Scenic Southern France

Today we meet in Toulouse at our hotel. Check-in at your leisure (transfers can be arranged from either station or airport – please let us know if you would like us to arrange this).

This evening we will meet the group and enjoy a welcome dinner at a well-known restaurant in the heart of the historic city centre, near our hotel. (D)

Transferring to the stunning fortress city of Carcassonne, our home for the next three nights is a beautiful four star chateau hotel, a stunning historic residence in the old city.

We will enjoy a walking tour of the citadel – dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is Europe’s greatest Romanesque and most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting, it is a world of towers, turrets, and cobblestone alleys – secret corners for you to explore, atmospheric cafes and restaurants, shops and of course, a fascinating history.

The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax at the chateau, beside the pool, playing tennis, or out in the gardens or the patio. Dinner this evening at the hotel restaurant. (B, D)

Mirepoix is one of our favourite places in the Languedoc region – full of history and wonderful atmosphere, this famous Bastide town’s market draws locals and visitors alike. See the covered walkways and beautiful half-timbered buildings with ancient sculptured corbels that are a feature of this town! Return to Carcassonne and the evening is at your leisure. (B)

Today we visit the lovely medieval stone village of Lagrasse (one of most beautiful villages of France), and the ancient and historic Sainte Marie d’Orbieu Abbaye. This is a fascinating look into an ancient order of monks founded before Charlemagne and their living conditions and quarters that were used in WW2 by resistance fighters against the Nazis. See how they kept wine, had hot running water and even had refrigeration in the Middle Ages. Parts of this abbey are pre-Romanesque and you will see the private Abbot’s chapel from the 13th century with original frescoes.

The Languedoc region is a region of breathtaking beauty with the Pyrenees as a backdrop and wide open country full of mountain-top fortresses, vineyards, cypresses, plane trees, canals and wilderness. It is the region of the Cathars: a gentle Christian sect which the Pope called for a Holy Crusade against in 1208. We will explore the fascinating history of this unique period of history as we travel.

The village of Villerouge-Termenès was the scene of the death of the last known Cathar, who was burnt in the castle courtyard in the 14thC. This castle is a great visit as unlike many of the highly perched Cathar ruins, it is easily accessible and also boasts an excellent medieval restaurant, where we will be enjoying lunch in a unique atmosphere! Return to Carcassonne and the evening is at your leisure. (B, L)

Today we transfer to our next destination, the stunning Mediterranean fishing village of Collioure, home of the Fauvist art movement because of its vibrant colour and light. The romantic ambience of Collioure encompasses seaside village life, with the breathtaking Pyrenees Mountains a short drive away! Our home for the next four nights is a charming four star hotel on the water which provides a swimming pool and a restaurant and beautiful outdoor areas looking out across a small bay to the centre of Collioure. Of an evening you are free to wander and explore this hidden gem of a village, with its lovely shops, restaurants and galleries.

On the way to Collioure, we stop at the spectacular perched village of Queribus, another historic Cathar stronghold, where you will find – for those who like heights and a quick climb - absolutely unforgettable views across the valley and the Pyrenees Mountains. (B, L)

Today we experience “Scenic Southern France” at its best as we travel into the heart of the Pyrenees. Beginning at the enchanting fortress town of Villefranche-le-Conflent, built under Marshall Vauban, we are transported back to the 13th and 14th centuries amid the ancient, imposing ramparts.

Here begins our journey on the “Train Jaune” or “Yellow Train”, one of Europe’s most scenic railway lines. Our trip takes an hour and a half through absolutely unforgettable scenery, winding along valleys, across viaducts and through tunnels, always with the majestic and breathtaking Pyrenees as our backdrop. Sit in the open-air carriage and gasp at the scenery as it rolls by all around you. Our bus will pick us up and return us to Villefranche where we have free time for lunch and to explore the village at leisure, before returning to Collioure.

This evening we will enjoy a group dinner in the lovely hotel restaurant. (B, D)

A free day today to spend at your leisure exploring Collioure. Wander amongst the pastel coloured houses, with the lighthouse and once mighty castle in the background. You can visit the waterfront church of Notre-Dame des Anges, and walk along the ramparts of the 800 year old chateau. Here we are only 25 kilometres from the Spanish border, and the Catalan cuisine is a highlight of the many excellent restaurants and cafes. Of course you can also relax by the pool at the hotel and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere! This afternoon we will finish the day with a wine-tasting at a traditional Dominican winery across from hotel. (B)

Today we begin the next exciting part of our tour, an unforgettable barge cruise on the Canal du Midi. Cruising on the “Athos”, we begin a week spent meandering along picturesque waterways, discovering the region through fascinating excursions, and enjoying fabulous food and wine. Provided by our talented on-board chef, each meal is a new and exciting gourmet treat, accompanied by delicious French cheeses from a variety of regions! Enjoy your first drink of each evening on deck, with the sun setting over the river – a relaxing, delightful end to your day of barging…..

A full-crew Welcome Aboard begins your cruise, with Champagne and Mediterannean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by your highly acclaimed onboard Chef. (B, L, D)

An afternoon cruise takes us to Argeliers. By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers and there should be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before Chef starts serving up her next delight! (B, L, D)

This morning's suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo - the local olive oil press. After an olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings you into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of the Cathar siege of the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the Athos which cruises to the charming village of Capestang where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to visit the market. Athos gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When you arrive at the overnight mooring at top of the Fonserannes locks, there is time to visit to the old market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is especially attractive. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in the 17th century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks) and the 18th century canal bridge which carries Athos over the Orb River to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

This morning we cruise through the “Petit Camargue”, a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in the port at Marseillan, near to the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

This morning we farewell the crew and will be transferred to Montpellier, where there are numerous connections by train or air to other parts of Europe. (B)

Note: On alternative weeks the barge cruise is in the reverse direction and therefore the itinerary is subject to change. Daily itinerary may also be re-arranged at the Captain’s/Tour Manager’s discretion but content is not compromised.

• 1 night accommodation in four star hotel in Toulouse, including breakfast
• Welcome dinner, including wine
• 3 nights accommodation in beautiful chateau hotel in Carcassonne, including breakfast each day
• 1 Dinner at Chateau restaurant, including wine
• 3 nights accommodation in four star hotel in Collioure, including breakfast
• 1 Dinner in the seaside village of Collioure, including wine
• 1 Lunch at medieval restaurant at Villerouge de Termenès, including wine
• Scenic trip on the "Train Jaune"
• Entries to all museums and monuments
• Day trips in private air conditioned coach
• Full time services of your tour director
• 6 night cruise on the “Athos”, including accommodation with private facilities, all gourmet meals, drinks (including regional wine and mixed alcoholic beverages), day excursions and entries.

Please note that airfares within France are not included in the tour price. We will offer the very best available airfares at time of booking.