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A Taste of Country Living & Traditional Cooking
in Southern France
… featuring the region of Aveyron, between Dordogne & the Mediterranean
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Have you ever heard of the Compostella pilgrimages ? For sure you do if the Middle-Age history is of particular interest to you !
From the 12th to the 15th century, million people from all over Europe undertook the various Compostella pilgrimages. Of the four ancient pilgrimage routes in Europe leading through France, the one which begins at Geneva and passes through Le Puy-en-Velay, and the Aveyron region is the most interested due to its rich cultural heritage. All along the route, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, hospitals and chapels, founded by religious orders and backed by rich patrons, contained exquisite and unusual artistic creations.
Lifestyle Vacations drives you in the sunny Southern France on the Compostella route to discover the spirit of the Aveyron region and its beautiful villages of La Couvertoirade, Belcastel, Conques, Najac, Estaing, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Conques, Rodez… that stand today among the most treasured in France. The surrounding wild and hilly countryside remains untouched and natural, just as the first pilgrims found it, and this breathtaking district is known among the French to be one of the best places to rediscover peace of mind. The lush landscape is covered with nature reserves and wild forests, as well as caves and rocky plains. A wealth of flora still grows wild in Aveyron, including orchids which decorate the countryside.
  
Deeply influenced by the province of Rouergue, Aveyron is also reputed for its cuisine. Country-style, flavorful, and authentic gastronomy features fresh meat (especially renowned Aubrac beef) and charcuterie, with local vegetables and cheeses such as roquefort, which is used in regional recipes.
On enrolling this customized voyage - exclusive to Lifestyle Vacations - you will discover a secret haven of history and beauty, an extraordinaire region, one of the few places in France that rests authentic and apart from over-traveled tourist destinations.
  
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
> Day 1 (Tuesday) at Belcastel
Your voyage will begin at Montpellier’s airport (morning arrival to France is necessary) where your chauffeur and your guide will wait for you. You will be granted a private transportation and a professional escort with our English-speaking guide. Your cultural tour begins at the world-famous Viaduc of Millau, higher than the Eiffel Tower at 340 meters, stretches across the Valley of Tarn. To continue to the mediaeval village of Belcastel, before visiting the hillside village of La Couvertoirade where you will have a lunch break. Your arrival at Belcastel is planned around 4:00pm. Belcastel is an amazing village known for its perfectly preserved medieval château. You will stroll across the five hundred-year-old bridge that spans the Aveyron River to arrive at your charming three-star hotel “Le Vieux Pont”, a superbly restored building offering peace and rest in luxurious comfort. You will dine at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant run by the Fagegaltier sisters Dinner and night at Belcastel.
> Days 2, 3 and 4 are dedicated to the excursions in the most beautiful villages of France : Belcastel, Najac, Villefranche de Rouergue, Conques, Rodez, Entraygues and Estaing before reaching “Le plateau d’Aubrac”. Your private English-speaking guide will escort you throughout the visits to enhance your understanding of the region, its history and heritage.
> Day 2 (Wednesday) Villefranche de Rouergue & Conques
After your healthy breakfast, you will have a little walk to visit Belcastel before reaching the quaint village of Najac (a lunch break is scheduled here) and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, dated back from the 13th century. The city was an innovation of urban planning at the time of its construction in 1252, and its architecture, ancient and modern, reflects its location on the threshold of Provence. After experiencing the city, we'll go to the fairy tale village of Conques. Take the time to visit the village, especially the famous Romanesque abbey Sainte-Foy. Here, a small and elegant guesthouse in a former 18th century mill, called “Le Moulin de Cambelong” awaits you. It’s also the home of a gastronomic restaurant run by Hervé Busset, one of the French cuisine rising star. The nearby village offers its picturesque scenery to charm you to sleep in the beautiful rooms overlooking the valley.
>Day 3 (Thursday) : Wine route, Entraygues & Rodez
This third excursion day celebrates the wine country of Aveyron, between Marcillac Vallon and Entraygues lying between two rivers (Lot and Truyère) with a gorgeous historic bridge crossing each one. At the 13th century, this village was a highly fortified city and strategic point of communication for the region, and its striking castle remains as proof of its former prestige. Then you will visit Rodez, the central city of the Aveyron region, to see the Cathedral. For sure you will have time free to buy souvenirs in this beautiful town !
Dinner and night at the Moulin de Cambelong… and let the calm of the region prepare you for another day of discovery !
>Day 4 (Friday) : Espalion & Aubrac
Espalion offers an incredible range of architecture, from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance and more, and the scenery surrounding the town is also why it is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Spend a leisurely day exploring the museums, churches, monuments and cafés of Espalion before arriving to the Aubrac plateau and discovering your last “home in France” : Le Comptoir. This luxurious guesthouse is recognized as one of the most exceptional property for its decor. It's run by a famous French fashion designer who has decorated each room individually with an impressive originality and elegance. Enjoy your first of three nights here, and wake up refreshed and surrounded by beauty.
>Days 5 and 6 – After the cultural tours you will appreciate to relax in an outstanding and quiet elegant place while exploring an authentic French cuisine. Rising above the countryside and resting upon rolling hills, the Aubrac plateau offers sweeping views over the pastures of Aveyron, reaching into infinity…
>Day 5 (Saturday) : Aubrac
After a delicious breakfast of natural and organic products, home-made cakes and jam, you will explore the Aubrac area by walking, take your lunch in a typical auberge surrounded by sweeping romantic scenery. Back to the property after your lunch break, you will follow your first cooking class with the Executive chef Jean-Claude Altmayer, a hands-on experience of creating the delicious Aveyronnaise cuisine that you will taste with regional wines for the dinner. Overnight at Le Comptoir.
>Day 6 (Sunday) : Aubrac and Laguiole
Today you can divide your time between relaxing at Aubrac and experiencing another gourmet hands-on French cooking course. Le Comptoir proposes relaxing massages and other beauty treatments, and both in the flower-filled garden and next to the warm fire in the house, simple moments of peace and happiness are waiting to be enjoyed.
The afternoon is dedicated to a tour of the Aubrac villages including the 8th century one of Laguiole, famous for the knives factories. Laguiole is also the place of the Michelin three-starred restaurant “Relais & Chateaux” Michel Bras. Your farewell dinner will take place at Michel Bras’… simply wonderful !
Overnight at Le Comptoir.
>Day 7 (Monday) : Home again, home again…
After your breakfast at le Comptoir, your chauffeur will drive you to Montpellier airport for your trip home.
… Take with you memories of wonderful fairy-tale days in Southern France!
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PRICES PER PERSON
$ 3,240.00 (based on double occupancy)
$ 3,045.00 for a non-cooking participant
Single supplement : $ 910.00
Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates.
Special rate for two cooking participants : $ 6,380.00 (based on double occupancy)
Our price includes : private transfers and local transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus from/to Montpellier, 6 nights accomodation (double occupancy) in hotels*** and quaint luxurious Country-Inn, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners in various gourmet restaurants across Aveyron, including the gastronomic experience at Michel Bras’s Michelin three-star restaurant, 2 hands-on cooking classes at “Le Comptoir”, all local transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus, excursions and visits with a private English-speaking guide as mentioned in the itinerary.
Are not included : airfare from/to the US and from France, drinks, personal expenses and personal insurance.
Are not included : airfare from/to the US and from France, drinks, personal expenses and personal insurance
Rates are subject to change based on currency exchange. Call for updated rates.
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TOUR DATES
2007
April 17-23
June 12-18
August 28 - September 3
September 4-10
September 18-24
2008
April 15-21
June 9-16
August 26 - September 1
September 2-8
September 16-22
A minimum of 8 participants is required for each session
Please note that each tour must be booked 4 months in advance
(due to the Michelin-starred Michel Bras’ restaurant requirements)
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