France - Regional
The Loire Valley is a hard act to follow with the incomparable grandeur of Chateau de Chambord and Chateau Chenonceau, and the Garden of France’s equally incomparable Muscadet wine and Saumur mushrooms, grown in the bizarre troglodyte caves of Vouvray!
The Canal de Bourginone cuts through the heart of Burgundy, a region dedicated to centuries of making divine wine and hearty local boeuf bourguignon and famous Dijon mustard to go with it.
In the south west, follow the serene Dordogne Valley for an idyllic journey through quaint river villages like Beynac, Domme and Bergerac, to chateaux, vineyards and markets and even pre-historic caves.
Then find a thrill seekers smorgasbord of mountain activities in the French Pyrenees; hike, bike or climb, raft, kayak or canyon, paraglide, horse ride or indulge in a high altitude thermal spa.
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Recommended
Inroads to the French Alps
Enjoy an intimate small group (2-8) escorted holiday and discover an authentic, bucolic and dynamic part of France, boots and all with walks, cycles and excursions. Highlights include: boat trip in Annecy, visit the fairytale Chateau Menthon St Bernard, stay in an authentic ski chalet in Megeve, one of Frances most idyllic chi-chi ski villages, stop at village cellars for wine tastings, discover the Le Pont de la Caille, a magnificent swing bridge and one of AJ Hackett's first jumping points, and visit the Glieres museum which pays tribute to that courageous last winter of the local resistance. Includes 7 b/f's and 7 dinners.
A Taste of Burgundy
This tour will let you discover Burgundy and all it's treasures - tiny villages nestled amongst rollings hills, rows of green grape vines laden with grapes, and local villagers who welcome you with a wide smile and a glass of wine. Visit icons such as Meursault, Mercurey and Pommard, as well as Volnay, home of the famous red wine chosen by French royalty. Explore the fascinating ancient townships of Beaune, Cluny and Macon. Enjoy a fabulous degustation at Chateau de Meursault plus a sumptuous picnic with spectacular views at St Romain.
Flavours of the Dordogne
This enticing mixture of charming villages, meandering rivers, facinating prehistoric sites and sumpuous cuisine is the perfect way to discover this region of France. Walk along the Vézère River, visit the 12th-century castle at Commarque, be charmed by Sergeac on way to the pretty village of St Léon sur Vézère, walk to the walled village of Domme overlooking Dordogne River and wander through meadows to Castelnaud and its chateau.
Something Different
Inroads to the South of France
Dive beyond the impressionist's canvas for a sensory discovery of Provence; unspoilt, fiercely authentic, a strong-hold of prehistoric Gallo-Roman treasures and natural beauty. This itinerary offers you both irresistible savours and vista's of Provence, as will a unquie journey into southern Ardeche, with clear bold rivers , ruggedly beautiful lime formations, and its listed 'most beautiful villages of France - all against a back drop of olive groves and vineyards. Highlights include 3 nights at Vallon Pont D'Arc, 2 nights at Uzes and 2 nights at Avignon.