Discover the joys of rural France with 'Chocolat' author Joanne Harris

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Travel to Montauban

   Montauban, France

   

   Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Paris and onwards to Montauban by TGV. On arrival, transfer by coach to the hotel - Mercure Montauban - for check-in.

2. Day

   2

   Full day tour to Toulouse

   Toulouse, France

   

   Toulouse was once the home to the resplendent court of the Count of Toulouse, who controlled much of southern France and it continues to be an important city today, particularly in terms of aviation. The old city, the Ville Rose, is compact and easy to explore - the two churches St-Sernin and Les Jacobins plus some Renaissance townhouses are architectural gems.

   Meals - Breakfast
3. Day

   3

   Full day tour to Moissac, Auvillar and Lauzerte

   Lauzerte, France

   

   The town of Moissac is best known for its magnificent Romanesque abbey church of St-Pierre - the cloisters and porch are considered masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture. Although a church was founded on the site in the seventh century, the church and cloisters date from the 11th, and have survived many wars including the siege and sacking on the town in 1212 by Simon de Montfort.

   This afternoon we visit two 'Plus Beaux Villages' - Auvillar and Lauzerte. A stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela Auvillar sits on the banks of the Garonne and has some outstanding monuments, including a circular corn exchange, a clock tower and the Church of St Peter. The bastide of Lauzerte was founded in the 12th century by the count of Toulouse. The cobbled main square, stone built and half-timbered houses are delightful, as is the Pilgrim's Garden.

   Meals - Breakfast
4. Day

   4

   Evening dinner and talk by Joanne Harris

   Montauban, France

   

   Today you have a full day to explore the lovely town of Montauban on market day. This laidback city, on the banks of the River Tarn, was originally a bastide built by the Count of Toulouse in 1144. The lovely old city centre, with its pink-brick houses, is a delight to wander around and there are a host of bars and restaurants to explore during the day or in the evening just a short walk from the hotel. This evening, we will enjoy a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel restaurant - open exclusively for our group - and a talk from special guest speaker, Joanne Harris.

   Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
5. Day

   5

   Nérac with Joanne Harris and dinner with second talk

   Nérac, France

   

   Today we will head to Nérac which was the real life location of the fictional village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes in her bestselling Chocolat series of books. Joanne will point out relevant locations and inspirations featured in the books. This evening a second private dinner in the restaurant with a second talk from Joanne who will enlighten about her writing style and method.

   Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
6. Day

   6

   Cahors tour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

   Cahors, France

   

   For such a small town squeezed into a loop of the River Lot, Cahors has had a long and turbulent history - passing through Gallic, Roman, Moorish and English hands is just the start of it. The best known sight here is the 14th-century Pont Valentré - a beautifully well-preserved example of a medieval bridge. You'll spot Saint-Cirq-Lapopie sitting on its high bluff over the Lot River a good while before you reach the village. A member of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", and voted the most beautiful village in France in 2012, the stone and half-timbered houses tumble over the cliff side. Head up the steep path to where the town's château once stood for wonderful views over the river valley.

   Meals - Breakfast
7. Day

   7

   Return home

   Montauban, France

   

   Transfer back to Montauban station to catch the return TGV to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet and St Pancras.

   Meals - Breakfast