France's Lot Valley Walking Vacation
This picturesque area in the South of France is about an hour from the City of Toulouse and is dominated by the valley of the River Lot. This is a journey of exploration into a time warp starting near the Bastide village of Montcuq and ending after about 50 miles at the medieval town of Cahors. The area is steeped in history from the massacre of the Cathars, English domination under Henry II who married Eleanor of Aquitane, the 100 years war and the religious wars of the 15th century.
You will stay in a combination of lovely inns, farmhouses, hotels and a chateau. The accommodations are of a very high standard. All rooms have private bathrooms.
This is a place where the sun shines bright and the days are long. It is a fertile area which produces lavender, sunflowers, sorghum, tobacco, fruit and of course, wine. During this seven night/six day walk, you will explore the history of this ancient area which was conquered by the Romans over 2000 years ago.
You will visit the ancient Roman town of Moissac where you will stop at a typical French cafe for a coffee break. You will walk along a path used by pilgrims centuries ago. Daily walks are between 3.5 and 15 miles. There are vehicle options for those wishing to give their feet a rest. On your last full day, you will visit a market and the most important vineyard in the area. That night, you will stay in a 15th century chateau which has been converted into a luxurious hotel with a commanding view of the river. This is a fitting end to such a full week of fresh air, education, companionship and exercise.
This walk is a chance to see a part of France that is missed by most tourists. It is also a chance to sample the best of French cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables and local wines. This is a trip that your taste buds will not soon forget. But most of all, it is a chance to meet the people of rural France who are warm, friendly and superbly entertaining.
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France's Lot Valley Walk
2008 Dates & Prices:
May 1-8, May 8-15, May 15-22, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, Oct. 30-Nov. 6.
$3,495 per person, shared
$425 single supplement
Includes:
7 nights farmhouse/hostelry, manor house/chateau accommodations, 5 guided walking days, all meals, most beverages, guide, luggage transfers, transfer to/from Toulouse Airport at pre-set time, and tax. Special wine tasting and French cooking week also available.
Meeting Point:
Toulouse Airport. Transfers are included at pre-set time.
Difficulty of Walk:
About 5-10 miles per day. Fields, paths, villages and river banks. Occasionally steep and rough.
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