Southern France-from Coast to coast — Atlantic to the Mediterranean — Page & Moy Europe Holiday Collection 2008 online holiday brochure

ATLANTIC TO THE MEDITERRANEAN 10 days from �789 Southern France � from coast to coast Carcassonne Bergerac � Stay on the shores of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean � Stay at a former mill in Moissac � Discover delightful villages off the beaten track Journey from the prettiest port on the Atlantic to the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Uncover delightful villages off the beaten track, capture the romance of mediaeval France in Carcassonne, stand in awe of the amazing Pont du Gard and discover the vivid contrasts of two very different French coasts. ITINERARY DAY 1 UK/La Rochelle We fly to Bordeaux and transfer to La Rochelle, probably the prettiest and bestpreserved port on the Atlantic coast, with a striking old harbour surrounded by stately buildings. We continue to our hotel, where we stay for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis to allow us to sample some of the excellent local cuisine, especially the seafood. DAY 2 La Rochelle & Ile de Re Your holiday begins with a leisurely free morning. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the lovely old harbour of this sophisticated and historic town. This afternoon an optional excursion introduces us to Ile de Re, a long narrow island fringed by sandy beaches, salt marshes and oyster beds. The charming fishing port of St Martin, the island capital, is known as the St Tropez of the Atlantic. DAY 3 Rochefort, Fouras Peninsula & Marennes Today's included excursion takes us to Rochefort, built to protect the coast from English raids. Here we visit the fascinating Corderie Royale, the longest building in France, which was built to provide the whole French fleet with rope and is a reflection of the country's maritime power. En route we pause at the Fouras Peninsula to take in the views over the sea and Fort Boyard. This area produces over half of France's oysters and we round our day off in style with a visit to the unique Oyster Museum in Marennes to taste this delicious speciality. DAY 4 St Emilion, Bergerac & Moissac Leaving the Atlantic coast behind, we head south towards the Mediterranean, stopping en route to enjoy the beautiful little Bordeaux wine town of St Emilion. Our journey then follows the Dordogne River to the sandstone town of Bergerac. Here there will be time to explore the Old Town with its fountains and mediaeval houses. We continue through Bastide country, long fought over by the French and English in mediaeval times, to Moissac, a small town on the Tarn River where we spend two nights. DAY 5 Moissac, Auvillar & Lauzerte This morning is free for you to explore � why not stroll around the town to the abbey church of St-Pierre with its celebrated cloister and porch. This afternoon an included excursion takes you to Auvillar and Lauzerte, two of the most beautiful villages in France. They are somewhat off the beaten track and both relatively untouched by tourism, making your visit all the more special. Auvillar's charming riverfront houses, triangular marketplace lined with half-timbered arcades and riverside promenade make it a true pleasure to explore. Lauzerte is full of ancient buildings and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Ile de Re LA ROCHELLE Rochefort Marennes Bergerac St Emilion Bordeaux FRANCE Auvillar MOISSAC Nimes AiguesMontpellier Mortes Sete Agde CARNON Carcassonne To view dates & prices click here 82 To book click here

Atlantic to the Mediterranean contd… Southern France-from Coast to coast