1.30 pm: Lunch at the Distillerie
1.30 pm: Departure for the Valmagne Abbey
2.00-2.45 pm: Discovery of the Abbey of Valmagne,
one of the few abbeys to have kept its wine estate.
Close to Sète, near the pond of Thau, this abbey is a
poem in stone in the Lord’s vineyard : One of the best
preserved monuments of Cistercian art.
Each year, the Abbey de Valmagne welcomes more than
40,000 visitors to admire the cloister, its magnificent fountain and gardens of the twelfth and fourteenth centuries,
the Gothic church, the chapter house and the monastic
outbuildings.
2.45 pm: Return to Montpellier
End of the program
Fourth day
8.00 am: Check out
8.15 am: Meeting in the Lobby
8.30 am: Departure to Pezenas, city of Art and History and discovery of the historical center where Molière and his troupe lived and performed.
Pézenas has a great heritage. Fairs were held and Estates
convened here, and it was adopted by Molière and his
“Illustre Théâtre” troupe of actors. 17th and 18th c. town
mansions, paved streets and 16th century bourgeois dwellings form the setting for the house of the Consuls, once
the seat of local power, where the Estates of the Languedoc were convened until the mid-17th c.
The dinner and the evening of saturday 2 nd April are organized in
partnership with the Development Agency and Tourism Reservation of
Gard
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EXCLUSIVE TOURISM EDUCATIONAL TOUR
H É R A U LT / G A R D
This fam trip offers the discovery of number of unique, charming and extremely refined residences on the heart of
exceptional heritage, for an exclusive clientele.
First day
paintings from the 15th to the 21 century, a fine collection
of sculptures and a large set of decorative art pieces.
transfer to your hotel: Hôtel Pullman
The Pullman Montpellier Centre hotel is located in the
heart of the historic center near Place de la Comédie, the
Polygone business district, Le Corum convention center,
Zénith and the arena. The hotel offers upscale services
ideal for business trips andgetaways.
1 Rue des Pertuisanes - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 99 72 72
10.30 am: visit of a private mansion Hôtel Magnol
and a violin maker workshop
Former house of the famous botanist Pierre Magnol,
from whom the magnolia tree was named it, now hosts
the workshop of the violinmaker Frédéric Chaudière.
11.15 am: private cocktail at the top of the Triumphal
Arch.
At the end of th 17th century, the king’s intendant decided to erect this triumphal arch, a copy of the gates of
Paris, in honour of Louis XIV. Designed by the architect
François d’Orbay, this Arc de Triomphe was built on the
site of one of the fates of the city’s remparts.
Second day
8.15 am: Check-out
8.45 am: departure for a walking tour in Montpellier:
presentation of the city and the Comédie square.
Also known as l'OEuf (the Egg) because of its original oval
shape, it is one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe.
Standing proud in the middle is the statue of the Three
Graces, Montpellier's emblematic goddesses. All around
you'll see street artists, people on the move, and others
taking a leisurely break at one of the many outside cafés.
9.15 am: visit of the Fabre Museum
The Musée Fabre, one of the most important fine arts
museums in south of France, shows a major collection of
12.00 - 1.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant Le Petit Jardin
Settled near the Cathedral Saint Pierre, in a quiet and
charming little street of Montpellier, Le Petit Jardin intends to have you discover simple, fresh and original
food made of seasonal produce from the local growers,
to preserve taste, flavor and great quality.
Le Petit Jardin - Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 60 78 78
www.petit-jardin.com
1.45 pm: Departure to the inland of the Gard department
3.10-3.30 pm: visit of the Hostellerie le Castellas 3*
In the Gardon gorges, between the Pont du Gard and
Uzes, Hostellerie le Castellas *** in the village of Collias
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is an art model for living. Classed as Hôtel de Charme
and Châteaux and Hôtels Collection, this hotel has 15 bedrooms all equipped
Hostellerie le Castellas 3* - 30 Grand Rue - 30210 COLLIAS
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 22 88 88
www.lecastellas.fr
3.45 pm: Transfer to Uzès.
A jewel arising from a landscape of vines and olive groves, this ducal city reigns supreme in the Gard countryside. And in the hearts of tourists.
Like those campaniles which ring the hours in the countryside around St Tropez, Uzès has its Fenestrelle Tower, the
steeple of the Cathedral of St Théodorit, cleaving the
countryside with its varnished yellow and green tiles.
Quite a symbol for this little Languedoc town of only 8000
inhabitants, without a doubt a vital stopping-off point on
any Languedoc itinerary !
Listed as a protected site in 1965, Uzès, with its squares
surrounded by arcades, cafes and restaurants, picturesque mediaeval little streets, gentle pace and its stars
(actor Samuel Benchetrit, Jean-Louis Trintignant etc.) fully deserves the praise heaped on it by Jean Racine, who
once wrote to a correspondent in Paris, “Our nights here
are more beautiful than your days” (Letters from Uzès).
4.15-5.15 pm: Visit of Uzès & a 5* property : La Maison d'Uzès 5*
La Maison d’Uzès sits perfectly in the center of this glorious town of “Ucetia”. Behind its emblematic and noble
facade, over three centuries of history are revived today in
this 9-roomed luxury hotel boasting an intimate and warm
atmosphere. After four years of careful renovation, La Maison d’Uzès***** is now listed French historical monument
and transformed into a unique and intimate hotel.
La Maison D'Uzès 5* - 18 Rue du Dr Blanchard - 30700 UZES
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 20 07 00
www.lamaisonduzes.fr
nutes from the Pont du Gard. A central stone staircase
with magnificent wrought iron balustrade, vaulted arches,
marble fireplaces, parquet flooring and wine cellar are
exceptional features of the château. Relax in the comfortable lounge, drawing room or on the terraces. Accommodation is in 11 beautifully decorated bedrooms and 2
suites.
Château de Varenne 4* - Rue Roger Martin du Gard - 30150 SAUVETERRE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 82 59 45
www.chateaudevarenne.com
7.45 pm: Transfer to the restaurant Villa Montesquieu
Villa Montesquieu - Rue Montesquieu - 30290 LAUDUN-L'ARDOISE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 90 55 31
www.villamontesquieu-laudun.com
Overnight at the Château de Varenne 4*
Third day
8.00 am: Check-out
8.30 am: Departure through the vineyards landscapes
of the Costières de Nimes to the Petite Camargue
5.30 pm: Departure to Sauveterre
9.45-10.45 am: Departure for a safari 4x4 on the salt
marsh of Aigues Mortes
The mild winters, warm summers and expanses of smooth waters are what make the Aigues-Mortes Salt Marsh
an invaluable wetland heritage. The Aigues-Mortes Salt
Marsh an invaluable wetland heritage, which is the world’s second largest biological asset after the tropical rainforest, plays a major role in maintaining biodiversity.
Camargue Autrement
Centre Commercial Port Royal - 30240 LE-GRAU-DU-ROI
Tel. : +33 (0)4 30 08 52 91
www.camargue-autrement.com
6.30 pm: Check-in at the Château de Varenne 4*
This charming Château de Varenne **** is a hidden gem
in the tranquil countryside of Provence yet only at 25 mi-
Les Salins du Midi - Route du Grau du Roi - 30220 AIGUES-MORTES
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 73 40 24
www.visitesalinsdecamargue.com
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The château, dating from the nineteenth century, was
inspired by the Montpellier follies of the seventeenth
century.Today, it has been given a new lease of life as a
luxury hotel. The beautiful simplicity of the decoration of
the Domaine de Verchant, accented by Italian design in
a variety of forms, is accompanied by all the invaluable
comfort of high-tech amenities. Beginning in 2012, the
first Hotel 5 stars in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Le Domaine de Verchant
1 bd Philippe Lamour - 34170 CASTELNAU-LE-LEZ
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 07 26 00
www.domainedeverchant.com
4.15-5.45 pm: Afternoon dedicated to a truffle discovery workshop for gastronomes who love gourmet
food and who wish to discover the still mysterious realm
of Truffles in a spirit of openness and conviviality.
Claire de Truffes
Tel. : +33 (0)6 50 67 39 64
www.clairedetruffes.com
11.00 am: Transfer to le Grau du Roi-Port Camargue
In the Camargue, this "wild and mysterious place" has
preserved its traditional character. Lying alongside its
fishing-village, Port Camargue is a seaboard town with
class. With its perfect combination of lakes and green
spaces, it's a true ‘Garden Port’. Europe’s premier marina,
Port Camargue can welcome any kind of boat.
11.30 am: departure for a catamaran cruise aboard
Le Providence and discovery of the natural beauty of
the Languedocian coast.
The Maxi Catamaran Le Providence of a new style and
great elegance, offers you, among other things, 200 m²
deck, a double sundeck and a luxurious panoramic bar.
Discover the pleasure of sailing: Various seagoing cruises
are offered: the discovery of Camargue, from the Mediterranean Coast, completed by a « sunset » cruise later
on around a cocktail and barbecue with an acoustic music scene before the most timeless show! Lunch on board
Le Providence - Quai Colbert, Rive Gauche - 30240 LE GRAU-DU-ROI
Tel.: +33 (0)6 10 56 22 69
www.leprovidence.fr
2.15 pm: Transfer to Castelnau le Lez
3.30 pm: Check-in at the hotel Le Domaine de Verchant 5*
The Domaine de Verchant is a centuries old residence, the
origins of which date back before the Gallo-Roman era.
7.15 pm: Transfer for the dinner to the Domaine de
Maguelone
The Domaine de Maguelone is located in an area of protected coastline, with a broad variety of birds. The Cathedral is at the heart of an island of greenery, in a park,
surrounded by vineyards, between sea and lagoons. It
has found its age-old vocation of a place of welcome and
hospitality once again.
Since 1969, an establishment of Services and Aids by
Work (SAW) is occupying the former farm buildings. It
aims at easier the social and professional inclusion of disabled adults. They mainly devoted themselves to working in vineyards and wines productions, as well as, lagoon resources like fishes and oysters.
Domaine de Maguelone - 34250 PALAVAS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 50 49 88
www.compagnons-de-maguelone.org
Transfer and overnight at the hotel Le Domaine de
Verchant 5*
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Fourth day
10.30-11.45 am: from the hotel Domaine de Verchant
5*, departure to the discovery of the region from the
sky with the helicopter company Heliteam
Regis et Nathalie Adler Teissonniere
Aéroport de Montpellier Méditerranée
Aviation générale 34137 MAUGUIO
Tel.: +33 (0)4 11 75 89 35
www.heli-team.net
12.00-2.00 pm: Lunch at the restaurant La plage by
Verchant.
An absolute must for this charming oasis among the
vines: an invitation to escape, relax and unwind… The
restaurant among the vines, seating 70, where you can
sample cuisine with a southern French flair, at once refines and delicious. The relaxed yes sophisticated atmosphere will relax and delight you.
Le Domaine de Verchant
1 bd Philippe Lamour - 34170 CASTELNAU-LE-LEZ
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 07 26 00
www.domainedeverchant.com
This program is set up in partnership with
members of the Cercle Prestige Sud de France
(en.destinationsuddefrance.com/Cercle-Prestige) The Cercle Prestige brings together over
sixty luxury Sud de France establishments: hôtels 4 & 5*, prestigious monuments, boutique
hotels, manor houses, mansions houses, luxury hotel barge along the Canal du Midi, golf,
wineries and gourmet restaurants...that will
make your stay unforgettable and unique !
2.30 pm : Check-out
2.45 pm: Meeting in the Hotel lobby
3.00 pm: return to Montpellier and transfer on your
hotel
The dinner and the evening of saturday 2nd April are organized in
Gard
End of the program
The dinner and the evening of sunday 3Th April are organized in
partnership with the Development Agency Tourism of Hérault
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CANAL DU MIDI EDUCATIONAL TOUR
H É R A U LT / A U D E
Discovery of the Canal du midi, built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV, and
classified at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fam trip, includes a meeting with the most beautiful luxury hotel
barges of the Languedoc-Roussillon.
First day
transfer
Tel. : +33 (0)4 99 54 74 00
7.00 pm: Dinner
a fortress, the cathedral housed the former diocese of
Montpellier. Its walls are over two meters thick, while its
towers are stately with narrow openings. This masterpiece
of architecture is a perfect example of Romanesque art.
The seventeen stained-glass windows of the Cathedral,
designed in 2002 by the American Robert Morris, recall
the invention of the Antiform concept of the 60’s and 70’s.
11.00 am: Oysters and wine tasting
The vineyards cover 18 ha and offer a range of notable
grapes (syrah, merlot, cabernet, chardonnay…) that thrive
in a singular ground and climate. The wine making process, directly on the spot, is organic agriculture certified.
Guided visits of Maguelone’s cathedral can be booked
at the Montpellier Méditerranée Tourism & Conventions
Tourist Office:
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 60 19 19 - Email: [email protected]
11.30 am: Transfer to Marseillan
Marseillan has retained its character as an authentic southern town: sun-drenched, relaxed and welcoming. Every
summer, this friendly seaside resort takes on a party atmosphere.
Overnight in your hotel
Second day
9.00 am: Departure by bus towards the ponds
9.30 am: Discovery of the wildlife, Greek biotope
10.00 am: Guided tour of Maguelone’s cathedral and
stroll by the seaside
Facing the sea against a green backdrop, the imposing
cathedral of Maguelone is a highpoint of Languedoc history. It rises out of the heart of an island of trees and vines
set among a series of lakes. Built eight centuries ago as
1.00-2.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant La Ferme Marine
Welcome to Ferme Marine, where a nautical journey
through a world of flavours awaits you.
The restaurant is located on the edge of the Etang de
Thau lagoon, on a shellfish farm. The whole team invites
you to enjoy a taste of the sea. The farm has been producing shellfish for over thirty years, and their experience
and expertise combined with a wide variety of p:roducts
is evidence of the quality on offer here.
La Ferme Marine - Route des Parcs - 34340 MARSEILLAN
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 76 14 59
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3.00 - 03.45 pm: Discovery of Noilly Prat in Marseillan.
In the South of France, just 50 minutes from Montpellier,
on the shores of the Thau Lagoon in the Quaint port of
Marseillan, the Maison Noilly Prat invites you to enjoy exclusive access to our estate and to share the knowledge
of our Cellar Master for a unique visit to our exceptional surroundings: the production site of the French vermouth, Noilly Prat.
Apéritifs Noilly Prat - 1 Rue Noilly - 34340 MARSEILLAN
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 77 20 15
www.noillyprat.com
4.00 pm: Departure to the Canal du midi
The Canal is a place of friendliness, a way of exploring a
region and its forgotten past; a link between cities laden
with history. The Canal is a succession of straits, locks,
tunnels, twists and turns... and emotions. With a length
of 240km, it meanders alongside vines and garrigue, Camargue wild horses and pink flamingos.
4.45- 5.00 pm: Stop/Overview : Ecluses de Fonserannes
5.15 pm: Road to Narbonne
Narbonne, City of Art and History, is one of the most popular destinations in the South of France.
Between the Canal de la Robine, sea and ponds, numerous activities are offered to visitors: river cruises, hiking,
horseback or mountain biking, sea or river fishing, as well
as many cultural events, and heritage discoveries. Not to
mention pleasures of fine sandy beaches!
Gourmets, gourmands and lovers of good food can also
find in Narbonne emblematic places of the Mediterranean lifestyle (restaurants, halls, winegrowers ...).
6:15 pm: Check-in at the hôtel Clarion Suites Narbonne Ile Du Gua 3*
The Clarion Suites Narbonne Ile du Gua enjoys a unique
atmosphere. Located between gardens, at the canal and
the locks edge, the property offers a charming space, 10
min away from the center of the town.
54 suites including 5 suites prestige, all bright and spacious with private terrace sheltered from the wind, facing
the water garden and/or overlooking the Robine canal
(registered UNESCO world heritage site).
Clarion Suites Narbonne Ile Du Gua 3*
28 Rue de l'Aude, 11100 NARBONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 41 44 14
www.moulindugua.com
07.15 pm: Departure by bus to the restaurant Les
Grands Buffets
This Narbonne restaurant resembles no other, even
though others gather herein. The decoration has been
the doing of contemporary artists, while in the kitchens,
a return to the emblematic dishes of traditional cooking
is the order of the day. The restaurant proposes a journey through 350 different products from among the
great classics of French traditional cuisine, with its oldfashioned Rotisserie, its Tripe, Kidneys and Stews.
Les Grands Buffets
Espace de Liberté - Rond-Point de la Liberté - 11100 NARBONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 42 20 01
www.lesgrandsbuffets.com
7.30-9.45 pm: dinner
10.15 pm: Overnight at the hôtel Clarion Suites Narbonne Ile Du Gua 3*
Third day
8.30 am: Check out
9.15-10.15 am: Discovery of Narbonne
Tourist Office - 31 Rue Jean Jaurès, 11100 NARBONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 65 15 60
www.narbonne-tourisme.com
10.30-11.00 am: Transfer by bus to Bize-Minervois
(L’Oulivo)
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11.15-12.00 am: Visit of L'Oulibo and discovery of
the wonderful world of olives.
The olive tree is the Mediterranean for us, the tree king
par excellence. Symbol of peace and wisdom since
ancient times, today it is the guardian of traditional
knowledge and witnessed the commitment of growers
of Oulibo sustainable agriculture. It was in the 1940s, a
handful of passionate producers, have begun construction of the cooperative Oulibo. This is the only olive cooperative in the Aude department. It receives the olives
3 departments: Aude, Herault, Pyrenees Orientales. The
cooperative operates processing olives and marketin.
L'Oulibo - Hameau Cabezac - 11120 BIZE-MINERVOIS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 41 88 88
www.odyssea.eu/oulibo/
12.15-12:30 pm: Departure to The Somail, hamlet
crossed by the Canal du midi
7.30- 7.40 pm: Dinner at the castle of Villegly
The castle of Villegly is a historical monument which
dates back from the 14th century, but the buildings you
can admire today are from the 16th century and above all
from the 1880s when it was renovated and extended in
a neo-Renaissance style by the owners of the time. It is
situated in the middle of a beautiful park where you can
see a mediaeval bridge and huge trees.
Overnight at the Hotel 3 Couronnes 4*
Fourth day
8:15 am: Check out
Morning dedicated to the discovery of the City of
Carcassonne and its cobbled street.
8.45 am: transfer to Hotel du Chateau & Spa Carita 4*
9.00 am: visit of the Hotel du Chateau & Spa Carita 4*
The hotel is ideally situated, facing the towers and city
walls of the medieval Cité it welcomes you at the entrance to the drawbridge. The marriage of ancient and
modern offers an interesting journey between the medieval and the contemporary.
Hotel du Chateau & Spa Carita 4* - Montée Gaston combéléran
2, rue Camille Saint Saens - 11000 CARCASSONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 11 38 38
12:45-2:30 pm: Lunch around the Canal at the restaurant Le Comptoir Nature
Le Comptoir Nature welcomes you to the Somail , the
Canal du Midi in the Minervois . Between bistro and tavern town , it is ideally located along the Canal du Midi.
Le Comptoir Nature - 1 Chemin de Halage - 11120 SOMAIL
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 46 01 61
www.comptoirnature.free.fr
2.30-5.00 pm: Afternoon dedicated to a meeting with
the luxury Hotel barges
5.15-6.15 pm: Departure to the City of Carcassonne,
one of the most beautiful fortified towns in Europe
classified at the UNESCO heritage.
The citadel of Carcassonne looks like a medieval film
set. The spectacular walled town is one of France’s most
famous national monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a Roman settlement, then a medieval walled town, Carcassonne was built between the
12th and 14th centuries and restored in the 19th century
by Viollet le Duc. The River Aude and the Canal du Midi
separate the citadel from the lower town.
12.00 am: Lunch in the heart of the fortified city at
the restaurant Le Donjon
In the heart of the Mediaeval city, Brasserie “Le Donjon”
is a stop-over not to be missed for tasting traditional and
regional food in an enchanting setting, subtlety combining modern materials and Middle Age shades.
2-4 rue porte d'Aude La Cité - 11000 CARCASSONNE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 68 25 95 72
www.brasserie-donjon.fr
1.45 pm: return to Montpellier
End of the program
6:30 pm: Check-in at the Hotel 3 Couronnes 4*
Facing the ramparts of the medieval city of Carcassonne,
the hotel offers a unique panoramic view of the fortress
and features a heated indoor swimming pool.
Hotel 3 Couronnes 4* - 2, rue des 3 Couronnes
11000 CARCASSONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 25 36 10
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partnership with the Development Agency Tourism of Aude and the
Tourist Office of Carcassonne
WINE TOURISM, ART OF LIVING, WELL-BEING
H É R A U LT / A U D E / P Y R É N É E S - O R I E N TA L E S
This fam trip offers the discovery of the most beautiful wineries which make the fame of the Languedoc-Roussillon,
the largest vineyard in the world. This program also offers the visit of places entirely dedicated to well-being.
First day
Arrival at Montpellier’s railway station* / airport and
transfer
Ideally located on the forecourt of the new City hall designed by the famous architects Jean Nouvel and François Fontès, The Courtyard by Marriott**** is part of
"The" new economic and strategic center of Montpellier.
The Hotel Courtyard Marriott**** offers 123 rooms (inclu-
ding 3 design suites), 5 meeting rooms overlooking the
patio/pool or the prestigious city council, and a stunning
Mediterranean restaurant in design and sleek lines with
a lounge bar.
Tel.: +33 (0)4 99 54 74 00
7.00 pm: Dinner
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20
Second day
9.00 am: departure by bus towards the ponds
9.30 am: discovery of the wildlife, Greek biotope
10.00 am: guided tour of Maguelone’s cathedral and
stroll by the seaside
Fifteen kilometers from Montpellier, on an island that is
today linked to the continent by a strip of coastline, lies
the impressive Cathedral of Maguelone, one of the most
important places for Christianity in the region.
Guided visits of Maguelone’s cathedral can be booked
at the Montpellier Méditerranée Tourism & Conventions
Tourist Office:
11.00 am: oysters and wine tasting
Château de L’Engarran - Ms. Anne Charlotte Bouygues
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 47 00 02
[email protected]
harmonious blend of sea, mountains, sunshine and light.
Four-Star Grand Hôtel Les Flamants Roses Thalasso Spa
offers has 63 room.
Grand Hôtel Les Flamants Roses 4
1 Voie des Flamants Roses - 66140 CANET-EN-ROUSSILLON
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 51 60 60
fr.hotel-flamants-roses.com
6.00 pm: Transfer to Bélesta
7.00 pm: Check- in at the hotel Domaine Riberach 4*
The Domaine Riberach has been offering since 2010 a
top of the range hotel and gastronomic restaurant, in
this entirely remodelled ex-cathedral of wine located in
the village Bélesta de la Frontière. 18 rooms including 9
suites, restaurant 45 seats, banquet hall seats 120.
Domaine de Riberach 4* - 2 Route de Caladroy - 66720 BELESTA
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 50 30 10
www.riberach.com
Dinner at the restaurant La Cooperative and overnight stay at the hotel Domaine Riberach 4*
11.30 am: Transfer to Sète
Venice of the Languedoc, because of its light, its colors,
its reflections and its canals. The port of Sète built at the
same time as the Canal du Midi by Riquet and Colbert,
was designed as the sea-mouth of the canal. You can
watch cruise ships docking here all year round.
12.15: Lunch at the restaurant Halles & Manger in the
covered market of Sète
Halles et Manger - Rue Gambetta - 34200 SETE
www.halles-sete.com/commercants-33.html
2.00 pm: Visit of Sète
3.00 pm: Departure to the Pyrenees Orientales
5.00 pm: visit of the Grand Hôtel Les Flamants Roses
4* dedicated to the well-being.
Roussillon, land of the South, is an unspoilt destination
with an authentic feel, whose rich ancestral heritage is a
Third day
8.15 am: Check out
8.45 am: Departure through the vineyards landscapes
of the Narbonnaise and discovery of the Cistercian
Abbaye de Fontfroide
On the foothills of the Corbières, close to Narbonne, at
the end of a road lined with pine trees and vines, in the
hollow of a wild valley and at the edge of ‘Cathar Country’,
the Cistercian Abbaye de Fontfroide is tucked away.
Today, the historic 12th century site is in a state of exceptional conservation and appears untouched by the furore
of history; with its beautiful proportions, architectural rigour and the unspoilt state of its buildings. Fontfroide is
a moving place - its stones play with the light bathing the
cloister, caressing the walls with yellow and pink tones,
bringing inner peace in a silent and serene atmosphere.
74
10.30 am: Visit of the abbey
11.30 am: wine tasting
12.00: Lunch at the restaurant La Table de Fontfroide,
located in the heart of the abbey
Abbaye Fontfroide - RD 613 - 11100 NARBONNE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 68 45 50 65
www.fontfroide.com
1.45 pm: Departure for Assignan
3.00-4.00 pm: discovery of the Village Castigno
Château Castigno's hybrid hotel creation a whimsical
world of intimate design, tantalising tastes, eco wine and
pure, untainted French charm
Village Castigno by Château Castigno
Rue Carriera Dals Camps - 34360 ASSIGNAN
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 38 05 50
www.chateaucastigno.com
4.15 pm: Transfer to Montpellier
6.00 pm: Check-in at the hotel Vichy Spa Hotel Montpellier - Juvignac 4*
Nested near the Golf of Fontcaude, the Vichy Spa Hôtel**** Montpellier Juvignac our new destination offers
its 99 rooms & suites in an Art Deco atmosphere.
Enjoy the Mediterranean food in our Restaurant, ‘Au Comptoir de Fontcaude, Bistrot by J&L Pourcel’, then, have fun
round the pool or in our spa (heated pool, sauna, steam
bath…) and relax with a massage or any other body care.
7.15 pm: Transfer for the dinner to the Domaine de
Maguelone
The Domaine de Maguelone is located in an area of protected coastline, with a broad variety of birds. The Cathedral is at the heart of an island of greenery, in a park,
surrounded by vineyards, between sea and lagoons. It
has found its age-old vocation of a place of welcome and
hospitality once again.
Since 1969, an establishment of Services and Aids by
Work (SAW) is occupying the former farm buildings. It
aims at easier the social and professional inclusion of disabled adults. They mainly devoted themselves to working in vineyards and wines productions, as well as, lagoon resources like fishes and oysters.
Domaine de Maguelone - 34250 PALAVAS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 50 49 88
www.compagnons-de-maguelone.org
Transfer to your hotel and overnight
Discover our range of
wines with an introduction to wine tasting and
a full tour of our winemaking facilities and underground aging cellar.
We also offer our Wine
tours: 4x4 excursions on
our private property of 20
hectares of syrah at 250
meters above sea level at
the foot of the Pic SaintLoup.
Domaine Haut-Lirou
Le Triadou
34270 SAINT-JEAN-DE-CUCULLES
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 55 38 50
www.hautlirou.com
10.45 am: Morning dedicated to the discovery of wine tourism area,
Domaine du Haut-Lirou
with a safari 4x4 on the
vineyards and wine tasting
12.00: Lunch one the winery
2.45-3:30 pm: return to Montpellier
End of the program
This program is set up in partnership with
members of the Wine Club Sud de France (en.
destinationsuddefrance.com/Club-Oenotourisme). This Club covers remarkable sites, wine
cellars, vineyard estates, accommodations located in the heart of the vineyards and host
agencies…, all are ready to reveal their knowhow and transmit their passion to you
Fourth day
9.15 am: check out
9.30-9.50 am: visit of your hotel
10.00 am: transfer to Domaine Haut Lirou
The winery Haut-Lirou in the heart of the Languedoc appellation Pic Saint Loup, is a historic estate owned by the
same family since 1848 winemakers.
The dinner and the evening of sunday 3Th April are organized in partnership with the Development Agency Tourism of Hérault
75
21
ADVENTURE TOURISM EDUCATIONAL TOUR
H É R A U LT / G A R D
On the ground, on the water or on the air, the possibilities of outdoor activities are almost limitless. This fam trip,
offer a selection of these activities which guarantee the better sensation accessible to everyone!
First day
transfer
prestigious city council, and a stunning Mediterranean restaurant in design and sleek lines with a lounge bar
Tel.: + 33 (0)4 99 54 74 00
10.45 am: guided tour of the Mare Nostrum Aquarium
A quarium Mare Nostrum - Mr. Camille Perez
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 13 05 84 - Cell +33 (0)6 01 28 50 07
[email protected]
www.aquariummarenostrum.fr
12.00-1.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant Le Tamarillos
Tamarillos is the perfect restaurant for dinner in Montpellier. Philippe Chapon promises to stir up your taste buds
with the natural, sweet, or tart dishes based on fruit and
flowers he creates with the help of local craftsmen, and
the team promises a very warm welcome.
Le Tamarillos - 2 Place du Marché aux Fleurs - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 60 06 00
www.tamarillos.biz
8.45 am: departure with the Urban bike team
1.45 pm: Departure to Saint Guilhem le Desert
Along the A75 motorway on the way to Gignac, the
country suddenly displays its true colours, with its incredible open-air Way of the Cross and its 17th century
church of Notre-Dame-de-Grace. Here, legend has it that
the Virgin restored the senses of a blind, deaf and dumb
man! The experience of tourists is not that dissimilar as
they enter this valley of marvels, awestruck by its grace
and beauty. Your eyes are drawn constantly upwards: villages touch the sky all around, perched on their pioch or
knoll as if set in green jewellery boxes, or coiled around
a church or a Château. Since 1959, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert has also been inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage
list, as part of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.
9.00-10.30 am: discovery of Montpellier by bike
Urban Bike city tours - Ms. Muriel Cossard
[email protected]
Tel.: +33 (0)6 42 42 44 01 91
www.urbanbikecitytour.com/fr
3.00-4.45pm: afternoon dedicated for a bicycle tour
(electric bike) around Saint Guilhem le Desert
Discover France adventures
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 15 82 00
www.discoverfrance.com
7.00 pm: Dinner in Montpellier
Second day
8.30 am: meeting at the hotel lobby
76
5.00 pm: Transfer to Pézenas
6.00 pm: Check-in at the Hotel Distillerie de Pézenas 4*
Situated 45 minutes away from Montpellier airport and
20 minutes from the stations at Béziers and Agde, La Distillerie de Pézenas provides genteel accommodation in
its 50 bedrooms & suites artistically decorated in a style
which reflects the building’s industrial past.
Distillerie de Pézenas 4*
6 Rue Calquières Hautes, 34120 PEZENAS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 11 51 10
www.distillerie-de-pezenas.garrigae-resorts.fr
7.30 pm: Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Distillerie
de Pézenas 4*
Third day
8.30 am: Check out
9.00 am: Transfer to La Grande Motte
The architect, Jean Balladur, dedicated 30 years of his life
to La Grande Motte. Today, what marks La Grande Motte
is the aesthetic and architectural unity of a complex that
covers over 400 hectares. In 2011, this seaside resort obtained the label of “Patrimoine du XXème siècle” (21st
Century Heritage).
2.15-4.30 pm: Relaxed cruise on a racing catamaran
one the direction of Grau du Roi-Port Camargue.
In the Camargue, this "wild and mysterious place" has
preserved its traditional character. Lying alongside its
fishing-village, Port Camargue is a seaboard town with
class. With its perfect combination of lakes and green
spaces, it's a true ‘Garden Port’. Europe’s premier marina,
Port Camargue can welcome any kind of boat.
Tourist Office Le Grau du Roi Port Camargue
Villa Parry, rue du Sémaphore
Tel. : +33 (0)4.66.51.67.70
5.00 pm: Transfer to your hotel
6.15 pm: check-in at the hotel Le Domaine des Clos 3*
This vast domain comprises a hotel*** 9 hotel rooms and
9 apartments****, a magnificent Mediterranean garden
and swimming pool, guest dinners, cooking classes,
a well-being centre for massage and skin care, library,
children's games, wine appreciation classes and a boutique selling local products.
Le Domaine des Clos 3*
911 chemin du Mas de la Tour - 30300 BEAUCAIRE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 01 14 61
www.domaine-des-clos.com/fr/hotel-beaucaire
7.30 pm: Dinner and overnight at the hotel Le Domaine des Clos 3*
10.30 am: From the nautical base, discovery of nautical leisure activities
La Grande Motte Tourist Office
55 Rue du Port - 34280 LA GRANDE-MOTTE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 56 42 00
www.lagrandemotte.com
12.15-2.00 pm: Lunch on the harbor at the restaurant
Le Yacht Club
77
Fourth day
12.00-1.30 pm: Lunch on the restaurant Les Terasses,
located on the site of the Pont du Gard.
9.15 am: Check out
1.45 pm: Departure after the lunch to Montpellier
and transfer to your hotel
9.45 am: Departure to the Pont du Gard
10.30-12.00 am: Morning dedicated to the descent
of the Gorges du Gardon in canoe. Passage under the
emblematic Pont du Gard, the majestic symbol of the
genius of the roman architecture, registered as a World
Heritage of Humanity Site by UNESCO
400 Route du Pont du Gard - 30210 VERS-PONT-DU-GARD
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 37 51 10
www.pontdugard.fr
End of the program
The dinner and the evening of sunday 3 ThApril are organized in
Gard The lunch of Monday 4Th April is organized in partnership with
the Pont du Gard
78
NATURAL EDUCTOUR
H É R A U LT / L O Z È R E
Discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of the Gorges du Tarn and the Cevennes which the men shaped for
thousands of years. Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this area offers exceptional landscapes of profound beauty. This fam trip offers aslo the tasting of local products.
First day
transfer
Tel.: +33 (0)4 99 54 74 00
and over 1350 animals housed in 52 enclosures, the majority being among the biggest in Europe, and including
2 lakes.
Canoe trips can be can be booked at the Montpellier
Méditerranée Tourism & Conventions Tourist Office:
Tel.: +33 (0)4 67 60 19 19 - [email protected]
12.00-1.30 pm: Lunch at the restaurant Les Vignes
A gastronomic restaurant located in the heart of Montpellier’s historic centre, just five minutes’ walk from the Fabre
museum. Appealing set lunch menu, fresh seasonal produce. Featured in the Michelin and Gault & Millau guides.
Les Vignes - 2 Rue Bonnier d'Alco - 34000 MONTPELLIER
Tel. : +33 (0)4 67 60 48 42
www.lesvignesrestaurant.com
1.45 pm: Departure through the region of the Causses
and discovery of this wild territory with its thousands
of treasures of flora and fauna
7.00 pm: Dinner in Montpellier
Second day
8.30 am: departure by bus
8.45 am: boarding for a canoe trip on the Lez
10.30 am: transfer towards the Lunaret park: presentation of the Zoo and the Amazonian greenhouse
Located on an 80-hectare site, Montpellier Lunaret park
and zoo is the largest park in Montpellier today and a favourite place for Montpellier's inhabitants to take a stroll.
Currently, there are 141 species in the zoo of Montpellier,
79
22
4.45-5.45 pm: Visit of the Fromagerie de Hyelzas a
cheese dairy and tasting of regional specialties
Le Fédou, Hyelzas - 48150 Hures-la-Parade
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 45 66 74
www.fedou.com
6.00 pm: Transfer to Le Rozier
7.00 pm: Check-in at the Hôtel La Muse et du Rozier 4*
In a park extending over more than three hectares, in the
Gorges of the Tarn and near the famous Millau viaduct,
the Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier is a unique address.
Fulfilment, between uncluttered classicism and a gentle wave of modernity. Simplicity, purity of forms, clean
lines and natural materials characterize the hotel’s 35 bedrooms and suites
La Muse et du Rozier 4* - La Muse, 12720 MOSTUEJOULS
Tel. : +33 (0)5 65 62 60 01
www.hotel-delamuse.fr
8.00 pm: Dinner and overnight at the Hôtel de la
Muse et du Rozier 4*
Third day
8.00 am: Check-out
8.30 am: Transfer to the Gevaudan wolf park
The Gévaudan wolf park lies in Margeride at the foot
of Aubrac at over 1000 metres altitude. What's particularly interesting about Gévaudan wolf park, apart from
watching wolves, is trying to get to know the animal
as it really is: getting rid of or lessening any fear associated with them over the past centuries and changing
the way people who come here see them hoping their
perceptions have moved on. The park also has over 15
hectares closed off where more scientific research is
being done.
10.15-10.45 am: visit of the park Les Loups du Gévaudan
Sainte-Lucie - 48100 SAINT-LEGER-DE-PEYRE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 32 09 22
www.loupsdugevaudan.com
11.00 am: Transfer to Mende
12.15-1.45 pm: Arrival in Mende and lunch on the restaurant le Pont Roupt.
Le Pont Roupt - 2 Avenue du 11 Novembre - 48000 MENDE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 65 01 43
1.45-2.45 pm: visit of Mende
In the upper valley of the Lot in the Grands Causses region, Mende has been touched by the hand of history. In
the 16th century, Mende was one of the richest dioceses
in the Languedoc. But the ecclesiastical principality fell
on dark times, hence its motto; “The darkness hath not
vanquished me”. Assailed and taken in 1579 by the
troops of the Huguenot captain Merle, the town was for
the most part burned and razed to the ground.
3.00 pm: Departure to Sainte Enimie
4.00-4.30 pm: Quick stop in Sainte Enimie
On the slopes of a canyon cut by the gorges of the Tarn,
Sainte-Enimie sets out its massive limestone houses in
tiers at the foot of an old Benedictine monastery, all that
remains of which is a chapel and a chapter house. Sainte
Enimie is classified most beautiful village in France.
4.30 pm: Departure to the Aven Armand cave.
Aven Armand Cave - 48150 HURES LA PARADE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 45 61 31
www.aven-armand.com
5.30-6.15 pm: visit of the Aven Armand Cave
Discovered on the Méjean Causse on September 17,
1897 by Louis Armand, this marvellous site is exploited
since June 11, 1927. After a descent by funicular allowing
easy access, the visit of the Aven Armand, brings you to
more than 100 meters underground to discover one of
the purest jewels in the history of humanity.
6.30 pm: Transfer to Meyrueis located in the heart of
the Gorges de la Jonte
7.15 pm: Check-in at the hotel Le château d’Ayres 4*
The château d’Ayres 4*is a 12th century Benedictine
Monastery and a 18th Century Castle located in a private park covering 6 hectares. Located in the heart
80
of Meyrueis, this hotel and its 29 rooms and suites it’s
an ideal starting point for visting the Tarn Gorges and
Cévennes National Park
Le château d’Ayres 4* - Ayres - 48150 MEYRUEIS
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 45 60 10
www.hotel-restaurant-meyrueis.com
8.00 pm: Dinner on the restaurant of the hotel
Fourth day
whether at the fireside or on the terrace, shaded by its
kiwi plants and offering magnificent, relaxing views over
the Cévennes mountains.
The cuisine offers natural-tasting flavours of the south, achieved through high standards and appropriate
choices that have governed the selection of seasonal
produce, always with an eye to respecting our regions’
natural environment.
Route de Générargues - 30140 ANDUZE
Tel. : +33 (0)4 66 61 79 44
www.cornadel.fr
2.00 pm: After the lunch, return to Montpellier
8.00 am: Check out
8.30 am: Departure to the National Park of the Cevennes, exceptional natural site to visit the Bambouseraie of Anduze.
La Bambouseraie - 552 rue de Montsauve - 30140 GENERARGUES
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 61 70 47
www.bambouseraie.com
10.45-11.45 am: visit of the Bambouseraie
Lying at the foot of the Cévennes mountains, La Bambouseraie is a spectacle of organic architecture in which bamboo takes pride of place. For over 150 years this plant,
the largest of the grasses, has sat side by side here with
some equally magnificent trees: sequoias, ginkgo biloba,
magnolia grandiflora, English oaks and many other species from far off climes.
The visit invites you on a relaxing journey through different landscaped areas, such as the Laotian Village and
Dragon’s Valley, and there are also Victorian greenhouses
and a bamboo maze.
End of the program
The lunch of sunday 3Th April is organized in partnership with the Tourist Office of Mende
partnership with the Development Agency Tourism of Lozère
12.15-1.45 pm: Lunch in Anduze at the restaurant La
Ferme de Cornadel
Comfort to suit every season. A country atmosphere,
81
Photos: CRT MP / © D. Viet - © P. Thibault / © PE LANGENFELD REPLIC / © JC Leroy / © G.Deschamps / © A. Cougnenc / © Pierre MEYER - OT Gavarnie Gèdre / © HPTE / ©ot de Montpellier / ©OT de Pézenas / ©E_GRIMAULT / thinkstockphotos.fr - © John Foxx / © shutterstock.com

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