Occitanie Adventure: Wine, Oysters, and Medieval Charm from Toulouse to Etang de Thau
Premium | From $6,799 pp
Day by day
Day 1: Toulouse
Welcome to Toulouse, the pink city
Explore the pink city of Toulouse, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains which offers a Spanish ambiance and Italian facades. It owes its nickname to the pink tiled roofs. The city’s cultural heritage has been restored with great care, visitors will be enchanted by the elegant townhouses going back to flourishing trading times.
While wandering along the medieval alleys and the Convent of the Jacobins you will immerse yourself in the depth of the Middle Ages. Do not miss a stroll along the picturesque bank of the Canal du Midi. Tourists will be swept away by the great choice of festivals and student festivities here.
Evening shared walking food tour of wine bars
Take a deep dive into the local wine scene to sip and savor the best that Toulouse has to offer.
In this shared tour, you will start your evening off in style with this fun and intimate wine bar tour that celebrates the tradition of “apéro,” when friends come together for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles while exploring the wine regions of Toulouse. During this tour, you will have an opportunity to explore some of the coolest wine bars in the Toulouse city center and discover the little-known wine regions of southwest France. Learn wine-tasting techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged!
At the end of the tour, you will also get to taste unique grape varieties like Négrette, Mauzac, or Braucol, while savoring locally-produced charcuterie and cheeses. You’ll develop your wine vocabulary and increase your confidence so you know what you like and are comfortable ordering wine in any situation.
Day 2: Toulouse - Albi - Cordes sur Ciel - Toulouse
Full-day Albi & Cordes Sur Ciel private guided driving tour
In the morning, you will depart for the city of Albi, a newly declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among the buildings of the town is the Saint Cecilia cathedral, a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture, built between the 13th and 15th centuries characterized by a strong contrast between its austere, defensive exterior and its sumptuous interior decoration.
In the afternoon, you will visit Cordes sur Ciel. The steep ascent transports you back to medieval times, past the porches, battlements, sculpted facades of the Grand Ecuyer and the Grand Veneur, and the splendid 18th-century Gothic mansions that belonged to wealthy traders. The narrow winding alleyways up to the city are also peppered with galleries and craft shops. Painters, writers, ceramicists, sculptors, and jewelers were drawn to this inspiring place many years ago and the tradition continues. On misty mornings, Cordes sur Ciel truly lives up to its name as it seems to float in the sky.
During the day, a wine tasting is organized in one of the vineyard parts of the Gaillac or Fronton appellation.
Day 3: Carcassonne
Private transfer from Toulouse to Carcassonne
On the way, you will stop for lunch in Castelnaudary, the city famous for its Cassoulet, a traditional dish made of beans and duck meat.
Welcome to Carcassonne
Explore Carcassonne which is an extraordinary place, a perfect medieval city with massive fortifications dominating the surrounding countryside. Carcassonne is best known for having an entire city that is a castle
You can still experience the city as it was in Medieval times when visiting. As you can see Carcassonne is worth visiting as a historical site.
If you visit this place don’t miss out on a terrine of duck foie gras, foie secs (a traditional pork liver recipe), and even Languedoc-style snails.
Day 4: Carcassonne - Lastours - Minerve - Narbonne
Transfer from Carcassonne to your hotel next to Narbonne, including Lastours, Wine tasting, and Minerve on a private guided driving tour
In the morning, you will discover the Lastours Castles, a breathtaking view from the Belvedere. The ruined castles sit on a rocky spur above the village of Lastours, isolated by the deep valleys of the Orbiel and Grésilhou rivers. After this first stop, you will go to a small vineyard for a wine tasting just before lunch. You will meet dedicated wine growers and oenologists, learn their different production methods, and taste excellent wines. The lunch will take place in a typical French restaurant, the local food is delightful.
In the afternoon, you will head to the beautiful and picturesque village of Minerve, classified as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”. The fortified medieval village is perched on a naturally defended rocky peninsula high above a canyon in the barren Languedoc landscape.
Day 5: Narbonne
Enjoy your day at your hotel
Your hotel has so much to offer!
For well-being, you can relax in a spacious sauna, jump into the pool, or opt for facial treatments. To purify your body and mind, Ashtanga yoga sessions are held. Holidermie treatments are also available.
Every Friday evening, guests can enjoy a convivial moment sipping on signature cocktails, and wines, with jazz music and soul ballads played by eminent artists. For sports enthusiasts, golf, tennis, and hiking can be explored. For wine lovers, wine-tasting sessions are also organized where you will be able to discover 90 different types of wine.
Day 6: Castelnau-le-Lez
Private guided driving tour from your hotel to Montpellier
On the way, you will discover the Etang de Thau and its surroundings.
Explore the Bassin de Thau on a walking tour of Sète. As the largest lagoon in Occitanie, the Etang de Thau reveals fascinating legends and archaeological digs about sunken cities.
Meet an oyster farmer and enjoy oysters and other marine delicacies from the Etang de Thau. Discover the wines of the Picpoul de Pinet and Muscat de Frontignan appellations. And don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
Day 7: Castelnau-le-Lez
Private guided driving tour to Pic Saint Loup
Explore the Pic Saint Loup on a 3-kilometer hike to the summit, at an altitude of 650 meters. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding villages and landscapes. A picnic of local produce awaits you at the summit. In the afternoon, you’ll visit several wineries as well as a honey producer. You’ll discover the Pic Saint Loup and Languedoc appellations.
Day 8: Montpellier
Private Transfer in Montpellier
A private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you safely to the train station or the airport.
End of Our Service
Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!
About This Trip:
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- Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
- This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
- Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.
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