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Explore Languedoc-Roussillon 8-day Small Group Tour
Personally hosted by Carol Haslam, Director of Slow Tours. Carol lived in France for six years, speaks fluent French, knows this region really well and loves to show guests some of her favourite spots.
Enjoy the rugged mountainous hinterland, barge laden canals and flat beaches of this appealing landscape. Home to the Cathars with their mountain top castles, you will take home some wonderful memories of this region of wild beauty.
Marvel at the breath-taking train ride across impressive viaducts in the Pyrenees. Discover a historic medieval town still surrounded by its walled fortifications. Relax at a charming seaside village and enjoy the Spanish influence all around you. Fine wines, fresh foods and excellent restaurants are in abundance.
Travel is in a comfortable new vehicle. Maximum 14 passengers
Slow Tours offers other Small Group Tours in Europe
Transfer from the train station or airport at Perpignan to our hotel where you can settle in and relax before enjoying our welcome dinner
Today we discover Villefranche and the old fort. This town, listed as a World Heritage site, dates back to 1098 when it belonged to the Spanish. Because of its position, it has, over the centuries, been on both sides of the changing French Spanish border, hence the solid, defensive walls which surround the town. Today Villefranche is a busy hive of artisans, artists, shops and restaurants. Its railway station is the starting point for the little yellow train which climbs up the Pyrenees across many viaducts
After breakfast we drive to the fishing port, fort and beach of Collioure to explore this delightful old town and take a drive to the fort overlooking the Mediterranean. After lunch we visit the chateau Valmy for wine-tasting of some local Languedoc -Roussillon wines
Climb up Mount Canigou (easy climb) for some stunning views and see the Abbey of St Martin de Canigou. The energetic can climb further to a lookout point above the Abbey where you will have the best views and photography spots
After breakfast, we go to the city of Beziers for the morning. This old town's narrow streets wind up to the 13th-century Béziers Cathedral, marked by its grand rose window. The neighboring Jardin des Évêques is a 14th-century terraced garden with views of the river and the town's 5 bridges. On our way back, we stop for a walk around the perched village of Eus, taking in the stunning views over the valley enjoying a glass of wine with aperitives before returning to our hotel.
Today is market day in Prades, followed by an early light lunch in the town square. In the afternoon we visit the famous Cathar castles, Queribus and Peyreperteuse and the perched village of Cucugnan
An early start to take the little yellow train across viaducts and through the Pyrenees mountains to where we disembark for a walk around the old walled town of Mont Louis. Explore this small town and enjoy some light refreshments before taking the train back to Villefranche
After breakfast, transfer to Perpignan airport or train station for departure or continue on the tour of Catalonia Spain
My trip with Carol in the south of France was very wonderful. We spent 3 weeks together and everyday was full of so many delights. It was very diverse and often adventurous. Carol’s attention to every travel detail was unsurpassed. I felt so well looked after and enjoyed every moment. I’m now looking forward to my next journey with Carol. Merci Carol. Provence/Languedoc-Roussillon/Dordogne in September 2010. Also Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley in 2012 Rhonda (Victoria) 2010/2012
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
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We had the very great pleasure to travel through the beautiful Languedoc Rousillon region with Carol for 8 days in September. Our base in Prades was at a delightful Spanish style villa where we were made to feel very welcome by our hosts Evelyne and Alex - the pool was excellent after a hard day touring! Highlights of the trip included visits to Eus (fab tapas), Villefranche sur Confluent, the beautiful beachside towns of Collioure and Banyuls, and also the walk to the amazing Abbey of St Martin de Canigou. A very special experience was a flamenco guitar performance in the Abbaye Saint-Michel de Cuxà. A special day involved visiting Salvador Dali's amazing home near Rosas and an hour touring the rocky coastline on his boat Gala that is for hire in the picturesque port. We also spent time enjoying the Dali Museum in Figueres. Carol is an excellent tour guide and her fluent French is a great help to those of us who have very rudimentary French language skills! We would recommend a 'LaTour Carol' experience to anyone who appreciates thoughtful and individual attention and small group travel (who wouldn't!). I would also like to acknowledge Carol's generosity in donating a trip for auction at the Women and Childrens Hospital Foundation fundraiser ball (Adelaide) where I was lucky enough to be the winning bidder. Robyn and Ray (Adelaide) September 2013