Mont Segur, South of France
This scheduled tour is available for a minimum of 2 people, maximum 4.
ESCORTED TOUR SOUTH OF FRANCE-I: TOULOUSE TO CARCASSONNE
Join us for your escorted 7 Day/Six Night tour in the South of France-I, from Toulouse to Carcassonne. Rich with history, from Toulouse to Carcassonne you’ll find the spectacular flamboyance of the Ariège, this region in the very south and west of France. Like every other region, it is its own signature edition, ripe with huge historical significances and current times’ gastronomique splendors.
We start and conclude this journey in Toulouse, with a full circle sweep through small villages and towns, including (it’s hard to miss when here) the extinguished Cathars’ stamp upon the area — and upon the world.
Stationed on the edge of the Ariège, we are surrounded with the history of the Cathars, and will be meandering through the ancient villages of Foix, Fanjeaux, home of St. Benedict, visiting haunts, brocantes and sacred sites from Albi to the ruins of Mont Segur … with a final night wandering the streets of Carcassonne.
Arrival: Gare Toulouse, with transfer to hotel.
Trip Length: 7 Days/6 Nights
Wonder While You Wander in the South of France
Your Journey Includes:
• In-country travel structure with tour, entry and guide fees within tour destinations.
• Impromptu gatherings to share the historical significances of each location, if you choose in.
• All lodging and accommodations including country French homes and charming hotels.
• All breakfasts & dinners, including table wines, and 1-2 picnic lunches.
• Ultimate village markets.
What You Provide:
• Travel (including to & from Toulouse)
* Evacuation and Accident Insurance. It’s required.
• Spending monies & arrangements for travel and accommodations before & after (to Paris and upon return to Toulouse).
• Monies for meals not included in the tour.
• Most lunches.
• Trekking poles, if desired, and good traction walking shoes for dusty steep paths and cobblestones.
• Cell phone that works internationally.
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE SATURDAY Toulouse
Our journey begins in Toulouse, with arrival on Saturday. We will rendezvous at our hotel early afternoon for that first night. Settle in, spend a little time to get acclimated, and we’ll meet for aperos and a first meal together.
DAY TWO SUNDAY Mirepoix
After petit déjeuner in Toulouse, the Sunday market around the base of the Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse is not to be missed! Contain yourselves! You’ll have the morning to explore, walkabout and meander. We will meet back at the hotel for a light lunch before we head out in our touring van, direction Mirepoix, one hour’s drive away.
Here we will spend the next four nights right off the central plaza, reveling in the medieval wonders of Mirepoix, and using this base to explore further afield.
Once here, we’ll settle into our an acclaimed hotel in the heart of town — then head out, no doubt, for a walkabout.
19.00 In-House Dining
DAY THREE MONDAY Market Day Mirepoix
First thing after petit déjeuner, will find us spending the entire morning in the central square of Mirepoix. This is a quintessential French market experience with wares from antiques and flowers to fresh fruits and winds, to artisanal crafts, cheeses, saucisse — all as you meander around the Cathedral, to fill your senses from the very first step into the marketplace.
Enjoy lunch at a café that catches your eye.
The central, walkabout medieval town of Mirepoix spills over with boutique shops full of artisanal wares. Spend your afternoon exploring the back streets, antique shops, brocantes and boutiques before returning to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.
19.00 In-House Dining
DAY FOUR TUESDAY Albi
In the morning, we will visit small villages and towns as we make our way to Albi, namesake of the Albigensian Crusade, the 45-year campaign that effectively eliminated Catharism.
We will visit the Musee Toulouse Lautrec, and have a leisurely lunch. Meandering and stopping in small villages along the way, we will return to Mirepoix mid-afternoon.
19.00 In-House Dining
DAY FIVE WEDNESDAY Mont Segur
Today, Wednesday, we head to Mont Segur, not the last holdout of the Cathars, but the one that sealed their fate and destiny. It’s a climb to the top; not serious but surely walking shoes and perhaps walking sticks, a plus. And, it’s worth the climb! You can see in the picture of Mont Segur, where you will be standing.
A picnic/pack lunch is included this day for you while we explore this sacred site of the Cathars.
19.00 In-House Dining
DAY SIX THURSDAY Carcassonne
Today, Thursday, we say au revoir to Mirepoix and head to Carcassonne to spend our last walkabout day — and night — in the splendor of the cité. Here we will rest, reflect, and enjoy all that Carcassonne has to offer.
19.00 In-House Dining
DAY SEVEN Carcassonne to Toulouse
With a relaxing morning, we depart Carcassonne and transfer to Toulouse to bid adieu. Be sure to arrange your Toulouse departure for early/mid-afternoon.
REGISTRATION:
To inquire, email [email protected].
We will hold your reservation for 72 hours, pending initial non-refundable deposit of $500.
All travelers for our tours must have proof of full vaccination.
INFORMATION:
Let us know your preferred dates.
Tour requires minimum of two guests, max of 4. Rates are based on double occupancy.
All deposits are non-refundable but transferable to other tour dates or your own custom-picked dates.
Contact Ani directly for logistics and information. We will send you an application/checklist form to fill out, to sign and return with your initial deposit. You may forward your payments via bank wire, WISE, or check drawn on a U.S. bank.
Full vaccinations required.
To inquire into your best dates for the South of France-I Tour, email [email protected].
We will send you an application/checklist form to fill out, sign and return with your initial deposit. You may forward your payments via bank wire, WISE, or check drawn on a U.S. bank.
PLEASE NOTE:
With a day in between I and II, this tour can be combined with South of France II: Avignon to St Max, for a full South of France experience.
This 12 Night Extravaganza Tour gives you a $400 discount, double occupancy, and includes one-night hotel free as you transfer/transit into Avignon.