Landscapes of the Languedoc
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1-8 September 2008 with Simon Thomas |
For our comprehensive exploration of this wild and beautiful Languedoc region of south-west France, we will be based in the lovely town of Albi, which is set astride the fast-flowing River Tarn. This mountainous region witnessed the bloody Albigensian Crusades in the Middle Ages, as the established Church took steps to suppress the so-called 'heretics' who lived in this remote region of the country.
There is, however, a great deal more to experience in the Languedoc area of France which shares its borders with Spain: the impressive city of Carcassonne, seemingly impregnable mountain-top Bastide towns, Romanesque Toulouse, the wildly romantic pilgrimage church at St. Foy and, of course, Albi itself, with its Art Gallery filled with works by Toulouse-Lautrec. All are here to be experienced on this wonderful cultural tour of the landscapes of the Languedoc.
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 Simon Thomas has lived in the Côte d'Azur for many years and has led countless cultural tours around the world.
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Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Monday): We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly from London to Toulouse and transfer to Albi, where we will stay for seven nights at the charming Hotel Chiffre. Centrally located, and just a few minutes' walk from the historical heart of the old city of Albi, you will find yourselves ideally positioned for our exploration of this region. Welcome Dinner. |
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| Day 2 |
Today we will explore Albi, a beautiful town built of pink and ochre coloured stone. We will visit the 13th century Cathedral of St.Cecile, and also the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec, which houses one of the largest collections of art by a single artist to be found anywhere. Here we can see six hundred works, spanning Toulouse-Lautrec's entire lifetime, from his early sketches to the mature paintings. |
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| Day 3 |
Today begins with a visit to the seat of the Counts of Toulouse, Chateau Bosc, where Toulouse-Lautrec spent his childhood. Later, we will go on to Conques, where we will see the beautiful pilgrimage church of St. Foy, an important stop for those travellers undertaking the long and arduous journey to Santiago de Compostela. |
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| Day 4 |
We visit Cahors, so ideally located on the River Lot, which is spanned here by a 14th-century bridge. Our route then keeps us close to the river, travelling to Pech Merle, where we will see prehistoric wall paintings which were discovered in 1921. Group Dinner.
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| Day 5 |
Included today is the Goya Museum at Castres, as we travel to the 12th-century city of Carcassonne, which was heavily restored in the 19th century. The massive ramparts which encircle Carcassonne are a spectacular sight as one crosses from the modern town over the River Aude.
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| Day 6 |
Toulouse provides us with the perfect opportunity to visit the fine Musee des Augustins, which is home to an important collection of Romanesque sculptures. Later on, we will also visit St.Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in Europe.
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| Day 7 |
Our visit today is to Cordes, with its streets lined with arcades and fine Gothic houses. Cordes is one of the best-preserved and fortified of the Bastide towns, and our exploration will provide us with many fascinating and interesting
insights into the region. Farewell Dinner.
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| Day 8 |
En route to Toulouse airport for our return flight, we will visit Montauban, the birthplace of Ingres, and Moissac, where we will be able to see exquisite architecture and sculptures from the Middle Ages.
On arrival at the airport in London, Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to the Titan transport for your return journey home to your front door.
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