The Majestic Rivers and Towns of South-West France

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Paris for an overnight stay.

This morning, we depart Paris and continue south to our hotel in Montauban. Your included meal this evening will be at a local restaurant.

This morning, we travel to the quaint Cordes-sur-Ciel, a 13th-century fortified town. It is a glorious site sitting on a rocky outcrop above the River Cérou, offering lovely views over the valley. Within the ramparts of the town, there are some excellent examples of 13th and 14th-century Gothic architecture lining the steep cobbled streets.

Afterwards, we continue to the rose-red town of Albi, constructed almost entirely from the clay bricks dug from the riverbed of the Tarn. The stunning 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of St Cécile dominates the skyline – it is thought to be one of the largest brick buildings in the world. Another main sight of this gorgeous medieval town is the impressive 13th-century Palais de la Berbie, former Bishop’s palace, which now houses the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec that contains a comprehensive collection of the artist’s work. Afterwards, we return back to the hotel in Montauban.

We start in Cahors, famous for its art and history. Founded in the Roman times, this beautiful town has many sights worth exploring, as well as medieval streets and charming little squares to enjoy,

We continue to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Standing high above the River Lot on a rocky outcrop, this pretty village was once the site of a fortress which guarded the valley. Today, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is known as one of the most beautiful in France.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Montauban or join our optional excursion to Toulouse. Once the home to the resplendent court of the count of Toulouse, who controlled much of southern France, the city continues to be one of the most influential in southwest France. Known as ‘La Ville Rose’, distinct, light red bricks were used in the construction of the old town area, and is what French describe as “pink at dawn, red at noon, mauve at dusk”. It is also very famous for its food, including specialities such as cassoulet and foie gras, which you can sample in many restaurants in the city centre.

We leave our hotel in Montauban and head north to the Paris area. En route we visit the beautiful town of Martel, with its seven, large medieval towers. There will be free time for you to explore the town and see the main town square and the Palais de la Raymondi, one of Martel’s many notable buildings. Later we continue north to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of Paris.

Return home.