Spectacular South West and Barging Through Burgundy

14 nights / 15 days
Starts and ends in Paris
1 night Paris, 6 nights Bordeaux/Dordogne region, 6 nights barge cruise on board “La Belle Epoque”, 1 night Paris
3/4 star hotel accommodation

Bordeaux is renowned as the gateway to the most famous and ancient winemaking region in the world. Thousands of acres of vineyards as far as the wine can see, overlooked by the stunning houses and chateaux of the most famous domaines, make a picture that is quintessentially French. The superb limestone village of St Emilion is at the centre of our stay here, spent discovering not just the magnificent wines, but also the timeless traditions and culture of the area. Have you ever dreamt of sleeping in a magnificent French chateau? We spend two nights being pampered on a luxurious estate.

The south western French region of Perigord, or as many of us know it, the “Dordogne”, is a feast of historic sites, perched villages, deep river valleys and the “land of 1,000 chateaux”. Duck, goose, foie gras, walnuts and truffles are just some of the highlights of the cuisine of this stunningly beautiful region, and the full bodied red wines of Bordeaux the perfect accompaniment. Our tour embraces the history of the Hundred Years’ War, Eleanor of Aquitane and the ancient castles as well as prehistoric art and some of the most picturesque medieval towns and villages of France. Staying in the perfectly preserved village of Sarlat-La-Caneda, with its honey coloured stone and lauze rooves, each evening is a treat as we wander among cobbled streets, discovering shops, restaurants and truly awe inspiring buildings.

After the hotel-based week of the tour, we join the beautiful “Belle Epoque” for our fabulous cruise on the Nivernais Canal and Yonne River (For more comprehensive information on “la Belle Epoque” barge cruise, see our BARGING PAGES)

May 22nd – June 6th, 2010

$11,299.00 per person twin share
$2200.00 single supplement