Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...

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Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
Your key to enriching
experiences

Spring 2022
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
Contents

WELCOME3

VALLEYS DISCOVERY          4

VALLEYS IN BLOOM          15

SOUTHERN SOJOURN          26

OUR STYLE OF TRAVEL       40

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS   41

                                2
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
Welcome
Welcome to Authentique France and our style of travel:                        The tours outlined in this brochure visit several of the most beautiful
leisurely-paced intimate tours of France’s regions, making real               regions of France and each offer enriching experiences, delicious
connections with French people, their passions, their lives and               regional food and wines and the opportunity to see, understand and
livelihoods.                                                                  feel the differences and unique characteristics of regional France.

Travelling in small groups of no more than 10, our tours are                  The elegant châteaux and wines of the Loire Valley, the history and
customised and personal. We focus on celebrating regional France,             extraordinary culinary culture of the Dordogne, the renowned sunlit
taking time to experience the rich diversity of rural areas, their history,   valleys of Provence and the hidden treasures of Occitanie.
customs, and traditions. We immerse ourselves in an area; outside of
cities, we always stay a minimum of 5 days in any one location.               Relaxed, personal and with style.

Just unpack and relax.                                                        We’ll be ready to go when it’s safe to go... we hope you will be too.

Dreaming of France &
COVID-safe travel in 2022
If our collective COVID experience has taught us anything, it is to be
flexible - and patient! So we’ve rescheduled our tour dates and are
planning for 2022 in optimistic anticipation.

In these uncertain times, dates and seasons may need to change
again - but in the meantime, soak up what could be - and like us, keep
dreaming of France.

                                                                                                                                                        3
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
Valleys Discovery
The Loire, Dordogne & Vézère Valleys

A 19-day journey of discovery of three of France’s
most beautiful & distinctive valleys

21 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2022 (19 DAYS)
TOUR CODE: VDS 22

                                                     4
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
Introduction
                 Our Valleys Discovery tour explores the visual and delectable
                 charms of the Loire, Dordogne and Vézère valleys, shaped
                 physically and historically by their rivers and which show off some
                 of the best of rural France.

                 Shaking off winter chills, early sping brings a brighter light and the
                 gentle green of new life. The days are warming and the pace of life
                 and atmosphere are relaxed.

                 We begin and end in Paris, delving into its history and sense of
                 style and stay 7 nights in each of the Loire and Vézère valleys.

                 The lush countryside of the Loire Valley is dotted with fairytale
                 châteaux that are surrounded by pretty villages, gardens,
                 vineyards and orchards. The Dordogne area is a treasure trove of
                 history, culture and hearty cuisine in abundance, while the Vézère
                 valley is renowned for its dense collection of prehistoric cave art.

                 You will discover and taste sumptuous distinctive regional cuisines
                 and specialities, enjoy private tours and tastings, gain insight
                 into prehistoric art and life, and stay in 4-star boutique hotels of
                 authenticity and charm.

© Kathy Bowden

                                                                                          5
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
DAYS 1 - 3

Paris – one of the most       We arrive in Paris and check in at the Hôtel Adèle et Jules our trendy
                              and charming hotel in the 9th arrondissement.

beautiful cities in the       Our time in Paris begins in style with a Welcome Aperitif and a private
                              boat cruise on the Seine.
world, it feels familiar to   Our local guide will unveil some of Paris’ history during walking tours of

most visitors long before     the Saint-Germain and Latin Quarters. Along the way we’ll taste fine
                              cheeses and artisan pâtisseries. We lunch on the Left Bank.

they visit                    A free evening is an opportunity to create personal memories of Paris.

                              We visit the glorious stained-glass masterpiece of Sainte-Chapelle and
                              tour the iconic Louvre Museum.

                              And, dinner on the Right Bank on one of Paris’ oldest market streets,
                              with a team led by two artisans passionate about their profession.

                                                                                                           6
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
© Kathy Bowden

© Michael Fousert   © Kathy Bowden   © Kathy Bowden

                                                      7
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
DAYS 4 - 10

Loire Valley - fine                                                       The citadel town of Loches on market day, where more than 100 stalls
                                                                          laden with seasonal fresh produce wind around the medieval streets,
                                                                          will be lively.
wines and food, lush                                                      We enjoy tastings and a tour at an organic family farm that produces
countryside dotted with                                                   specialty goat cheeses, and a memorable private visit to a family
                                                                          Vouvray vineyard.

châteaux                                                                  Along the way, we go with the flow on the Loire River in a traditional
                                                                          sailboat that revives the history of inland waterway transport from an
                                                                          ancient era.

                                                                          Dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant promises a generous cuisine with
                                                                          its roots in tradition, and given a new twist by a young chef, born and
We take a TGV train to the Loire Valley and get to know the old city of   raised in the Touraine.
Tours, and mark our arrival in the valley with a Welcome Aperitif.
                                                                          We return to Tours for some last-minute shopping and have time for a
We settle in for 7 nights just 15 kilometres away at the Domaine de la    game of boules.
Tortinière, a family-owned 19th century château hotel, set in the heart
of a magnificent wooded park overlooking the Indre valley.                There is time to sleep in as well as begin packing before - saving the
                                                                          best until last - our visit to Château Chenonceau and what promises to
We visit the Royal Château of Amboise and nearby Clos Lucé, where         be a fabulous afternoon. We begin with a picnic lunch, then tour the
Leonardo da Vinci lived for the last three years of his life.             château and are accompanied on a private tour of the historic gardens
                                                                          and flower beds by the Botanical Director. Additional exclusive
Our local guide leads us through the histories and distinctive            experiences in this refined and elegant château will be a captivating
characteristics of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau and Château Chaumont,         close to the day.
exploring a combination of history, gardens and contemporary art.
                                                                          We mark the end of our stay in the Loire Valley with a private
Meandering through pretty villages we meet artisans and producers         farewell dinner.
who maintain traditional skills to produce regional specialties.

                                                                                                                                                    8
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
©Stevens Frémont, ADT Touraine Interloire

© E.Sander   ©David Darrault - ATTCS

                                                         9
Your key to enriching experiences Spring 2022 - Authentique ...
DAYS 11 - 17

Dordogne and Vézère                                                       We visit the village of Domme, a bastide village perched high above
                                                                          the Dordogne, with unrivalled vistas over the valley, La Roque-Gageac,
                                                                          lining the north bank of the river, the towering fortress of Beynac and
Valleys - rich cuisine,                                                   the manicured Marqueyssac Gardens where we’ll enjoy lunch on the
                                                                          terrace.
heady history, beautiful                                                  In the city of Périgueux, an ancient town of art and history, we trace its

villages and remarkable                                                   development from Gallo-Roman times through the Middle Ages to the
                                                                          Renaissance.

prehistoric art                                                           We board a replica gabarre - the traditional flat-bottomed boats used
                                                                          for transporting goods along the Dordogne - a relaxing way to enjoy
                                                                          gorgeous views from the river and fantastic photo opportunities.

We take a TGV train to Angoulême, then a coach to Montignac, a            Visiting a walnut grove producing nut oils takes us to the heart of
pretty village on the Vézère River and home to the famous Lascaux         Perigord produce, traditions and flavours.
Caves.
                                                                          We explore beyond pre-history in the lovely Vézère Valley,
We check in at our 17th century former private mansion, the Hôtel de      encountering diverse local artisans in the pretty town of Terrasson,
Bouilhac - with just 10 luxurious rooms that mix original features with   which showcases water, gardens and a rich heritage.
contemporary design - before a Welcome Aperitif before dinner.
                                                                          A private farewell dinner of regional cuisine will be a sumptuous end to
Our journey of discovery through prehistoric art and life in the valley   our stay.
includes a visit to the village of Les Eyzies and National Prehistoric
Museum, the Grotte de Rouffignac, the largest of the art caves in the
area and a private tour of Lascaux 1V, the International Centre for
Cave Art.

Market day in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sarlat-la-
Canéda is an 800-year-old tradition - there is free time to explore the
delights of the market and enticing boutiques.

                                                                                                                                                       10
© Kathy Bowden                        © Dan-Courtice

© Kathy Bowden   © Gabarre Caminade

                                                       11
DAYS 18 - 19

Return to Paris   A coach ride to Bordeaux, for a TGV train to Paris and return to the
                  Hôtel Adèle et Jules.

                  Our final day together includes a walking tour of the Marais quartier,
                  followed by a free afternoon for last-minute shopping and packing.

                  Dinner on the Left Bank is a fabulous finale to our tour.

                                                                                           12
A $16,720 pp
Launch offer, save $1,000 pp*
A single supplement of $3850.00 applies for solo travellers, subject to
availability of accommodation in the same category booked for this tour.

*Terms and conditions apply, not available with any other offer.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and may change, you will
be advised of any changes prior to booking and once your booking is
confirmed, your price is guaranteed and will not change.

                                                                           13
14
Valleys in Bloom
The Loire, Dordogne & Vézère valleys
for solo women travellers

A bespoke 19-day Spring stroll through the beauty &
charm of three of France’s most distinctive valleys

SPRING
23 APRIL - 12 MAY 2022
SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS
VDSW 22

                                                      15
Introduction
             Our Valleys in Bloom tour - created especially for solo women
             travellers - explores the visual and delectable charms of the Loire,
             Dordogne and Vézère valleys during Spring.

             New growth is everywhere; trees are in blossom and flowers are
             carpeted through fields and abound in parks and gardens. Days
             are warmer and longer after the chill of winter.

             We begin and end our trip in Paris, delving into its history and
             style, and stay 7 nights in each of the Loire and Dordogne valleys.

             Exploring the captivating châteaux and villages of the Loire
             Valley we take time to smell the roses and admire classic French
             gardens. In the Dordogne we discover some of France’s most
             beautiful medieval villages and imposing fortresses throughout the
             valley, and glimpse the prehistoric life of the Vézère Valley.

             Discover and taste sumptuous distinctive regional cuisines and
             specialties, enjoy private tours and tastings, and relish the privacy
             of your own double room in 4-star boutique hotels of authenticity
             and charm – all imbued with the colours and fragrance of spring.

© E Sander

                                                                                     16
DAYS 1 - 3

Paris - parks and gardens   Arrival in Paris and check in at the Hôtel Adèle et Jules our trendy and
                            charming hotel in the 9th arrondissement.

in April bloom and the      Our time in Paris begins in style with a Welcome Aperitif and a private
                            boat cruise on the Seine.
soft, warm days of Spring   With our local guide, we visit the glorious stained-glass masterpiece of

add a special charm to      Sainte-Chapelle.

                            We adopt the French tradition of going out for Sunday lunch and dine
this beautiful city         on the Île Saint-Louis - a peaceful haven on one of two natural islands
                            in the River Seine, and connected to the rest of Paris by six bridges.

                            A visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies
                            sets the scene for our visit to Giverny on our return.

                                                                                                       17
© Kathy Bowden

© Svetlana Gumerova                    © Kathy Bowden

                                                        18
DAYS 4 - 10

Loire Valley - fine                                                       The citadel town of Loches on market day; where more than 100 stalls
                                                                          laden with seasonal fresh produce wind around the medieval streets,
                                                                          will be lively.
wines and food, lush                                                      We visit the garden village of Chédigny, whose spring blooms justify its
countryside dotted with                                                   certification of a Jardin Remarquable and enjoy tastings and a tour at
                                                                          an organic family farm that produces specialty goat cheeses.

châteaux and graceful                                                     A unique vineyard visit and tasting hosted by a family of Vouvray wine
                                                                          makers will be an evening to remember!
gardens                                                                   Meandering through pretty villages we meet artisans and producers
                                                                          who maintain traditional skills and processes to produce regional
                                                                          specialties.

A TGV train takes us to the city of Tours in the Loire Valley, where we   Dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant promises a generous cuisine with
begin our stay with a walking tour and mark our arrival in the valley     its roots in tradition, and given a new twist by a young chef, born and
with a Welcome Aperitif.                                                  raised in the Touraine.

We then settle in for the next 7 nights just 15 kilometres away at the    We go with the flow on the Loire River in a traditional sailboat.
Domaine de la Tortinière a family-owned 19th century château hotel,
located at the heart of a wooded park overlooking the Indre valley.       There’s time for a sleep in and to begin packing before - saving the
                                                                          best until last - our visit to Château Chenonceau. We begin with a
We visit the Royal Château of Amboise and nearby Clos Lucé, where         picnic lunch, a tour of the château’s interior and are accompanied on
Leonardo da Vinci lived for the last three years of his life.             a private tour of the historic gardens and flower beds by the Botanical
                                                                          Director. Additional exclusive experiences in this refined and elegant
Our local guide leads us through the histories and distinctive            château will be will be a captivating close to the day.
characteristics of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a jewel of the
renaissance, and Château Chaumont and its renowned International          We mark the end of our stay in the Loire Valley with a private
Garden Festival, which will be in full bloom.                             farewell dinner.

                                                                                                                                                     19
© Isabelle Bardiau, Office de Tourisme Loches Châteaux de la Loire

© Didier-Ronflard   © Léonard de Serres, ADT Touraine Interloire

                                                                                         20
DAYS 11 - 17

Dordogne and Vézère                                                          We visit Domme, a bastide village perched high above the Dordogne,
                                                                             with unrivalled vistas over the valley, La Roque-Gageac, lining the

Valleys - rich flavours,                                                     north bank of the river, the spectacular towering fortress of Beynac
                                                                             and enjoy lunch on the terrace at the manicured Marqueyssac
                                                                             Gardens, high above the river on a rocky spur.
pretty villages and                                                          The feminine Chateau des Milandes, is a charming contrast to the

prehistoric art and culture                                                  forbidding fortresses lining the valley. Milandes’ most famous era is
                                                                             linked to its 20th century owner and music hall star, Josephine Baker,
                                                                             whose life is celebrated throughout the château.

                                                                             We board a replica gabarre - the traditional flat-bottomed boats used
                                                                             for transporting goods along the Dordogne - for gorgeous views of
                                                                             châteaux and villages from the river and fantastic photo opportunities.
We take a TGV train to Bordeaux, then a coach to our hotel, the
charming La Villa Romaine, with just 17 rooms, where 19th century            A private masterclass in regional cuisine from a passionate team
stone architecture blends with modern comfort in an idyllic and              based in a former 17th century mill is followed by a private dinner
peaceful rural location. We enjoy a Welcome Aperitif before dinner.          savouring our own cooking.

Our glimpse of prehistoric life in the Vézère Valley begins with our local   Venturing a little away from the river, we spend a day exploring the
guide and the village of Les Eyzies and National Prehistoric Museum.         exquisite bastide village of Monpazier and the flamboyant 15th century
The Château de Commarque is hidden in an isolated valley and the             Gothic cloisters at the Abbey of Cadouin.
story of 15,000 years of human history from pre-history to the Middle
Ages can be told through its architecture and art.                           We return to Sarlat for last-minute shopping and wandering - without
                                                                             the bustle of market day, the sandstone medieval and renaissance
Market day in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sarlat-la-          architecture is even more stunning. Visiting a walnut grove and mill
Canéda is an 800-year-old tradition, there is free time to explore the       takes us to the heart of Perigord produce, traditions and flavours.
delights of the market and enticing boutiques. A walking tour with our
guide gives us insight into the history and monuments of Sarlat.             A farewell dinner brings our stay to a sumptuous end.

                                                                                                                                                       21
All images this page © Kathy Bowden

                                      22
DAYS 18 - 19

Return to Paris   A coach ride to Bordeaux, for a TGV train to Paris and return to the
                  Hôtel Adèle et Jules.

                  On our final day, we visit Monet’s home and garden at Giverny, and
                  marvel at the floral compositions and lilies, his greatest sources of
                  inspiration.

                  A free afternoon leaves time for last minute shopping and packing.

                  Our final dinner - on the Left Bank - is a fabulous finale to our tour.

                                                                                            23
A $17,860 pp
Launch offer, save $1,000 pp*

*Terms and conditions apply, not availble with any other offer.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and may change, you will
be advised of any changes prior to booking and once your booking is
confirmed, your price is guaranteed and will not change.

                                                                         24
25
Southern Sojourn
Provence & Occitanie in Spring

A bespoke 23-day celebration of the lyrical
landscape, art, culture and colours of Provence and
Occitanie, two of France’s most stunning regions

SPRING
26 MAY - 18 JUNE 2022 (23 DAYS)
TOUR CODE SS 22

                                                      26
Introduction
                 The seductive beauty and relaxed lifestyle of the south of France
                 have long inspired artists and travellers.

                 Avoiding the harshest heat and crowds of mid-summer, this tour
                 celebrates Provence and the neighbouring Gard area of Occitanie,
                 immersing us for 18 days - at a leisurely pace - in these glorious
                 regions during the lengthening days of late spring.

                 We begin and end in Paris, discovering some of the city’s leftovers
                 of Roman rule and honouring the artistic legacies of Vincent van
                 Gogh and Paul Cézanne. We stay 5 nights in the elegant city
                 of Aix-en-Provence, 6 nights near Les Baux-de-Provence and 7
                 nights at Uzès.

                 Between colourful villages are cities of culture, history and art:
                 Avignon, steeped in religious history, Nîmes, with the finest
                 collection of Roman remains in France, and Arles, with Camargue
                 traditions, an abundance of Roman architecture and Vincent’s
                 home for 14 months. Add in the unique Transhumance Festival,
                 and this tour is rich in cultural connections.

                 You will be captivated by these gorgeous regions, savour fresh
                 seasonal dishes, meet local producers and artisans - and stay in
© Kathy Bowden
                 a 5-star hotel on the edge of Aix’s old town, and 4-star hotels of
                 distinctive style and charm.

                                                                                       27
DAYS 1 - 3

Paris in Spring - gardens   We arrive in Paris and check in at the Hôtel Adèle et Jules, our trendy
                            and charming hotel in the 9th arrondissement.

and parks in bloom, café    Our time in Paris begins in style with a Welcome Aperitif and a private
                            boat cruise on the Seine.
culture and fewer crowds    Our local guide leads walking tours tailored for us, uncovering
                            surprising remnants of Roman rule of the city.

                            We begin our homage to Vincent and Cézanne with a visit to the
                            Musée d’Orsay to see some of their most famous paintings, followed
                            by a leisurely lunch.

                            There’s time to pack before a free evening creating your own special
                            memories in this beautiful city.

                                                                                                      28
© Kathy Bowden

© Paris Tourist Office, Photograph © David Lefranc   © Kathy Bowden

                                                                      29
DAYS 4 - 8

Aix-en-Provence – an                                                        Heading into the Luberon hills, we visit authentique, colourful villages,
                                                                            with plenty of time to stroll, shop and soak up classic Provençal
                                                                            scenes, landscapes and views.
ancient city of art and                                                     An immersive day of Cézanne - Aix’s favourite son known as the father
architectural elegance                                                      of modern art - includes a visit to his workshop and his muse, not a
                                                                            person, but the mountain of Sainte-Victoire, celebrated in so many of
                                                                            his paintings.

                                                                            We relax with a game of pétanque and an aperitif in the hotel’s garden,
                                                                            with the rest of the evening free to discover your own favourite Aix
                                                                            spots - or stay ‘at home’.

                                                                            A private gourmet tour of Aix’s daily produce market and thrice-weekly
We take a TGV train to spend 5 nights in Aix-en-Provence, the former
                                                                            flower market is a fabulous introduction to the Magic of Markets.
capital of Provence.
                                                                            Enjoying gourmet tastings along the way, we conclude our tour with
                                                                            lunch conjured from market and speciality food stores purchases and a
Our 5 star hotel, Le Pigonnet is a secluded country house on the
                                                                            chilled glass of rosé.
edge of the town centre, set in a hectare of Provençal gardens. Paul
Cézanne set up his easel in a corner of this glorious garden to paint
                                                                            A free afternoon leaves time for shopping and packing before a very
his beloved Sainte-Victoire. Your refined room overlooks an avenue
                                                                            special farewell dinner - a seasonal menu with wine pairings at a
of 100-year old chestnut trees.
                                                                            Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of Aix.
A walking tour of the ‘old town’ introduces us to the history and culture
of this chic and elegant town. We mark our arrival with a Welcome
Aperitif on the famous and handsome boulevard of Cour Mirabeau -
the place to be, and be seen.

Travelling to the coast, we spend the day at a charming fishing village
in a stunning landscape on the Côte d’Azur, enjoy a relaxing lunch
near the harbour and a private cruise on the turquoise waters.

                                                                                                                                                        30
© Fabien Lecreusois

All other images this page © Kathy Bowden

                                            31
DAYS 9 - 14

Provence – valleys of                                                      We visit the asylum of Saint-Paul de Mausole, where Vincent created
                                                                           more than 200 paintings and drawings during his year-long stay.

olives groves, vineyards,                                                  Roman occupation in the south of France lasted 500 years and the
                                                                           Glanum archeological site is one of the most important in the country.
orchards and colourful                                                     The Transhumance Festival in the streets of Saint-Rémy will be a

villages                                                                   memorable spectacle, honouring the ancient practice of moving
                                                                           animals to summer pastures.

                                                                           And, at Fontvieille, we immerse ourselves further in southern traditions
                                                                           dating back to the 15th century, before dinner at a local restaurant.

                                                                           The Camargue is an area of exceptional biological diversity and home
We travel to the craggy limestone range of Les Alpilles, immortalised      to 400 unique bird species - we take time to observe and photograph
by Vincent in many paintings, and settle in for the next 6 nights at the   just some of them, including pink flamingos in their natural habitat.
4-star, family owned Hôtel Benvengudo. Your stylish room and its
private terrace or balcony, offers tranquillity away from the bustle of    We explore the World Heritage-listed city of Arles and trace Vincent’s
festival crowds on this national holiday weekend.                          footsteps. Our visit coincides with market day ....with more than 2.5
                                                                           kilometres of market stalls to explore.
Our introduction to the area begins with a walking tour of the lively
village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. We visit Saint-Rémy again in            Enjoy tastings at a family farm producing specialty goat cheeses, with
coming days, with free time to wander the narrow streets, shady            more tastings at a mill that processes our hotel’s olive harvest.
squares, chic boutiques and galleries.
                                                                           You will be dazzled by the digital presentation of art and music at the
At the compact medieval town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, stroll the           Carrières de Lumières Les Baux-de-Provence before we conclude our
renowned Sunday market - food, flea market, and antiques rolled into       stay in Provence with a private dinner.
one - you can buy everything from olives to fine art. Visit boutiques
and artisan studios - then enjoy a leisurely lunch and menu created
especially for us.

                                                                                                                                                      32
All images this page © Kathy Bowden

                                      33
© Kathy Bowden

                 34
DAYS 15 - 21

Gard, Occitanie - an
                                                                           The lovely village of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie has been synonymous
                                                                           with pottery artisans since the middle ages and is home to more
                                                                           than 30 workshops of potters, ceramicists, and other crafts. We see
ancient heritage and                                                       ceramicists at work and enjoy an intimate private dinner.

culture on a road less                                                     Taking the byways through the hills we come upon numerous
                                                                           dry-stone huts called capitelles and enjoy tastings at a family winery
                                                                           and a leisurely lunch.
travelled                                                                  A day spent in and around the striking, walled medieval town of
                                                                           Aigues-Mortes, which sits on the marshes of the Camargue, will be
                                                                           a memorable encounter with this fascinating region and its unique
                                                                           traditions and customs.

We explore Avignon on the way to the Gard area of Occitanie, settling      Our visit to Nîmes combines seeing the finest collection of Roman
in for the next 7 nights at the Hôtel Entraigues, a former 15-century      remains in France with exploring stylish boutiques and narrow streets.
mansion in the historic heart of Uzès, a jewel of a small town in this     We have lunch overlooking the Roman arena at the Musée de la
lesser-known region, and classified as a Ville d’Art et d’ Histoire.       Romanité.

We mark our arrival with a Welcome Aperitif and a walking tour             White truffles are in season and we learn more about this mysterious
provides the key to understanding the heritage of Uzès.                    fungus from none other than the President of the French and European
                                                                           Federation of Truffle Growers.
The Saturday market is a lively affair. Spend the morning browsing,
buying or just watching it all unfold while you relax at a café.           We stroll the streets of the medieval village of Lussan, with panoramic
                                                                           views over the surrounding countryside.
We return to Avignon for a private tour of the Palais des Papes,
followed by an intimate musical performance.                               During our week in Uzès, there’s free time to relax by the pool or
                                                                           explore further: the Royal Duchy, the Medieval Garden, or the Haribo
A private tour of the magnificent Pont du Gard offers the opportunity to   Sweet Museum.
explore the top-most level of the Roman aqueduct.
                                                                           A farewell dinner with a view is a fitting end to our time in the south.

                                                                                                                                                      35
©AllKathy
     images
          Bowden
            this page © Kathy Bowden

                                       36
DAYS 22 - 23

Return to Paris   Return to Paris - a coach ride to Avignon for a TGV train to Paris and
                  return to the Hôtel Adèle et Jules.

                  We enjoy a late afternoon private tour of the opulent 19th century
                  Palais Garnier, inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Phantom of the Opera
                  novel.

                  On our final day, we discover the historical district of the Marais, with
                  gourmet tastings along the way, and a free afternoon for last minute
                  shopping and packing.

                  Dinner on the Left Bank - a fabulous finale to our tour.

                                                                                              37
A $19,780 pp
Launch offer save $1,000 pp*
A single supplement of $4,950.00 applies for solo travellers, subject to
availablility of accomodation in the same category booked for this tour.

*Terms and conditions apply, not available with any other offer

Prices are correct at the time of publication and may change, you will
be advised of any changes prior to booking and once your booking is
confirmed, your price is guaranteed and will not change.

                                                                           38
© Arno Senoner

                 39
Our Style of Travel
At Authentique France we focus on exploring and celebrating France’s       We always mark our arrival in each region with a Welcome Aperitif.
diverse regions, how their culture, arts, traditions and economies have
been shaped by their landscape and history.                                Breakfast and one other meal each day are included in your tour.

Usually our tours begin and end in Paris, and we travel to and from        The pattern of our days is relaxed: usually we set off at 9.00am and
the regions by First Class TGV trains wherever possible. In the            spend the day walking at a leisurely pace, with breaks for coffee
regions, we travel in first class mini-vans, buses and coaches, often      or lunch or free time to wander at your leisure or just sit for a while
accompanied by our local guide.                                            observing local comings and goings.

Drawing on our own experience as well as our guides’ local                 We have time for flexibility, however, some private tours and visits are
knowledge, we go beyond the tourist hot spots, seeking out                 booked for a specific day and time, so to ensure we don’t miss our time
lesser-known places and activities offering deeper insight and real        slot there are occasions when we must adhere to schedules.
interactions with French people. We immerse ourselves in an area;
outside of cities, we always stay a minimum of 5 days in any one           There’s time to relax before dinner or an evening outing each day and
location.                                                                  you’ll have some free evenings – sample a restaurant of your choice or
                                                                           stay ‘at home’.
From Paris to the most rural location, we stay in 4-star boutique
accommodation. Usually, they are small family establishments               Most importantly, you can settle in, relax and soak it all in – you’re on
providing uniquely French experiences and vary in setting, type,           holiday, enjoy.
architecture, style and décor, and facilities.

Sometimes we stay in a village, where you will feel the daily rhythm of
life, other times we’ll be in a rural setting surrounded by tranquil and
picturesque countryside.

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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions                                                             Exclusions
•   4-star accommodation in boutique hotels                            •   International or domestic flights
•   5-star accommodation in Aix en Provence (Southern Sojourn only)    •   Airport arrival or departure taxes, passport, visa, and vaccination
•   Breakfast and one other meal every day                                 charges
•   Welcome Aperitif on arrival in each new region                     •   Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
•   Train and bus travel and all transfers included in the itinerary   •   Transport costs, including taxis fares, not included in the itinerary
•   Guide, museum and site entrance fees, excursions and activities    •   Activities and excursions not included in the itinerary (eg free time
    included in the itinerary                                              activities)
•   Taxes payable on accommodation, meals and activities included in   •   Optional excursions: some optional excursions may be offered
    the itinerary                                                          and will be dependent upon free time available in the itinerary,
•   Regional Cuisine Masterclass and dinner (Valleys in Bloom only).       the seasonal release dates and availability of entrance and/or
                                                                           performance tickets
                                                                       •   All costs of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic
                                                                           beverages, soft drinks, coffee (outside of some meals which

Terms & Conditions                                                         include drinks) laundry, services, personal clothing, medical
                                                                           expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, data or phone charges.

Terms and conditions apply to all tours and are available on our
website. Please ensure your read and understand the Terms and
Conditions included on your Booking Form.

All itineraries are subject to change.
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Bon voyage
Bookings via:

authentiquefrance.tours
bonjour@authentiquefrance.tours
Mobile: +61 (0)417778869
PO Box 90 Marden SA 5070 Australia

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