La Belle France
This tour is designed for people who are interested in the real rural
SE of France, not the touristy places. You will discover the diversity
of this amazing region, from quaint villages to the lofty peaks and
glaciers of the Alps.
Experience the French culture through a local market (where no-one
speaks English), medieval villages unknown from tourists, a medieval
castle, a 19th century oil mill, the majestic Alps and of course through
local product tasting like chocolate, Charteuse liqueur, cheese and
wine.
You will also have a chance to enjoy a typical spa with massage.
Day 1: Welcome Reception
We will pick you up at the Lyon airport or the Aix train station
and drive you to your home base for the week. Upon your arrival,
relax and enjoy a welcome reception with authentic local finger
foods and drinks.
In the evening, a traditional sumptuous buffet will be prepared
especially for you if you are staying at our guest house. For
the trip based at the hotel, we will savour a 4 course gourmet
dinner at the hotel.
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Day 2: Chartreuse Liqueur and Virieu Castle
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Morning: Chartreuse Liqueur Tasting
We will visit the Chartreuse cellars, the longest liqueur cellar in
the world, where you will learn all about the making of this world famous
beverage. This is where, from a secret recipe guarded by the monks for
centuries, the Chartreuse liqueur has been produced from over 130 plants.
You will have the opportunity to taste over 10 different kinds of Chartreuse
liqueurs.
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| Photo Credits:
Caves de la Chartreuse, Voiron |
Afternoon: Virieu
Castle
We will then visit the extraordinary Virieu
castle, built over eight centuries. The highlights of the visit
are the magnificent medieval kitchen, the bedroom of King Louis
XIII and the grand salle. |
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Day 3: Breathtaking Mont Blanc, the Heart of the Alps
Morning: Mont Blanc Glacier
We will be heading to the highest mountain in Europe. Breathtaking
views of the Mont Blanc await us at Chamonix, the capital city
of the mountaineers.
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The Montenvers train will take us on a journey through deep
forests and splendid vistas overlooking the valley. Traveling
along impressive peaks, you will arrive at the unique Mer de
Glace ("Sea of Ice") glacier. You will have the thrill
of exploring the inside of this glacier through a tunnel carved
in the ice and of viewing its never-to-be-forgotten exhibit
of ice sculptures.
Afternoon: Visit of Chamonix
You will have time to shop or
stroll through the chalet-town of Chamonix, the biggest ski
resort in the world. The high mountains surrounded the town
are beautiful.
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Day 4: Annecy or 'The Little Venice of the Alps'
Morning: Market in Annecy
Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain
beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you
stroll along its banks. We will stroll the medieval narrow streets
to admire the renaissance houses along the canal as well as the
famous old prison, one of the most photographed monuments in France!
We will also have the opportunity to go to the local market
in the old Annecy. | |  |
Afternoon: Annecy lake
Enjoy Annecy Lake, the cleanest lake in Europe, surrounded by majestic
mountains. Why not rent a motor or paddle boat? If you prefer, there
are beautiful trails by the lake. You may choose to take hundreds
of pictures in the old medieval part of town. Annecy is unforgettable.
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| Photo Credits: Jan Jagan |
Day 5: Romantic village and Spa
We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful vineyards
and picturesque villages to the lovely village of Chanaz. |
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Morning: Walnut Oil Tasting
We will attend a walnut oil making demonstration in a 19th-century
mill. This is a unique opportunity that can't be missed since
this mill is the only one left in France listed historical monument
where the oil is still made like it was in the 19th century. You
will of course have a chance to taste the delicious and organic
walnut, hazelnut and almond oils as well as the homemade jams.
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Afternoon: Spa and massage
Leisure time this afternoon for you to enjoy the spa town of
Aix les Bains: shop, go to the museum or enjoy the Spa: naturally
warm indoor and outdoor thermal water pools, whirlpools, saunas
and steam baths, gym, relaxation areas, bar and patios.
Choose an aqua gym session, a mub bath, a massage or to relax
by one of the pools, sauna and hammam.
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Day 6: Pastoral La Cote St Andre
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you an authentic flavor of the French countryside and village
life. Valerie will open her own house to you. Be her guest and
feel at home. |
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Morning: Market and Berlioz
museum
We will experience the local market day and buy fresh
food at La Halle, a 13th-century covered market where the locals
meet.
After a stop at one of the cafes to savor the local ambiance,
you'll be able to stroll in this authentic medieval and Renaissance
town. You can also visit the home of the famous French composer,
Hector Berlioz, which is now a museum dedicated to his work.
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Afternoon: Chocolate tasting
We will
visit a chocolate exhibit, the "Paradis du Chocolat".
Tasting the delicious cakes made by Pierre Jouvenal, the famous
chocolate maker of the Dauphine region will delight your palate. |
Day 7: Magnificent Pre-Alps Cliffs and Caves
We will be heading towards the breathtaking mountainous region
of Vercors, bordered by 300 Km of cliffs on the very edge of the
Alps.
Morning: Amazing caves
You will have the unique opportunity to take
a memorable trip into the heart of the earth when we'll explore
the famous Choranche cave, with its thousands of impressive tubular
stalactites and its lake of emerald green.
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Photo Credit: Grotte de Choranche |
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Afternnon: Hanging houses in a medieval
village
After
lunch, you'll have free time to visit Pont-en-Royans, the picturesque
16th century village where the houses are actually suspended above
the river. Stroll though the maze of narrow streets or walk along
the river. |
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Evening: Dinner cruise on the Bourget lake
(Only for the trip with accommodation at the hotel). We will treat
you for the farewell dinner on a boat on the magnificient Bourget
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Day 8: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Lyon
airport or train station in Aix in plenty of time to catch your
flight or train. |
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Accommodations
You will be staying the nine days at our 19th-century
country house and on specific tour, at a luxurious
hotel in Aix les Bains.
Dates & Rates
May 20-27, 2009 Accommodation at our
19th-century country house
US $2,390 per person (land cost).
September 5-12, 2009 (women
only) (Accommodation at an luxurious
hotel)
US $2,990 per person (land cost) +$450 for single room.
Includes
- Lyon airport (or Aix les Bains train station) pick up and drop
off
- A welcome reception
- All nights (either at our guesthouse or at the hotel)
- All authentic French breakfasts
- All traditional gourmet dinners (including fine French wine
and cheeses for the trip based at our guesthouse) otherwise 4
dinners including the dinner cruise (for trip based at the hotel)
- Transportation in a comfortable van
- A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout the week
- Local product tasting
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
- A free Paris planner for a self guided visit in Paris: suggestions
of hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Excludes
- Flights to and from France
- For the trip based at the hotel: train to and from Aix, 3 dinners
and all drinks
- Lunches
- Optional activities (those not described in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses and tipping
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