The Flavours of France – A French Indulgence
***NEW TOUR***
Immerse yourself in the tastes and flavours of France. Join us as we journey through the renowned local regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Provence to tantalise your taste buds.
We and discover the cuisine, history and landscapes that make this gorgeous countryside so unique. Food and wine local specialities? We invite you to try them all! Each region has its unique environment with different traditions and favours for you to explore!
In Burgundy you will feel local in the vibrant Dijon food market then try the Grand Vins of Burgundy. In Provence we stay local in a small village, journey in and around the region to see how others live all the while tasting the stunning wines and enjoying the local produce. In Bordeaux we will eat seafood in Arcachon Bay, sample the famed wine, and see how the local grape became a feature of this local region and on throughout the entire word.
Plenty of history to learn as we go and create wonderful memories to share with your fellow travellers on this remarkable journey of a destination you thought you knew
| 12 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 29th April 2024 | (Monday to Friday) |
|---|---|---|
| 30th September 2024 | (Monday to Friday) | |
| Price: | AUD$4950 | |
Day 1 - Paris - Arrival Day Is there a city more renowned for its romance and beauty? After a group meeting, we head out into the city of light’ for dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants. Global Drift can arrange extra nights’ accommodation pre and post tour for those that require more time in this lovely capital. Day 2 - Day 2 – Paris (day trip Reims) After breakfast we journey east to the picturesque Champagne region near Reims and enjoy a visit to the family vineyard Champagne Cuillier. A very local experience followed by delightful tastings of the local grape.
Whilst in the region we visit the grand and gothic Reims Cathedral with time also to explore the centre of this gorgeous old city centre. In the afternoon we’ll visit the more regional commune of Epernay and some of the world’s most famous Champagne houses. A highlight is the internal ‘train’ that takes us through the magical Maison Mercier cellars naturally followed by a tasting. We return to our base in Paris later afternoon Day 3 - Day 3 – Paris to Dijon We enjoy a morning in Paris with so much to see including Montmartre, Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens. After lunch, we will make our way southeast to Burgundy and prepare our palate for a culinary experience in Dijon. We take in the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie & du Vin’’ which is a new wine and food museum dedicated to celebrating the "Gastronomic Meal of the French" Day 4 - Dijon We have time today to explore Dijon and “Les Halles” the expansive French market. Wander through the myriad of food stalls and local produce with the locals. Fresh fruit and plenty of street food on offer. Here you will find the fabled Mulot et Petit-Jean, seller of only traditional Burgundian products which includes gingerbread, and of course classic mustard with a multitude of flavours such as lemon, herb, and honey.
A classic day of living and eating local in France Day 5 - Dijon to Le Thor in Provence We are travelling today into the world famous Rosé area of Provence. We are stepping into a beautiful region place to stay. Our accommodation here for three nights is a typical lovely countryside guesthouse where you will be warmly welcomed by our hosts. Here we get a chance to live local eating and drinking in small restaurants and bars. Lots of stories and local tastes to sample Day 6 - Le Thor (day trip Avignon) We are based in the village of Le Thor, Provence for a wonderful three nights. Nearby is our first place to explore, the UNESCO Heritage Commune of Avignon. Its magnificent historical centre includes the sites of the Papal Palace which was home to seven successive Popes and the Pont d'Avignon. After lunch, we will visit a masterpiece of ancient architecture, the stunning Pont du Gard which is a huge 2000 year old Roman aqueduct. It is an outstanding feat of human engineering and one of France’s most famous monuments Day 7 - Le Thor (day trip Luberon) Today we head to The Luberon, a massif in central Provence, where the scenery and traditional villages are some of the best France has to offer. The area exhibits cliffs, olive trees as well as ancient farmlands. The small village of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has an excellent market, the largest outdoor market in the Luberon region. Many of the villages offer antique shops, and small flea market and we have time to stroll through the cobblestone lanes and byways. To cap of a wonderful day we will enjoy a hosting of an authentic Provençal dinner in a local home Day 8 - Le Thor to Vertheuil (via Carcassonne) A long and scenic travel day today across southern France broken up by a visit to the fortified city of Carcassonne which is a UNESCO world heritage site. This magnificent fortress city and its imposing castle is simply breath taking. We have time to explore ramparts to take in views of the 53 Towers as well as the surrounding lands. Our journey continues on into the world famous region of Bordeaux where we will spend the next four nights based in the village of Vertheuil Day 9 - Vertheuil (day trip Arcachon Bay) Today we are on the water in nearby Arcachon Bay. We head to the waterfront and board our pinasse, a typical wooden boat, to enjoy a tour of the Bay. Here we will get up close with the oyster farms and the "interior sea" of the bay which opens up to the Atlantic. The area is surrounded by pine forest and dotted with picturesque fishing villages. Our skipper will guide us through the stories of the region to discover the traditions and treasures of the bay. There is a fabled array of sumptuous seafood to enjoy, particularly oysters from the bay Day 10 - Vertheuil (day trip Bordeaux city) Our day will be spent in the heart of Bordeaux city. We plan to visit what we consider to be one of the best wine museums in the world! La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural centre dedicated to the universal, living heritage of wine. It offers a spectacular journey around the world of wine, throughout the ages, across countless cultures and civilisations. On the banks of the Garonnne in the centre of Bordeaux it is a must. We will also have time for an optional cruise on the River and perhaps even sample authentic and local food at the Halles de Bacalan Day 11 - Vertheuil We visit today a very regional winery perhaps the La Tour Carnet at St Laurent du Medoc for another wine tasting. We are in the heart of some of the finest red wines in the region of Medoc, feeling more like locals as we enjoy tastes with people living in the countryside on the vineyards. We also plan an amazing finale if dinner cooked by our local host. And the special treat may be to enjoy pre dinner drinks in the nearby Chateau Le Souley Sainte Croix. What a finish to our wonderful tour through the fabulous Flavours of France Day 12 - dep Vertheuil - Departure day Toady is departure day and you can be dropped off at the Bordeaux St Jean train station or Bordeaux Merignac airport in the morning to head on to your next destination. Alternatively we can assist with any further plans to stay on in the Bordeaux region. Bon voyage! |  |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.