Escorted Tours France - a tale of Pink Cities

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“A Tale of Pink Cities” 8 days / 7 nights

The unique 'pink' brick used for building in the upper Garonne valley has long inspired poets and artists. Our escorted tour lets you discover the magic of these ancient villages and cities as the southern French sun touches off the soft glow of the brique rose... The Tour is based in la ville rose itself, Toulouse. map

Day 1 Arrive in Toulouse
Arrive in Toulouse. Check in at your hotel located in the city centre and free time to recover from flight. Welcome dinner and night in Toulouse.

Day 2 Toulouse
Today the largest of the “Pink Cities”, Toulouse, will reveal all its secrets. This bustling regional capital has much to offer for the visitor. In the morning depart for a panoramic tour of the city, followed by a walk in the historic part of the city to admire its main monuments. Free time for lunch. The rest of the day is free; possible optional visit to the “Space City”. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Day 3 Limoux/Carcassonne/Canal du Midi
This morning your tour will take you to the wine-growing region of Limoux, famous for its sparkling wines. Invented a 100 years before Champagne, the “traditional method” will delight all those who appreciate bubbly. After a wine tasting session, you will reach the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. More than just an amazing decor, this stronghold has withstood all siege attempts remaining unchanged for the past 700 years. Finally, enjoy a unique boat ride on the peaceful Canal du Midi before returning to Toulouse. Night at your hotel.

Day 4 Albi/ Cordes/ Wine tasting in Gaillac
The second “Pink City” you will admire is Albi. An imposing Cathedral, a delightful and well-preserved historic city centre and some of the most famous posters created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec for the Parisian cabarets will be on your program today. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will head towards the magnificent hilltop Gothic village of Cordes sur Ciel before enjoying a wine tasting session among the Gaillac vineyards. Return to Toulouse and dinner in a local restaurant to taste some of the regional specialties. Night in your hotel.

Day 5 Free day
Free day to fully discover the city of Toulouse at your own pace. Night in Toulouse.

Day 6 Montauban/Bruniquel/Vaour
Last but not least of the three “Pink Cities”, Montauban differs from Toulouse and Albi. Famous for its main square the “Place Nationale”, that you will visit, the town houses and museum dedicated to one of France's most important painters Jean Dominique Ingres as well as sculptor Antoine Bourdelle a disciple of Rodin. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon discover some of the most beautiful villages of France of the area: Bruniquel, Saint Antonin Noble Val or the Templar village of Vaour along the Aveyron gorges. Return to Toulouse and night in your hotel.

Day 7 Mirepoix/Montségur/Vals
This final day is devoted to the isolated castles of the Cathars. These Christian heretics of the XIIIth century sought refuge from persecution in impressive strongholds on top of rocky mountain peaks. Among the most incredible sites is the one of Montségur that you will explore today. Approached by way of the pink city of Mirepoix, a 20 mn climb to the castle will enthrall and amaze The tour ends with the visit of an unusual little church full of mysteries. Return to Toulouse. Farewell gourmet dinner in a famous Toulouse restaurant. Night in your hotel.

Day 8
Breakfast at hotel. end of our services.

This tour is available for groups of 8 to 20 guests - ASK

BOOK this ESCORTED TOUR

Our escorted tours are for small groups of 4 to 6 guests, travelling in comfort aboard an air-conditioned minvan. The driver is also your guide: an english-speaking expert on the villages, vineyards and sights you will see. Accommodation is top class bijou hotels, chateaux and guesthouses.

A tale of Pink Cities